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Funeral Services:

John William Gingrich, a man of many talents, died on Sunday, March 20, 2022. John 79, of Charlotte, was born July 22, 1942, at the family home in Chester Township, the son of Lee and Marie (Bottomley) Gingrich. Many will remember John for being the life of the party, his love for laughing, and for always telling a story. On April 8, 1961, he married Kay Dawn Tinkey and together spent the next 60 years creating their legacy. Kay Dawn was his lifeline. John worked for 34 years at General Motors. In his younger years John did his best to keep the local body shops in business, he had a love for drag racing around town, and on numerous occasions he tore the car up in the process. John and Kay Dawn loved traveling, they traveled to just about every state in the US. Their favorite destination was anyplace out West. His children will always cherish their fishing trips to Canada, hunting adventures, and time spent on the golf course. John enjoyed tinkering around on different projects. His biggest passion in life was his family especially his grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife, Kay Dawn; sons, Tim (Jenny) Gingrich, Todd Gingrich; grandchildren, Jesse, Heather, Trevor, Grant, Jasmine, Trent; great-grandchildren, Levi, Laci, Lakin, Evangeline, Elyse, Isaiah, and one baby boy on the way; sisters, Bonnie Simek, Ellen Dunn; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was predeceased by brother, Bob Gingrich; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Gresham United Methodist Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

It is with great honor and extreme sadness to announce the passing of Bernard “Bud” Dale Rhines, age 80, of Twin Lake, Mich. on March 19, 2022. He was born July 6, 1941 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to parents Bernard J. Rhines and Fern (Carpenter) Rhines. He lost his father at the young age of 13 and his mother at the age of 29, which had a huge impact on his life. Bud was also preceded in death by his sister Jackie Adams, along with his beloved Grandmother Margaret “Granny” (Hill) Rhines.
Bud was the second of seven children and leaves behind brothers Roger Rhines (Maryann) and Thomas Rhines (Stephanie); and sisters Ranae Hillard, Roxanne Rhines, and Patricia Commons.
Bud is survived by his four children: Bernard J. “B.J.” Rhines II (Marie), Erin Bierly (Jeff), Lance Rhines (Lee), and Kellie Lazusky (Mike); six grandchildren: Roger, Bernard D. II “Buddy”, Joshua, Tara, Brittany, and Dylan; sixteen great-grandchildren: Kylie, Thomas, Edward, Hunter, Graison, Dallas, Madalynn, Maci, Clover, Faith, Jaxx, Teegan, Brantley, Mark, Mazzi, and Linnea.
Bud graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. After high school he attended Albion College where he jokingly said he majored in pinochle. Soon after starting college, he was strongly advised to volunteer his draft, and he enlisted in the Army from 1960-1962, stationed in Wheeler, Indiana. They put him to work as a clerk typist since he was the only serviceman who knew how to type. Bud was tested and chosen to attend West Point, which he declined. His discharge was delayed by several months due to pre-war unrest. Shortly after his military service ended, he went to work for the State of Michigan where he met his future wife, Bettylou Bandfield. They had four children together. Intrigued by the advent of the computer, he soon went to work for Michigan State University on their first computer system and was featured on the front page of the Lansing State Journal in 1963. Bud always envisioned owning his own business, and that dream came true in 1973 when he opened Datacenter Corporation in Muskegon, Michigan, a concierge computerized accounting/payroll company. He was a lifelong learner and remembered historical facts and figures that astounded those around him. His above average intellect served him well in the world of computers, as he was able to envision computers as the way of the future, and he taught himself computer programming and database creation from scratch. He created patents and drawings that will be analyzed posthumously.
At age 9, Bud started his first business processing maple syrup, which was featured in the Charlotte newspaper. His Mom invested in it by purchasing tree taps, buckets, and bottles, and he went to work collecting maple syrup. He employed, without payment, his siblings and cousins to assist with the harvest. He sold it door-to-door to neighbors and family members.
Bud had a great love of nature and the great outdoors, enjoying the feeling of freedom it provided. He spent as much time as possible on his boat and fishing, determined to teach his siblings, children, and grandchildren how to fish and water ski. He loved fishing with his Granny, although she refused to fish with anything but a cane pole, which amused him because it still yielded a mess o’ fish! He traveled countless miles off-road in his cherished dune buggy, making campfires, finding natural drinking springs, and sharing stories of old. His Uncle Nick taught him to hunt, and he spent many opening days of pheasant hunting on their Eaton Rapids family farm. In 1976 for the Bicentennial Celebration, the City of Roosevelt Park invited Bud and his family to drive his yellow dune buggy in the parade while decked out in Americana clothing.
Bud was an avid sports fan and loved the Detroit Tigers, and would recount a play-by-play of Game 7 in the 1968 World Series with anyone who would listen. The AM radio was always tuned to baseball. He was proud to say he personally met his idol, Ernie Harwell.
Mostly though, Bud will be best remembered for his witty personality, hilarious storytelling, sense of humor, infectious laugh, and endearing eccentricities. He was one of a kind, that is for sure.

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Funeral Services:

Lawrence “Larry” Niceswander of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 14, 2022, at the age of 78. Larry was born in Homer, MI, June 23, 1943, the son of Virgil and Nancy (Lucas) Niceswander. He enjoyed his maintenance work at Richmond, where he would stay until his retirement in 2004. He found great enjoyment in fishing the many different lakes in the area.

Larry is survived by his wife, Marjorie “Marge” Niceswander; children, Dean Niceswander of Lansing, Wade (April) Niceswander of MO; grandchildren, Keith, Hannah, Hali, Hunter, James and Arisa Niceswander; great grandchildren, Emma Bailey, Gavin Bailey, Elliet Niceswander; siblings, Donald and Earl Niceswander, Deloris Hurtado, Barb (Lupe) Gonzalez; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Nancy; brothers, Ernest, Wayne, and Virgil Niceswander; sisters, Vera Brockman and Delta Allard.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to leave online condolences for the family, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Sandra Sue Hammond, age 80, of Springport, Michigan, was born on April 29, 1941, and passed away on March 14, 2022. A memorial service honoring Sandra’s life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church located at 600 South Main Street in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. The visitation was held Friday evening, March 18, from 5-7 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street in Springport, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.

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Funeral Services:

Chad “Ozzy” Alan Osborne, the best funcle (the fun uncle) and everybody’s friend, of Potterville died March 10, 2022.  Chad, 48, was born March 17, 1973, in Lansing, MI to Charles and Karen (Pfister) Osborne. Chad was captain of his high school basketball and football teams at Potterville High School where he was a top 10 student, class of 1991. After high school, Chad served four years in the Navy on the USS Connelly in the engine room, and he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. During his time in the Navy, he docked at Guantanamo Bay and also in Finland, Denmark, Djibouti and Egypt, among many other destinations. He was a journeyman plumber for Mark Woodman Plumbing. Spending time with his family and taking care of them was very important to Chad, you could often find him at the bowling alley with his nieces and nephews as it was one of his favorite things to do.  He loved to play golf and relearned it after he suffered a stroke 3 years ago.  Chad overcame so much in his life, having the tenacity and perseverance to overcome his stroke. He was extremely proud of that as well as his sobriety, and in January he celebrated 11 years. As an avid Spartan fan, you could hear him yelling “Go Green!” and he loved March Madness.

Chad is survived by his parents, Charles and Karen (Pfister) Osborne; siblings, Erika (Ralph) Reagan and Sara (Nic) Fowler; grandfather, James Pfister and his wife, Dorothy; grandmother, Mary Jean Osborne; nieces and nephews, Audrey, Mason, Max and Nora Reagan and Melanie, Keira and Shane Fowler; aunts and uncles, and many cousins.  He was predeceased by grandfather Richard A. Osborne, grandmother Margaret Pfister and aunt, Debbie Pfister.

Friends and family are encouraged to support Chad’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com There will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date this summer.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Funeral Services:

Bernard (Bud) Wayne Ommen passed away peacefully at the age of 88 with his children by his side on March 11, 2022. Bud was born November 24, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan to Bernard (Ben) Ommen and Esther (Sommers) Ommen. He spent his childhood in Lansing, attending Lansing Schools until he moved to Vermontville where he graduated from Vermontville Rural Agricultural School in 1952. While still in school, he started working under the direction of his father for the Lansing Public School District, Buildings and Grounds Department. Throughout his tenure, Bud worked his way up to supervisor of the department sitting at the same desk and in the same chair as his dad, retiring in 1986.

After moving to Vermontville, Bud met the love of his life, Audrey Mae Lightner. On October 9, 1954, they were married and it was the beginning of a true love story that lasted for 64 years. Upon returning from their honeymoon Bud received his draft papers, and he spent the next two years serving in the United States Army. Audrey joined him in Germany while he was stationed there.

Bud will be remembered as an ever-smiling, kind, gentle, easy-going man who enjoyed family, friends, the outdoors and watching his granddaughters show horses. Spending time with his family, traditional camping trips to Interlochen, horses, snowmobiling with friends, and anything with an engine were among his favorite things.

His service to the community included being a firefighter with the Vermontville Fire Department and serving on the Vermontville Fire and Ambulance Board. He also served on the Vermontville Township Board of Review, Cemetery Board and was a member of the First Congregational Church of Vermontville. After retiring he spent many hours transporting members of the Amish community. He gained many friendships and enjoyed time spent with his Amish friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Karen (Steve) Newman, Scott (Cathy) Ommen; grandchildren, Alaina (Trent) Graham, Brielle Ommen, Kaitlin (Dylan) Haan, Kelsie Newman (Tyler Thering); great granddaughters, Eva Graham, Rylie Graham, Audrey Haan, and a fourth great-granddaughter coming soon; sister, Ann Samann; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He is also survived by his constant companion dog, Lexie. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bessie (Norman) LaCross, Laurene (Tyrus) Stine and brother-in-law Jim Samann.

Friends are encouraged to support Bud’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.  Funeral Service was held at the First Congregational Church of Vermontville on March ­­­16, 2022 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Andy Trowbridge officiating.  Interment will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery.  Memorial contributions can be made to Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Lynn Allen Sumerix, 78, of Eaton Rapids, died on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the Country Woods AFC Home in Potterville. Lynn was born on April 16, 1943, in Charlotte, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Goodrich) Sumerix. Following graduating from high school Lynn began working for Motor Wheel and later working at General Motors where he retired as a Skills Tradesman. On May 8, 1965, Lynn married Carol Ann Fisher in Charlotte, MI, and the couple spent the next 52 years creating lasting memories. He proudly served in the Michigan National Guard. Lynn enjoyed working with Carol in their perennial gardens around their property. Lynn also enjoyed traveling around the country, woodworking and fishing. Being outdoors was an important part of Lynn’s life. Above all his proudest accomplishment over his lifetime was his family.

Lynn is survived by his son, Tyler Sumerix; siblings, Lorraine Chase, Wayne (Sue) Sumerix, Carl (Marti) Sumerix; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Carol; siblings, Dale Sumerix, and Linda Lehr; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Lynn’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ralph James Moore 92 departed this world peacefully at his home in Charlotte, Michigan on March 14, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Swift), and his daughter, Deborah. He leaves behind 4 daughters, Diane Dixon (Dale), Doreen Moore, Dawn Moore, Darlene Moore (Georgia); 4 grandchildren, Tina, Terence, Danielle and Amy, as well as several great-grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Ralph was born July 20, 1929, in Harrisville, Michigan. He graduated from Harrisville High School in 1947. Ralph joined the Merchant Marines in March of 1948, followed by a year in United States Army. He worked for Diamond Reo in Lansing, Michigan from April 1950 until he left in May of 1975. By January of 1976 Ralph was working for the newly formed Spartan Motors until he retired in June of 1992.

Ralph was a man with many interests and talents. He was a builder, Ralph built every house with his own bare hands that his family lived in, 3 homes in total.  There wasn’t a sport he didn’t like. If there was a Michigan Wolverines game or the Detroit Tigers game on, you could find him in his big La-Z-Boy watching and cheering them on. He also had a profound appreciation for the beauty of wildlife and nature, which he was surrounded by and enjoyed every day on his 40 acres. He loved being outside chopping down trees, chopping up wood, mowing his lawn, anything to be outside Above all else Ralph was the definition of determination, optimism, gratitude and perseverance. His life was abundant with hard work and deep love of family. He was a gentle man with a peaceful heart, open mind and a loving soul.

Ralph’s family will be having a small private celebration of his life. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking to make donations to Heart to Heart Hospice. The family would like to acknowledge Heart to Heart Hospice for all the loving, compassionate care they gave to our father during his final days. They are truly angels here on earth.

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Funeral Services:

Mildred S. Lively passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at age 90.

She was born April 17, 1931, in Bellevue, Kentucky, the daughter of Guy and Blanche (Maurice) Springgate. She met her high school sweetheart, Bill Lively, at Cloverport High School in Kentucky, where they graduated in 1948. Bill and Millie were married the following year and worked together as a loving and dedicated couple for the next sixty-six years. They moved to Michigan to build a life, a home and a family in the early 1950’s. In the ensuing twenty-five years Millie raised four children as an energetic homemaker and mother, keeping the household functioning smoothly. In addition, she worked for the Potterville Public Schools for nearly 30 years as a teacher’s aide and playground supervisor. Her children will always remember family trips to California, Kentucky and Florida, and her uncanny ability to do everything necessary to prepare a family of six for these wonderful trips. Bill and Millie supported each of their children in all their endeavors and protected them from undue trauma on the sometimes-rocky path to adulthood and beyond. Their children will be forever grateful for their stability and love.

In retirement Millie and Bill enjoyed travel together, journeying to Europe multiple times, Alaska twice, Mexico once and numerous destinations in the U.S. A consistent walker, you may have seen her briskly making her way down Pinch Highway. She was an avid reader and she and Bill never missed watching a game of her beloved Spartan basketball team. She was a regular figure at her grandchildren’s events and found great joy in their accomplishments. She was also a member of the Sycamore Creek Church, formerly the Potterville United Methodist Church.

Considering her humble beginnings, Millie made a quality life for herself, with her family at its center.  Despite the loss of the love of her life, Bill, in 2016 and her physical and mental decline in the last few years she kept a positive spirit. She maintained many friendships and brightened the days of staff and residents at Story Point in Independence Village Grand Ledge, her last home. Her children are grateful and indebted to the staff at Independence Village for the care and compassion shown to their mother.

From her family:

You did your job well Mom!! Now you can rest. We will miss you and you will always have our love and gratitude.

Millie is survived by her children: Maureen (John) Sorbet, William “Aaron” Lively, Michelle (Dean) Peters, and John “Mark” Lively; 7 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William “Bill” Edward Lively, and sister Juanita (Edward) Speer.

A graveside celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday April 16, 2022, at Benton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of Millie Lively to the Sycamore Creek Church-Potterville Campus or to the church or charity of your choice. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Kevin Christopher Holland, a dedicated public servant and firefighter of Mulliken, MI died March 12, 2022.  Kevin, 49, was born on December 16, 1972, in Madison Heights, MI to Howard Holland and Jacquelyn (Bylski) Kuebler. Kevin was a loving husband and father with a great sense of humor.  As an EMT Specialist and firefighter he showed special care to his patients.  Working at Eaton Area EMS, he saved many lives and helped teach others to do the same, taking great pride in his work and the importance of helping others. He was passionate about his job, working on the ambulance and providing care for people during difficult situations, helping to teach first aid, CPR, and babysitting classes to people in the community, assisting with teaching future EMT’s, and he had a key role in emergency management and preparedness for Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. Kevin also served as a volunteer firefighter for Roxand Township Fire Department.

In high school, Kevin played first base for his high school team, which inspired his love of baseball and a lifelong passion for the Detroit Tigers. To say Kevin was a fan of baseball would be a gross understatement.  Kevin lived and breathed the Detroit Tigers, and baseball season was his favorite season of the year.  In honor of his love of the sport, friends and family are encouraged to wear their Tiger’s gear to Kevin’s services.

A great father and servant to his community, Kevin and his contributions will be greatly missed.  Kevin is survived by his wife, Jessicca (Cain) Holland; children, Erika and Rory Holland; parents, Howard (Bea) Holland and Jacquelyn (Gary) Kuebler; siblings, Jeffry (Christina) Kuebler, Kenneth (Rozlynn) Holland, Sean (Christina) Kuebler, Coreen (David) Sloney and Michelle (Jeff) Gabalis; several aunts and uncles and a collection of nieces and nephews; and his EMS and Firefighter families.

Friends and family are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.  Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 at Holt Christian Church, Holt, MI with Pastor Conrad Gonzalez officiating. The funeral service 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 & 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.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

Kevin fought a courageous battle with cancer and was unable to work for the past two years.  He was a recipient of funds from Walk for the Red 140, an organization founded to give financial assistance to firefighters who are fighting cancer.  To continue this funding to help others like Kevin, the family suggests memorial contributions to Walk for the Red 140, c/o Neighbors United, 46839 Fox Run, Macomb, MI 48044, or on their website at wedontjudge.org.