-

Funeral Services:

Kelley Lee Place, 54, of Bellevue, passed away on January 10, 2024, at his home in Bellevue.

He was born on November 22, 1969, to Robert and Janice (Masters) Place in Battle Creek, MI. Kelley worked as a machinist for Air-Way Manufacturing, he really enjoyed working there. On September 20, 1996 he married Mary Wiggins in Battle Creek. Kelley loved spending time with his family and liked to tease his daughters-in-law. He would add lyrics and make up lyrics to songs he would listen to. Kelley cared about his friends no matter what, he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Kelley is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Jake (Danek) Hannah of Bellevue, Jeremy (Sara) Place of Bellevue; sisters, Kim (Mike) Music, Karla (Greg) Canfield, Karen (Matt) Thorne, brothers, Kyle (Sandy) Place, Kent (Sherri) Place all of Bellevue; sisters-in-law, Lorri Place of Bellevue; brothers-in-law, David (Brook) Wiggins, Katie (Lynn) Burke, Jennifer (Matt) Selwa; mother-in-law, Eva (David) Dintamin; and father-in-law, David Wiggins; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Lee Place and brother, Kalen Place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Kelley may do so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for children.

Arrangements are by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek 49015. For further information contact Kempf’s of Bellevue at 269-763-9511.

To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Ken Lacy enjoyed 94 years on this earth and he is much loved by his family and friends. He passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

He was born September 6, 1929, the son of Curtis and Ruth Lacy and grew up in Roessleville, NY, with his sister Carolyn. He had a serious intestinal illness at age four and was a semi-invalid for three and half years but fully recovered. He helped his father build a house and develop his father’s real estate project on Lacy Lane before he headed off to Cornell University to earn a degree in agriculture. He was an Ag Agent for the New York State Agricultural Extension Service in Otsego County, NY for three years, where he met Betty, fell in love, married her, and adopted Debra. He then went to McCormick Seminary in Chicago and earned a Bachelor’s of Divinity degree in Theology. He pastored First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, IL for ten years, and was an Associate Pastor of Apostle Presbyterian Church of West Allis, WI for seven years.

In both churches he implemented dynamic programs that explained the Bible in visual and memorable ways – The Bethel Series for adults, and his own creations: an after-school program for school-aged kids he called Youth Club, and a teen program that used Young Life concepts called The Alley Door.

In 1976, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and then pastored several small nondenominational churches in Wisconsin and Michigan. His ministry had a focus on healing and deliverance. In retirement, he wrote about his spiritual journey in a self-published book called Walk With Me and he wrote two Bible study courses for children, Old Testament Overview and New Testament Overview, and gave them away for free.

He was community-minded: during the 60’s civil rights movement he walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early 70’s he led teen groups to help do restoration projects in Milwaukee’s inner city and welcomed Vietnamese immigrants. In the late 70’s and 80’s he created a close-knit community of Christians that lived near to each other, as well as welcoming several people to live with his family for long periods of time.

His family fondly remembers him for his engaging stories and sense of humor. He took his family on epic vacations on a shoestring budget, and though they didn’t love reading every historic marker he could find nor the leaky tents used for camping, those vacations made for fond memories of rafting and body surfing rivers, riding waves on so many beaches, rail trail biking, hiking mountains, and visiting family in upstate New York. When his children were adults, he and Betty orchestrated weeklong family reunions either at the beach or in the mountains that were vital to keeping everyone in touch. Ken always believed God would supply all his needs and that worked out to be true. He was never wealthy but never was in need and he lived a rich life.

Ken was an avid jogger, then walker, all his adult life, and loved history and adventurous excursions, including hiking up Colorado mountains. His daily walk with the Lord was his greatest passion and focus.

He and his beloved late wife, Betty, raised four children, Debra Chicorelli (Bill Sellinger), Robert Lacy, Miriam (John) Woods, and Marsha (Domingo) Gallardo and he has ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lacy, and granddaughter, Heidi Ruth Woods.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Mt. Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917 with Pastor Joe Mead officiating. A private burial will take place at the Benton Township Cemetery.

To view Ken’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.

-

Funeral Services:

Michael Duane Harris, 79, of Charlotte, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, died peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024. Michael was born May 2, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Donald “Bucky” and Betty (Isbell) Harris. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1962 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and proudly serving two years during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he went to work as a lineman for Michigan Bell Telephone Company (later ATT). Throughout his career, he worked in several capacities, including cable splicer and construction supervisor, until his retirement. Michael married the love of his life, Mary Clarice Stephens on February 21, 1970, and the two enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Michael was a proud member of the American Legion and the 40 and 8 Club. He especially loved time spent at the family cottage on Higgins Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and time spent with his grandchildren. His family was everything to Michael, and he devoted his entire life to working hard to support them. He and Mary were members of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.

Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughters, Alice Harris and Brooke Hogan; sister, Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 2019; and his sisters, Katheryn Davidson and Donna Oliver-Johnson.

Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place in Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. 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 Michael’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Audrey Mae Fancher, 75 of Potterville, a woman who was known for always helping others, passed away on January 5, 2024. Audrey was born July 21, 1948 at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia to Aubrey and Flora (Decker) Eason (Pearson). In her younger life, she loved roller skating with her cousins. Family and friends meant a lot to her. Audrey retired from General Motors where she was more than just a line worker, she was able to fix many different types of equipment, was involved in many different committees, and became a mother figure to many of her coworkers there. Perhaps her most coveted accomplishment was the completion of her Master’s Degree in Child Development to use in the caring of her son.

Not one to like being in the spotlight, but always looking for ways to help others, she spent the majority of her life protecting her son Calvin and providing options for his life. She liked to work behind the scenes doing things to support her son and extended family. She fiercely cared for others, often putting their needs above her own.

Audrey loved to travel to North Carolina and Alabama to visit family. She was also an avid NASCAR fan. Part of her travels included visiting many of the southern NASCAR tracks following the progress of her favorite driver Butch Fedewa, a local friend.

Audrey is survived by her beloved son, Calvin Showers Jr; her chosen brother and sister, Ken and Diane Pierce; and cousins, Brian Decker, Jeff Decker, Gerald Decker, Rochelle Decker Bargerhuff, and Lester Ingram. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey Eason, and Flora Eason Pearson; her stepfather, Glenn Pearson; and her much loved brother, Gary Eason.

Friends are encouraged to support Audrey’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Pierce officiating. Interment will follow in Dimondale Cemetery next to her mother. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons International, Helping Hands Food Bank, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Mary Catholic Church Food Pantry, or The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Jeffrey Lynn Bisel, age 73, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, with his family by his side. Jeff was born on March 7, 1950, to Melvin Bisel and Donna (Barrett) Face. Jeff was a Vietnam Veteran proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He then served with the Army National Guard for 19 years. Jeff worked for General Motors, retiring in 2003 after 31 years of service. Jeff was a diehard football fan, always cheering on the Detroit Lions. He liked watching NASCAR and taking Sunday afternoon naps in his chair. From a small boy he loved riding motorcycles and his passion for riding never left him even after a motorcycle accident in 2019. He bought a new Harley and rode every spring and summer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42 and the Legion Riders, with whom he participated in poker runs and parades. He was a life member of the VFW Post 2406 and served a few years on the honor guard honoring those that served and protected. Jeff loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved cheering them on during their sporting and life events. He had a passion for hunting and enjoyed his hunting trips with his friend Duane and was overjoyed when his grandsons got a deer. He was extremely proud of his grandson, Blaine, when he joined the United States Navy. He was looking forward to his grandson, Devin’s upcoming wedding and watching him grow into an adult. His granddaughter, Kasen, was his pride and joy.

Jeff is survived and will be tremendously missed by his wife of 30 years, Sheila; daughters, Tricia (Jason) Somers and Kristin VanDorpe; grandsons, Devin Somers, Blaine Somers; granddaughter, Kasen VanDorpe; mother, Donna Face; grand-dogs Meena Mae and Paisley; sisters, Stephanie Williams and Deb Bisel; and special friends, Sirrae and Duane Harder and Ron Colson.

He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Bisel; step-dad, Oscar Face; father and mother-in-law, Ed and Frieda Andrews; and brother-in-law, Hal Andrews.

Per Jeff’s wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Jeff’s honor to the charity of their choosing.

To view Jeff’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..

-

Funeral Services:

Nyla May Hisler, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Sunnyside AFC in Marshall. She was born September 21, 1933, in Lee Township, Calhoun County, Michigan, the daughter of Leslie and Gladys (Allen) Ross. Nyla graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1951. On December 21, 1952, she married Ron Hisler at the Olivet Congregational Church. Nyla worked several jobs throughout her life. She began working at State Farm Insurance in Marshall, then went on to work at Sears, delivered mail out of the Eaton Rapids Post Office, and retired from PNC Bank in Charlotte. Nyla was a devoted member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church for many years. She looked forward to helping at their monthly pancake breakfasts. Nyla also assisted Ron in many of his Eaton County Shrine activities. She volunteered as a 4H leader for many years when her children were growing up and taught Sunday School. Gardening, cooking, quilting, sewing, cards, dancing, and traveling were just a few activities that Nyla enjoyed. Some of their most memorable trips were to Yellowstone, Australia, Hawaii, and Panama. Ron and Nyla also took all of their children on two Alaskan vacations, a west coast cruise, and a color cruise on the east coast. Her family was first and foremost in her life. She cherished family gatherings and each and every holiday they spent together.

She is survived by her children, Debbi (Roger) Quada, Craig (Cindy) Hisler, Tammy (Paul) Wolf, Rhonda (John) Geething; grandchildren, Culley Bunker, Mindy LaFay, Melissa Bremmer, Michelle Wolf, Amanda Robinson, Terran Myers; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; four brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Nyla’s memory to the Brookfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 430, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Nyla’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Loretta May Miller, age 90 of Wyandotte, Michigan, died January 11, 2024.

Born November 7, 1933, Loretta is the beloved wife of 34 years to the late Arlie Boyd Miller; loving mother of Cathy (Michael) Buiten, Bonnie (Dave Potter) Miller, and the late Julianne Miller; and dearest grandmother of Grace (David) Swartley and Matthew (Alexis) Buiten. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to Reach Across https://reachacross.us/. Please select ‘Give to a Missionary’ and type ‘Sarah Peters 49’ in the comments section.

Services for Loretta were held on January 13, 2024. Arrangements by Molnar Funeral Homes – Nixon Chapel, www.molnarfuneralhome.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Myrtle Jean Taylor, age 85, of Hastings, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday, January 6, 2024. She was born April 28, 1938, in Blue Diamond, Kentucky the daughter of Walter and Lila (Bowling) Napier. Myrtle was very proud of her heritage and her Kentucky home. She along with her family moved to Michigan to find work when she was a young girl. Myrtle was a lifelong antique collector and dealer. Her faith and family were first and foremost in her life. She was a devoted Christian and follower of Jesus Christ. Myrtle adored her family and especially loved spending time with her beloved grandchildren.

Myrtle is survived by her husband of 47 years, Robert; children, Angie Heir of Lansing, Martin (Jelyn) Gullett of Florence, Arizona, Lee (Shelly) Gullett of Grandville, Kimberly (Joe Jr.) Russman of Portland, Stacy (Ron) Adams of Portland, Michael Taylor of Portage; numerous grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; five sisters; and daughter, Kathy Smith.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. James K. Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
To view Myrtle’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

-

Funeral Services:

John Elwood Shumway, age 88, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 18, 2023. John was born in Lake Odessa on May 12, 1935, and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1953. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, bowling and square dancing in his younger years. He and his family spent many summers on Drummond Island making wonderful memories. John was an active member of Moose Lodge 288 where he received his Pilgrim Degree in 2002 and served as a long-time administrator. He also served in the Navy and retired from Diamond Reo. John will be missed by all who knew him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Letha; first wife, Shirley (Birman); infant son, John; brothers, Bob (Betty) and Roy; and sisters, Bernice and Margaret.

He is survived by his wife, Barb, and her family; sons, Dennis (Jackie) and Randy; grandchildren: John E., Nicky (Simon) Barry, Jennifer (Mike) Coachman, Michelle (Roberto) Renteria, Derek, and Bradley (Danni); and 36 greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service honoring John’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 20, 2024, at the VFW Post 7309 located at 1243 Hull Road in Mason, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the VFW. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.

-

Funeral Services:

Mr. Paul Exelby, age 85 of, Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023 at his home with his beloved wife and his dog “Stanley” at his side.

Paul is survived by his wife Robin, daughters Dr. Cynthia (Misty) Exelby of New Mexico, Deborah Ciampa of Charlotte, Paula (Russ) Angus of Bellevue, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Paul’s passing was made peaceful and gentle through the compassionate care of Wings of Hope Hospice.

Paul’s ashes will be laid to rest at a private family graveside service at Kalamo Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.