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Funeral Services:

Joseph Eugene Pray, 98, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by the family he spent a lifetime putting first. 

He was the only child of an only child, and in many ways, he spent his whole life proving that a small town, well loved, can hold an entire life’s worth of purpose.

Joe was born on February 17, 1928, in Jackson, Michigan, delivered by a Pray family physician who had yet to deliver a Pray baby boy. He came home to Charlotte, where his parents, Myron and Hazel (Twitchell) Pray, ran Pray & Co. Furniture and Undertaking, along with a bottled-gas delivery business. Joe often said he thought his family was wealthy because of the bicycle his father gave him – until he realized years later it was simply a used one that Myron had taken in trade and had repainted to look brand new. It ended up serving as his paper route transportation for many years.  It was the kind of story he loved to tell.

At Charlotte High School, Joe became something close to a legend. A rare four-sport athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, track, and cross country, and found time to play trombone in the band besides. His senior football team, in 1944, went “scored on once” – with Joe playing end alongside the celebrated Mohre brothers and Don Moore in the backfield. For most of the season, local newspapers described nearly every completed pass as “Mohre to Moore,” until the final game, when the defense expected the same play and Ray Mohre broke pattern, throwing to Joe Pray instead, for the winning score. His family still laughs about it, joking that if the team had been any worse, the headlines would have simply read “Pray, Mohre, Mohre, and Moore.”

That same year, Joe was Michigan’s Class B state champion in the half-mile and placed third in the state in cross country. He held the Charlotte High School half mile record for 25 years. 

He graduated in 1945, third in his class, but first in the heart of the young Laurel Marie Starr. They married on August 19, 1948, and Laurel became his partner in every sense.

Joe completed two years at Michigan State College and his mortuary science training at Wayne State University, apprenticed under his own mother, and earned his Michigan mortuary science license in 1949, formally stepping into the family profession that would define his life for seven decades. 

Laurel liked to say that she quickly discovered she had “a marriage, a house, and a job, all in the same package.” She went on to earn her own mortuary license and together the two of them ran Pray Funeral Home – and Joe also started the family’s ambulance service.

The ambulance years, in particular, left Joe with an incredible memory of the town he served. Family members recall long drives through the countryside with him decades later, listening as he pointed out house after house and recalled, without hesitation, exactly which family he had cared for there, always by name.

Joe’s devotion to Charlotte extended well beyond the funeral home. He served as president of both the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycee’s and was a charter member and past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Charlotte. For roughly twelve years he hosted the WCER radio program Meet Your Neighbor, which aired every weekday morning. He and Laurel also co-chaired Christmas Kiddies for 30 years, gathering brand new clothing, shoes, and toys with donations from the community, which Joe then helped the fire department deliver every Christmas Eve. 

He also served on the planning committee for Charlotte’s 1963 Centennial celebration, even growing a beard for the occasion. The event’s success led directly to the founding of the annual Charlotte Frontier Days festival – a tradition Joe looked forward to every year, participating in every parade and was honored as the 1996 Grand Marshall.  Joe received the Kiwanis Hixson Award, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Clyde A. Fulton Award recognizing his community service.  Generosity to family and community ran as a pattern throughout his entire life.

If the funeral home was Joe’s life’s work, the family cottage in Lake City, Michigan, was his joy. Built in 1963 on Lake Missaukee, the cottage became, in the words of one family member, one of the single greatest gifts Joe gave his family.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Laurel Pray and his parents, Myron and Hazel Pray.  He is survived by his daughter, Teresa (Michael) Dougherty; son, Joe E. (Lori) Pray; grandsons, J. Tyler (Dana) Pray and McLain (Sarah) Pray; great-grandchildren, J. Anders, Alden, Kinley, Emery, and another due in October; sister-in-law, Jeannette Sommer; brother-in-law, David Starr; 21 beloved nieces and nephews; and countless friends, neighbors, and Charlotte community members whose lives he touched over nearly a century.

Friends are encouraged to support Joe’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, August 13, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m., at which time guests will be invited to a short Circle of Memories presentation followed by a Rosary at 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Fr. Bob Bacik and Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation at the church will began at 10 a.m.  Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan.

The funeral 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 Joe’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte or The Community Foundation Pray Family Fund II. Of course, Joe is in the care of his family at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Susan Lynn Valerio of Eaton Rapids passed away July 29, 2026, at the age of 71. Susan was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 5, 1954, the daughter of Paul and Dora Jean (Friese) Ritchey. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and was a loyal member of Vessel of Life Church in Lansing. 

Susan devoted a lot of her time to raising Datsun dogs. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, flower gardening, art and she was a very gifted painter.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Jeffrey Valerio; children, Joseph Hector, Jeffrey (Monica) Valerio, Shamerell Valerio, Carrissa (Dr. Dave Edwards) Valerio, Joseph Valerio; grandchildren, Riley and Oliver Hector, Bella Valerio and Sophia Hector; brother, William (Kathryn) Ritchey. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Paul Ritchey.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving memory of Susan Lynn Valerio. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Sheila Ann Uhl of Eaton Rapids passed away August 6, 2026, at the age of 61. Sheila was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on December 28, 1964, the daughter of Diana (Pringle) Uhl. 

She found comfort in everyday things, a smile, kind words, favorite meals, music, television or simply time spent with those she trusted. Sheila’s gentle presence touched the lives of many, and she will be remembered with affection by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Sheila is survived by her aunt, Leslie (James) Riddell; sister, Shelly (Tim) Erickson; several other aunts, uncles and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Diana Uhl.

A Funeral Service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will immediately follow the service. Interment will take place in Rosehill Cemetery. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Residential Options, DeWitt Road House, 11262 S. DeWitt Rd., DeWitt, Michigan 48820, in loving memory of Sheila Ann Uhl. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Delena Virginia Kelly of Eaton Rapids passed away July 31, 2026, at the age of 82. Delena was born in Paragould, Arkansas, on November 1, 1943, the daughter of Sylvester and Thelma (Lee) Cameron. 

She dedicated many years of service to Auto-Owners Insurance. Outside of work, Delena embraced the outdoors and found joy in many hobbies. She was an accomplished trap shooter and enjoyed hunting and bass fishing. Her greatest passion was her love of horses. She participated in horse shows throughout the years and cherished the time she spent caring for and riding them. Her love for animals was evident to everyone who knew her. Delena also enjoyed sewing and creating handmade items for family and friends. A faithful member of Grace Baptist Church, her faith was an important part of her life.

Delena is survived by her husband, Donald Kelly; children, Teresa (Randy) Auge, Allen (Angela) Kelly; grandchildren, Ray (Brittney) Auge, Brett Auge, Donnie Kelly, Raven Kelly; great grandchild, Maddox Auge; brother, Darrell (Nolita) Cameron; special “son,” Mike (Kathie) Kleinfelt, as well as many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Janette Tackett.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at Bunker Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church in loving memory of Delena Virgina Kelly. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Douglas “Wade” Hoffman, a devoted father, proud veteran, and cherished community leader, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, at the age of 77.

Wade was born on July 1, 1949, at the historic Stimson Hospital in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to the late Kenneth and Mary Hoffman. Eaton Rapids became the anchor of his life—it was the city where he grew up, raised his family, and built a lifetime of deep roots.

Following his honorable service in the United States Army, Wade dedicated his professional career to General Motors, retiring after many years of loyal service.

Deeply committed to his community, Wade was a tireless volunteer and natural leader. He poured his heart into making Eaton Rapids a better place, actively serving organizations such as the March of Dimes, the Eaton Rapids Historical Society, Safety Town USA, and the annual Burn Camp.  He was also a past member of the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene where he served on the board and as treasurer.  Wade was currently attending grace Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids.  

To his children, Wade was the ultimate role model and the “coolest dad around.” Instantly recognizable by his trademark mustache, he was a passionate hot rod enthusiast who filled the family driveway with classic American muscle cars. An avid outdoorsman, Wade loved fishing, hunting, and sports – passions he joyfully passed down to his children.

Wade possessed a rare magic; he genuinely loved people and never met a stranger. Whether stopping for a quick coffee or taking a road trip, he turned every brief encounter into a deep conversation. Blessed with a sharp, wonderfully unique sense of humor, he was the undisputed master of the “dad joke,” leaving behind a legacy of laughter.

In addition to his parents, Wade was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Hoffman, and his brother, Robert Hoffman.

Wade’s loving legacy lives on through his family: his wife, Ann Hoffman; his brother, Charlie Hoffman; his daughter, Julie Hoffman; and his four sons, Chad J. Hoffman, Christopher M. (Carrie) Hoffman, Gregory M. Hoffman, and Jason M. Hoffman; step-son, Daniel Reed (Fiancé Melissa Bunker). He is also survived by ten cherished grandchildren who will proudly carry his stories, warmth, and laughter forward.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.  The family will receive friends on Monday, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Tuesday starting at 10 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wade’s honor to the Eaton Rapids Historical Society or the annual Burn Camp – two causes close to his generous heart.

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Funeral Services:

Jean McVie Parr, age 85, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Onondaga and Coldwater, was called home to heaven on July 16, 2026, under the loving care of Country Acres Assisted Living. 

Jean was born in Paisley, Scotland, on July 5, 1941, the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Pattison. She worked as a hairdresser in Scotland until she moved to the United States at the age of 19 with her first husband. Jean worked as a secretary at a school in Grand Rapids until she met the love of her life, Ed Parr. In 1973 they married and have since enjoyed 53 years together of life, travel, and happiness. They lived in Onondaga and her generous and kind spirit made her an excellent salesperson in the Lansing area. 

Jean and Ed traveled around the United States and the world. They wintered in Florida, made wonderful memories on their trip to South Dakota, returned to Scotland many times, and visited Spain. They sold their house in Onondaga and made their home along a lakeshore in Coldwater, Michigan. Jean loved living on the lake and being able to go fishing at any time. Along with fishing and traveling, she loved dancing and working in her vegetable and flower gardens. 

With the decline of her health, Jean and Ed agreed to move to Eaton Rapids to be closer to family. Jean will be remembered as being a wonderful person full of generosity and spontaneity.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Archibald Pattison of Vancouver, BC. She is survived by her loving husband, Edwin A. Parr; brother, Thomas Pattison of Paisley, Scotland; special friends, Phillip and Martha Dack; and adopted son, Jon Staton.

Services honoring Jean’s life were held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Vickers Leslie Funeral Home located at 109 N. Church Street in Leslie, Michigan. Visitation began at noon until the service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Toby Teague officiating. 

Jean will be laid to rest at East Lawn Memory Garden in Okemos, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 or online at adoptlansing.org. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.

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Funeral Services:

Judith Diane Morgan of Eaton Rapids passed away July 14, 2026, at the age of 84. Judith was born in Mason, Michigan on January 26, 1942, the daughter of Ernest and Marcella (Higbie) Burlew. 

She married the love of her life, Jack, on June 12, 1964. Judith was a schoolteacher at Lockwood Elementary in Eaton Rapids. She and Jack attended Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. Judith was very involved in the church. She was a board member, helped with missions, taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and helped with funeral luncheons. Judith was known for her handwritten letters and cards to family, friends and church members. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing for people. Judith was an angel and will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Judith is survived by her husband, Jack Morgan; children, Heather Fuller, Christopher (Karen) Morgan, Matthew (Suzette) Morgan; grandchildren, Amber, Kelsey, Jonathan, Morgan, Nicole, Kiana, Khai; great grandchildren, Emmalyn, Kyle, Trey, Charlie, Brady, Carter, Emmett; brother, Larry (Linda) Burlew; sister-in-law, Betty Burlew; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Norman Burlew; sister, Nancy Allison.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Judith Diane Morgan. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Larry Herman Schulze, age 87, passed away August 4, 2026. He was born on November 20, 1938 in Charlotte, Michigan to William Schulze and Bertha (Debler) Schulze. Larry proudly served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. When he returned to the states he farmed with his aunt and uncle, Mary and Niles Litchfield, for several years.

In 1963 Larry started working at Lansing Heat Treat, later Atmosphere Annealing. He helped set up four heat treats in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. He retired in 2003.

In October, of 1960 he married Rosella “Suzie” Janousek who survives him, along with their remaining daughter, Danette Minnie; daughter-in-law, Karen Schulze; son-in-law Dave Conklin; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Gabe Bulock) Schulze, Larry William Schulze, Brianna (Richard) Thomas, Thomas Minnie, Aaron Minnie, and Autumn Minnie; six great-grandchildren, Caleb Wightman, Avery Thomas, Morgan Robison, Carter Schulze, Jordan Schulze and Lucian Minnie. Larry was predeceased by his parents; son Stephen Schulze; daughter Barbara Conklin; grandson, Rhoby Conklin.

Larry loved traveling and camping with the grandchildren. He loved the outdoors and Lake Michigan was a favorite place. 

Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating.  Interment will take place in Gresham Cemetery.  

The funeral 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 Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Belinda Kuch, born on April 6, 1964, in San Juan, Texas, passed away on August 1, 2026 in Bellevue, Michigan. Her life spanned 62 years filled with the warmth of family, the joy of simple pleasures, and a steadfast love for those she held dear.

A proud graduate of Holt High School, Belinda was a member of the class of 1982. Throughout her life, she remained devoted to her family and community, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. Her fun-loving spirit and caring nature were evident to all who knew her.

Belinda found happiness in many small, cherished pursuits. She loved going to garage sales, always searching for hidden treasures that brought joy both to herself and those she treasured. An avid rockhound, she delighted in the simple beauty of nature’s offerings. She also enjoyed collecting clocks. Her creative talents shone through in her sewing and crafts.

As a Girl Scout Troop Leader during her daughters’ formative years, Belinda dedicated herself to fostering courage and friendship in young girls, shaping countless lives along the way.

Above all, Belinda’s heart belonged to her family. She loved cooking for them, and her homemade tamales were a staple at family gatherings, creating traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations. She especially treasured the role of grandmother, finding immense joy in the company of her only granddaughter, Hannah.

Belinda is survived by her husband of 37 years, Matt; her children, David Kuch, Jessica (Justin) McGinty, Samantha (Paul) Smith; her granddaughter, Hannah; brothers, Jim (Tina) Garcia, Jamie (Julie) Garcia; many nieces, nephews, friends; and last but not least, her little dog, Jo-Jo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cipriano and Lucia (Garza) Garcia.

To view Belinda’s obituary or to leave condolences online for her family, please visit her personal page at www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com 

Following Belinda’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Karen Ann Willison, 56, of Charlotte, Michigan, a generous and faithful woman who found joy in serving others, died on July 28, 2026. Karen was born on January 15, 1970, the daughter of Jack and Shirley (King) Willison.

Karen graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1988. Quiet and compassionate by nature, she dedicated much of her life to helping others, especially the elderly. She also volunteered by assembling care packages for military families, always looking for ways to encourage those in need.

A woman of deep faith, Karen cherished attending women’s retreats and was an active member of Nashville Baptist Church before later joining South Church in Lansing. Her relationship with God was the foundation of her life and guided her caring spirit.

Karen had a lifelong love of books. She enjoyed not only the stories themselves but also learning about the authors who wrote them, appreciating the people behind each book. She also looked forward to Friday night bowling league with friends and found simple pleasures in life, whether capturing the perfect photograph on her iPad or taking pride in keeping her lawn neatly mowed.

Karen faithfully served the people of Michigan as a data processing clerk for the Bureau of Elections, where she worked for more than 25 years. She was known for her dedication, kind heart, and warm hugs, which brought comfort and joy to those around her.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Karen is survived by her father, Jack Willison and stepmother, Linda; sister, Lori (Tim) Gerard; brother, Mike (Judy) Willison; and nieces and nephews Chris (Jenn) Gerard, Kevin (Lydia) Gerard, Josh (MaKala) Gerard, Kari Gerard, Ana Willison, Alex (Hailey) Willison; great niece, Sarah Gerard; and great nephew, Paul Gerard.  She was predeceased by her mother, Shirley.

Friends are encouraged to support Karen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial services are Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at 11a.m. at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating.

The funeral 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 Karen’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Nashville Baptist Church, South Church of Lansing or your charity of choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.