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Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley

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Funeral Services:

Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024. She was born December 5, 1935, in Charlotte, Michigan, the eldest of five children born to the union of Leo and Margaret (Powers) Baker. She attended CHS, graduating in 1953. Marcelyn married the love of her life, Sherman Kelley on January 9, 1954, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church where she was an active member for 72 years.

There are so many words to describe Marcelyn – compassionate, selfless, empathetic, generous, devoted, kind, lovely, optimistic, sincere, thoughtful, warm-hearted, wise, peacemaker, gentle, cheerful, considerate, graceful, inspiring, with very strong moral values. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, friend, trip/event planner, entertainer, volunteer and American patriot. Most importantly, she was mom, grandma and great-grandma and her family was absolutely everything to her as she was everything to her family. Her grandchildren would say she was truly the best grandma in the entire world. Marcelyn loved playing cards and she was always very lucky, something all her family kidded her about. She was very competitive and even the grandkids knew that grandma probably wouldn’t let them win.

Marcelyn sold World Book encyclopedias for 20 years. It was important to her that children had a great set of learning books and she put her heart and soul into selling them. She never made much money selling because she wouldn’t pressure anyone, but she loved all the people she met along the way. Marcelyn volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital for ten years and the Binder Park Zoo for 14 years. Her second home was the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where she gave her time selflessly cooking meals, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and was an active member of her church circle. She also, participated in church camps, including a two-week trip to Puerto Rico. Marcelyn’s deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was everything to her.

Marcelyn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Randy) Howe, Kris (Jan) Kelley; grandchildren, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Jason Whetstone, Skye Kelley, Chandler Kelley; great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; sisters, Darlene Raymer and Rosemary (Dave) DeWaters; brother, Doyle (Jackie) Baker; sister-in law, Mary Jean Baker; brother-in-law, Dwight Pierce; several nieces and nephews; her special friend of over 70 years, Larry Towe and special friend. D.J. McGee. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sherman Kelley; her brother, Daryl Baker; and brother-in-law, Robert Raymer.

Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on Marcelyn’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, March 3, at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Jack Conklin and family friend Jonathan White 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 Marcelyn’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 Heartland Hospice Monroe or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Carolyn Julia O’Connor

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Funeral Services:

Carolyn Julia O’Connor went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2024. Carolyn was born in Hastings on December 13, 1941, to James and Dorothy O’Connor. After high school she attended nursing school in Battle Creek, where she then lived for over sixty years. She obtained her LPN and began working at Community Hospital. It didn’t take long to determine work in the Emergency Department was her calling. In 1982 she earned her Registered Nurse certification. She retired from Battle Creek Health System in February 2004 after 43 years in nursing. Even after retiring, she continued to volunteer weekly at the hospital until 2020.

Carolyn treasured many close friendships over the years and loved to travel with her friends. She enjoyed every opportunity to get together with the girls for a meal or a show. Always a fun, supportive and thoughtful aunt, she enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews grow. She was extremely proud of the home she purchased and maintained herself. A fiercely independent woman, she rarely asked for help. She was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings.

In 2021, Carolyn moved from her home to Hope Landing in Charlotte to be closer to family and receive the care she needed. She was thankful for all the wonderful staff and comfortable environment. She lived a full life of service to others and found it difficult to accept any help as she grew increasingly unable to do things for herself. Additional care in her final weeks was given by Heart to Heart Hospice who treated her with profound grace and dignity.

Carolyn is survived by her older sisters, June Baatz of Suttons Bay (formerly of Maple City) and Shirley Beck of Charlotte (formerly of Hastings), her niece Peggy (Mike) Leggett of Traverse City, nephew David (Ronda) Beck of Charlotte, and nephew-in-law Charles (Robin) Floramo of Midlothian, IL. She is also mourned by great nieces and nephews Maria, Aleah and Derrien Leggett, Angela (Sylvia) Floramo, Joseph Floramo, Ashley and Justin Beck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, niece Linda (Beck) Floramo, brothers-in-law Robert Baatz, and Walter Beck.

The family encourages those wishing to make a contribution in her memory to support Grace Lutheran Church (239 E North St, Hastings MI 49058) or Heart to Heart Hospice of Lansing (2260 E Saginaw St, Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823).

In honoring Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.

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Darrell Hamilton

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Funeral Services:

Darrell Hamilton, 83, of Nashville, MI went home to be with his Savior on March 3, 2024. He was in his Florida home on hospice care for five days when he passed away.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt Hamilton, Hazel (Hollister), stepmother Minnie (Radtke), and his brother, Duane Hamilton.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Claudette (Priddy); son, Kent Hamilton and wife Jackie; daughters, Christine (Rich) Smith, Kelly (Steve) Schoonbeck, and Carmen (Brian) Friddle; as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He regularly attended Vermontville Bible Church for 63 years, having served on the board there for several terms, and worked as a youth group leader for 17 years.

He loved to work on his 80 acres, digging ponds, building roads, and moving dirt.

He ran his own business for 38 years, spreading Ag-lime, digging farm ponds, trucking soils and stone, and farming some. He was a strong, hard-working businessman and always provided well for his family. He was an honest, Godly man.

Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2024, at Vermontville Bible Church with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may go to Vermontville Bible Church.

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Harold Elgin Peck, Jr.

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Funeral Services:

Harold Elgin Peck Jr. a man known for his hard work ethic and always sharing a dirty joke, died surrounded by his family on Monday, March 4, 2024. Harold 64, was born in Three Rivers, MI. the son of Harold and Carol (Jaseph) Peck Sr. On February 18, 1978, Harold married his high school sweetheart Valerie Miller and together they created 44 lasting memories until her passing in 2022. Harold worked at Carefree Aluminum for 35 years until its closing, and later at Linn Products and most recently Spartan Motors until his retirement. He was an outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harold also enjoyed trips to the casino, hanging out with his buddies, and most importantly spoiling his grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Jessica Garvie, and Jennifer (Christopher) Broskey; grandchildren, Allison, and Aaron Garvie, Emily, and Andrew Broskey; siblings, Suzanne Childs, Roy Peck, Kristy (Kerry) Peck, Lester Peck, and Chad Peck; brother-in-law, Steven Miller; lifelong friends, John Judy, Lyle and Rose Royston, and Willis. He was predeceased by his wife, Valerie in 2022; his father Harold Sr. in 2020; and his mother, Carol in 2007; and good friend Dale Burt.

Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Harold for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Jonathan James Ripley

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Funeral Services:

Jonathan James Ripley of Lansing, passed away March 4, 2024, at the age of 70. Jon was born in Charlotte, MI on February 4, 1954, the son of Wendell and Rosalie (King) Ripley. He was a US Army Veteran and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Jon worked for the City of Eaton Rapids in the Wastewater Treatment Plant for many years. He had a very creative mind and could always amaze his family with his stories and ideas. Jon enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening and was very interested in airplanes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Ripley of Lansing; children, Paula (Scott) Shaw of Plymouth, Wendy (Justin) Schafer of Holt, Jordan Ripley of Lansing; grandchildren, Liam Shaw, Alanna Shaw, Oliver Schafer, Hawthorne Schafer; siblings, Kay (Kwadwo) Ekye-Addai, JoAnne Bock, Jim Ripley, Bob (Stacey) Ripley, Sarah Ripley and several nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his father.

As per Jon’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Clean Water Action of Michigan, 909 Abbot Rd, East Lansing MI 48823, in loving memory of Jonathan James Ripley. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Sharon Ann Collins

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Funeral Services:

Sharon Ann Collins, age 76, of Potterville passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Charlotte on June 25, 1947, to John and Effie (Williams) Hackworth. Sharon grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Charlotte High School. She married the love of her life, Aaron “Pat” Collins, on April 7, 1978.

Many wonderful things could be said about Sharon. She was proud to be a homemaker caring for her family and keeping the home fires burning. Sharon loved quilting, crafting, and tending to her flower beds. Above everything though, was her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When her health permitted, she loved to attend church services at the Charlotte Church of Christ. Sharon will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

Those surviving her are her loving husband of 45 years, Pat Collins; sons, Chris Berry (Tracy Fugate) of Potterville, Michael Berry of Potterville, Aaron Collins Jr. of Potterville; brother, Bob (Dee) Hackworth; her nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Sharon’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
To view Sharon’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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Scott David Frazier

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Funeral Services:

Scott David Frazier, 41, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 1, 2024. Scott was born July 1, 1982, in Lansing, the son of Jerry and Rebecca (Moore) Frazier. He graduated from Olivet High School class of 2001, where in school he was a member of the wrestling team. Scott later earned a BA from Olivet College in Biology. He most recently worked as a Security Guard for Peckham Industries. You could occasionally find Scott out in the wood’s deer hunting. His biggest passion in life was his son, Keelian.

Scott is survived by his son, Keelian; parents Jerry and Rebecca Frazier; brother, Joe (Angie) Fraizer; niece, Katie; nephews, Caleb, and Cam; grandmother, Linna Neese; and grandfather, Bill Moore; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by grandma, Peg Fraizer; grandpa, Joe Fraizer; and cousin, Bradley Malkowsi.

Friends are encouraged to support Scott’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Doris Andreau

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Funeral Services:

Doris “Dode” Andreau of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 28, 2024, at the age of 89. Doris was born in Leslie, MI on January 15, 1935, the daughter of Arthur and Helen (Isham) Smith. She was one of ten children who all remained close throughout their lives and helped one another to raise each other’s children.

Dode married the love of her life, Kosta Andreau in 1956 and together they raised five children on their farm. Her house was always messy, but a stray animal or child was always welcomed with open arms to become part of the family, and many came and never left over the years. Her house felt like home to everyone who ever entered it.

She grew beautiful flowers and hated weeds. She couldn’t resist a coloring book and spent countless hours filling pages with her grandchildren. Doris was a fiendish collector of rocks and seashells, and never left an establishment without scanning the landscaping for a pretty stone to tuck into her already giant, heavy denim purse. She loved to watch the birds that came to her feeders for dinner and the bird identification book was always on the kitchen table in case a new friend stopped by. Doris knew how to cook “about 10 things really well”, but those staple dishes were always enjoyed. She never missed a Saturday evening “country music show” on TV. Her true pride was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a doting, loving mom and grandma who would drop everything and move the world for the people she loved. Doris was a teacher of important life lessons like how to make anything grow, bake a pie, or sooth a crying baby. She had the patience of a saint for countless children, all of whom adored her. Doris was calm and strong and had no time for flare or drama. Everyone knew to look for her fuzzy white hair when you drove past that big blue house. She would always wave and smile, and greet you with her loving, sing-song, “Hello”. Doris was simply the best, and those who loved her most will miss her forever.

Doris is survived by her children, Sandy (Jeff) Waldron, Alex (Maggie) Andreau; daughter-in-law, Jill Andreau; grandchildren, Stacy (Rob) Bryson, Chris (Dan) Brown, Katie (Ryan Osborn) Youngs, Greg (Sarah) Waldron, Eric (Andrea) Andreau, Erica (Josh) Lawrence; great grandchildren, Delayne, Jamison, Nathan, Lucas, Elizabeth, Bryce, Bobby, Porter, Donald, Jocelyn and Kosta; brothers, Gary (Sharon) Smith, Tom (Kathy) Smith; sister, Margaret Abbott; sisters-in-law, Verna Smith and Judy Silsby. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kosta in 2018; sons, Chris in 1978, Nick in 2014, Rick in 2019.

A private graveside 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 Doris Jane Andreau. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Glen Calvin Meyer

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Funeral Services:

Glen Calvin Meyer of Charlotte, passed away on February 28, 2024, at the age of 86. Glen was born in Howell, MI on November 3, 1937, the son of Duane and Doris (Schirmer) Meyer. He retired from Michigan Bell in 1991 after 30 years of service. Glen was a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years. He enjoyed traveling, especially by train. Glen had travelled all across the United States with his wife, Linda. He also had a passion for working in his yard, he was known for having the most beautiful lawn. Glen loved sports, his favorite teams were the Detroit Tigers and MSU Spartans. He would watch the same games repeatedly; he didn’t care how many times he had watched it previously.

Glen is survived by his wife, Linda Meyer of Charlotte; children, Lawrence Meyer of Bellevue, John (Julie) Meyer of Olivet, Lori (Craig) Rathbun of DeWitt; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brothers, Loren (Debbie) Meyer of Florida, Richard Meyer of Howell, Elaine Stoddard of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private graveside 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 Sensations Memory Care, 511 E. Shepherd St, Charlotte MI 48813 in loving memory of Glen Calvin Meyer. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Thomas Melvin Ripley

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Funeral Services:

Thomas Melvin Ripley, 73, of Osage City passed away on January 29, 2024 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City with his family at his side.

Tom, known as “Shorty” by family and friends, was born February 3, 1950 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Robert and Genita (Brooker) Ripley.

Tom grew up in Vermontville, Michigan and as a young man worked with his dad at General Motors Fisher Body Plant in Lansing, Michigan until in August of 1969 when he joined the United State Air Force. Tom went to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base and attended Technical Training School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas before being stationed in Taiwan. He was later stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka and at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. Tom served his country in the Air Force until July of 1977, then settled in Overbrook, Kansas. More recently, Tom made Osage City his home. Tom married Cathy Downs in September of 1971. They were later divorced.

Tom spent most of his life as a truck driver, working for several different trucking companies and hauling a variety of products. Recently, Tom had been employed at the Osage City Golf Course, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman, and later in his life took up the sport of golf.

In 2002, Tom received a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He opted for chemotherapy and an experimental drug treatment, with the intention of benefiting others facing the same disease. Unfortunately, his choice contributed to acute heart failure and the necessity of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs).

Tom’s recent battle with his health saw him hospitalized for the past five months but he always kept his sense of humor and was a staff favorite at St. Luke’s.

Tom will be remembered for his enjoyable sense of humor and as he put it, “I never knew a stranger, they were just a friend I hadn’t met yet.”

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carol.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Stacy (Joel) Kahnt of Ellinwood, KS and Nancy (Nick) Sholander of Rose Hill, KS; a son, Kevin (Davon Jackson) Ripley of Aubrey, TX; his grandchildren, Alexis Kahnt of Houston, TX, Madison Kahnt of Lawrence, KS, Tyeler Sholander of Topeka, KS, Blake Sholander of Rose Hill, KS and Payton Sholander of Rose Hill, KS along with many other relatives and a host of friends.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made to the Tom Ripley Memorial and sent to the VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 North Sixth, Osage City, KS 66523 or to the Lyndon State Bank P.O. Box 518, Lyndon, KS 66451. Memorial contributions can also be made to the St. Luke Foundation, which aids families of heart patients at St. Luke’s Hospital. Donate directly at https://saintlukesgiving.givevirtuous.org/Donate.

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