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Keith Allen MacKenzie

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Funeral Services:

Keith Allen MacKenzie, 75 of Vermontville, a man of integrity, faith in God, and love for his family, died April 7, 2022 at his home. Born on Halloween Day 1946 in Lansing, MI to Donald and Marion “Arvilla” (Peltier) MacKenzie, Keith always wondered if he was a trick or a treat. He once asked his mom, and she laughed so hard but never did give him a straight answer, however his family all knew he was a treat. Keith was the third of five children, and the only one of his siblings with a name that didn’t start with D. Apparently his name was supposed to be Dennis Allen MacKenzie, but when the nurse pointed out what the initials spelled, his mom promptly decided his name would be Keith.
Growing up on a farm, Keith learned about hard work and ways to be industrious. His first job, while he was still in high school, was helping to build homes. There were many skills he learned that Keith used his entire life, helping to build many houses, working on electrical, plumbing, roofing and other issues for friends and family. Keith was never too busy to help the people he cared about…except maybe during deer hunting season. He started working at Oldsmobile (later GM) and worked there for 35 years before retiring as a Quality Inspector. After retirement from GM he worked for Miars Electric for several years, working on projects such as the Eaton County Youth Facility, Meijer in Charlotte, and AL!VE, working circles around the younger men around him.
Keith met his high-school sweetheart and future wife, Kay Huber, one day while walking down the street with a friend. He saw her across the street and whistled (something we would never get away with today), and once they started talking fell in love. They married one year after high school graduation and have been together for 56 years, supporting each other through everything, including cancer diagnosis for both of them in 2021.
The biggest pride of his life was his children and grandchildren, he loved every chance he got to work with them, and teach them. Together Keith and Kirk did most of the work building Kirk’s dream home, and years later built a barn bigger than many people’s homes. When Kristine decided to tile the bathroom in Megan’s home, Keith was there to help guide her every step of the way, and did all the cutting of the tile while Kristine laid every piece. They enjoyed it so much they later did the tile in Kristine’s bathroom at home as well.
In the year 2020 when COVID closed everything down, Keith and Kirk worked together to accomplish many great things. They cut and stacked cords and cords of wood to keep their house warm in the winter, they built a garage and breezeway at Keith and Kay’s home so it would be easier for Kay to get to the car with her walker and more convenient to keep the car and the ranger so they could plow the driveway in the winter, and they constructed very elaborate hunting blinds that would make most deer hunters envious.
Love of family and faith in God were always the center of Keith’s world. Vacations always included family. There were annual fishing trips to northern Michigan or Canada in summers, deer camp at Baldwin in the fall for many years, bear hunting in the U.P., turkey hunting, and snowmobiling trips in the winter with lots of friends and family involved in every adventure. There were always big fish to be caught, but somehow Keith rarely caught them, it was always the kids when he would ask them to “hold” his fishing pole for a moment. There was a giant fish story in Canada though, and this one didn’t get away so there is picture proof of this 44” massive pike that pulled him around the lake in a canoe until he successfully landed it.
Keith is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kay; daughter, Kristine (Daniel) Sowles; son, Kirk MacKenzie; grandchildren, Carson (Amanda Webster) Ames, Jennelle MacKenzie Petras, Megan (Sam) Jordan, and Amanda (Mark) Wallis; great-grandchildren, Logan Ames, Mackenzie Petras, and Myah Wallis; brothers, Don MacKenzie, Doug (Judy)MacKenzie, and Den (Bonnie) MacKenzie; sister, Denice (Joe) Morgan; brothers-in-law, Jay Huber, John Huber, and Rick Churchill; sisters-in-law, Loretta (Jim) Holm, Valera (Mike) Lewis, and Lori (Mike) Rogers; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Arvilla MacKenzie; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Huber and Marilyn MacKenzie; and nephews, Mike MacKenzie and Brian MacKenzie.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate a life well lived by joining them at visitation and funeral services. Visitation is April 13, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Funeral Services are Thursday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte with Pastor Michael Rysko officiating. The funeral will be webcast on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com, click on Keith’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone), and there will be a link for webcasting on this page. The family suggests memorial contributions to South Cochran Church of God, or Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center.
Everyone is invited to share memories of Keith on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Laura C. Berry

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Funeral Services:

A memorial service for Laura C. Berry will be held at the Country Chapel Methodist Church in Dowling, Michigan on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Following the memorial service, there will be procession to the Dowling Cemetery for a brief graveside service. A luncheon will be provided at the Church after the graveside service.
Contributions can be made in Laura’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 267 South Cochran, Charlotte, 48813.

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Marilyn Monroe-Hart

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Marilyn Monroe-Hart, 81, of Charlotte, a woman of keen intellect, creativity and spirit, died unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Marilyn was born June 8, 1940, in Lansing, the daughter of James Henry and Florence Irene (Kirkwood) Mahan.
Marilyn is survived by family and many close and loving friends.
Marilyn’s memorial service will take place on April 16, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. An interment service will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to GFWC Chorus, GFWC Helping Hands, and the Charlotte Community Library. Friends and family are also encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com.

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Vivian Ulrich

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Vivian June Ulrich, a Bible toting, pie making woman who shared her faith with everyone, passed away on April 3, 2022. Vivian was born on July 3, 1935, to Robert Lee and Constance Elaine (Hoar) Backus in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Vivian was a trusted friend and was treasured for being a brutally honest, yet a fair and loyal friend who always listened.
Vivian is remembered for an unending list of skills and abilities. She knit afghans while watching true crime shows on TV. Vivian drove for Okemos School until 1972, earning a ‘Bus Rodeo Trophy.’ Later she and her husband ran a farm where Vivian maintained equipment, and tended chickens and goats. Later she had a short stint at General Motors followed by a position as a housekeeper, cleaning up to three homes a day. There was little Vivian didn’t tackle and succeed at in her life. Food was a specialized talent for which her family and friends were glad to share in. It was not at all uncommon to find multiple delicious pies being baked in her kitchen… apple and pecan pies were family favorites. Her priorities in life were faith, family and food.
As an avid reader she read her entire Bible every year. Learning of the love of Jesus, Vivian was saved at the age of 50 and became a Chaplain in Eaton County Jail’s Forgotten Man Ministry. Vivian was especially proud of the family legacy of her grandfather, Daniel Backus, being the lighthouse keeper on South Manitou Island, Michigan and her grandmother, Almeda Backus, taught school on the island.
Vivian is survived by her daughter, Paula (Daryl) Steele; son, Robert (Dorian) Reed; nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; sisters, Viola Cook, Victoria Pereida and Valerie Howell. She was predeceased by her parents; daughter, Reina Mazzoni; son, Randy Reed; sisters, Vida Hale, Velda Pacquet; and grandson, Troy Mazzoni.
Visitation and memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Sebewa, 13010 S. Goddard Road, Lake Odessa on Friday, April 8, 10-11 a.m. for visitation and 11:00 a.m. memorial service with Pastor Greg Mattson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehab Services (ECHRS). Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Vivian’s tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.

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Richard Hall

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Funeral Services:

Richard Lyne Hall, a devoted and loving, husband, father, and grandfather, died on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Richard, 78, of Charlotte, was born October 5, 1943, in Harvey, Illinois, the son of John and Mary Whalen. He tragically lost his father during WWII and at the age of 9 he lost his mother. Richard was later adopted by George and Lucille Hall. He spent a majority of his youth moving to different military bases around the world. Following graduating from high school Richard obtained an associate degree and became a Funeral Director. While in California Richard met Jean Kilgore and in 1968 the couple got married. They would later move to Michigan to start their family. Richard decided that he wanted a career with a more flexible work schedule and decided to become a Nurse. He became a Neonatal ICU Nurse and took great pride in knowing that he could make a difference in families’ lives. Richard retired from nursing in 2005. Family was the biggest joy in Richard’s life, he could be found on the sidelines coaching his sons’ baseball and football teams. Later in life you could find Richard in the bleachers cheering on his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and never missed a game. Richard also enjoyed camping trips around the state with Jean and loved trips where the grandkids were able to join them.
Richard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean; sons, Richard (Annette) Hall Jr., Tim (Danielle) Hall; grandchildren, Morgan, Ethan, Emma, and Landon. He was predeceased by his biological parents; adopted mother; and brother, Terry McElroy.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Howard McCune

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Funeral Services:

Howard Evart McCune, a simple man who was loved by many people, died Saturday, April 2, 2022. Howard 98, of Charlotte, was born July 18, 1923, in Dewitt, MI, the son of Clarence and Mina (Bovee) McCune. He worked in Construction and then later as an Electrician before his retirement in 1982. Howard was a man who liked working with his hands, he loved doing carpentry work, and building; he built his home with the help of his sons. Howard over his lifetime experienced the heartbreak of burying two wives, his first wife, Anne, second wife, Dorothy; he was currently married to Loraine. Howard and Loraine had a passion for square dancing at the Maple Leaf Grange Hall. He also enjoyed traveling with his second wife Dorothy, the couple traveled around the country. Above all his proudest accomplishment over his lifetime was his family.
Howard is survived by his wife, Loraine; children, Kenneth (Patricia) McCune, Gail (Terry) Weber; stepchildren, Loren (Mary) Lehman, Walt (Michelle) Lehman; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Anne McCune; second wife, Dorothy McCune; son, Gary McCune; daughter-in-law, Ann McCune; grandson, Kenneth McCune Jr.; and his 10 siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Howard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Susan Clements

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Funeral Services:

Susan Landon Clements, age 74, of Grand Ledge, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. She was born July 9, 1947, in Lansing, the daughter of Jim and Betty Jean (Grossman) Griffiths. Sue worked for the State of Michigan, retiring after 43 years of service. She enjoyed bowling, sewing, and quilting but her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her precious family.
Sue is survived by her husband Darrell; brothers: Dan (Lori) Demitroff, Kendal Demitroff; nephew, Zachary; nieces: Katelyn and Haley; stepchildren: Rosa Lea of Oklahoma, Julia Clements of Nashville, Darrell (Joann) Clements of Nashville, Lola Cook of Nashville, John (Erin) Clements of Battle Creek, Victoria Sanders of Wayne; 27 grandchildren; and 57 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Betty; and uncle, Wayne Grossman.
In keeping with Sue’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private service will be held.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Sue’s memory to the New Hope Community Church, 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Sue’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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Virginia Fessell Lillpop

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Funeral Services:

Virginia Fessell Lillpop, 98, passed away March 1, 2022 in Corydon, Indiana. She was born March 27, 1923 in Lanesville, Indiana. She was a devoted wife and mother, who worked in a war plant during WWII. She moved to the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan in 1950 with her four children. She later attended college and graduated as an LPN, working in the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital. After retiring, she returned to Indiana. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Orabelia Kochert; two husbands, Herman M. Fessell and Oscar D. Lillpop; her daughter Linda D. Fessell, four sisters and three brothers.
She is survived by three sons: Nick Fessell (Shirley) of Elizabeth, IN, Alan Fessell of Los Angeles, CA, and Eric Fessell of Clearwater, FL.; sister Jeanette Kiefer of Georgetown, IN; seven grandchildren: Erica Coolidge (Scott), David Fessell, Alissa Nutting (Dean Bakopoulos), Patti Youngs (Darin), Matthew Deleo (Kristina), Teresa Travis, and Nichole Fessell; twelve great grandchildren: Nick Coolidge (Alexandra), Dylan Coolidge, Nolan Coolidge, Madison Coolidge, Sparrow Nutting, Wesley Youngs, Grant Youngs, Garrison Youngs, Jonathan Deleo, Joseph Deleo, Cara Travis and Lana Travis; and one great, great grandchild, Calum Coolidge.
A memorial service was held at Gehlbach and Royse Funeral Home in Corydon, Indiana on March 12, 2022, with burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Lanesville, Indiana.

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Robert P. Sharp

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Funeral Services:

Robert Paul Sharp, 90, of Vermontville, MI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 24, 2022. He was born January 22, 1932 in, Lansing, MI, the son of Frederick and Gladys (Woodman) Sharp. Robert served for the United States Marine Corps from 1952 – 1954. He owned and operated Sharp’s Landscaping. Robert loved the outdoors and routinely took care of his yard and others making them works of art, notably RE Olds Mansion on Moores River Drive. He loved trees and plants and in most cases knew their Latin names and would mix certain grass seeds to create the perfect lawn.
In his spare time he remodeled homes to perfection. He was truly a jack of all trades. He loved his country and believed in truth and honesty and respect for everyone. He will be missed by all those who truly knew him.
Robert is survived by his sons, Bruce Sharp of Mulliken and Dr. Michael (Julie) Sharp of Richland; grandchildren: Bronson Sharp, Jake Sharp, Codi (Jeff Hale) Sharp, and Sarah (Josh) Hohenedes. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Joyce, Ruth, and Fred.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.

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Norma Cribley

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Funeral Services:

Norma Jean Cribley of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 90. Norma was born on January 8, 1932, in Springport, MI the second of ten children born to Howard and Twila (Greenslade) Place. She married Charles Cribley on September 4, 1948, and together raised their three children in Eaton Rapids. Norma spent most of her time raising her children and taking care of the home. Once the kids grew up and left the house, she worked for Eaton Rapids Public Schools as a teacher’s aide. Norma enjoyed visiting northern Michigan and walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. She also loved her monthly meeting with her ladies coffee club.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Cribley ; and siblings, Zelmadene McHaney, Herrold Place, Kevin Place, Merlyn Place and Phillip Place.
Surviving are her children, Robert (June) Cribley, Linda (Steve) Miller, Dana (Jackie) Cribley; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; brothers, Robert, Daryl and Ronnie Place; sister, Sheila Heisler and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Taylor for being such a great friend over the years.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Burial followed at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with a luncheon immediately following at the funeral home. For those desiring memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Norma. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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