Leon Lanstra
74, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Wednesday, June 2, 2004. Mr. Lanstra was born September 10, 1929, in Grosse Point, Michigan. He served with the U. S. Coast Guard for 4 years. He worked 25 years for the U. S. Post Office until he retired in 1972 and then he worked 20 years for First Federal of Michigan Bank until he retired in 1992. He attended the Charlotte First Baptist Church. He enjoyed golfing and collecting elephants. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Lillian (Burgess) Lanstra, daughters Sherrill (John) Cape of Kalamazoo, Faye (Bruce) Patterson of Walled Lake, Christina (Dan) VanGent of Thousand Oaks, California, 5 grandchildren, and twin sister Leonne Borders of Madison Heights. He was preceded in death by sister Audre' Golenski and brother Larry. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Robin Crouch officiating. Interment will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the Gideons International.
Ada I. Bush
79 of Bellevue, formerly of Vermontville, Michigan, died, Thursday, June 3, 2004, in Lansing, Michigan. Mrs. Bush was born May 24, 1925, in Big Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Burt and Viola (McCrimmon) Russell. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Wright, of Bellevue, Grandchildren, James Wright and Sheila of Washington, Shane and Cindy Wright of Hastings, Michigan, Great Grandchildren, Justin and Jessica Wright of Nashville, Michigan, Amber Wright and Teketah Wright of Vermontville and Eric Wright of Onondaga, Great Great Grandchidlren, Dylan, Logan and Nathaniel, two sisters: Harriet Cook of Tempe, AZ, and Lola Boyer of Grand Ledge, Brother, Arthur Russell of Vermontville and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maynard, and brothers, Harold and Norman. There will be no services or visitation. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in memorial of Mrs. Bush.
Edith Ruth 'Edie' Murray
was born in a sheepherders wagon in Mutton Hollow Montana August 9, 1933, in Turner, Montana. Edith's father was William Campbell and mother Ruth (Mord) and step-father Merrill C. Hood. Mrs. Murray enjoyed music of many kinds, in her earlier years she had learned to play the accordion and joined in with the music with other family members during their gatherings. Edith liked dancing, crafts and had written a novel based on life growing up in Montana in the 1930's, which had not been published yet. Edith had most recently attained her Real Estate License and worked as a local real estate agent. She is survived by her husband Thomas Wilson Murray, daughter Bunny (Kenneth) Sweet of Washington state, son Thomas Patrick (Luann) Murray of Charlotte, daughter Laurie (Larry) Butner of Washington state, 3 grandchildren Todd Sweet of Idaho, Tommi Leigh Butner and Brad Butner of Washington state, brother Duke Campbell of California and sister Connie Pursley of Montana. Visitation will be 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice Services.
John Durkovic
84, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, died Tuesday, June 8, 2004. Mr. Durkovic was born August 15, 1919, the son of John and Katrina Durkovic. He was a farmer and a Real Estate Agent. He had been a member of the Mint Association and a member of local Chapters of the Czechoslovakian Society of America in Lansing and Owosso. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, golf, gardening, and dancing. He was also a life member of the Potterville Lodge #367 F&AM. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Emily (Tomecek) Durkovic, daughter Kathleen (Les) Roberts of San Diego, CA., son Jack (Linda) Durkovic of Citra, FL., grandson Brent Durkovic of San Diego and granddaughter Angela (Craig) Harrolson of Tampa, FL., and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 11, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham Hospice or Potterville Lodge #367 F&AM.
Margaret Francis
83, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Wednesday, June 09, 2004. Mrs. Francis was born June 18, 1920. She enjoyed playing piano, feeding the birds and her flowers. She was a member of the Charlotte Country Club and enjoyed many rounds of golf and Tuesday afternoon bridge games. Margaret is survived by son Tim (Cindy) Francis of Charlotte, daughters Molly Francis of Chicago, Judy Hackett (Dr. Paul Hyink) of Grand Rapids, Penny (Eugene) McGrath of Burke, Virginia, 8 grandchildren Michael, Timothy and David McGrath, Jennifer Calhoun and Daniel Hackett, Lindsay and Scott Francis and Megan Villareal and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur in 1997 and infant daughter Shelley Jayne in 1944. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, June 12, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held 3-5 and 7-9 on Friday, June 11. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice
Charles Frederick 'Charlie' Sweet Jr.
63 of Charlotte, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Sweet, also known as Sandbagger by his friends, was born November 21, 1940 in Bath, Michigan, the son of Charles and Mary Katherine (Thompson) Sweet. He was the owner and driver for Sweet's Trucking. Everyone who knew Charlie loved him for his great sense of humor and friendly personality. He shared his kind and caring side to many throughout his years and was always there to help friends and anyone who was in need. He started his trucking career in California and finally settled in Michigan working for Spartan Asphalt for over 30 years. He had a passion for old cars and collecting, and a talent for painting and drawing. Charlie seldom missed a NASCAR race and even did his own racing in his younger days. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and good buddies. He was a member of the Eagles Aerie 3552 of Charlotte, the Loyal Order of Moose of Charlotte, Blues Brothers Car Club of Charlotte, Cal-Rods of San Gabrielle, California and the Mid-Michigan Street Rod Association of DeWitt. He is survived by his wife Donna (Wester) Sweet, children Terri (Manuel) Catano of Bay City, Tina (Brandon) Bunker, Thomas Sweet, Connie Sweet, all of Potterville, son-in-law Richard Kesson of Lansing, eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, brothers William (Marilyn) Sweet of Eaton Rapids, Doug Sweet of Perry, sister Nan Palmer of California and sister-in-law Jackie Sweet of Potterville. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tamara Kesson and brother Jeff Sweet. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment will be in Deepdale Cemetery in Lansing. Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 - 8 p.m. Sunday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.
Wilfred 'Pete' Vincent Miller
88, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, June 10, 2004. Mr. Miller was born July 15, 1915, in Avoca, Michigan, the son of Simon and Clare C. (Fenlon) Miller. He was an Iron Worker and 55 year member of Local 25, Detroit. He was a member of the St. Johns Episcopal Church in Charlotte. He enjoyed woodworking, flower gardens and keeping busy by cutting the grass and clearing snow at Bonnie Brook. He is survived by daughter Joyce (Louis) Lenart of Detroit, step-son John 'Jack' (Dicey) Crabtree of Westland, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and brother Donald Miller of Atlanta, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne 'Smoke' Miller in 2002 and son Gordon Gerald 'Buzzy' Crabtree in 1982. Memorial services will be 4:00 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2004 at St. John's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Dr. Carol A. Spangenberg officiating.
Martin D. 'Marty' Goodwin, Sr.
77 of Potterville, died Sunday, June 13, 2004 at his residence. Mr.Goodwin was born December 25, 1926 in Bridgeton, New Jersey, the son of Alan and Tillie (Stevens) Goodwin. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was a member of the Chester Gospel Church, where he had served as Trustee, VFW Post 2406 and the American Legion #42. He retired from Owens Illinois Glass Company in June 1983 after 34 years of service. He enjoyed people, camping and collecting trucks and his John Deer Tractor. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence (Kiger) Goodwin, daughter Peggy (David) Woodbeck of Charlotte, son Martin (Janice) Goodwin, Jr. of Potterville, three grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Candace Woodbeck. great granddaughter Laura Elizabeth Woodbeck, brothers Alan, Henry and Robert Goodwin and sister Ethel Dooley. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 16 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Marc Livingston officiating. Interment will follow at Millerburg Cemetery, Charlotte. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Chester Gospel Church, American Kidney Foundation or Eaton Community Hospice.
Rev. W. Glen Campbell
age 85, went to be with his Lord on June 15, 2004 at his home in rural Eaton Rapids surrounded by his family and supported by the caring members of the Eaton Community Hospice. He was born on March 19, 1919 on a farm near Lake Crystal MN to Ray and Grace (Buss) Campbell. Rev. Campbell and his wife spent 20 years in the ministry, pastoring Baptist churches in Richfield, St. Paul and Delavan, MN and Orangeville MI. In 1967 Mr. Campbell became a pastor-counselor at the Radio Bible Class Ministries of Grand Rapids, MI and served until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Baptist Haiti Mission board and served as its president for 30 years. In 1999 he and his wife Marie moved next door to their daughter Ruth and son-in-law Hank Benjamin in Eaton Rapids. They found a loving church home at Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte where he was a member. He had a great love of writing and complied four collections of articles detailing his life on the farm, his travels during World War II, his years in ministry and the lives of his parents. He also wrote articles for the Eaton Rapids Community News under the title 'Campbell's Scoop'. Rev. Campbell is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marie, his daughters Ruth (Hank) Benjamin of rural Eaton Rapids, Susan (Bill) McConnell of Gales Ferry, CT, Linda (Art) Feingold of Raleigh NC, granddaughters Tamah (Micah) Winzeler of Eaton Rapids, Nicole McConnell of Brooklyn NY, and grandsons David (Ann) Foreman of Laingsburg, MI and Steven Feingold of Raleigh, NC, and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Marisa Foreman and Elora Winzeler. He is also survived by a sister Minnie (Bob) Buyse of Sacramento, CA and two sisters in law, Bonnie and Marcelyn Campbell of Lake Crystal, MN.. Services will be held at 10 AM at the Calvary Baptist Church, Charlotte, MI on Saturday, June 19, 2004. Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice and/or Baptist Haiti Mission, Rockford MI.
Barbara Davis McLaughlin
92, passed away peacefully in her cherished home in Charlotte, Friday, June 18, 2004, only two blocks from where she was born. She was born February 25, 1912, the daughter of Doremus S. and Hazle (McWilliams) Davis. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she was the director of her own residential school for mentally challenged children, Tanglewood School. In 1937, during the Depression, she and her husband, the Honorable Ion C. McLaughlin, built their dream home, and raised their three children there. She was proud to be a Mayflower descendant and had a lifelong passion for dolls. She is survived by her three children, Barbara Suzanne Izzo, James C. McLaughlin, and Mary Ann Hobbs, six grandchildren, Victoria Izzo Gutierrez, Alexander Izzo, David Hobbs, Anne Marie Hobbs Stallings, Frank McLaughlin and Kevin McLaughlin, three great grandchildren, Rene, Felicia, and Barbara Gutierrez, sister Ann Meyer, five nieces and eight nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, August 1990. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2004, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired contributions may be made to the Courthouse Square Association or Eaton Community Hospice.
Velma Jane Lundy
72, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, June 20, 2004. Mrs. Lundy was born April 19, 1932, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of George Wilford and Beulah Lorusa (Wiseman) Thuma. She was a member of VFW Post 2406 Auxilliary, American Legion Post 42 Auxilliary, a volunteer for Eaton County Geneology Society and a Lifetime member of the Charlotte Senior Center. She is survived by sons Barkley J. W. (Nita) Lundy, Jr of Rapid City, SD and Wilford John (Patrice) Lundy of Charlotte; by daughters Marie Ann (Jon) Brower of Sebring, FL, Bonnie Kay (David, Sr) Bowles, Mary Jane (Robert) Anderson, and Annette Louise Ferguson all of Charlotte; 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren; and sister Yvonne Elizabeth Thuma (Gilbert) Somers of Phoenix, AZ. She was preceded in death by her husband Barkley J. W. Lundy and son Harold W. Lundy, both in 1995. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Mr. Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, June 22 at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Charlotte Lions Club. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
David Lynn Metzmaker
of LaPorte, Indiana formerly of Potterville, died unexpectedly Friday, June 25, 2004 in Indiana. Mr. Metzmaker was born August 7, 1951 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Raymond Howard and Dora (Raines) Metzmaker. David was employed by Whittaker Woods Community Resort. He loved dirt track racing at Mid-Michigan Raceway in Muir, his Harley and his work. He is survived by five children: Andrea (Patrick) Miller of Grand Ledge, David Lynn (April) Metzmaker Jr. of Potterville, Kari (Lance) Kilpatrick of Alabama, and Kelly (Jennifer) Metzmaker of Lansing, Howard Metzmaker (Ebani Bassage) of Bath, nine grandchildren, his father and his wife, Howard and Diane Metzmaker of Potterville, mother and her friend, Dora Metzmaker and Darwin Lamoreaux of Potterville, two brothers, Rick of Jasper, Rodney of Potterville and his sister, Kristy of Texas. A Memorial Service will be 2:00 PM Wednesday June 30, 2004, at Potterville United Methodist Church with Rev. Becky Morrison officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home.
Glen B. Butler
of Charlotte, died Sunday June 27, 2004 at the age of 87. Mr. Butler was born December 31, 1916 the son of James and Edna (Pierce) Butler in Springport. Glen retired after many years in the logging business and he was an avid gardener. He was a member of Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, Rebecca Lodge #68 and a former member of the Grand Valley #31 Ladies Encampment Auxiliary. He is survived by his wife Geneva (French), daughter Glenna Mae (Ronald) Curtis of Florida, son William B. (Amy) Butler of Charlotte, daughter Nancy J. (Colin) Davis of Charlotte, son Melvin Butler (Sandy Shaw) of DeWitt, daughter Shirley (George) Barker of Dresden, TN, 17 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son James Butler in 1964. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Randy Royston officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital or the Eaton Community Hospice.
Elizabeth 'Betty' Theresa Dean
82, of Olivet, formerly of Charlotte, died Thursday, July 1, 2004. Mrs. Dean was born July 23, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John R. and Marguerite (Sacwright) Dean. She was a life member of VFW Post 2406 Auxiliary, a member of the Eaton County Historical Society, and was always devoted to her family. She is survived by her son John L. Dean of Vermontville, grandsons Shawn M. and Brian L. Dean, great granddaughter Josie, and great grandson Dawson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, May 6, 1999, daughter, Roseann in 1958 and sister, Joan Smith in 1996. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Art Salisbury officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo. Visitation will be 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
