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Funeral Services:

Donna Kay (Davis)(Johnson) McBride, born June 25, 1938, passed peacefully at home with her daughter on May 20, 2024. She married James Martin McBride in 1969, and moved to Eaton Rapids, MI, where she and James became very active members of the community. Donna managed James’ successful campaign for Mayor in the mid ‘70’s. She also managed Claudia Brown’s successful campaign for City Council. She was the chair of the ER Redistricting Committee. Donna was a member of the ER Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the U&I Club. She hosted the ERHS Senior Tea for several years. Donna was instrumental in cataloging graves in the Eaton County cemeteries, and many other civic activities.

She leaves behind her daughter, Brenda (Johnson) Harvey of Millers Falls, MA; three granddaughters, Hannah Harvey of Morehead Beach, NC, Halle Harvey of West Springfield, MA, and Hattie (Kevan Bordner) Harvey of Northfield, MA; two great grandchildren, Calvan and Blair Bordner; sisters, Bess Wiggins of Midland, MI and Mona Miller of FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her husband of 53 years James; brothers John and Grant Davis; sisters Shirley Emmendorfer and Irene Howe.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life to honor Donna and James (June 17, 1938 – October 11, 2022) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Charlotte VFW from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Raymond Oscar Kilbourn “Poppy”, age 88, of Olivet, died on July 5, 2024. He was born on December 19, 1935 in Battle Creek, MI to George Sr. and Velma (Miller) Kilbourn. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Jane Brownell, on May 23, 1964. They just celebrated 60 wonderful years together.

Ray worked for Clark Equipment in Battle Creek for 21 years then worked at Alro Steel of Lansing until his retirement in 1996. Ray and his wife, Jane, owned Bellevue Dry Cleaners and Laundromat for 13 years. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing and hunting, bagging his last deer at age 75. Ray served in the United States Army at the end of the Korean War from September 1954 to January 1962.

Ray is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Pam Bess; son, Randy (Dale Klahn) Kilbourn; grandchildren, Gerry (Brittany) Bess, Alicia (Ken) Horton, Joanna (Derek) Smith; great grandchildren, James, Brooke, Jackson, Robby, Emma and Peyton; son-in-law, Ken (Grace) Bess; special friends, Steve and Kathy Penny; siblings, Janette Robertson, Leon, Mary Jane (Paul) Niemela, Al, Leola Kilbourn, and Bill O’Neal.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Daniel, Rosa O’Neal, George Jr., Gary Lee, Bruce Robertson and Ruth Kilbourn.

Friends may call on Saturday, July 13, from 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. at Kempf’s of Bellevue with the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. with Steve Penny officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oaklawn Hospice, Marshall, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.

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Funeral Services:

Richard Cornwell Fleming, age 92, of Olivet, died July 7, 2024, in Battle Creek. He was born March 10, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Robert and Helen (Cornwell) Fleming. Richard graduated from Bangor High School. On March 28, 1958, he married Elizabeth A. Nichols in Kalamazoo. Richard was a great proponent of education. He earned two doctorate degrees. The first was a Doctorate in Science from Olivet College and the other a Doctorate in Philosophy (Entomology) from Michigan State University. He worked as a professor at Olivet College for over 35 years. He was known for his vast knowledge on many complex subjects but ornithology and entomology were truly his passion. He loved his work as a professor and cherished the many life-long friendships he created while teaching. Richard was an avid model railroader and loved to build and fly RC planes. He played numerous musical instruments, was a talented painter, wrote much poetry, and enjoyed listening to his beloved Chicago White Sox play ball. Richard was a member of many organizations to numerous to mention but was especially proud to belong to the Olivet Lion’s Club, where he was fortunate to become a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

Richard is survived by his children, Elizabeth “Kitty” (Mike) Ingram of Olivet, Rebecca “Becky” (Rick) Britton of Olivet, Robert Fleming of Olivet, Agatha “Aggie” (Brian) Bowen of Sturgis, and Thomas “Tom” (Tami) Fleming of Olivet; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; and sister, Betty.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Biology Department at The University of Olivet.
To view Richard’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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Funeral Services:

Sheila K. (Wolf) Day, age 77, of Olivet, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a lengthy stay at Golden Days Adult Foster Care, which is lovingly owned and operated by her cousin. Sheila was raised in Springport and the community was very important to her. She was active in the Springport VFW where she served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She volunteered at the VFWs’ BINGO night, where she worked behind the counter. Family meant everything to Sheila. She spent numerous years taking care of her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and other precious children during the week while their parents were at work. Sheila was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and anything Coca-Cola. In her younger years you could often find Sheila on weekends with her girlfriends attending plays at The Barn Theater.

Sheila is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Marilyn Wolf; husband Roger Roy Day Sr.; and brothers, Sam Wolf and Sandy Wolf.
She is survived by her children, Karla (Steve) Weers, Roger (Katrina) Day, Regina (Tim) Hopkins; grandchildren, Richard Travis Weers, Stephanie Weers, Chance Day, Devin Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkins; three great-granddaughters, and brother, Steve (Diane) Wolf.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Those desiring may make contributions in Sheila’s memory to the American Red Cross.
To view Sheila’s obituary online please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Marjorie Elaine Crippen, a beautiful soul who always had a hug and a smile and loved to laugh, died peacefully on July 8, 2024. Marjorie was born August 28, 1936 in Lansing to Kenneth and Marjorie (Sturdevant) Fea, one of four daughters of the couple. A graduate of Lansing Eastern School, in 1957 she married Ronald Stenske and together they had nine children. She later married Gordon Crippen and spent many years together making wonderful memories with their blended families. Marjorie was a devoted Catholic, a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. As a state employee, Marjorie worked as an Executive Secretary for MDOT, retiring in 1986 after 23 years. A very humble, loving, and generous person, she had a wonderful gift for sewing and making quilts to share with others. She enjoyed reading a wide range of books, baking pies, playing bridge, thrift shopping, square dancing, and working as a volunteer at St. Mary School. Family meant everything to Marjorie, she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and traveled all over the country to see them.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Karen (Donald) Watkins, Mark (Julie) Stenske, Tom (Sandy) Stenske, Peter (Patty) Stenske, Ann (John) Tierney, Ellen (Jim) Block, John Stenske, Paul (Michelle) Stenske, and Michael (Vivian) Stenske; 23 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; her sisters, Liz Whitsel and Judy Bergh, and half-brother Robert Fea; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ronald Stenske; second husband, Gordon Crippen; sister, Pat Stitzel; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Marjorie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, July 14, 5-7:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 15, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral with Rev. Fr. Karl Pung 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 Marjorie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter, St. Mary Catholic Church, or St. Vincent DePaul. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Pauline “Petie” Barbara Bottomley, known for her exceptional organization skills and unwavering kindness, peacefully passed away on July 6, 2024. Born on November 27, 1924, to John Allen and Cleo R. (Miner) Kelley, Pauline’s life was a testament to dedication, love, and meticulous care.

Pauline Bottomley’s journey began in the heart of Chester Township, where her parents owned and operated the Needmore Store, a hub of community life in central Eaton County. She embraced her education at Charlotte High School, where her vibrant spirit shone through not only in her studies but also in her musical talents, playing the saxophone with passion in the High School Band. Graduating with the Class of 1942, Pauline embarked on a career path that reflected her commitment to service and organization. Her first job was working on the Selective Service Board of Eaton County. Pauline’s early years laid the foundation for a life richly lived, marked by warmth, dedication, and an unwavering spirit of service.

On August 24, 1944, Pauline married the love of her life, Donald O. Bottomley, with whom she shared 58 beautiful years and raised two beloved sons. Pauline’s life was enriched by her adventures alongside her husband Don during his service in the United States Navy. Her knack for organization and meticulous record-keeping shone through in every aspect of her life. From managing photo albums filled with cherished memories to meticulously handling bookkeeping details at Spartan Stores in Grand Rapids. After moving to Masonic Pathways in Alma Pauline found fulfillment in bringing order and structure to the facility’s library, proving that her organizational skills were an asset wherever she went.

A devoted mother, Pauline took immense pride in her family. She was always present for her sons, Kelley Jack and Gary, nurturing them with unwavering love and support. Her hobbies included knitting, through which she lovingly crafted handmade gifts that remain cherished by family and friends. Her well-run home was a testament to her organizational prowess and the warm hospitality she extended to all who entered.

Pauline is survived by her loving sons Kelly Jack (Pat) Bottomley of North Carolina, Gary (Jackie) Bottomley or Cadillac; grandchildren James Bottomley, Cheryl Bottomley Berndt, Jeffrey Bottomley, Eric Bottomley, Jason Bottomley, Michael Bottomley and Jacob Bottomley; and many great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and who will forever hold her in their hearts. Pauline was predeceased by her sisters Margaret Fast, and Hilda Sparks.

Friends are encouraged to support Pauline’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services to celebrate Pauline’s life were held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan at 12:00 Noon Friday, July 12. Visitation preceded the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon offering an opportunity for loved ones to share memories and support each other. Interment will follow the funeral at Union Cemetery. If desired memorial contributions be made to Heartland Hospice or Masonic Pathways, reflecting Pauline’s spirit of generosity and community.

Pauline “Petie” Barbara Bottomley leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and impeccable organization. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Stephen “Steve” Peter Hundt of Charlotte, a humble and kind husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully July 7, 2024, at the age of 97. Steve was born June 22, 1927, in Lansing to Albert and Mary (Weber) Hundt. A graduate of St. Mary High School in Lansing, Steve enlisted in the Army and served during World War II. In 1956 he married Mary Deschryver and they had five children together, David, Mark, Timothy, Kenneth, and Peter. Mary passed away in 1973 and in 1985 he found love again and married Mary Crandell, living together and blending their families for the next 39 years. A devout Catholic, Steve was a charter member of Saint Therese Catholic Church in Lansing. It was always important to him to attend church on Sundays, and he always found a church, even when they were on vacation. During his working career he was a carpenter at his family business, Al Hundt & Sons Builders which was later known as Hundt Brothers Builders. Some of his favorite things to do were family vacations on the lake, trips around the country, and winters in Florida with lots of time playing shuffleboard and cards.

Steve’s loving ways and kindness will be dearly missed by his family, including his wife Mary; children, David (Kathy) Hundt, Mark Hundt, Timothy (Christine) Hundt, Kenneth Hundt, and Peter (Dawn) Hundt; step-children, Dan (Tammy) Crandell, Randy (Sherri) Crandell, and Angie (Rick) Tate; 17 grandchildren, Michael (Krystal) Hundt, Sarah (Michael) Haagensen, Paul Hundt, Dominic Hundt, Nicholas Hundt, Joseph (Hillary) Hundt, Samantha (Brian) Hundt, Christopher Hundt, Mindy (Travis) Ejde, Maria (Matt) Rathbun, Patrick (Jill) Crandell, Nicholas (Denise) Crandell, Courtney Crandell, Chad (Dawn) Crandell, Nicole (Troy) Jamieson, Mindy (Jeff) Curtiss, and Curtis (Consuelo) Tate; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary; daughter-in-law, Sheri Hundt; granddaughter, Allison Hundt; sisters, Beatrice Hundt and Irene Hundt; brother, Earl (Helen) Hundt; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, July 16, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Anthony Strouse 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 Steve’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 St. Mary Catholic Church or Elara Hospice in East Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Harvey Daniel Hill, 65, passed away July 2, 2024. Harvey was born on May 31, 1959 to Dexter Hill, Sr. and Mary Lou Hill, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Jared (Brittany) Hill; grandson, Colton Hill; brothers, Dexter Hill, Jr. and David (Debbie) Hill; and sisters, Lori (Tommy) Rhodabeck and Patti (Robert) O’Neil.

Harvey spent his time painting businesses and houses in the area. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

No services are planned at this time.

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Funeral Services:

Diana Naylor, age 74, passed away on May 25, 2024. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Post 2406, 695 Lansing Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Thomas Joe Owen of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 5, 2024, at the age of 82. Thomas was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 26, 1941, the son of Harold and Marion (Hine) Owen. He proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force for four years. Thomas worked for General Motors for 30 years. During that time, he worked as a Health and Safety Representative for the UAW and on the United Way project before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles near his vacation home in Harrison, MI. He also had an eye for cars, especially Mustangs.

Thomas is survived by his children, Thomas (Brenda) Owen of Grand Ledge, Jeffrie (Stacy) Owen of Concord, Richard (Dee) Owen of Eaton Rapids, Aric (Nancy) Owen of Eaton Rapids; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laura “Charlene” Owen; infant son, William Owen; siblings, David Owen, Bill Owen, Shari Clough, and Sharon Williams.

A Memorial Service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 in loving memory of Thomas Joe Owen. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.