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Funeral Services:

Virginia LaFleur Cox “Ginny,” age 88, passed with peace and grace into the Lord’s arms June 23, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born on April 1, 1932 to Ernest and Mary (Shepard) LaFleur of Vermontville, where she graduated and was crowned Maple Syrup Queen in 1950.
Ginny loved knitting, playing piano, euchre parties and long walks. She will always be remembered as one who loved creating memories with fun and laughter. Ginny worked at Michigan Magnetics, Carl’s Supermarket and was a cook at Maple Valley Schools. In her later years, she wintered in Bradenton, Florida with her husband.
Ginny is survived by her children, Linda (Ron) Hannink of Big Rapids, Cindy “Sam” Grant of Charlotte, Debbie Furlong of Charlotte, Ross (Deb) Furlong of Vermontville and Teresa “Toot” (Steve) Hamilton of Hastings; along with beloved grandchildren, Mary Jean, Michaellynn, Veronica, Joheather, Leslie, Jessie, HyDee, Bobby, Michael, Jacob, Craig, Cory, and Dana; and many great-grandchildren for whom she created unique and loving nicknames.
A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, July 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. located under the pavilion at the park in Vermontville for all family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s name to the Vermontville Maple Syrup Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ginny on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

James Donald Bucher, II, age 65, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Jim was born on March 14, 1955 in Holt, the son of James and Sara (Eckhart) Bucher. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended high school. Upon graduation, he attended Michigan State University, Golden Gate University and Columbia College where he earned a bachelor’s degree. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 1983. He worked in the oil and gas industries as a land leasing agent for many companies over his lifetime. Jim was a history enthusiast and had a wealth of knowledge in 20th and 21st century music. He also loved to work outside, maintaining and beautifying his property on the Grand River outside of Eaton Rapids.
Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Decker; step-daughter, Amy (Rick) Moore; step-son, Anthony (Regan) Forsmark; grandchildren, Malory Leonetti, Christopher Benjamin, Lauren Benjamin, Delany Forsmark, Everly Forsmark; sister, Susan (Gregory) Finley; nephew, Macklin Finley and niece, Madeleine Finley. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim’s remains will be buried in Summit Hill Cemetery in Pocahontas, Iowa. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in memory on Jim. To share memories or leave condolences, visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.

introduce their Daughter

Weight: 8 lb, 3 oz Height: 21.5 inches

Born March 9, 2020

Congratulations to Michael and Kylie Seling on the birth of their baby girl, Hailey Jean Seling. The proud grandparents are Marty and Lori Seling of Lansing and Ed and Sherry Allen of Charlotte. The great-grandmother is Donna Allen of Charlotte. Hailey Jean was born on March 9, 2020. She weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.

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Funeral Services:

Susan Darlene Knight, age 72, of Eaton Rapids — who was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister and daughter — passed into glory on May 30, 2020 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. She was the daughter of Robert and Violet (Crandell) Thompson.
Susan was the first grandchild born into the large family of Homer and Valeria Crandell (her maternal grandparents). She loved all of her cousins and was always proud and interested in all of their accomplishments. Susan was a great source of information regarding the family and the family history, and she enjoyed passing the information on to her family members. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966. Susan married Donald D. Knight in 1968. She was a special transportation bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools and later drove bus for Potterville Public Schools. Susan had many other jobs working with the public, where she enjoyed interacting with people and helping anyone she could. She was well known for her loving and giving heart. Susan loved being involved in 4-H and her horses. She enjoyed sewing, cross stitching and produced some lovely projects with her talents. Susan was a particularly good cook and liked spreading her love through her food. The biggest loves of her life were her grandchildren. She devoted much of her life showing them how much she loved them. Susan also was proud of her collections of cowboy and American Indian memorabilia and displaying it in her home.
Susan is survived by her mother, Violet McCrimmon; daughters Daysha Knight of Lansing and Mary Margaret Medler of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jeffrey Perkins and Tavius and Darion Artis, all of Lansing; siblings, Duane (Kathy) Thompson of Charlotte, Karen (Keith) Tropp of Potterville, Ranee Wickwire (Chuck Carey) of Charlotte and Carla (Don) Nighbert of Olivet; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, her father Bob Thompson and her step-father Floyd McCrimmon.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Agricultural Society. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Online condolences may be placed at millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Michael Eugene Parish, age 73, passed away June 4, 2020. Weary of reading obituaries noting someone’s courageous battle with death, Mike wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctors’ orders and raising hell for more than seven decades. Born September 6, 1946, Mike was the oldest of five and led his siblings with a reckless love of life. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. With a seemingly endless supply of energy, Mike’s work ethic was unmatched.
Mike is survived by his love, Patti Parish; children Brian, Cassi, Mike Jr., Stacie, Shannon; brothers Jim and Jack, sisters Sandi (Butch) and Elaine (Dave); along with several grand and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Sr.; mother, Mary Lee; daughter, Kelly; and nephew, Trent.
Services were held Monday, June 8, 2020 at the home of Micky and Pete in Bellevue. Interment was at Center Eaton Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Relay For Life or the Wounded Warriors Project. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mike on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Joyce Marie (Edington) Smith, age 90, of Potterville — a devoted wife, mother and grandmother — died peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Joyce was born on October 19, 1929 in Lansing, the daughter of Walter J. and Vernie E. (Conrad) Edington. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1947. On April 21, 1947 she married Carl Smith Jr. and spent the next 55 years creating their legacy together. Joyce stayed at home to raise their eight children. She was an extremely hard-working woman who farmed, milked cows and could often be found lying on the ground under the farm equipment fixing something. Joyce worked outside the home at one point at Baryames Cleaners in Lansing. After the youngest, Jerry, was born, Joyce started driving school bus for Potterville Public School, until she retired after 22 years. Joyce spent her entire life devoted to her husband and family. When she wasn’t working around the farm or driving bus, Joyce enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, mowing the lawn, attending Eastern Star meetings and collecting mallard ducks. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
Joyce is survived by her children, Anne (Al) Aseltine, David (Grace) Smith, Brian Smith, Jill (Phil) Roehl, Judy (Larry) Zakora, Gary (Karen) Smith, Debbie (Earl) Blasen, and Jerry (Nikki) Smith; 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren with another on the way; and brother, Clyde (Carol) Edington of Melbourne, Fla. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Jr.; her parents; grandson, Richard Hill Jr.; and great-grandson, Seth Zakora.
Due to current quarantine and sheltering guidelines, the family is going to have a private graveside service at Benton Township cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Diabetes Foundation. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Joyce on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Crystal Ann (Marsh) Sumerix — July 21, 1953 to June 12, 2020 — passed peacefully after a year-long battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Joyce (Caswell) Marsh.
Crystal grew up in Charlotte, graduating from Charlotte High School in 1971. Most recently, Crystal lived and worked in Grand Rapids before moving to Holt in 2019. Crystal was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, enjoyed crafts, gardening (she was a lover of all things that grow), and dearly loved her three grandchildren. She is survived by her children; Adrianne Surian (TJ Balderman), Whitney (Eric) Wasser, and Luke Sumerix; her grandchildren, Raya and Roman Surian and Emily Sumerix; her brother Steve (Deb) Marsh and sister Karla McCandless; as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is expected be held at a later date at the Holt Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.

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Funeral Services:

Donald (Donny) Mills, age 57 of Lake City, Mich. (formerly of Charlotte), passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Traverse City Munson Medical Center. Born on August 10, 1962 to Thomas and Alice (Smith) Mills in Charlotte, Donny was raised there and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1980 and later from Lansing Community College. Donny served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf conflict on the USS FOX that would seek out ocean mines.
A welder at Spartan Motors, Donny worked on the first fire truck off their line and was later sent to Universal Studios in California to weld on the trans built by Spartan. He later worked at Bannish Welding and various other companies. Donny loved the outdoors, loved riding his Harley and camping and canoeing with his beloved dogs always by his side.
Donny is survived by his son, Jason Mills of Lansing; sisters, Vicki Ball of Lake City, Dianne Webb, Jacque (Jeff) Sage, and Barb (Gary) Wells all of Charlotte; brother, Randy (Carla) Mills of Charlotte; significant other, Sharon Wright of Indiana; his faithful companions, Ringo, Big Dog, Pepper and Yoko; and his cat, George. Donny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Douglas Mills; and brother-in-law, Brian Ball.
Pray Funeral Home will be assisting the family with a memorial service Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive visitors from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service. Due to gathering limits designated in current executive orders for the state of Michigan, the funeral home staff will guide guests through visitation and funeral service to assure the safety of family and guests while maintaining compliance. All guests will be asked to wear a face mask. Pray Funeral Home will have masks available for those who may not have one. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice or the Missaukee Humane Society. Share memories of Donny on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Brenda Leah Lynch was born Dec. 12, 1960, in Hastings, and she passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2020 in Dallas.
Brenda grew up in Vermontville and graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1979. In 1982, Brenda made Alvord her home, where she began a family of her own. A few of Brenda’s favorite things were sipping a hot cup of coffee on the porch, sitting on the beach with a close friend, a long road trip, baking one of her many infamous food dishes, and time spent with her daughters — but especially her grandbabies. All who knew her will always remember her outpouring of love and service as some of her trademark characteristics. Her kind heart, generous soul and compassion for others was exemplified in her relationships with her family, love for her grandchildren and the friends she dearly cherished.
Brenda is survived by her father, Lawrence Musser; brother David Musser and his wife, Sue; and daughters, Leah Marie Nordell and husband, Aaron along with grandchildren Abbott, Aden, and Lindyn, Jessie Jean Durban and her husband, Ryan, Macy Kaye Ekery and her husband, Ian and Madison Raye Bowen and her husband, Austin. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. She is now reunited with her loved ones: her mother, Barbara Musser; and siblings Larry Neil Musser, Diane Priesman and Garry Musser. A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan at a later date due to COVID-19. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, which can be found at lcfamerica.org.

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Funeral Services:

Debra Sue Knoll Armstrong, age 63, of Menifee, Calif. passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020 at Loma Linda University Health-Murrieta, Calif. at 8:34 am. She was born August 11, 1956 in Hastings, Mich., the daughter of Phillip Knoll and Lauretta Alden.
Debra was a fun loving adventurer who enjoyed taking photos of old barns and covered bridges throughout Michigan. She loved nature and wildlife of all kinds, especially her own pets. She was a selfless individual who always put the needs of family and friends above her own. She cared for her mother (Lauretta Alden) until her death in 2017, where she continued to look after the welfare of step father (Charles Alden) until her final days. Debra was equally devoted to the care of her 96-year-old mother-in-law (Carol Perry) in California. She always made it a point to keep in touch with family and friends, consistently sending cards, letters and gifts. She especially loved sending gifts to all her nephews and nieces. Having no children of her own, she loved being aunt Deb. She did so much for others and asked for so little. She has touched the lives of so many and will be missed by countless friends and family throughout California, Utah, Arizona and Michigan.
Debra is survived her loving husband Chris Armstrong; mother-in-law Carol Perry; brothers-in-law and their wives, Kent and Diane Armstrong, Doug and Cheryl Armstrong; stepfather Charles Alden (mother’s husband); stepmother Lone Knoll (father’s wife); brothers and their wives Lowell and Carolyn Knoll, Richard and Roxana Knoll; and stepbrothers and stepsisters Janette Laymance, Linda Laymance, Terrie Bursley, Phil Mead, Tom Mead and Candy Carroll.
Cremation services were handled through Evans-Brown Mortuary, Menifee.