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Elsie Marie Love, age 94, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on May 12, 2024, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Elsie was born in Ionia, Michigan on October 15, 1929, the daughter of Edward and Lena (Dunham) Shamp. Elsie attended school in Charlotte, Michigan, graduating with the Class of 1947.

Shortly after graduation, Elsie married Alton Willis. During this ten-year marriage, Elsie became the mother of two daughters, Sandra Willis and Wanda (Willis) Hughes. In 1976, Elsie married Lewis Love, Jr. to whom she was married until his death in 1999.

Elsie was employed as a Teller at the Charlotte Branch of Michigan National Bank for nearly ten years. She then joined Owens Illinois as a payroll clerk, later taking a position as plant manager’s secretary and retiring from that position.

Elsie was artistic. She loved needle crafting and quilting. She was a master cake decorator, highlighted by her providing a tiered wedding cake to serve over one hundred people at her daughter Wanda’s wedding. She was also a woodworker, carving and painting hummingbirds and, with the help of her husband Lewie, crafting and painting unique doll furniture for her granddaughter.

Elsie’s long-remembered legacy will be her unfailing dedication to her family. Elsie’s entire life was devoted to supporting her children and grandchildren, often sacrificing her own needs.

Elsie leaves behind her daughter Wanda (Ivan) Hughes of Stillwater, Oklahoma; grandson Ivan “Chip” (Lauren) Hughes, Jr. of Fulshear, Texas; granddaughter Christina (Andrew) Waller of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and great-great grandchildren Peyton, Wesley, Trey, Elizabeth, and Taylor. She was preceded in her death by her father and mother, her husband Lewis Love, Jr., and her siblings Edward, Donald, and Joyce (Weever) Shamp.

A private graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.

To view’s Elsie’s obituary online or 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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Patricia Ann Royston Dunning Parsons, age 90, of New Port Richey, FL, passed away on February 12, 2024, in New Port Richey, FL.

Patricia was born in Charlotte, MI on May 18, 1933 to Howard and Lilah (Houghton) Royston. She was a graduate of Charlotte High School and married John Dunning in 1953. She was employed at AE Charlotte, as a school bus driver for Charlotte Schools, worked for the post office as a mail carrier, and as a secretary for Farm Bureau Insurance in Charlotte. After John’s death in 1976, Patricia met and married Jerry Parsons of Lansing, MI in 1979. They made a wonderful life for themselves in New Port Richey, Florida, a place where family and friends were always welcome.

Pat loved riding her bike and visiting neighbors, winning at card games and bingo, completing jigsaw puzzles, and caring for her beautiful flowers and plants around her home. She was a loving and devoted sister, mother, and grandmother. All of her grandkids loved their “Grandma Pat” because she was young in spirit and heart. She never missed an opportunity to joke around, play games, and boogie down on the dance floor. She attended and was active in her church and was always available to lend a helping hand to her fellow neighbors in her park.

Patricia is survived by her sister, Virginia Carlisle and brother, Jerry (Audrey) Crane, her four children, Debra (Kip) Arnold, Denise (Lee) Gress, Dennis (Ellen) Dunning, Doyle (Dawn) Dunning, and two stepchildren, Roger (Retta) Parsons, and Kathy Parsons, 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Lilah Royston, husbands, John Dunning and Jerry Parsons, brothers, Charles, Eugene, and Gaylord Royston, sisters, Leona Howard, and Colleen Gingrich.

The family will have a Celebration of Life on July 6, 2024 at the VFW, Post 2406, 695 Lansing Road, Charlotte, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Light lunch will be served following a brief Memorial Service.

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Teresha Ann VanAuken, 82 of Vermontville, a kind and loving individual, died June 19, 2024. Teresha was born in Kalamo Township, Michigan on June 8, 1942 to Maynard and Idella (Moon) Morehouse. She grew up and lived her entire life in the Vermontville area.

Teresha enjoyed spending time with family and was deeply fond of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid reader, she also enjoyed crossword puzzles, fishing, and camping. She was a kind soul and was loved by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
A hard-worker and go-getter, Teresha worked many different places throughout her lifetime. First and foremost, she was a wife and mother. She also worked at the Charlotte Medical Care Facility, Michigan Magnetics, Crown Camper, and Hoover/AE as a union steward until the factory closed. She then went on to work as a cashier at the Vermontville Grocery store, Purina Ralston in Battle Creek, and then at Peckham Inc. in Charlotte as a supervisor, where she worked for 15 years and retired at the age of 67.

Teresha is survived by her husband of 53 years, Thomas VanAuken; daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Paul Lahr; step-son and daughter-in-law, Lance (Beth) VanAuken; granddaughters, Denise (Nick) Crandell, Rebecca (John Lee) Lahr; step-granddaughter, Emily VanAuken; step-grandson, Matthew VanAuken; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Hailey, Tyler; and step-great-grandchildren, Alice, Landon, and Carmen; sisters, Freda Collier, Kathy (Randy) Whitaker and Judy Barcroft; brothers, Alvin Morehouse and Norman (Beth) Morehouse; several nieces and nephews, and her four-legged daughter, Gabby. She was predeceased by her parents, Maynard and Idella Morehouse, first husband, Allen O. Serene; daughter, Della Serene; brothers, Robert and Raymond Morehouse; and sisters, Mary Hood, Ruth Morehouse, and Sally Morehouse.

Friends are encouraged to support Teresha’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service was held on Monday, June 24, 11:00 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo Township, with Pastor Charles Jensen officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Flower House (senior living facility) in Nashville, MI. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Sue Ann Campbell, passed peacefully at her home in Bellevue, MI, on June 15, 2024, and went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sue was born on March 12, 1944, to the late, Gerald and Brittie (Mathewson) Greenawalt in Lima, Ohio. She is also preceded in death by her father and mother in-law, Earl and Jessie Campbell; sister, Gale Charlene Greenawalt; and daughter-in-law, Julie (Jung) Campbell. She is survived by her husband, Dave Campbell; daughter, Brenda (Mark) Link; sons, Scott (Karen) Campbell, and Joe (Julie, deceased) Campbell; brother, Steve (Donna) Greenawalt; and sister, Marilynn (Eugene) Waterbury. Sue was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Sue was known for her love and faithfulness to the Lord, sure to share Jesus with those around her, in word and deed. She was also faithful in praying for her family and all others that she shared life with. Sue, lovingly known as Suzy to her husband, was a faithful wife and fiercely devoted to her family. Being a lover of nature Dave and Sue were members of the Hiawatha Sportsman Club, where they enjoyed many vacations together. She was a true outdoorswoman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with her Savior in His creation, always with her hat cocked to the side. Sue enjoyed her Bridge Club and playing other games including Cribbage and Backgammon. Sue had many talents and gifts, and she used them to impact others, such as sewing many children’s dresses for church ministry. You could often find her in the kitchen baking a delicious pie or her famous vegetable beef soup, usually with a grandchild at her side. The incredible impact Sue had on her family, friends and community will live on for generations. We will miss you dearly, but we do not grieve without hope.

A visitation was held at First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021, on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and June 22, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Don Francis officiating. A graveside service will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

If desired please consider making a memorial contribution to First Baptist Church, Bellevue. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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Dingman, Loren L., Nashville, Michigan, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024. Loren was born in Nashville, Michigan on January 17, 1939, the son of the late Howard L. and Unah E. (Stewart) Dingman. He was a graduate of Nashville High School, class of 1957 and attended Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. Loren was self-employed for most of his life and was the owner of several businesses, including The Teener, Nashville Flower Shop, South End Grocery in Nashville, Mr. Lucky’s Restaurant and Lounge in Battle Creek and Islands Inn Motel in Cedarville in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. His faith in the Lord was very important to him, and he served as associate pastor at Woodbrook Cathedral in Grand Rapids. Loren also worked for a time in the music industry as a sound technician in Nashville, Tennessee. On June 11, 1989, he married Margaret D. Smith, who survives. Loren is also survived by his children, Denise Hummel, Randy (Christine) Dingman, Chris Dingman (Phil Forrest) and Adam (Jordan) Dingman; stepchildren, Silas E. III (Candy) Chalfant and Susan (David) Laws; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Roger (Bonnie) Dingman; sister, Lois (Bill) Browne; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Neal (Annetta) Dingman and great-grandson, Levi Chalfant. A funeral service was held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Friends and family may share a memory or leave a condolence message at www.kempffuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

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Duane Robert Lewis, age 76, of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was born June 18, 1947, in Charlotte the son of Robert and Ruth (Murray) Lewis. Duane graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1965. He retired after many faithful years of service working at the DPW for the City of Charlotte. Duane loved spending time outdoors. Whether it was sitting around a campfire, riding his motorcycle, canoeing, or spending time with family at Bertha Lake, he cherished each and every moment.

Duane is survived by his wife, Myra; children, Robert Lewis of Harrison, Michelle (Jeff) Pierce of Charlotte, Rick (Angel) Tyler, Ken Tyler, Jeff (Denise) Tyler; grandchildren, Justin (Erica) Jeffery, Sheila Lewis, Ashley (Brandyn) Tyler, Andrew (Michelle) Tyler, Shelby Bigelow, Jaedyn Colburn; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte (Erwin) Walker, Roberta (John) Forell, Arletta Lahr, Diana (James) Wietzke; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Lou in 2011; and brother-in-law, Mike Lahr.

In keeping with Duane’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Patty Lou Burleson passed away at her home with family by her side on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 87. Patty was born on May 24, 1937, to William and Beatrice (Overla) Hart in Mason, MI. She grew up a farmer’s daughter alongside her younger sister Karen and cousin Gary. It’s there that she developed a lifelong passion for horses. On a family hunting trip to Harrison, she met her future husband, Clyde Burleson. They married on July 24, 1954. They lived for a time in Eaton Rapids, before settling back in Mason at the home Clyde built for her just a few houses down from where she grew up. They had 4 children and often opened their home to family and friends. They threw many memorable parties where everyone gathered in the garage and the yard to talk, played a game of softball or volleyball, and enjoyed a pig roast. Patty enjoyed gardening, working out to her Richard Simmons tapes, the music of Elvis, painting, cooking, and baking. A renowned cake baker and decorator, she baked cakes for many including family events and milestones. Patty was a 4-H leader and the whole family could be found each summer at the Ingham County Fair. She was often a judge for the 4-H cake contests. Through the years, the fair continued to be a family event where she would buy wristbands for all the grandchildren. Her famous dishes include apple goodie, balloons, cinnamon rolls, cookies, homemade noodles, and she even made a brandy slush every Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve at Grandma’s was a large event, where the whole family came to her house to enjoy the holiday together. Each year, they prepared for the event by holding a candy making day at her house, creating many tasty treats including hard candy. Patty’s whole world was caring for her family. She babysat many of her grandchildren while they were young, spoiling them and providing a loving presence. Each holds special memories of their time at grandma’s house in their heart.

Patty is survived by her sister Karen (Bill) DeTemple; children, Susan (Steve) Pifer, Julie (Rick) Rice, and Tim (Lana) Burleson; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren (one on the way); one great-great-grandchild (two on the way); three nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde; son, William Burleson; granddaughter, Shannon Rice and great-grandson, Daniel Huttenga.

Funeral Services took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at noon. She will be laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Patty Lou Burleson. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.

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Patricia Yvonne Koos, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was born June 16, 1938, the daughter of Robert and Viola (Groom) McConnell. Pat graduated from Potterville High School in 1956. Just a few weeks after graduating from high school on August 17, 1956, she married Merlin Koos in Charlotte. Pat was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Pat’s faith was of the utmost importance to her throughout her entire life. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and loved to share her faith with others. Pat was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte. She enjoyed studying genealogy and making connections with those she met along the way. Pat enjoyed doing all things crafts. She was very talented and created many family heirlooms. In later years Pat and Merlin enjoyed spending their winters in Texas and traveling across the United States together. While in Texas she played the tub base in a local band where she made many lasting friendships. Pat worked at Hayes-Green-Beech Hospital in Charlotte as a unit clerk, head of housekeeping and in the x-ray department.

Pat is survived by her children, Kim (Paulette) Koos of Remus, Kelly (Samuel) Love of Charlotte, Kristy Volz of Charlotte, Kathy (Ron) Bristol of Charlotte; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Sally) McConnell, Lou (Salliann) McConnell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin; sisters, Carolyn McConnell and Charlene Hatcher.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 in the gymnasium. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church.

Those desiring may make contributions in Pat’s memory to Helping Hand Food Pantry 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Pat’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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Lawrence (Larry) Ray Palmiter, 83, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Larry was born December 16, 1940 in Lansing, MI. Larry was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was a very dedicated, ambitious, and driven man, well known for his musical history, exceeding expectations with his band, The Blue Echoes. Larry and two classmates formed the band in 1957 at Resurrection High School, in Lansing. Best known for their hit songs Debbie, Its Witchcraft, and Cool Guitar, with Larry as the songwriter and lead vocalist. Larry and The Blue Echoes recorded their final single in 1972, but continued to play at more local events and venues. One of Larry’s proudest accomplishments is when the band was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

Larry’s passion for music began as a child while playing his mother’s piano, which grew into a love for playing guitar, a self-taught venture. He then began writing songs at the young age of fourteen. Larry’s passions did not end with his music, he was always ready to be a part of the party, if he was invited to anything, he was there without a question. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, taking his grandchildren to the movie theatre to watch the latest flix, going to breakfast at Big Boy, visiting his daughters in Florida, and getting together with his long-time friend Roger Benham.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Palmiter; mother, Bernice Paquet; father, Robert Palmiter; sister, Mary Catherine Ryan; and brother, Ron Palmiter. He is survived by his sister, Roberta Lott; daughters, Angela, Nina, Theresa ; stepdaughter, Jodi; son, Paul; grandchildren, Brandon H, Britnie, Briana, Christine, Jessica, Matthew, Kevin, Micheal, Ryan, Truman, Robin, Brandon, and Samantha; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on Larry’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Service was held at Pray Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 11, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery.

The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Ronald Clyde Hamilton, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family around him in the early hours of Friday, June 7, 2024, at Moore’s Adult Foster Care. He was born June 8, 1941, in Lansing, MI, to Clyde Herbert and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. Ron graduated with the class of ’59 from Charlotte High School. On July 2, 1961, he married the love of his life, Hazel M. Burley. They enjoyed 62 years together.

Ron was a hardworking man and provided well for his family. He was a supervisor at Oldsmobile for 29 years. Ron obtained his pilot’s license and when he wasn’t working, you might find him flying his Cessna 152 or his Piper Cherokee. When he was flying, he was truly in his element! Ron and Hazel hosted a multitude of cookouts for friends and family. For many years they orchestrated the annual 4th of July Community Breakfast at Bertha Lake where they spent time each year up north at their summer cottage. In their senior years, they relaxed at their winter home in St. Cloud, Florida. Ron was a true family man and he will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Ron is survived by his children; Kathy (Jeff) Rosenbrook of Charlotte, Terry (Diana) Hamilton of Charlotte, Todd (Kelly) Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Mindy, Ashley, Nate, Kelly, Brandie, Jessika, Broedie, Blaze; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Taylor, Ken (Carol) Hamilton, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton, Russell (Susan) Hamilton, Jr. (Janet) Hamilton, Carolyn (Tom) Frith; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Hazel, just a few short months ago; and sister, Edna (John) Sims.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Burial took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Ron’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Ron’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.