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Katherine B. Beardslee
Katherine Belle Beardslee, 91, of Charlotte, died Monday, March 6, 2006.
Mrs. Beardslee was born June 29, 1914 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Harvey and Edith (Whittum) Gildart. Mrs. Beardslee was a homemaker who was very proud of her family. She received her 60-year pin as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, enjoyed her Florida friends, western-style square dancing and spending time at the cottage with her family. Mrs. Beardslee loved to bake for special family functions, embroidery, cross stitch and crochet.
She is survived by: her husband, Wayne Beardslee; daughter, Margaret (LeRoy) Crabtree of Goshen, Ind.; son, Louis Beardslee of South Bend, Ind.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bessie Nelson of Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her daughters, Ellen and Louise.
Funeral services were held March 11 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Irene Vittoz officiating. Interment was at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
Memorial contributions may be made to Brookfield United Methodist Church.
Barbara J. Benedict
Barbara Jane Benedict, of Vermontville, 82, died Sunday, March 26, 2006, at home with her family at her side following a lengthy illness. Barbara was born Feb. 9, 1924 in Charlotte, the daughter of DeVere and Ann Grant.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carrol Benedict. They were married Dec. 12, 1947.
Barbara enjoyed working with her husband on the family farm and spending many rewarding hours in her flower gardens. She also shared her ceramic creations with all her family and friends for many years. Barbara and Carrol attended the Sunfield UB Church for many years where she was active in the Women’s Missionary Group.
Barbara was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Claudia.
She is survived by her daughters; Anita (Pat) Hayes of Nokomis, Fla; Lucy (Jack) Baker of Vermontville, and her sons; Curt John (Ruth) Benedict and Bradley (Dawn) Benedict, both of Vermontville, and Janus (Debbi) Benedict of Nokomis, Fla; grandchildren, Ken (Valley) Hayes, Kirt (Leslie) Hayes, Kendra (Mark) Cripe, Jason (Melanie) Baker, Juli (Troy) Jacobusse, Jami Baker, Kristin (Mike) Calandra, Holleigh (Mark) Holford, and Alivia Benedict, and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Raymond (Esther – deceased) Grant of Charlotte; sisters Majorie (Wayne - deceased) Wagoner of Sarasota, Fla., Virginia (Verlin) Shaver of Charlotte, Norma (Wendell) Frantz of Charlotte, Martha (Keith) Moore of Vermontville, Connie (David) Green of New Braunfels, Texas, and Kathy (Robert) Burnett of Brighton.
Funeral services were March 31 at Sunfield United Brethern Church with Pastor Mark Ralph officiating. Interment was in Freemire Cemetery of Vermontville.
If desired memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Louise Benson
Louise (Van Stratton) Benson, of Lakeland, Fla. (formerly of Kalamazoo), passed away Saturday, Oct 7, 2006 at her home after suffering a stroke. Louise was born in Kalamazoo, July 10, 1930. She was formerly a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo and was a nursing instructor at Kellogg Community College for 20 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Nazareth College and her R.N. degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing.
Surviving are her husband, Clarence; two sons, Steven (Lisa) of Oregon and Matthew of Massachusetts; a daughter, Ann (Tim) Wiltse of West Virginia; four grandchildren and a great-grandson; and her sister, Ingerid Parrish of Detroit. Memorial graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, May 19, 2007 at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Family and friends are invited (please use the entrance next to Borgess Hospital). Rev. William A. Diehl will be officiating. Contributions in her memory may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 115 Missouri Avenue, Suite #500, Lakeland, FL 33815.
Albert Basil Beteau
Albert Basil Beteau, age 90, of Eaton Rapids died Thursday evening Oct. 12, 2006 at Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte. He was born September 15, 1916 in Midland Ontario, Canada. Son of Joseph and Agnes Beteau. He worked many years for the Waverly School District. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed spending his weekdays at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center playing cards and having lunch with friends. Wednesday nights he played bingo at the Senior Center. Albert also enjoyed going with his family to the casino to play the slots. He was a very happy person who will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Greta May Beteau, his parents and 5 brothers.
He is survived by his daughter Kerin (James) Harding, 2 grandchildren Todd (Salli) Harding, Krista (Jason) Lipp, 4 great-grandchildren; Rebecca and Alexandra Harding, Jacob and Brendin Lipp all of Eaton Rapids and 1 sister in California.
He loved his family very much. A memorial gathering will be held October 19th from 2-4 at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice at 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, Mi. 48813 in memory of Albert Basil Beteau.
Donald D. Beystrum
Donald Dale Beystrum, 73, of Albuquerque, NM went home to be with the Lord Nov. 13, 2006. Donald was born in Detroit Dec. 23, 1932.
Donald graduated from Vermontville High School in 1952. Donald retired from the Civil Service after 36 years of dedicated service, which began in 1952 with the United States Army and ended in 1988 with the United States Air Force. A kid at heart, Donald kept busy doing the things he loved most: cooking, painting, camping and helping others.
He was preceded in death by his father, August Beystrum; mother, Viola Beystrum; sister, Barbara Hoppe; brother, Rudolph Beystrum, and loving friend, Jewel Jones.
He is survived by his four children, Heidi Harris, Wendy Hall, Amy Lucero, Ryan Beystrum; five grandchildren; sisters, Ellyn Anderson and Doris Cecil; brother, Robert Beystrum and many other family members and friends.
A private burial with military honors was held Nov. 17 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Wendy Hall at 3924 General Stillwell St., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.
Arrangements were furnished under the care of Daniels Family Funeral Services.
Doris Jean Bienz
Doris J. Bienz of Eaton Rapids, age 80, died Sunday, April 30, 2006 at a Lansing Hospital. She was born on January 11, 1926 in Liberty Township in Jackson County the daughter of Ora and Nina (Adams) Furgason. Doris retired as a registered nurse for the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital after 29 years of service. Doris and her husband DeWaine owned and operated a dairy farm in Onondaga Township. She was a former 4-H leader, a member of the Michigan Brown Swiss Association, and a life member of the National Brown Swiss Association. Preceding her in death was her sister, Ruth Smith.
She is survived by her husband, DeWaine Bienz; 3 children, Dianne Bienz of Eaton Rapids, Susan (Jim) Gray of Onondaga and Carl (Jill) Bienz of Eaton Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Karen Smith and Bridget and Tony Bienz; and 2 nieces.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 5, 2006 from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Burial followed at the Onondaga Cemetery.
Lorraine C. Bird
Lorraine Catherine (Downey) Bird, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and special friend to many, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2006. She was born September 12, 1915 in Detroit, the daughter of Harry and Louise Downey, Sr. Everyone that came in contact with Lorraine grew very fond of her immediately. She loved to talk and had a great sense of humor and was a Red Wing hockey fan. Lorraine worked for J.W. Knapp’s in cosmetics and retired in 1971.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her brother Ralph Downey, two sisters Aurelia Appel and Elmira Rojewski, and granddaughter Christie Bird. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Gardner Bird, of Eaton Rapids; 3 children, Gardner “Bud” (Carol) Bird of Lansing, Michelle (Dave) Foster of Lansing and Brad (Angie) Bird of Eaton Rapids; 7 grandchildren, Shawn and Shane Bird, Staci, Chad, David, II and Ashley Foster; Bradley Bird, II; 6 great grandchildren, Nicklas and Nathan Bird, Brianna Bennehoff, Taylor, Allyson and Ethan Bird; 2 sisters, Marguerite Smoke, Peachie (Hugo) Spinozzi both of Clinton Twp; brothers, Roy (Tilda) Downey, Harry (Elaine) Downey both of Clinton Twp.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of the Christian Burial was prayed Friday, April 21, 2006 at the St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E., Knight, Eaton Rapids, with Father Bennett Constantine as celebrant. Interment followed at Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice, Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, or Mother Therese House. A special “thank-you” to all of you that provided love, kindness, friendship and support to our angel, Lorraine Bird. Arrangements were by the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.
Alan Herbert Blackwell
Alan Herbert Blackwell, age 54, life resident of Eaton Rapids, died Friday, July 7, 2006. He was born February 20, 1952 the son of Donald G. and Betty J. (Woodman) Blackwell. Alan was an Eaton Rapids High School graduate, class of 1971. He worked for many years for Cello-foil in Battle Creek. Alan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his woodworking projects.
He is survived by his 3 children, Jason (Kellie) Blackwell of Lansing, Andy Blackwell of Jackson and Amy Blackwell of San Diego, CA; their mother Terri (Lokken) Bradley; father, Donald Blackwell of Eaton Rapids; 2 brothers, Gayle (Marty) Blackwell of Eaton Rapids and Don (Debbie) Blackwell of Battle Creek; stepbrothers and sisters, Garry Peterson, Sherrill (Dan) Lineback, Wade (Heidi) Peterson and Deb (R.D.) Warren and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service for Alan at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made directly to the family in memory of Alan Blackwell. The family is being served through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.
Claude Bonta
Claude Bonta, age 85, died October 20, 2006. He is survived by his wife of more than 62 years, Alice; three daughters, Claudia (Ron) Bahrie, Eve (Bill) Bonta-Weaver and Sally (Gene) Walton; 2 grandchildren, Danielle and Justin Bahrie; three brothers, Henry (Jerry) of Naples, Florida, Robert (Emma Lee) of Knoxville, Tennessee and Frank (Pat) of Eaton Rapids and a sister Emma in California.
He was born the son of Claude L. and Lori Bonta on February 22, 1921 in Jackson, Kentucky. Due to illness, the family was separated and in 1934 Claude, with his brother Frank moved to the VFW National Home, they shared a special bond until the end. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1941; received his B.A. from Albion College in 1947 and went on to earn a Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University while working for the Department of Corrections. Claude served in the Marine Corps. He was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, where he personally learned the human cost of war. He had a long career with the Department of Corrections and retired as Regional Director of Field Services for the state of Michigan. He believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed and never forgot his Kentucky and Eaton Rapids roots. He understood that punishment was not as effective as rehabilitation. He was a strong voice for the common man. Claude and his beloved wife Alice, whom he truly adored for more that 62 years, spent winters in Nettles Island, Florida and summered on Higgins Lake for 50 years. They traveled to Africa, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Sweden and Norway the British Isles and numerous Elderhostels in the U.S. Claude was an avid fisherman, reader, birder, hunter, and tennis player. He will be remembered by all for his kindness, compassion, patience, quiet dignity and gentle spirit. Only an optimist would dangle a lure on a string while holding a stick for hours in rain or shine.
A Memorial Service was held at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids on Monday, October 23, 2006. Donations may be sent to the Higgins Lake Foundation, Roscommon, MI 48653 in memory of Claude Bonta. .
Gloria Ilene Bontrager
Gloria I. Bontrager, age 82, of Lake Worth, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids died on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, J. Robert Laurer Hospice Unit in Atlantis, Florida. Gloria was born April 27, 1924 in Battle Creek, the daughter of J. Franklin and Grace (Gutchess) Jones. Gloria and her husband Roy were former owners and operators of Abie’s Bar in Eaton Rapids. She was former member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids.
She is survived by her husband Roy; daughter, Patricia (Mark) Worden of Duck Lake and son, Scott Bontrager.
A funeral mass is planned for later this week at St. Peter Catholic Church. The family is being served by the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.
