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Dorothy R. Davis

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Dorothy Rae Davis went to her heavenly home on December 29, 2021 at her home in Mason, Michigan. She passed from natural causes and was surrounded by her family. Dorothy was born on April 2, 1929 to Ray Otto Carpenter and Lois Ellen Carpenter (Hooper) in Calhoun County Michigan. She lived on their farm in Olivet for most of her childhood and attended Olivet Public Schools. After graduation she was employed as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell in Charlotte and married Virgil Dean Davis on December 20, 1947. She lived with her husband and four children in Charlotte Michigan for most of her adult life and retired from AT&T in Lansing MI after 41 years of service.
Dorothy enjoyed traveling, walking, reading, flower gardening, playing dominoes and Euchre with family, as well as cooking and entertaining family in her home. Dorothy and her husband Virgil enjoyed camping with their children and family most of all. They camped throughout Michigan, the United States, and Canada. They were property owners at Lakes of the North near Gaylord, Michigan and spent many weeks there with family and friends every year. Dorothy began attending the annual Mackinaw Bridge Walk with her family and was proud to have walked more than 100 miles across the straights of Mackinaw on Labor Day. Dorothy and Virgil also loved RVing around the country and had a special fondness of the Smokey Mountains in the spring and Sedona, Arizona in the winter months.
Dorothy was an active member in the Communication Workers of America and The Red Hat Society, as well as a volunteer for the Eaton County Meals on Wheels Program. She was a volunteer and board member of the Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association (horseback riding program for children with disabilities) as well as a Cub Scout leader.
Dorothy was a loving and devoted mother who often said her children were her legacy. Anyone who knew her thought she was the kindest person they had ever met. It is her children’s hope her legacy will live on through the life lessons she taught. Some of the most important lessons included actively reaching out and taking care of your family, spending time every day being grateful, forgiving all (even when they don’t ask for it), taking care of the vulnerable, and immersing yourself in the awesomeness of nature.
Dorothy is survived by her sister Charlene Masters, son Michael (Nancy) Davis, son Mark (Chris) Davis, daughter Jodi (Jeremy) Brace, and her daughter-in-law Debra Davis. She is also survived by her grandchildren Mery, Kristal, Nicholas, Melissa, Nicole, Michael and Matthew, as well as seven great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lois Carpenter, husband Virgil Davis, son Greg Davis, sister Betty (Winton) Hice, sister Jean (Robert) Denbrock, brother Dennis (Patricia) Carpenter, and sister-in-law Margie Godfrey.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association (1790 Packard Hwy. Charlotte, MI 48813) or Sparrow Home Hospice (1210 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48915).
To view Dorothy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Nancy D. Courtright

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Nancy Diane (Wehr) Courtright, of Charlotte, passed away on December 25, 2021 with loved ones by her side. Nancy was born on February 21, 1945 to Rex and Dora (Stanke) Wehr. Nancy graduated from Charlotte High School. She was a lifelong resident of Charlotte. She was a strong, independent, kind-hearted woman who was always thinking of others, and always quick to help anyone in need. She enjoyed visiting with her family and friends.
Nancy was a proud UAW member working at Fisher Body and retiring from GM. She had a good sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. She was very creative and enjoyed doing all types of crafts. Nancy was fondly known as Ma Kerns to her many “adopted” children.
She is survived by her children, Anthony (Deborah) Kerns, Tamra (Lewis) Betts, and Jeffrey (Larenda) Kerns; sister Jacqueline (Nolan) Spotts; brother David (Tanya) Wehr; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother and father; grandmother, Tillie Stanke; brother, William Wehr; sister-in-law Kaylene Wehr; nephews, Michael Emenhiser and Steven Wehr; and great niece, Cierra Lopez.
Per Nancy’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date.

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Ortha M. Smith

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Ortha Marlene Smith, 89 of Charlotte died with her family by her side on December 28th 2021. Ortha was born on August 2 1932, daughter of Earl & Vera Carmoney in Charlotte at a family home. She attended needmore country school and then continued her education at Charlotte High School. Shortly after she turned 18, Ortha married Ivan Smith. She started working in the restaurant business, including her own “Rainbows End” in Potterville and cooking for a gold mine in Alaska. She always made sure anyone or anything that would eat was fed, and fed well! Ortha had also ran her own cleaning company for awhile, “Let Us Do it”. She always was wanting whatever was best for the kids. As she said “it’s all about the kids”. Ortha loved all children and fostered many in her younger years as well. Ortha had an exceptional way of making everyone feel special and welcomed. Not many came by without giving up a hug. She especially loved children and her K-9 family. She always excepted everyone as they are and has always been known for her wit and sass.
Ortha is predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Ivan Smith of Charlotte, siblings, Yvonne, Lavora, Mattie, George and her parents. She is survived by daughters, Lisa (Mike) Brady, Marlene (Bob) Hunt, Andrea (Ken) Symonds, all of Charlotte. Grandchildren, Trina (Greg) Powers, Mitchell (Alli) Brady, Neisha (Blake) Ried, Cameron Montegue, Cyler and Kenneth Symonds and Travis Hunt. And a handful of special great grandchildren, Kylee, Austin, Joe and Zach. The family will have a celebration of life at a further date with family and friends.

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Esther L. Clark

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Esther Lucile (Greenfield, Smith) Clark of Battle Creek passed away on December 31, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
Esther was born April 16, 1926 at home in Eaton County to Ralph and Ethelyn (Cook) Greenfield. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1944 and married Delton E. Smith in 1945. They raised three daughters together until his passing in 1963. In 1966, she married Harry R. Clark, who brought two sons to the family. They resided in Banfield until Harry’s death in 2011.
Esther worked as a typesetter at the Bellevue Gazette and at Security National Bank in Bellevue, but most of her life was spent at home as a wife and mother. Esther’s motto was “Bloom where you are planted”.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, brothers Gary and Donald Greenfield; sisters Gladys Greenfield and Ruth Allerding and grandson Patrick Clark.
She is survived by her siblings, Alice Fager of Waterdown, Ontario; Phyllis Whitcomb of Nashville; Mary (Arnie Diehl) Barrick of Nashville; and Linda (Jack) Willison of Bellevue; her daughters Gloria (Larry) Porter of Hastings; Julie (John Stracey) Norton of Harbor Springs; Diana Avery of Battle Creek; and stepsons David (Bonnie) Clark of Richland and Tim Clark of Kaukauna, WI. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Sean (Jennie) Korloch of Dowling; Tami (Mark Dickinson) of Charlotte; Chris (Masami) Norton of Guam and Austin, Texas; Jennie (Mike) Williams of Galloway, New Jersey; Angie (Richard) Kabel; Leslie (Tyelor McCracken) Clark, Jim (Mindy) Clark, Grace (Zach Jackson) Clark and Josh (Jocelyn) Clark in addition to many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue on Friday, January 7 at 11 a.m. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N Elizabeth St, Bellevue, MI 49021. 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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Nancy Rae Parsons

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Nancy Rae Parsons of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the age of 79. Nancy was born on December 19, 1942 in Battle Creek, MI the daughter of Ray and Lillian (Williams) Hocott. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated in the class of 1961 and went on to receive an Associate Degree from Western Michigan University. She married the love of her life, Ron Parsons on March 20, 1965 and together they had two children. Nancy worked as an executive secretary at Oldsmobile for five years, then after being a stay at home mom, she embarked on a very successful real estate career. She worked for Century 21, then was the co-owner of Main Street Realtors, then on to Re/Max Home Pros before retiring from Laura DeLong Realty. Nancy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids where she was involved with numerous groups and activities through the years. She loved shopping, vacationing, a good cup of coffee, Michigan State sports and she really loved going out for lunch or dinner. Nancy was above all a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend who cherished her family and especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren whom lovingly referred to her as Nana. She will always be known for her wonderful smile.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Lillian Hocott; sisters, Mary DeMaso and Sally Brown; nephew Tom DeMaso.
Surviving are her husband, Ron Parsons; son, Ryan (Sarah Lauderdale); daughter, Carrie (Kirk) Wiltse; grandchildren, Athena Ellsworth-Wiltse, Winter Wiltse, Darren Parsons, Tanner Parsons and numerous nieces, nephews extended family and friends.
Services were held at on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Maplewood Adult Foster Care in memory of Nancy. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuenralHomes.com.

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Marcus C. Schiavi

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Markus Cezar Schiavi, age 43 from Charlotte passed away on December 21, 2021. He worked as an Inspector at Shyft. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home.

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Sharon K. Hines

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Sharon Kay Hines, age 76 passed away on December 27, 2021. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 3 at Pray Funeral Home.

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John S. Homer, Ph.D.

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John Selby Homer, Ph.D., 81, of Olivet, Michigan passed away on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in a car accident in Charlotte, Michigan.
John was born on March 2, 1940, to Arthur and Florence (Selby) Homer in Hinsdale, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Western Michigan University and his master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Economics from the University of Hawai’i. He has been teaching Economics and various interdisciplinary studies at Olivet College for the past 42 years.
John married Joan Garthe on December 22, 1980. He and Joan were active members of Olivet Congregational Church.
John is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Joan Garthe as well as his children: Anna (Rusty) McBride of Whitehall, Michigan, Arthur (Autumn) Homer of Battle Creek, Michigan, Elizabeth Homer of Washington DC, Andrew Homer of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Katherine Homer of Olivet, Michigan. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sean McBride, Sam McBride, Kirby Homer, Gavin Homer and Easton Homer as well as his sister Mary (Richard) Blackney of Florida.
Dr. Homer’s passion was teaching and the connections he made with students. He touched 1,000’s of lives through the years with his caring personality and his ability to make students feel seen and heard. Dr. Homer was a leader in throwback educational practices and was very well known for requiring his students to hand write essays, always in cursive. He felt it aided in content retention and upon finishing one of his classes it was very hard to argue the point. All of this was done in the age of software that will correct your grammar and spelling.
Dr. Homer won numerous awards at Olivet College and the majority of them were voted on by the students. You would be hard pressed to meet an Olivet College alumni who didn’t know Dr. Homer and usually the conversation was followed up by the words, “he was my favorite professor”.
Besides teaching John was a very active member in the community of Olivet and seemingly knew everyone. He loved to hunt and fish with friends. He was an avid reader who also loved gardening and watching Star Trek. He was affectionately known as “the water boy” to the Olivet College Football Team, “the grill king” during Night on The Town events and was very active with the Olivet High School band and enjoyed these various roles. He also assisted with the long jump on the Olivet High School track team and would go to the state meet every year to “rake the pit”.
Dr. Homer was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate Dr. Homer’s life will be announced in early 2022.Memorial contributions can be made to the John Homer Memorial Scholarship through Olivet College.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan. Please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
It has been said that a person has succeeded in life if they have made the world a better place through uplifting people and making them better. Dr. Homer fulfilled this role tenfold.

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Vada Kenney

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Vada Mae Jones Kenney, Charlotte, Michigan, entered the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the age of 87. She was born July 2, 1934, in Lansing, MI. to Otto Orval Jones and Noveda Mae (Wood) Jones. True strength doesn’t draw attention to itself, and Vada was the epitome of quiet strength. She was an overcomer from day one and throughout her entire life, overcoming challenges that would stymie the average person. She and husband Merl raised 7 children together and celebrated 61 anniversaries. They both survived a horrible car accident in 1969 by the grace of God. She was unwavering in her faith in her Lord and inspired others with her gentle ways of expressing God’s love to others.  Vada was a member of South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte starting in 1955. She volunteered for many positions, taught Sunday School and served on the Board and received the Woman of the Year in 2002. She began working in 1977 for Ingham County MSU Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program as a supervisory aide. After retiring in 1996, she worked for McDonalds in Charlotte for over 7 years. Hobbies included reading, fabric painting, crossword puzzles and baking; going out to breakfast on Thursday mornings with her friends, always having a joke ready to share. She was a Boy Scout Leader, sold Artex paints, Avon products, worked at the youth center and volunteered at the Senior Center in Lansing. She loved to watch Spartan football, the Green Bay Packers, and March Madness when the Spartans were playing. She loved to watch Perry Mason, skating on TV and watching the animals in the woods out her window. She was always noticing an “animal” or some formation in the clouds. She was a collector of giraffes, butterflies and salt & pepper shakers.
Vada was pre-deceased by her parents, Otto Orval Jones (1988) and Noveda Mae Wood Jones (2007); husband, Merl G. Kenney (2013); sons, Orval L. Kenney (2017) and Charles F. Kenney (2020); daughter-in-law, Antonia (Van Belois) Kenney (2019); sister, Ilene Jones (1952); brother, Erwin Otto Jones (2021), granddaughter, Tara Hope (2014), and still-born great grandson, Steven Parmelee (1998).
Surviving are her children, Marilyn (Phil) Parmelee of Charlotte, Virginia (Jesse) Kenney-Sweet of Mason, Merl “George” (Sherry) Kenney of Charlotte, (Tammi) Kenney of Lake Odessa, Paul Kenney of Victoria, Tx, and Noveda (David) Nighbert of Charlotte, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will greatly miss her.
The Celebration of Life was held Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. with visitation from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the South Cochran Church of God, 2470 South Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI. Friend and family are encouraged to share memories of Vada on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Arrangements made by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Nancy Jane Cohrs

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Nancy Jane Cohrs of Charlotte, Michigan passed away suddenly on December 9, 2021. She was born in Vicksburg, Michigan on October 12, 1957, to Fred Robert and Maxine Muir Cohrs. Nancy graduated from Vicksburg High School, attended Michigan State University, and worked for 41 years at Meijer Distribution Centers in Lansing, Michigan.
Nancy was dearly loved by her family and friends. She expressed her love through loyalty, generous gifts, and volunteering to take on the toughest tasks to help others. Her cheerful sense of humor during even the toughest times made those around her feel important, loved, and special. Nancy was devoted to her nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own children. We will remember her with love and laughter, and with a commitment to honor her warmth, strength, determination, and work ethic.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother William Robert Cohrs. She is survived by siblings and in-laws Fred and Ann Cohrs, of Springfield, Virginia; Dan Cohrs, of Vancouver, B.C.; Mary Ann (Cohrs) and Phillip Weaver, of Caledonia, MI; Tim and Linda Cohrs, of Kalamazoo, MI; and Susan Cohrs, of Coppell, TX; and by her best friend of 40 years, Charlene R. Crabtree, of Charlotte, Michigan. Nancy’s nieces and nephews include Jeff Cohrs, Laura (Cohrs) Anthony, Philip Cohrs, Suzanne (Cohrs) Rogers, Daniel Cohrs, Mark Cohrs, Phillip Weaver, Matthew Weaver, twelve great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many more loved ones. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Nancy’s life in Summer 2022.

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