Lansing State Journal from Lansing, Michigan • Page A5

EOPLE OURNAL www.lsj.com Lansing State 5A James B. McKee Grand Rapids James B. McKee, age 95 of Grand Rapids, born June 8, 1919 in Detroit, Michigan, died Monday, February 9, 2015. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Alice McKee (in 2003) and his three sisters, June, Lucille, and Betty. Surviving are his brother, Kenneth (Lee) McKee of Canton, MI; sons, Bruce McKee of Knoxville, TN, Douglas (Karen) McKee of Grand Rapids, MI, Ronald McKee of East Lansing, MI; grandchildren, Megan Cornish, Katherine McKee, Michael McKee, Kelly McKee and Nicole McKee, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim lived a long and exceptionally full life that included a childhood in depression-era Detroit, service in the U.S. Army in the European theater in World War II, post-secondary education at Wayne State University (B.A. and M.S. degrees) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (Ph.D. in Sociology, 1949) and a distinguished career as Professor of Sociology at Oberlin College (1950-1955), University of Toledo (19551959), and Michigan State University (MSU, 1959-1985) and Emeritus Professor of Sociology at MSU (1985-2015).

Among the many highlights of scholarly career are his textbook Study of three editions of which introduced sociology to countless students during the and and his book and the Race Problem: The Failure of a for which he received the 1955 Distinguished Publication Award from the American Sociological Association. Jim was also a talented public speaker, a dedicated and popular teacher and a much-sought-after thesis advisor. His many teaching contributions were recognized with the university and profession in many ways, most notably as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at University of Toledo in the as co-founder the public policy-oriented James Madison residential college at MSU in the as a longtime member of the MSU Faculty Senate where he served as a forceful advocate for faculty and student issues, and as President of the North Central Sociological Association. In addition to his scholarly interest, im was also a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team and MSU Spartans football team. Jim was a devoted husband and father and a dedicated scholar and teacher, and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and former students.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Eggebeen-Gerst, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE E. Paris I-96 www.gerstfuneralhomes.com David Roger Southwell Eaton Rapids Passed away peacefully February 25, 2015 at the age of 76. He was born in Eaton Rapids, May 29, 1938, the son of David and Merle (Battley) Southwell.

David was a 1956 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and enlisted with the United States Air Force serving from 1956 to 1960. David retired from General Motors after 33 years. He loved animals and music, played the baritone and enjoyed tennis, golf and bowling. David is remembered by many as helping coach little league baseball. He was a member of United Methodist Church, sang in the choir for many years and the Kiwanis Club.

David was awarded the Hixon Honor for his service with the Kiwanis Club. David is survived by his wife Sharon Southwell; sons, Gregory (Sandy) Southwell of Eaton Rapids, Geoffrey Southwell of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Samantha Southwell of Troy, Andrew Southwell of East Lansing, Ryan (Jenelle) Southwell of NC, Kirsten Southwell of OR, Robbie Southwell of NC. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Katherine Marjorie Squires and Ruth Ann Vincent. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in memory to the Eaton Rapids Band Boosters, 800 State St.

or the Association, 2111 University Park Suite 200 Okemos, MI 48864. Arrangements were entrusted to the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences or to sign the guest register, www. shellyodell.com. Frances Dean East Lansing Frances Dean age 99 died February 24, 2015.

She was born October 4, 1915 in St. Joseph, MI to Edyth and Henry J. Keller, grew up in St. Joseph and graduated from high school there. She attended Olivet College and was a member of the SoronianSorority.

Frances graduated from Western Michigan University and taught fourth grade in Brighton from 19371941. In 1941, she was married to Leland W. Dean who died in 1996. From 1954 1958 she taught kindergarten at Marble School in East Lansing. She was a member of the East Lansing Club, Michigan State University Faculty Folk, the P.E.O.

sisterhood (Chapter BB), the Sparrow Hospital Escort Services and the Okemos Community Church. Fran enjoyed her family and friends, playing bridge, sewing, reading and following Spartan athletics. She is survived by 3 children, Janet (John) Fuzak, David (Renee) Dean, and Deborah (Danial) Stolz; 5 grandchildren, Matthew (Kristen), Michael and Kellie Dean, and Scott and Emily Stolz; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions in memory Frances Dean to Burcham Hills Foundation, 2700 Burcham Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823 or Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864.

On-line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com. A Leeth Lansing A Leeth, born July 26, 1928 to Giles and Wava (Turner) Leeth, passed away February 25, 2015 at the age of 86. Mr. Leeth was a lifelong resident of Lansing. He was a veteran of the Korean War and honorably discharged.

He worked for Lansing Candy and Cigar and Heartland Distributors. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife Joyce of 66 years and his son Robert Leeth, both of Lansing. Funeral services, officiated by Rev. Charles Krueger, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E.

Michigan Avenue in Lansing. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, February 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing. Those desiring may make contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 3100 West Road, Suite 100, East Lansing, MI 48823, or Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910, in memory of Mr. Leeth.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com EATHS UNERALS For paid obituary notices, call 377-1104 Lansing Dennis Ray, 74, of Lansing, U.S. Navy veteran, tool machinist, died Wednesday. Private ervices will be held. A rrangements by Tiffa- Funeral Home.

K. 86, of Lansing, retired whole- sale dispatcher, died Wednesday. Services 11 a Saturday at Gors line Runciman Funeral omes, Lansing Chapel. Alma Keith Reginald, 77, of Alma, former farmer, died Wednesday. Memorial services 3 p.m.

Sunday at Forest Hill Church of Christ, Alma. Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. ouis Chapel. DeWitt Catherine 73, of DeWitt and Decatur, retired healthcare quality assurance manager, died Monday. Memorial ervices noon Saturday at Catholic Community of St.

Jude, DeWitt. Arrangements by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel. East Lansing Dorothy, 89, of East Lansing, registered nurse, died Wednesday. Visitation noon to 2 p.m. March 7 a Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East hapel, East Lansing.

Charles 95, East Lansing, form erly of Mason, retired Tea Company tore manager, died Wednesday. Services 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Mason. Arrangements by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Ball Dunn Chapel, Mason. Grand Ledge James 79, of Grand Ledge, retired state criminal justice attorney, died Tuesday.

Visitation 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Palmer, Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel. Holt Dennis Dale, 69, of Holt, retired East Lansing Fire Department firefighter, died Tuesday. Services noon today at Palmer, Bush and Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Holt Chapel.

Howell John 73, of owell, Copeland Construction employee and Excavating own- died Tuesday. Mem orial services 2 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Howell. Arrangements by Niblack Funeral Home, Dillingham Liverance Chapel, Fowlerville. Lyons Township Theodore James, 83, of Lyons Township, formerly of outh Haven and Lans ing, retired salesman, ied Feb.

15. Private ervices will be held. A rrangements by Lake Funeral Home, Ionia. Okemos Marcelle 90, of Okemos, died Thursday. Private services will be held.

Arrangements by Skinner Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel. Onondaga Patricia Collins (Collins), 69, of Onondaga, artist, died Feb. 18. Memorial services 2 Saturday at Unitarian Universalist hurch, East Lansing. Arrangements by helly-Odell Funeral ome, Eaton Rapids.

St. Johns Michelle 24, St. Johns, student, ied Wednesday. Visita- ion 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St.

Johns. Elsewhere W. Harold 94, of Gregory, died Wednesday. Services 11 a.m. Saturday at Niblack Funeral Home, Dillingham Liverance Chapel, Fowlerville.

Julie 55, of Wayland, formerly of Williamston, died Wednesday. Visitation 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston Chapel. Molly 64, of Hastings, retired cosmetic consultant, died Feb.

24. Services 2 p.m. Tuesday at Daniels uneral Home, Nashville. Deaths FRIDAY, FEB. 27 FOOD AND DRINK Friday Night Fish Dinners, p.m.

Fridays, through March 27. Messiah Lutheran Church, 5740 Holt Road, Holt. Baked or fried fish, hot dogs, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, rolls, homemade ies and other desserts, everages, coffee or punch. Takeout a vailable. Proceeds will benefit local community rojects and charities.

Info: 694-1280. Cost: $10, $9 for seniors 60 and older, $5 for children 5-9, free for kids 4 and younger. Knights of Columbus Fish ry, 4-7 p.m. Fridays, through April 3. Knights of Columbus, 5 300 N.

Grand River Lansing. All-you-can-eat baked and fried pollock, fried smelt, baked potato, fries, macaroni and heese, coleslaw, rolls and coffee. Other beverages and desserts available for purchase. Cheese pizza available for children at no extra cost. Take- ut orders available by calling ahead.

Info: 321-2209, www.kofc788.org. Cost: $10, $9 from 4-5 p.m., $5 for children 5-12, free for kids 4 and younger. St. Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, 4-7 p.m. Fridays, through March 27.

Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801N. Bridge DeWitt. Baked and fried fish, macaroni and cheese, fries, baked potato, breadsticks, coleslaw and beverages. Takeout available.

Info: 669-6049. Cost: $9, $8 from 4-5 p.m. and for ake-out, $8 seniors, $5 children 12 and younger, $30 family. FUNDRAISERS Thrifty Sparrow Re-Sale Shop: Hospice fundraiser, 8 a.m.- noon Mondays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, 2-5 Fridays through March.

Sparrow Hospital, St. Lawrence campus, Outpatient Building, ower level, 1210 W. Saginaw Lansing. Quality clothing for the family mostly priced at $2, plus hundreds of other items including small appliances, linens, crafts, books, jewelry, handbags, all decor, dishes and collectibles. Surprise specials everyday.

Donations welcome during shop hours. Proceeds benefit Sparrow Hospice Services. Info: 364-7185. VENTS ALENDAR ONLINE EXTRA Find more events online at www.lsj.com. 809 E.

Michigan, Lansing Shop our website www.jonanthony.com LJ-0100291592 0291592 Mt. HOPE MONUMENT CO. 2529 E. MT. HOPE AVE.

LANSING, MI 2 MONUMENTS MARKERS PLAQUES Call Lorri Miller at 517-482-6266 www.mthopemonument.com a3-1vote, they accepted the language proposed the Secretary of director of elections Chris Thomas. Board member Norm Shinkle voted against the anguage, saying he anted it amended to give more prominence to the fact that the proposal raised the sales tax from 6percent to 7 percent. This is a very comp lex proposal based on i nterplay of changing the constitution and the laws of he said. The Safe Roads Yes Committee, the coalition supporting the proposal, submitted proposed language for the ballot, along with six opponents of the proposal: the Coalition Against Higher Taxes; Pat Anderson, a ansing economic ana- lyst; former state Rep. om McMillin, R-Rochester Hills; former Oakland County Commissioner Sue Ann Douglas, a Rochester Republican; John Milne of Saginaw a nd John LaPietra, a Green Party candidate for Attorney General in 2014.

Those seven propos- a ls were submitted to homas, who came up with a final draft of language submitted to the Board of Canvassers for final approval. he challenge was oming up with no more han 100 words to describe the ballot proposal, that would raise the state sales tax from to and distribute the money to roads, transit, schools, low-income Michiganders and local governments. Contact Kathleen Gray: 517-372-8661, or on Twitter Roads Continued from Page 3A BALLOT WORDING APROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO INCREASE THE TAX FROM TO TO REPLACE AND SUPPLEMENT REDUCED REVENUE TO THE CHOOL AID FUND AND LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT CAUSED BY THE ELIMINATION OF THE TAX ON GASOLINE AND DIESEL FUEL FOR VEHICLES OPERATING ON UBLIC ROADS, AND TO GIVE EFFECT TO LAWS THAT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MONEY FOR ROADS AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES BY INCREASING THE GAS TAX AND VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES. he proposed constitutional amendment would: Eliminate sales use taxes on gasoline diesel fuel for vehicles on public roads. Increase portion of use tax dedicated to School Aid Fund (SAF).

Expand use of SAF to community colleges and career echnical education, and prohibit use for 4-year colleges niversities. Give effect to laws, including those that: Increase sales se tax to as authorized by constitutional amendment; Increase gasoline diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for i nflation, increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and other transportation purposes; Exp and competitive bidding and warranties for road projects; I ncrease earned income tax credit. Should this proposal be adopted? Yes or No. KIRTHMON FREE PRESS Potholes along Southfield Road in Southfield. DELTA Awoman charged in her elderly death denies that she contributed to the death by neglecting her mother, her attorney said Thursday.

theory is that my client was responsible for s) care, and that my neglect was the cause of her said Charlotte attorney Lucas Dillon, who represents Robin Sanford. we are disputing that to the fullest Robin Sanford, 53, and her 23-year-old son, Tyler Sanford, are charged with involuntary manslaughter and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse in connection with the death of Nancy Belen, 76, of Lansing, authorities said. Belen shared a room with her daughter and grandson at the Red Roof Inn in Delta Township for several years before dying in January 2014 from medical problems that had gone untreated, Eaton County Sheriff officials said. was unable to care for herself, and the people she relied on to do that failed to care for her and it led to her Eaton County Sheriff Capt. Tim Jungel said.

Robin Sanford was formally arraigned on the charges Wednesday in 56A District Court and is being held in the Eaton County Jail. A hearing to determine if she should stand trial on the charges is set for March 1 6. yler Sanford is set to be arraigned March 4, officials said. Belen had been neglected for some before she was discovered near death in her hotel room, Jungel said. She died on Jan.

18, 2014, according to a death notice published in the Lansing State Journal. The notice said she was a retired billing specialist at Ingham Regional Medical Center, now know as McLaren Greater Lansing. Robin bond was set at $50,000. Dillon said ask that be reduced. The case is complex and could take a long time to litigate.

anticipate this will be he said. It was not clear if Tyler Sanford has legal representation. Manslaughter and first-degree vulnerable adult abuse are punishable by up to 15 years. Daughter denies neglect in death of mother, 76 By Ken Palmer and Christopher Behnan.