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Funeral Services:

Nancy Jane Minich, formerly Nancy Jane Dexter, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the age of 78, at her home in Northville, MI. Nancy was born November 18, 1945 in Bellevue, MI to Mary Hamilton Dexter and William Manville Dexter, where she grew up with her three siblings. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1963 and continued her education at Olivet College and Central Michigan University, earning her teaching degree in 1967. Nancy taught at several schools in the Pinconning School District and later settled in Concord, MI. There she pursued further education earning her LPN and RN degrees and worked as a nurse at the Foote Hospital emergency room in Jackson, as a nursing educator at Hillsdale Community College, and retired from the State of Michigan as a nurse at the Jackson Correctional Facility.

Outside of work Nancy found joy in travelling around the United States, spending time with family, reading, taking nature walks, and volunteering at the library and community free store. She was known for her irreverent sense of humor and willingness to help neighbors and friends.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gary Minich of Northville; children, Timothy (Stephanie) Minich of Northville and Kristin (James) Jensen of Golden, CO; grandchildren, Henrik and Adelaide Jensen; brother, John Dexter; sister, Alexandra (Dexter) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ellen (Dexter) Rugg; mother, Mary; father, Manville; and stepfather, Clarence Price.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11, 2024 at the Bellevue Methodist Church in Bellevue, Michigan, with refreshments provided. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bellevue Township Library in Nancy’s honor.

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Funeral Services:

Dana Westley Telfor of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 18, 2024, at the age of 87. Dan was born in Belding, MI, on August 24, 1936, the son of Don and Lillian (LaPekes) Telfor. He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and proudly served his country in Japan. Dan worked as a supervisor for General Motors, retiring in 1988 after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he went to work in the Lawn and Garden Department at Meijer, which was right up his alley as he loved working outside in the yard and in his flower gardens. Dan also enjoyed farming. He always had pigs and his beloved Herefords. Some of his other hobbies included hunting, fishing and was very meticulous about polishing his vehicles.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Telfor of Eaton Rapids; children, Mark Telfor of Lansing, Danelle (Robert) Eckart of Kenosha, WI, Jamie (Debbie) Telfor of Eaton Rapids, Misty (Scott) Warner of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Roxanne) Telfor of Grant, Josephine (Jack) Reeves of Belding, Connie (Bill) Gregory of Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Telfor, Harold Telfor, Harry Telfor, Raymond Telfor; sister, Betty Williams; grandson, Colin Byars.

Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Dana Westley Telfor. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Brenda Kay Bly, 77, a truly “Kindhearted Woman” of deep Faith and love for her family, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Lansing. Brenda was born January 15, 1947, in Hastings, the daughter of Evison Joseph, Jr. and Beverly Ann (Lord) Beck. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life, John K. Bly on July 2, 1965, at the Congregational Church of Charlotte. In her early years, Brenda worked as a waitress at the Hi-Lo, in elder care at the Faith Immanuel Nursing Home, and at Maeward Inc. in Olivet. Her true life’s calling began when she earned her massage certificate from Lansing Community College and started her own business in 1992, Kind-Hearted Woman. She served her community as a massage therapist, energy worker, and shamanic practitioner, helping people heal on all levels of their being – physical, emotional, natural and spiritual. Brenda co-created Happiness and Healing Advocates and was a member of the Charlotte Full Moon Circle and many Shamanic Circles. She was dedicated to her Charlotte Community in many other ways as well, especially by passionately serving on the Camp Francis Board.

Brenda loved the outdoors, especially gardening, and spending time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan and immersing herself in the forest. She looked forward to vacationing with her brother, Mike and his family. She absolutely adored her beloved grandson, Scott, and treasured every moment with him. Above all, Brenda was deeply devoted to her Faith. From a young age, Brenda developed a strong, memorable relationship with God. She maintained that relationship every day in her interactions with others, and in her service to her home church, Charlotte Congregational. Brenda will forever be remembered by many for her positive energy, kind spirit, and service to others.

Brenda is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, John K. Bly; their son, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; daughter-in-law, Amy Bly; grandson, Scott James (Kara) Bly; brothers, Evison Joseph Beck III and Michael Aaron Beck; her nieces and nephews, extended family; and a whole host of friends and fellow shamans. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, James Kay Bly in 2021; and her sister, LaRae Smith.

Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Jody Betten 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 Brenda’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 the Juvenile Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gary Lee Wells, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born May 17, 1949, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Howard and Juanita (Maynard) Wells. Gary had a personality that was larger than life. He loved entertaining others with his singing, dancing, and playing of his guitar. Gary was an extremely hard worker and always saw to it that his family was well cared for. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Katrina (Robert) Butler of Bunker Hill, Illinois, Kristina (John) Hamilton of Alton, IL, Lisa (Kraig) Bowen of Charlotte, MI, Gary Wells Jr., of Charlotte, Thomas (DeeAdra) Wells of Kansas City, MO; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marvin (Neva) Wells of Charlotte, Sharon Wells of Wilsonville, IL, Ivan (Annette) Wells of Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jessica Cooper; and his fur-baby, Lucy.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813.

Those desiring may make contributions in Gary’s memory to Compassus Hospice, 800 S. Waverly Road, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

To view Gary’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:

Martha Jean Moss, a gracious and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Jean, 89, of Charlotte, was born on April 7, 1934, in Philippi, West Virginia, the daughter of Mary and Charlie Manning. She graduated from Phillip Barbour High School. On June 7, 1954, she married Howard Ronald Moss Sr. and together they created many great memories until his passing in 2013. Jean was a dedicated Homemaker, and while the children attended school, she managed the school cafeteria. She was a devoted Baptist. Jean was a lifetime member of the Charlotte Eagles Aux. 3552, and an Auxiliary member of the American Legion in Philippi, W.V. Hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, reading, doing word search puzzles, and watching old western movies. In her younger years, back home in W.V. she enjoyed dancing in the dance halls with her cousins. Above all her proudest accomplishment in life was the family that she created and her marriage to Howard.

Jean is survived by her children, Deborah Moss, Ron (Jane) Moss, Jeanne (Butch) Hussey, and Keith (Sandra) Moss; grandchildren, Nick Moss, Chad Dallaire, Dar Dallaire, Megan (Matt Fisher) Andres, Mallory (Mike) Crowner, Brooke (Chad) Jacobs, Kati (Buck Andrews) Moss, Casey Hussey, Cody (Mandy) Hussey, Lindsey (Isaac) Weeks, Robert (Ashlee) Moss, Brandon (Jenn) Colegrove, and Josh (Mae) Moss; dear friend, Phyllis Christie; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard; siblings, Charles Reed, and Peggy Manning; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Jean’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 the American Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Richard “Dick” Coleman Avery, 75, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at home with his family nearby. He was born March 12, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to W.K. and Margaret (Fraser) Avery. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Martens, on December 21, 1968.

He worked for Grand Trunk/Canadian National Railroad for almost 40 years as a truck driver/heavy machine operator. He credited his successful marriage to working long hours on derailments and snow removal, having no time for fights. Over the years, he enjoyed fast cars, volunteering at the Bellevue Rescue Squad as an EMT, crewing for the Kandi II hot air balloon (only on the ground – he would not ride in it), working in his yard, volunteering at the Leila Arboretum, and driving his restored 1949 Ford Truck. For many years, Dick also enjoyed going to the local restaurant to “stir the pot,” but it was well known that if anyone needed help, he was always willing to lend a hand.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Darren (Katy) Avery; daughter, Amanda (Paul) Hubinsky; grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Josephine, and Coleman Avery; and his special cat, Smokey, who sat with him and watched TV.

A visitation was held at Kempf’s of Bellevue, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service began at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dale Williams officiating. Immediately following, Dick will be escorted in his restored 1949 Ford Truck to the graveside service at Riverside Cemetery, 201 N. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue Fire Department, 115 East Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021; Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice), 7100 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or at https://centricacare.org/giving/; or Kalamo United Methodist Church, 1475 South Ionia Rd., Vermontville, MI 49096.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.

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Funeral Services:

Michelle Trowbridge Whitman passed away peacefully at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI surrounded by her family on Friday, February 9, 2024.

Michelle was born on October 21, 1966, to Lou and Emma (Degner) Trowbridge in Eaton Rapids, MI.

Michelle attended Maple Valley Schools and graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1984. She was on the Maple Syrup court in 1983 and was employed by IGT for 20 years, where she worked as a sales representative.

Family was very important to Michelle. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and working at her parent’s bookstore. She loved camping and spending time at her family’s lakefront property at Saubee Lake. Michelle also loved going on scavenger hunts with her friends, which was a yearly event. She enjoyed helping her family collect sap for Maple Syrup and cheering on MSU. Michelle was outgoing and had a smile that lit up the room. She was loved by all.

Michelle will be deeply missed by her life partner of 18 years, Steven Whitehead; Parents, Lou and Emma Trowbridge; brother, Michael (Debra) Trowbridge; Nephew Brody and Niece, Madison; stepsons, TJ McArthur and Alex Whitman.
Visitation will be Monday, February 19 at Sunfield United Brethren Church, 8436 Grand Ledge Highway (M43), Sunfield, MI. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, February 20 at 11 a.m. at the same location, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sunfield SPYS. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Rosier Funeral Home of Sunfield, MI. 48890

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Funeral Services:

Norris “Cy” Ralph Stark, 90 of Charlotte, an extraordinary tractor mechanic and farmer, died February 12, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was born October 16, 1933 in Battle Creek, the son of Norris and Dorothy (Hoag) Stark, attended Central High School in Battle Creek his freshman and sophomore years, and then Olivet High School his Junior and Senior Years, playing basketball and earning many awards. The biggest award ever, though, was meeting his future wife at a basketball game just after he graduated from high school. Since he had already graduated and she was still in high school, their courtship took several years, often with distance being an obstacle in their relationship, but in the end they married on New Year’s Day 1956.

Instead of attending college, Cy decided to become a farmer. With his dad, he purchased his first farm on 5 Point Highway in 1956 which included an old farmhouse, and while it needed lots of repairs, Cy and Shirley did so together and filled the home with love as they raised their four sons. Cy was a full-time farmer until 1968, when he was hired by D.E. Wertz as a tractor mechanic by day, and continued farming at night. He was great with all types of tractors, but specialized in the more modern models. A mechanic’s mechanic, Cy was never too busy to answer a question on how to fix something or help someone out. He never relied on modern technology, he would trouble shoot simply by listening to the tractor and its symptoms. After 22 years at Wertz, he also worked at J.R. Fueslein Inc. for five years, and Filmore’s Implement for three years.

Cy is survived by his sons, Richard (LeAnn) Stark, Bob (Lisa) Stark, John (Connie) Stark, and Thomas (Linda) Stark; ten grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and sister, ZoeAnn Baxter. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; and one great-grandson.

Friends are encouraged to support Cy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, February 14, 5-8:00 p.m. Funeral services were Thursday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Josh Burt 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 Cy’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 Elara Caring Hospice or Grace Community Church in Nashville. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Linda Dianne (Cooper) Groleau, a beloved and dedicated wife, mother, and friend, died peacefully with her husband Bill by her side, on Friday, February 9, 2024, in Charlotte. Linda was born July 6, 1943, at the family home in Vermontville, the daughter of Hugh and Almary (Root) Cooper. She grew up in the farmhouse on the corner of Stine and Kinsel for 19 years. As a child, Linda contributed to the family work, particularly in helping to catch the chickens so her brother, Bill, could do the dirty work in preparing them for meals. She attended Millerburg Country School from Kindergarten through 6th grade, where she often helped care for the younger students. She went on to Charlotte High School and graduated in the class of 1961. During her high school years, she stayed busy on the family farm, thus was too busy for sports, but she did excel at baton twirling, even winning awards.

Linda’s first job was in the front office of the pickle factory in Eaton Rapids, MI. Her big career break came on February 5, 1962, when Charlotte High School business teacher John Smith, then the Chairman of the Board of Eaton Federal Savings and Loan, recommended Linda to the bank president, Huey Stall. She went to work at the bank starting for $1.25/hour but worked her way up the ladder to Secretary/Treasurer (a modern day CFO), before her retirement on December 30, 2006 after 44 years of service. It took four and a half employees to fill Linda’s shoes when she left the bank. Many of her coworkers affectionately referred to her as “boss,” “guidance counselor,” “marriage counselor,” but most importantly, “friend.”

Linda met her husband, Bill Groleau when her brother, Bill, set her up on a blind date on April 11th, 1970. They hit if off immediately and were married just six months later on October 24, 1970, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, where they would remain lifetime members. Bill recounts their marriage as in saying, “Wedded bliss it’s not always been, what it has been is a slice of heaven.”

Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Groleau; son, Michael Groleau; daughter, Kara Groleau; brother, Bill (Martha) Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Dick (Lila) Cooper and Bob (Bev) Cooper; sister, Nancy (Roger) McDonald; and her parents, Hugh and Mary Cooper.

Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, February 12, 2024, with a Rosary held at 7:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Linda’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 School. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Mary Lorna DeBar, a 59-year resident of Grand Ledge, and a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, at the age of 86. Mary had experienced a sudden and unexpected medical event the prior Monday giving family and several dear friends a chance to gather around her in prayer and love at the end. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1937, in Charlotte, Michigan, Mary’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and devotion.

Mary’s journey began as a spirited young girl in Charlotte, where she attended Olivet High School, graduating with the class of 1954. Her high school years were filled with joyful memories as a cheerleader and a talented member of the band, where she played the trombone with gusto. Like many living in rural Michigan, she also helped out with various duties on the family farm, and for a time, road her horse to school.

After high school, Mary bought her brother’s car and left home for the big city of Lansing, and enrolled in what was then Lansing Business University (later Davenport University). After obtaining her Associate of Business degree, she embarked on a administrative career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Education where she worked for several years.

During this time, Mary met, and later wed, the love of her life, Raymond L. DeBar. Their love story spanned 65 beautiful years, 63 of those married. Together, in 1962 they welcomed their beloved son, Brian, who, along with his wife Teresa, eventually blessed Mary with two grandchildren, Brianna Marie DeBar and Christopher Raymond DeBar. After Brian was born it was their decision she would be a stay-at-home mom while Raymond worked extended hours as a local car salesman. In 1964, they moved from the East side of Lansing to the Grand Ledge area. This focus on family continued for 15 years and then she returned to life as a business professional working as a legal secretary for Reid, Reid, & McKay. In 1988, she followed Joseph D Reid (II) to Capital Bancorp, where she worked as his executive assistance until her retirement at age 75.

Her work ethic was matched only by her passion for music and her church, and her life was one of deep commitment to community and faith. Mary’s voice graced her church’s choir for over 30 years. She found solace and joy in the pages of Nicholas Sparks books and had a remarkable talent for nurturing her rose bushes, which bloomed beautifully under her guidance and care.

She cherished every moment spent with family and in later years traveled regularly to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in California. Her extended family included her sister Doreen (Dale) Weber, sister-in-law Ruth (Albert) Mix, brother-in-law Rex (Frances) DeBar, and her many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Doris (Weeks) Hogle, and her brother, Norman (Lucille) Hogle and his wife. Our faith gives us solace in their long-awaited reunion (Mary lost her mom when she was only 30 – both mom and brother passed as a result of cancer).

A Funeral Service was held Friday, February 9, 2024 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with a visitation one hour prior to the service; a luncheon will be provided after the service and then interment to follow at Delta Center Cemetery. For those wishing, donations can be made in loving memory of Mary L. DeBar to the American Cancer Society. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.