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Michele Elizabeth Mary Helen Sara Lea

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Michele Elizabeth Mary Helen Sara Lea, 53, born September 26, 1968 in Charlotte, MI, died January 16, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. Michele moved to Tampa in 1992. She was a bartender by trade and creative in building almost anything. She was a die-hard fan of the Bucs, Tampa Bay Rays and The Lightning.
Michele is survived by her parents, Albert Lea of Charlotte and mother Carol Lea-Fix and stepfather John Fix of Zephyrhills, FL, and her siblings Kevin, Kelly and Dana, her children Riley, Rain and Michael, 3 grandchildren – Valencia, Zaedyn and Robert, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Michele can now rest in peace after her battle.

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Colonel John Ghere

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Colonel John Ray Ghere (Ret.) of Onondaga, passed away February 3, 2022, at the age of 87. John was born in Anthony, KS, October 3, 1934, the son of George and Fern (Hill) Ghere.  In 1935, when John was 1, his parents moved to Michigan by horse and wagon during the Dust Bowl Era.  John was an only child and grew up on his parent’s farm on Barnes Road just outside Eaton Rapids.  He was a 1953 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School where he was in the band and played football.  He was a graduate of Central Michigan University and ROTC.  He was then commissioned an officer into the US Army.  John married Barbara Nye on May 2, 1964 in Charlotte, Michigan.
Colonel Ghere had a distinguished military career with over 36 years of service.   He attended Fixed Wing Flight School in Class 60-4 learning to fly the single engine L-19, an aircraft he loved the rest of his life.  He was an instructor pilot in the L-19 for several years.  He then flew the DMZ in Korea in the L-19 in the early 60s.  He then received orders to attend Rotary Wing School to learn to fly helicopters including the new UH-1 Huey helicopters.  John was then assigned to the 11 Air Assault in Ft Benning, Georgia from 1964 to 1965 where tactics for helicopters were being developed for Vietnam.   In 1965 the unit formed as the 1st Cavalry Division for deployment to Vietnam.  John was assigned to the 1/9th also known as the “Buffalo Soldiers’’.  John was part of the advance party flying to Vietnam by C-130 while much of the unit and helicopters went by ship.  In Vietnam John flew a UH-1B gunship which was the forerunner of the UH-1 Cobras. While flying reconnaissance John identified a potential landing area near the Chu Pong Mountain that would later be known as LZ Xray.   John flew at LZ-Betty and then later at LZ-Xray in what would be known as the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley in November 1965.  This battle is documented in the book and movie “We Were Soldiers Once…and Young”.  John’s farm boy upbringing led to him doing some innovative modifications to his UH-1B.  John was proud that he never lost a crew member or his aircraft. His closest call was having the heel shot off his boot while flying.  John flew the same UH-1B for his entire tour despite being shot down 3 times and then having his helicopter repaired to fly another day.  “His” helicopter was lost 3 weeks after he left the country with the entire crew.
John was a decorated pilot earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, 21 Air Medals and Master Army Aviator Wings.  He had over 600 hours of combat time and 5,000 of total flying time.   After Vietnam and active duty, he joined the Michigan Army National Guard as a pilot and later commanded Company A, 38th Aviation Battalion for 4 years.  He was then assigned to the State Headquarters working on military support plans and operations where he also received a Meritorious Service Medal.  He then later retired as a Colonel from the US Army Reserve in 1994.  John is recognized in the US Army Aviation Flight Line Gallery, the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, and the CMU ROTC Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen (QB) Lansing Hanger.
After active-duty John was a farmer for over 30 years, a passion he loved.   After a few years of teaching at Eaton Rapids and Jackson High Schools he focused on farming more and growing his farm.  John served a term as Onondaga Township Supervisor as an active member of the community.  John was instrumental in starting up Onondaga VFW Post #6986 and served as post commander. John continued to fly privately and would rebuild and restore several L-19 aircraft.  He enjoyed hosting his Vietnam co-pilot and crew chief on his farm for deer hunting and meeting at reunions.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Jean (Randy) Maiville of Onondaga, Karen Ghere of Lansing; grandchildren, Katherine and Elizabeth Maiville, both of Onondaga, Christina Ghere of Onondaga. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services with military honors will be 11 a.m. Friday February 11, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment will follow in Onondaga Cemetery. Visitation took place on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website,  www.millsfuneral.com.

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Annette L. Pettit

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Annette Louise Pettit, age 72, of Lansing, MI passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at McLaren Hospital. She was born on October 22, 1949, in Eaton Rapids, MI to George L. and Elizabeth M. (Smith) Pettit. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1967. Annette had a zest for life and enjoyed shopping, gardening, crafting, golfing, going to sporting events to watch nieces and nephews, and spending time with friends and family. She never met an animal she didn’t love, and had several “best friend” dogs and cats in her life. She worked in retail for many years sharing her fashion sense with her customers. She also worked in the travel industry allowing her to travel extensively to other countries making new friends wherever she went, never being afraid to try new things. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who enjoyed her stories, energy, and enthusiasm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and longtime companion, Gary Johnson.
Annette is survived by her sister, Mari Lin Pettit; brother, Michael G. (Judith) Pettit; sister, Susan M. (Michael) Arrington; nieces and nephews, Elliott (Carly) Pettit, Taylor (Ryan) Rademaker, Adrienne (Andrew) Beals, Alex Arrington; great nieces and nephews, Tucker Beals, Tatum Beals, Cooper Beals, Vera Pettit, George Pettit, Sutton Rademaker and many other special aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Fanciful Farms in memory of Annette. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Penny Johnson

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Penny Lou Johnson of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 6, 2022, at the age of 71. Penny was born in Gladwin, MI, January 30, 1951, the daughter of Roy and Marian (Lange) Johnson. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1969 and was an employee at Eaton Rapids Public Schools for several years. Penny enjoyed working on puzzles, bowling in her younger years, and watching the Detroit Tigers. She loved meeting the girls for lunch every Wednesday, and loved being able to keep up with everyone through social media on her computer. The greatest joy in her life was spending time with her family, especially her grandkids.
Penny is survived by her children, Heather (Eric) Mergener of Eaton Rapids, Alex (Patricia) Carris of Port Orchard, WA; grandchildren, Kaila and Ashley Carr, Ciera, Kenny and Dakotah Carris, Brandon Siple, Daniel and Rachael Mergener; great grandchildren, Aveian, Eli, Alannah, Aubree, Blayke and Theo; siblings, Randi Colestock, Sue (Tom) Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Robert Johnson, James Johnson, Tom Johnson, and Cheryl Moss.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Robert Schilz

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Mr. Robert Howard Schilz, age 82, of Nashville, MI, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, in Hastings, MI.
Robert was born in Eagle, MI on January 16, 1939, a son of the late Verna (Reed) and Howard Schilz. He was raised on his family farm the Charlotte area and attended local schools graduating from Charlotte High School in 1957.  During his younger years Bob was very active in FFA, and 4H where he showed hogs, and learned to knit.
On December 28, 1962, Robert married Sandra (Gillett) Schilz at the Oneida Gospel Church.  The couple had been introduced by mutual friends while they were still in high school and spent their first date, at the Sunday School picnic. Robert & Sandra established a beautiful Christ centered relationship spending time together attending Youth for Christ Events, and Singpirations with neighboring churches. Robert loved music and for many years played his trumpet in the Orchestra at Oneida Gospel church where they had attended church.  Robert loved his church and enjoyed volunteering his free time to work as a youth leader, chaperoning and leading youth activities and adventures.
Bob began his working career shortly after completing his education working his family farm in Charlotte for many years.  The family relocated to the Nashville area in 1974 and he began working at Clark Equipment as a truck driver where he worked faithfully for over 10 years.  Bob enjoyed driving truck and would often take the kids with him to work so they could enjoy a day with dad riding in the semi-truck.  The majority of Bob’s career was spent with the Eaton County Road Commission where he was responsible for road maintenance, plowing snow in the winter and oversee road cleanup projects.
Bob & Sandra enjoyed spending time during the summer traveling throughout the state of Michigan camping with close friends, especially the Upper Peninsula,
Robert is  survived by his beloved wife Sandra, his children, Faith (Roger) Byykkonn, , Kaylin, (Shawn) Rhoades, (Sonya) Schilz, Paul (Phetsamone) Schilz, Tim (Stacey) Schilz
his sister, Sharon Moore, 12 grandchildren, and  10 great grandchildren
he was preceded in death by his infant sister Juanita Schilz.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 5th at Grace Church in Nashville, MI with Pastor Don Roscoe officiating. There will be a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the funeral service at Grace Church in Nashville. The family will receive visitors on Friday February 4th from 3-5 PM at the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI.  For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Terri L. Visscher

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Terri Lynn Visscher, a world traveler, highly recognized and accomplished flight attendant, beloved sister, and loving daughter passed away January 31, 2022, at her family’s home in Charlotte. Terri, 55, of Charlotte was born December 15, 1966, in Muskegon to Eugene (Gene) and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher. Terri graduated from Charlotte High School in 1985. Following high school, she graduated from Davenport University before finding her life’s passion of becoming a flight attendant. One of her proudest moments was when she graduated from the Northwest Flight Attendant school. She lived in Hawaii for 18 years taking care of passengers on flights from Honolulu to Tokyo and beyond. Though she was frequently far away, Terri valued her friendships and connections with her nieces, nephews and friends’ kids. She would often travel halfway around the world to attend a birthday party, dance recital, or just to say Hello. After her retirement, Terri returned to Charlotte where she continued to nurture her other passion, family and friends. She was often referred to as the “Favorite Aunt.” With a heart of gold and a passion for life, Terri lived each day to the fullest. Her generous spirit was often demonstrated through her willingness to help anyone at any time. During the holiday seasons, the smell of chocolate chip cookies and “Terri’s Special Chex Mix” would emanate from the Visscher kitchen with great anticipation from all. Terri will be dearly missed by anyone who was blessed enough to have had the opportunity to know her.
Terri is survived by her parents; Eugene and Barbara (Heneveld) Visscher; brother, Jerry (Shannon) Visscher; sister, Traci (Dr. Kendall) Bos; 4 nieces; Samantha Visscher, Madelynn Visscher, Lauren Visscher, Reagan Bos; 2 nephews; Emmitt Visscher, Ethan Bos; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring. It will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Terri Lynn Visscher tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to palliative care. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Terri’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Bernard D. Otto

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Bernard D. Otto, 96, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. He was born on May 18, 1925, the son of Doris (Augustine) and Sidney Otto.
Bernard graduated from Bellevue High School in 1942. After high school he joined the United States Army 7th Infantry Division, Company A 82nd Mortar Battalion from July of 1943 to January of 1946. During that time he was stationed in the Philippines during World War II. He married the love of his life, Joyce Oaster in 1946. Bernard owned and operated Otto’s Clothing Store in downtown Bellevue for 20 years. He also served as Bellevue Mayor from 1962-1963, City Clerk/Village Manager from 1974-1987 and the Bellevue Township Supervisor from 1996-2012.
Bernard and Joyce loved their family, spending time with their children and grandchildren were always their favorite things to do. They spent countless hours traveling to every athletic event, concert and many other extra-curricular activities their children or grandchildren participated in. The two attended and were active in the Bellevue Methodist Church for over 70 years. Bernard was active in the Village Players, Historical Society, Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce and also played a role in obtaining grants for developing the Edward Keehne Environmental Park.
Through his many involvements Bernard received rewards for his accomplishments. Many of which include, Michigan Minuteman Award in 1973, Bellevue Citizen of the Year in 1976 and Michigan Volunteer Award in 1977.
Bernard is survived by his son, Michael (Mary) Otto; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Otto; parents; sons, Gary, Donald and Steven Otto; grandson, Quinton Otto; brothers, Charles and Richard Otto; and sister, May Lou Vogt.
Visitation was held at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, 122 West Capital Avenue, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Tuesday, February 1, 2022 with the funeral service to immediately follow.
Interment will take place at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bellevue United Methodist Church in memory of Bernard.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800.

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Kevin Ripley

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Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Kevin’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Charles E. Viele, Sr.

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Charles E. Viele Sr. was born to Rolla and Cleo (Crook) Viele on October 19, 1925 in Vermontville. The third of five children, he was raised on the family farm on Brown Road in Sunfield Township. He graduated from Vermontville High School in 1943 and tried to enlist in the military during WWII but was refused because of his colorblindness and instead found other ways to serve and contribute. On May 19th, 1946, he married Louise Joppie. Together they had five children and were married for 75 years. Charles passed away on February 1, 2022 at age 96 after living a long and very full life. Charles was very community conscious. He joined the Volunteer Vermontville Fire Department in 1953 and served into his 80’s, even becoming Fire Chief. He served nearly 30 years on the Vermontville and Maple Valley school boards. He was a member of the village council for many years, retiring in 2020. His volunteering extended beyond the village to the county level as well. He was a member of the Eaton Intermediate School District Board for many years and also a member of the Eaton County Road Commission for 10 years.
Charles started out farming but after watching some heavy equipment working on a neighboring farm, he fell in love with Caterpillar bulldozers. He bought his first CAT, a D6 dozer, in 1954 and formed the Charles Viele Bulldozing Company, adding other CATs one by one over the years. He worked hard, following his passion until he was in his early 90’s. Though Charles was usually all business, he did have one hobby and that was snowmobiling. He and Louise owned a place near Cadillac for that purpose and enjoyed many years of friends, family, and fun.
What Charles loved the most was his 5 great-granddaughters: Juliana, Charlotte, Mary Louise, April, and Evelyn. He took great pride in them and always had the biggest smile for them. He also loved and was very proud of each of his 5 grandchildren: Brandy, Justin, Ethan, Nichole, and Eren. He was predeceased by his parents; son, Raymond N. Viele, DVM; brother, John Viele; and his sisters, Jeanette Strait and Mary Trowbridge. He is survived by his wife, Louise; son, Charles Viele Jr. (Kathy Kolodica) of Charlotte; daughters, Jeanne Straub (Mel) of Lowell, Denise Berry (Dale) of Vermontville, and Maurene Viele (Karl Sorensen) of California; sister, Rachel Weiler of Pennsylvania; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
There will be no services at this time but a memorial will be held in the summer of 2022. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville. Memorial contributions can be made to either the Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Box 715, Nashville, MI, 49073, or the Vermontville Fire Department, 125 W. First Street, Vermontville, MI, 49096. Friends and family are encouraged to support Charles’ family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Harold L. Eitniear

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Harold “Roy” Leroy Eitniear, a man known for his sense of humor and commitment to his family, died on Friday, January 21, 2022. Roy, 86, of Potterville, was born August 30, 1935, the son of Freddie and Mazzie (Lamphere) Eitniear. He was a graduate of Potterville High School class of 1954. Following graduation Roy began working for a candy distribution company, Schaefer’s Bread Company, and later at General Motors where he worked as a Machine Repairman, for 30 plus years before his retirement. In 1962 Roy mourned the loss of his dear wife, Mary Margaret, who died at the age of 24. Roy would later marry Harriet Durbin who was also a widow. The two created numerous memories together and with their blended family. Roy was a man who loved being outdoors, from camping, bicycling around Europe, canoeing, canoe races, stock car racing, hunting, and also fishing. He enjoyed woodworking, his children said he could make anything he set his mind too. The family camping trips were a big deal during the summer. Roy had constructed a trailer that would haul the supplies, canoes, and rowboats. Roy and Harriet attended Clown school, and together brightened other people’s day with their clowning. Many will remember Roy for the stories that he told; he was one that could talk your ear off. Above all, Roy adored his family and his years with General Motors.
Roy is survived by his wife, Harriet; children, Terri (Gary) Ross, Robin (Michael) McCain, Kim (Richard) Artibee, Cathy (Michael) Larson, Laurie Savage, Sally (Mark) Coleman; grandchildren, Jennifer Crane, Lisa Volz, Keith Ross, Deja Chavez, Staci Lowe, Jason Artibee, Matthew McCain, Joseph McCain, Rachel Hayes, Ann Larson, Rebecca Coleman, Tyler Larson, Bailey Coleman; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Ruth Eitniear; sister-in-law, Diana Boyce. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Margaret; brother, Phillip Eitniear; son-in-law, Theo Savage; parents; and stepfather, Vern Snyder
Friends are encouraged to support Roy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private visitation will be held at this time. At a later date the family will hold a Celebration of Life for Roy. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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