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Jessica Dillinger
Jessica (Jesse) Dillinger, age 27, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at the Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee, just prior to a planned return to Charlotte.
Jess is survived by her parents, Bill and Judi Effner Dillinger and brother Zachary (April), of Charlotte; grandmothers Patricia Hodgson of Tennessee and Judith Franklin of Oregon; aunts Lori (Rytis) Balciunas of Ohio, Michelle Courtright and Wanda Hensley of Tennessee; as well as many cousins. Jess is also survived by friends around the world, especially those she met through the James Dean Fan Club.
Jess was preceded in death by grandfathers, James Riley Dillinger and James Franklin Effner, and uncles, James Dillinger Jr. and Ryan Effner.
Jess attended Lansing Community College. She was a former Wal-Mart employee, and was employed by the Michigan Historical Museum when disabled by Systemic Lupus in 2004.
Jess was a beautiful, artistic and free-spirited trendsetter. She sought out the work of lesser-known musicians and artists. She loved “up-cycling” materials into beautiful and useful items, and sold her creations on her Web site to people the world over.
Jess was an old soul who loved classic films – especially those with actors Jimmy Stewart and Henry Fonda. However, Jess was most devoted to James Dean, to the extent that she lived in his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana for two years. She worked in the James Dean Gallery and became known for her encyclopedic knowledge of the even most-minute detail of his life and work.
Jess had a soft spot in her heart for abandoned animals. She rescued her beloved beagle, Bailey. In reality, we believe that Bailey was sent to her, as she was such as great companion and comfort when Jess was ill.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center.
Please join us to celebrate the life of our beautiful girl. Memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA.
Marilyn Dobbs
Marilyn Dobbs, 53, of Charlotte, passed away on Feb. 10, 2009 after a courageous 25-month battle with cancer. She was born in Saginaw, Mich., on May 1, 1955 to Alouis and Ruth (Koski) Nearing.
Marilyn graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She worked in various fields of nursing at Marquette General Hospital, Marquette, Mich., St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, Mich., Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Charlotte, and Barry-Eaton District Health Dept., Charlotte and Hastings, Mich. Marilyn retired from the position of nursing director from the health department in Jan. 2008 due to her illness. She was active in statewide nursing programs and was a past president of the Michigan Nursing Forum.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 30 years, Edward J. Dobbs of Charlotte; daughter, Julie Dobbs (Camille Echols) and granddaughter, Ashley Echols-Dobbs of East Point, Ga.; daughter, Jennifer Dobbs of Grand Haven, Mich.; parents, Alouis and Ruth Nearing of Gaylord, Mich.; sister, Cherie (Alan) Nutter of Gaylord, Mich.; brothers, Mark (Deborah) of Gaylord, Mich., and Dan Nearing of Boston, Mass.; nieces, Kyle Nutter, Elizabeth Dobbs, Molly and Meghan Hayden; nephews, David Francis, Craig Dobbs and Alex Nutter, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services are scheduled at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary’s Blvd., Charlotte, on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m.
Memorials may be directed to Eaton Community Hospice, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI and Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan, 1515 Cal Dr., Davison, MI.
Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
Marci Lynn Dolph
Marci Lynn Dolph, 50, of Bellevue, died March 12, 2009 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte.
She was born Sept. 28, 1958 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Ronald and Patricia Sanders, Sr. Her mother died when she was very young and she was raised by her father and stepmother, Virginia (Jones) Sanders. Marci graduated from Bellevue High School in 1976 and worked as a cook at the Riverside Café for 22 years.
Marci married Michael R. Dolph on Oct. 19, 1985 in Bellevue. Michael survives. She is also survived by her daughters, Candace F. Dolph of Charlotte, Kim Nobert of East Lansing; her father, and stepmother, Ronald and Virginia Sanders, Sr. of Zephyrhills, Fla.; brothers, Mark (Shirley) Sanders of Grayling, Brian (Mary Sorgi) Sanders of Mt. Clemens, Ronald (Joann Bilek) Sanders, Jr. of Bellevue; nieces, Nichole (Bob) Helcher of St. Louis, Staci Sanders and Danielle Sanders, both of Bellevue; nephews, Troy and Steve Dolph, Jr. of Battle Creek, Katie Clinkscales, Jay Burger, Sterling Lashley and Courtney Lesher; in-laws, Steve (Barb) Dolph, and Rob Dolph all of Bellevue, Tammy Robbinette of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Alma Louise Dolph of Bellevue; her Aunt Joan and Uncle Dale Goss and cousin Kevin (Debbie) Goss and her beloved pets, Fifi, Sassy, Cubby, Pepe and DJ.
She was preceded in death by her mother, grandparents, Lucille and Clendee Sanders, Mildred and Russ Gordon, Lila and Marion Jones and Lois Janousek.
Services were held Monday, March 16, 2009 at Bellevue United Methodist Church with Pastor Virginia Heller officiating. Interment was in Fort Custer Nation Cemetery.
Memorials may go to American Heart Association. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel in Bellevue.
David Donnell
David Worthington Donnell, born May 30, 1922 in Lansing, passed away peacefully March 4, 2009 at the age of 86.
David was a Sergeant in WWII in the South Pacific with the 1913 Combat Engineers. He was the first construction safety inspector for the State of Michigan and retired in 1984. He was a member of the Great Lakes Offshore Fishing Club and his passions were hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ernestine; children, Deborah (Craig) Taylor, Bruce (Beverly) Donnell; brothers, Stephen (Evelyn) Donnell, Philip Donnell and sister, Joyce (Carl) Bliesener; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Potterville United Methodist Church with Reverend Rebecca Morrison officiating. Interment was in Ft. Custer Nation Cemetery, Augusta, Mich.
The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Potterville United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
Soloman Dowding
Soloman Dowding, age 77, of Onondaga, MI passed away Sunday May 24, 2009 at his home with his family by his side. He was born October 20, 1931 in Eaton County, Michigan to Clifton James and Alma (Bartholomew) Dowding.
Soloman married Patricia Ellen brown on March 31, 1956. He was a wonderful husband and father, a great grandfather, and a true friend. Soloman loved to hunt, fish, and flip quarters. He retired from Mercury Stamping in 1991 with over 30 years of service, was a part-time farmer, and a former volunteer fireman for Onondaga Fire Department. His children will always remember the yearly vacation to Avery Lake no matter how busy their father was.
Soloman is survived by four daughters: Debra (Richard) Rowlee of Springport, Pam (Rocky I) Ireland of Eaton Rapids, Evie (Joel) Johnson of Eaton Rapids, Lori (Gary) Fuller of Rives Junction; son, William (Kitty) Dowding of Onondaga; 20 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. Two brothers: Robert Dowding of Onondaga, Clifton Dowding of Springport; two sisters, Rosemary Dack of Parma, and Rhea Dandurand of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, 2 sisters, and 5 brothers.
Memorial services were held Saturday May 30, 2009 at the Rives Baptist Church, with Pastor Dyke Cyphers officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI.
Paula Drake
Paula D. Drake, 64, of Grand Ledge, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009. Mrs. Drake was born Dec. 9, 1945 in Bloomington, Ill., the daughter of Paul and Mildred (Wolfgang) Vliet.
Mrs. Drake was a paraprofessional for Galewood School.
She is survived by her husband, Prentice; daughter, Valerie and her husband, Sabry Elias; their children, Sophia and Paul of Corvallis, Ore.; son, Matthew Drake of Los Angeles, Calif.; and brother, Dr. Rodney Vliet of LaMirada, Calif.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009 at First Baptist Church, Charlotte, with Dr. Rodney Vliet officiating. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.prayfuneral.com.
Margaret Duris
Margaret Vivian (Church) Duris passed away on Jan. 10, 2009 after a short illness at age 87. Vivian, as she was known, was born in Pontiac in 1921 and grew up in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School.
She married Edward Duris in 1943 and moved to Warren, Mich., where they raised three children. In addition to being a housewife and mother, she also worked as a bookkeeper and a salesclerk in a department store. She retired to Eaton Rapids in 1977 and lived there until 2006 when she moved to Tacoma, Wash., to be near her oldest daughter. Vivian was an active member in the Lutheran Church. Her interests included quilting, reading, family genealogy, current events and baking pies.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by her daughters, Janet and Debbie; son, Edward, Jr. and his wife Fredricka; grandchildren, Thaddeus, Nathanial and Ian; four sisters and one brother and many friends.
Private services were held in Tacoma, Wash., with internment in Eaton Rapids. A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2009.
Donations may be sent to either the Lutheran Retirement Home, 1301 N. Highlands Parkway, Tacoma, WA, 98406 or to the Eaton Rapids Public Library, 200 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.prayfuneral.com.
Ruth Ann Ebright (Barrett)
Ruth Ann Ebright of Springport, Michigan was called home March 28, 2009 at the age of 69.
The daughter of Margaret Fox. Sister of JoAnn Whitman, Peggy Springer and Pamela Williams. Loving wife of 53 years to Tom Ebright. Caring mother of two girls; Penny Warner and Amy Moore and one son, Tim Ebright. Grandmother of seven, Nick Woodworth, Mandy, Brandy and Joshua Nevills, Tabitha Babb, Aliesha Sutton and Allisha Moore and great grandmother to 4.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the Springport VFW on April 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. For those who wish memorial contributions may be made to the Springport VFW or to Allegiance Home Hospice. Arrangements are being handled by the J.C. Adams Funeral Home, Springport Chapel.
Lucile Goff Eckhart
Lucile Goff Eckhart, age 101, passed away on May 25, 2009 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility.
Lucile was born on April 8, 1908, in McLean County, Illinois, the sixth child of Albert and Minnie (Basting) Otto, German Mennonite farmers. She always treasured the memories of her childhood spent on this large farm near Norma, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1930 and began her career of teaching high school Speech and English in Prophetstown, Illinois. Here she met and married her first husband, Sidney B. Goff, M.D. They moved to Eaton Rapids, Michigan in 1941where Dr. Goff bought a medical practice, but was drafted into the Army Medical Corps in 1942. During the war years Lucile stayed in Eaton Rapids with their two children, doing substitute teaching. After his untimely death in 1947, Lucile returned to full time teaching at Eaton Rapids High School, retiring in 1969, giving her more time to enjoy her grandchildren and her summer home on Lake Michigan. She loved the English language and made its proper and creative usage her quest. Her special passions were preparing students for speech contests and coaching plays, her all-time favorite being, “Our Town”. Progressive deafness, which began as a young adult, did not daunt her love of giving speeches or entertaining on programs.
In 1954 she married Dorr Eckhart, a local farmer, and once enjoyed living on a farm until his death in 1971 when she moved back to Eaton Rapids. A very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for 68 years, she served in the Education Department in many capacities and in 1993 was chosen for the 10th Century Woman award by the United Methodist
Women. She also was a member of the U and I Women’s Club, AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, Eaton Co. Chapter and the Sigma Kappa social sorority. Her keen interest in the world and the people around her, a passion for teaching and a determined spirit were hallmarks of her personality that highlighted her entire life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; all her siblings; both husband; and in 2005 her grandson, Danforth David Goff.
She is survived by her children, Marilyn Goff (Leonard) Peters of Eaton Rapids and Danforth O. (Iris) Goff of Lansing, five grandchildren, Steven (Janet) Peters, James (Kathryn) Peters, Jane (Michael) Hourani, Laura (Patrick) Murphy, and Lisa Goff and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving is step-son Robert (Margie) Eckhart of Mason, very special step-granddaughter, Cheryl Eckhart Raymond and two other step-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Daniel Hofmann officiating. Interment took place at Rosehill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids or the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in memory of Lucile. www.shellyodell.com.
