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William F. Mowrer Jr.

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William F. Mowrer Jr., age 86, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 27, 2021. He was born on December 11, 1934, the son of the late William Mowrer and Lucille (Capozella) Mowrer. He was a graduate of St. Joe’s High School, class of 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953. He proudly served his country for twenty-years, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After returning from the Air Force, he became a police officer in Bellevue, MI. He retired from the city of Bellevue in 1996, after thirteen years of service. He loved to attend car shows and was awarded with many plaques and trophies for his Corvette. He loved to cook for his family and was well known for his famous spaghetti sauce. He was a wonderful family man and loved spoiling his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was united in marriage with Mary E. (Pritchett) Mowrer on March 17, 1962, who survives him. He leaves to cherish his memory two children from his first marriage, Bill (Amy) Mowrer III. and Valeri (Todd) Yates; three children from his second marriage, Kirt Mowrer, Melani Clemons, Tracy (Ronald) Weber; eight grandchildren, Jimmy, Mallory, Ashlee, Krystle, Kenny, Sara, Cassie, and Jaelyn; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy Ross, Anita (Mike) Cummings, Jimmy (Lucy) Mowrer; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by sister, Mary Lou Fish and brother, Robert Mowrer.
Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. A public memorial gathering will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Bellevue First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main St, Bellevue, MI 49021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to a V.F.W. post of the donor’s choice . Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.

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Bernard A. Doxtader

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Bernard Allen Doxtader, 66 of Olivet and formerly Charlotte, died October 13, 2021. Bernard was a very caring and generous person, known for giving what little he had to help others in need. Born in Marshall, MI on February 28, 1955, to Floyd and Dorothy (Ripley) Doxtader, Bernie grew up in a large family and learned about sharing and caring for others from an early age. With an infectious kind of laugh and big bear hugs for his family, they hold those memories dear as they remember their brother. Some of the activities he enjoyed include bowling at CharLanes, dancing (he loved to dance at the Courthouse Square concerts), playing “Santa” at the Eagles in Charlotte and around town in Olivet, and fishing on the island in Eaton Rapids. On June 20, 1998, Bernard married Joanne Irene Reefman, and they enjoyed 23 years together. Bernard touched many lives with his kindness, and in his job delivering The County Journal newspaper around Charlotte, Vermontville, and Nashville. Bernard also worked at the Eaton Place restaurant for 15 years as a dishwasher. He was extremely proud of his work, and his bowling trophies and Special Olympics medals.
Bernard is survived by his siblings, Sandra Brown, Diana McConnell, Geraldine Doxtader, Josephine Carnell, Gordon Doxtader, and Katherine Doxtader; half-siblings, Donna Doxtader, Rachael Nichols, Sada Thorp, Tammi Rothchild, and Kenny Groux; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Stanley Doxtader; brothers-in-law, Albert Carnell Jr. and Roger Miller; and sister-n-law, Martha Doxtader
Friends and family are encouraged to support Bernard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial Service will be Wednesday, November 10, 11:00 AM at West Carmel Congregational Church. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, Michigan. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Christmas Kiddies in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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William J. Bradford

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William James Bradford of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at the age of 84. Bill was born on October 30, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI the son of Walter and Clara (Kellogg) Bradford. He was raised in Olivet where he graduated high school class of 1956. Bill worked as a meat department manager for numerous grocers and retired from Carl’s in Dimondale in 1995. He also served as the vice president for Mahogany Farms in Williamston. Bill’s great passion in life was music, he played in numerous bands throughout his life, most recently “The Good Ole Boys” which performed at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center and played monthly at Island City Assisted Living. Bill loved to travel with his wife Marlene and together they visited all 50 states. Some of their most memorable trips were there 19-day motorcoach tour of Alaska and their road trip across Hwy. 2 to Washington where they made several stops to visits casinos and see the sites along the way.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, infant son, Scott E. Bradford; siblings, Lyle Bradford, Kyle Bradford, Walter Bradford, Alden Bradford, Jean Kline, Winona Davis and Geneva Bradford.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marlene Bradford; children, William Bradford, Jr., Gregory (Brenda) Bradford, Lorelei (Robert) Stahl; grandchildren, William T. Bradford, Nicholas Bradford, Andrew Bradford, Anthony Stahl, Benjamin Stahl, Christopher Dahlem, Lance Dahlem; 12 great grandchildren; brother, John (Vicki) Bradford and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care or the Sparrow Foundation in memory of Bill. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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John F. Oatley Jr.

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John F. Oatley Jr. of Eaton Rapids, slipped into the arms of Jesus on October 28, 2021. He was born March 8, 1956, on his parent’s 1st anniversary. A very loving, caring Christian man who was always there for anyone who needed help. He graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing and joined the Marine Corp. John loved this country and was a proud Marine. He married Sonja Higbie in 1981 and was a great father to her two daughters. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary. Famous for his skills on the outdoor grill, he and Sonja had many BBQ’s for family and friends. He loved antiquing and adding to his many collections. In love with the 50’s, they had a diner built onto their kitchen and had it decorated beautifully with an art deco soda fountain he bought from a New Jersey drug store. His hobbies were slot car racing and was a member of the CCRL Racing Club, flying model planes and helicopters. John had many friends and was always laughing and having a great time whenever he was with them.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Helene Katrine Oatley and his daughter, Shannon McManus Sharp. Surviving is his loving wife, Sonja; father, John Oatley Sr. of Holt; daughter, Melissa “Missy” (Jimmy) Scott of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Travis (Melissa) Burgess of NY, Jessie (Steve) Foley of Eaton Rapids, Faith Sharp of Monroe, LA, Brendan Sharp of Eaton Rapids; great grandchildren, Mick, Silas, Axel, and little Maggie Mae Foley who is due any day now, all from Eaton Rapids, Henry and Walt Burgess of NY; sister, Brenda (Tom) Cuatt of Springport and brothers, David Oatley of Mason, Brian (Karen) Oatley of Eaton Rapids, Dean (Carleen) Oatley of AL; many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring with military honors. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Family, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nazarene. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Cheryl L. Rochester

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Cheryl Lei Rochester of Lansing, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away October 31, 2021, at the age of 61. Cheryl was born in Eaton Rapids, February 18, 1960, the daughter of Wilson Rochester and Carolyn (Hector) Eaton. She was a 1981 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Cheryl loved to play softball, dance, listen to music, talk on the phone, sometimes for hours, and was a huge fan of John Denver.
Cheryl is survived by her mother; daughter, Angela (Mark) Gardner of Charlotte; sons, Alexander and Allen Roscoe both of Webberville; grandson, Aiden Rochester; sister, Laurie Croy; brother, Dennis Rochester; nieces and nephews, Alicia, Mackenzie, Reece, Adam, Amber. She was preceded in death by her father.
Memorial services were held on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with visitation taking place one hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Funeral Home. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Anita J. Rodgers

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Anita Joan (Hyde) Rodgers, 79, of Gwinn passed away on October 26, 2021, in Sullivan Missouri while vacationing with her fa1nily.
Anita was born on July 17, 1942, in Lansing to Francis and Nancy (Aubrey) Ilyde. She was raised in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School class of 1960.
On July 3, 1959, she married Rodney Rodgers and they enjoyed 62 years together. They raised their family in Magnolia, Illinois and in 1996 they moved to Gwinn where they spent their summers and wintered in Florida.
Anita was a stay-at-home mom raising her four boys until they went off to school. She then went on to pursue her nursing degree and worked as a registered nurse in various hospitals and nursing homes in Illinois and Upper Michigan. She loved to travel and spend time with her family. Her hobbies included watching the ore boats on the Great Lakes, crocheting and was a talented crafter.
Surviving is her husband, Rodney; four sons: Steve (Lynn) Rodgers of Gwinn, MI; Brian (Karen) Rodgers of Georgetown, TX; Jeff (Sharon) Rodgers of Washington, MO; and Scott Rodgers of Frederick, MI; Seven grandchildren and 16 great­grandchildren; siblings: Pat (Glenn) Briggs of Charlotte, MI and Mike Hyde of Tulsa, OK; along with many nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents along with a brother, Steven Hyde, and granddaughter, Tiffany Wright.
A service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Charlotte Senior Center at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon to follow where family can greet relatives and friends.

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Sondra S. Emenhiser

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Sondra “Sandy” Sue Emenhiser, of Lansing, MI, a lady who was loved by all who knew her, died October 21, 2021, at the age of 76. Sondra was born September 26, 1945, to Harold Ivan Gage and Ardis Lavonne (DeLong) Gage. She married the man of her dreams, Carl Emenhiser, on April 27, 1984. Sondra worked as a Car Driver, later as a Clerk at Don’s Truck Stop and most recently as a Cake Designer. Sondra was strong with her family; she was a member of The Calvary Baptist Church and later attended New Hope Community Church. Her hobbies included fishing, camping, and doing word searches. Sondra was an avid MSU fan and enjoyed the friendly rivalry with family members. Above all she adored her family.
Sondra is survived by her children, David Michels, Ken Michels, James Michels Jr., Mark Michels, Jim Emenhiser, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser, Hank (Cindy) Emenhiser and Carla (Emenhiser) Barnard; sisters, Carol Kolp and Pamela Gord; brother, John Maxwell Jr.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Emenhiser; sisters, Nancy Robinson and Sarah Maxwell; son-in-law, David Barnard; grandson, Bradley Emenhiser; and daughter-in-law, Marge Emenhiser.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte with Pastors Randy Royston and Victor Williams officiating. Visitation will be held at the church just prior to the service from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Jeff Watson

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Jeff Watson was born on June 19, 1955, in Marshall, Michigan, the son of Victor and Florence Watson. He graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1974. He married Jodie Lynette Root, on July 11,2012. Jeff loved wrenching on cars and worked as a mechanic at Vic’s Garage in Partello. He also worked as a DJ spinning the tunes with JC Entertainment. He loved to sing and dance and play the guitar with the Wireman boys and friends. He adored his family and enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jeff was a true character. He was fun-loving, always laughing, and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Jeff is preceded in death by his father, Victor Mae Watson. He is survived by his mother, Florence Courtright Watson; wife Jodie L. Watson; children: Jami (James) Sibbersen, Tracy Watson, Jessica (Benny) Lucero, Robert (Krystle) Rininger, and Megan (Jack) Kemler; grandchildren: Tyler, Savannah, Madison, Harlie, Cassandra, Anthony, Esperanza, Aliyanna, Samuel, Evelyn, Logan, Ellenore, Abigail, and Scarlett; great-grandchildren: Giovanni, Lorenzo, Spencer, and Theodore; siblings, Victor Lee (Dotty) Watson and Kay Watson; nephew, Nick Friedly; best friends: Connie Friedly, Randy and Debi Bartley, the Wireman Family, Clifford Mead, and Vinnie Martinez.
There are no services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

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Dennis B. Parshall

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Dennis Bruce Parshall, better known as “Denny” to friends and acquaintances, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021 in his Bitely home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
Denny was born January 2, 1946, to Bruce and Rose (née Thayer) Parshall in Lansing, the fifth of six surviving children and their eldest together. He was raised in rural Ingham County near Williamston, where he attended the one-room White Dog School. He graduated from Dansville High School where he participated in football, basketball, and track.
Denny graduated from Michigan State University, first in 1968 with a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and later with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, after serving more than three years in the U.S. Army. He remained a lifelong Spartan, and an avid supporter of MSU sports as well as a football season ticket holder.
Denny’s great passion was conservation, working with animals and the environment. He worked as a farmhand in his younger years, as a veterinary technician in the Army, in wastewater treatment with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and in environmental training and inspection with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
In 1986, he moved to Charlotte, Michigan, with his wife, Mary, where they raised their sons. They became active members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where Denny taught Sunday School for many years.
In his role with MDOT, Denny helped pioneer new methods and processes for handling hazardous materials. After retiring from the state, Denny worked part time as a substitute teacher and later, swimming instructor.
His love and know-how for the environment transcended his work life, and as an activist Denny fought against local installations of incinerators and microwave towers. His role in activism led to a brief career in politics as part of the Charlotte City Council and Charlotte Board of Parks and Recreation.
Those who knew Denny best knew his heart belonged to the outdoors. An avid sportsman, Denny could often be found away from home, camping and fishing, or hunting the wild turkey, white-tailed deer, or black bear with his sons and closest friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard, Duane and Jack O’Dell; sisters Marilyn Yeager, Sharon and Pamela Parshall; best friends, Bernie Reuter, Cleo Townsend, and Rod Hunt.
Denny is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary (née Antozak); sons, Bruce, Ryan “Jonny”, and Joel; grandson, Reece Myers; sister, Diane Parshall; best friends, Scott Cornelius and Jim Hayes; as well as many beloved cousins, nephews, nieces and siblings-in-law.
Denny’s Memorial will be held November 6th, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church of Charlotte, with visitation held 1 to 4 P.M., followed by Services at 4 P.M.
Please share a memory, picture, and condolence at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Arrangements and care by Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

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