Obituaries
Blanche Marlene Conn
It is with deep sadness and loving hearts that we announce the passing of Blanche Marlene Conn (Weiers), age 89, in Seminole, Florida on August 17, 2026. Blanche was born on September 12, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Marshall Weiers & Dorothy Weiers (White). She lived in Lansing Michigan, Texas, Eaton Rapids, Michigan and Seminole Florida.
A devoted mother, she is lovingly remembered by her two children, Joe Conn and Dona (Conn) Sembler.
Throughout her 89 years, Blanche created a lifetime of memories and touched the lives of all who knew her. She married the love of her life, Don Conn and built their wonderful family by his side, until his passing 40 years ago.
Blanche worked as a home healthcare aide for many years, making sure her elderly patients received the best of care. She will be remembered for her quick wit, warmth, wisdom and compassion. Her life and memory will remain forever in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
She is survived by her sister, Fern Marlette and brother Chris Weiers; her grandchildren, Brad Conn, Nicky & Bree Foley; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her brothers Douglas Weiers, Edlund Weiers and Morris Weiers; sisters Charlotte Ben (Weiers), Shirley Barrett (Weiers), Luella Weiers, Eva Weiers & Janet Weiers.
A memorial service will be held on Friday September 18, 1 p.m. at the East Lawn Memory Gardens chapel; 2400 Bennett Rd., Okemos, Michigan.
Tommy Gene Langley
Tommy Gene Langley, 69, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Tom was born on December 8, 1956, in Sycamore, Illinois, the fifth child to Mary and Bill Langley.
Tom moved to Jackson, Michigan, alone, when he was 17 years old. He married shortly afterward and raised two daughters. Tom worked as a diesel mechanic at Dunnigan Brothers for 30 years. He remarried in 1998 to Pamela Jory, and they moved to Eaton Rapids. Here he became a “Helpful Hardware Man” at Ace Hardware. He was also the Bingo Caller at the Senior Center. Tom met and made numerous lifelong friends.
Tom is survived by his wife Pammy; children, Melanie (Jimmy) Petty, Jennifer Langley and Don Jory. He had three grandchildren, Brianna, Xavier and Eva; he is also survived by sisters, Audrey (Bill) Wilson, Terry Patton, Shirley (Chris) Christenson and his brother, Jimmy Langley; sisters-in-law, Tina Eaton, Karen (Joe) McIntosh; brother-in-law, Chuck (Holly) Case, along with numerous nieces, nephews and Sebastian cousins. Tom had two best friends, Bruce Merwin and Phil Rutledge. Preceding him were his parents; sister, Mary Jane, and two brothers-in-law, Bobby Patton and David Eaton. Tom is also leaving behind his favorite traveling companions Peggy and Bobbie!
A Funeral Service was held at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center or Small Blessings Daycare in loving memory of Tommy Gene Langley. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Rory (Keith) Moss
Rory (Keith) Moss, 63 of Olivet, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4, 2026 surrounded by his family. Keith was born October 07, 1962 in Flint, Michigan to Howard and Jean Moss.
Keith spent his life doing what he loved – protecting our water and being an environmentalist. After spending most of his life working in waste water, he loved to tell everyone about his job. He would always say, “I am #1 in the #2 business,” and “Remember to always flush twice.” He was full of humor, kindness, love, and sincerity.
Keith never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was empathetic to all and spent his life caring for his family, friends, and animals. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he recently retired. Everyone loved Keith, that was a normal statement. He was always the life of the party. He touched many lives. If you needed something Keith was there, whether to help, hold your hand, make you laugh, or just tell you everything will be all right. Even during his fight with cancer, he never gave up. He was stronger than most. He kept saying “We got this.” His courage inspired us all. He was more worried about his family than himself; that is just Keith.
Some of Keith’s favorite things were wrestling and watching his sons carry on his tradition. Riding motorcycles with his children, watching his grandchildren grow up, dancing to the funky chicken, holding hands with his wife as they enjoyed their life together. Laughing and joking around with all his siblings, nieces, and nephews. He was the best human, and the absolute best Husband, Father, Pa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. He will be deeply missed in this world by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Keith will be remembered for his ability to make everyone feel special and loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Jean Moss. Keith is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sandra Moss; his children, Robert (Ashlee) Moss, Joshua (May) Moss, Teddy (Jack) Jaquette, Cameron (Rachael) Bulock, Ian (Kim) Hasper, and Brandon (Jen) Colegrove; his siblings, Deborah (Scott) Moss, Ronald (Jane) Moss, and Jeanne (Butch) Hussey; and his loving grandchildren, Hailey Bulock, Brett Bulock, Ariya Colegrove, Oliver Hasper, and Arthur Jaquette, as well as his dog Jamo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte on October 24 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Jerry Glen Andrews
Jerry Glen Andrews, age 90, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026.
Always guided by his unshakable faith in the Lord, Jerry was a devoted husband, beloved father, and adored grandfather (Pop-Pop).
Jerry was born on April 25, 1936, and attended Sexton High School. He began working at Oldsmobile as a tool and die apprentice in 1954, eventually becoming an experimental machinist and then an inspector. He continued with General Motors until his retirement 45 years later.
Although Jerry’s life revolved around his family and his church, he managed to find time to enjoy hobbies that involved the great outdoors. He was an avid rabbit and pheasant hunter, but it never mattered if he brought home any game; he just loved being out in the fields and woods working his dogs. He also enjoyed camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters and flying small planes.
Mostly, Jerry loved helping people, especially with any kind of building project. Whether it was re-roofing a house, building a pole barn, or pouring a cement driveway, everyone knew they could call on him and he’d be right over. He loved working with his hands and being helpful to his friends and neighbors. That was his idea of a great time!
A man of profound faith, Jerry’s relationship with Jesus Christ was the absolute central focus and anchor of his life. He lived out his faith daily through his incredible generosity, freely giving of his time and talents to support his community and his church home, Calvary Baptist in Charlotte. He strove to be a reflection of Christ’s love to everyone he met, always lending a helping hand and sharing his blessings with a joyful heart.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia; his devoted children, Michael (Sarah) Andrews and Wendy (David) Hunt; and his cherished grandchildren, Caitlyn (Robert), Christian, and Faith. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren (Adrian and Waverly) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Neva Andrews, and his siblings, Otto, Joan, Shirley, and Geneva.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, Michigan 48813 with Pastor Timothy Potter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jerry’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, Michigan 48813.
To view Jerry’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.
William Henry Stewart
William Henry Stewart, 76, a mountain of a man with a loud voice, strong opinions, a passion for what was right, and integrity that never faltered, with a gentle soul and unwavering faith, passed away on September 7, 2026, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Bill was born on November 16, 1949, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Henry and Thelma (Schnepp) Stewart.
Bill graduated from high school and married the love of his life, Anita Bosworth. Together, they raised their son, Billy, and shared 54 years of marriage and countless memories.
In September 1970, Bill answered the call to serve his country when he joined the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam War, he served as a scout dog handler, taking on a demanding and important role during a challenging time in our nation’s history. His military service was an important part of who Bill was, and he remained proud of his service throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of both the VFW and the American Legion.
Bill had a big heart and would do anything for anyone. He spent 42 years as a machine repairman for Owens-Illinois and served as Vice President of the GMP Union. He was a hardworking man who took pride in all he did.
Bill loved life and enjoyed a good auction, building and restoring things, fishing, hunting, bowling, and playing softball. He took pride in his yard, enjoyed riding motorcycles, and loved spending time with friends. He especially enjoyed watching his grandsons at their sporting events and even had the opportunity to coach his son when he played sports.
Above all, Bill loved his family with his whole heart. He was a proud veteran, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and his kindness, generosity, and love for those around him will be deeply missed.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anita; son, Billy and daughter-in-law, Jamie; grandsons, Abel and Lincoln; “adopted” bonus son, Charlie Lloyd; brother-in-law, Kelvin (Cheryl) Bosworth; sisters-in-law, Pam (Russ) Gardner, Alice (Butch) Whitehill; beloved pet, Willow; best friend, Dave; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by parents; sisters, Barb (Ray) Barland, Betty (Jr.) Garvey, Judy (Bob) Bigford; brother Harold (Bessie) Stewart; sister-in-law, Pat Johnson; brother-in-law, Keith Bosworth, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Friday, September 11, 2026, at 1p.m. with visitation two hours prior at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Joe Benedict 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 Bill’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Melvin William Strong
Melvin William Strong, formerly of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 96. Melvin was born on March 18, 1930, in Blanchard, Michigan, the son of William and Alta Strong.
Following high school, Melvin enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 12 years on active duty. During his military career, he was stationed at various locations throughout the United States as well as in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Melvin continued his service to his country for another eight years in the Army Reserves.
Melvin worked for General Motors Fisher Body Plant and later worked for Coopers as a service manager. He eventually opened M&M Auto Sales in Lansing, which he owned and operated for many years.
A lifelong automotive and racing enthusiast, Melvin had a particular passion for NASCAR and Sprint Car racing. He and his wife, Nayola, enjoyed traveling throughout Florida in their RV, following the Sprint Car Circuit and making many wonderful memories along the way.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Nayola Strong, and his family.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to a local hospice organization of the donor’s choice in memory of Melvin Strong.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robin Elaine Boerma
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robin Elaine Boerma, born on October 24, 1968, in Lansing, Michigan. Robin went to be with the Lord on August 28, 2026, at the age of 57, with her loving family by her side. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Robin lived a fulfilling life rooted in compassion and care. A proud graduate of Montcalm Community College, she dedicated over thirty years of her life as a Licensed Practical Nurse, most recently serving at Medilodge, where her nurturing spirit touched the lives of many residents and their families. Her commitment to her profession exemplified her genuine love for helping others, and she always found joy in the small, everyday moments spent with her patients.
Beyond her professional achievements, Robin was an avid lover of music, having received awards for her clarinet playing in high school. She cherished the beauty of life, whether through travel, fishing, or enjoying a meal out with family and friends. Her deep affection for animals was only surpassed by her unwavering love for her family, whom she cherished above all else. As a devoted mother, she embraced her role with warmth and grace.
Robin will be lovingly remembered by her spouse, Elwynn Boerma; her son, Jacob Boerma; her father, Bill (Janell) Hess; her mother, Marjorie (Johnnie Morris) Markle; She is also survived by her brother, Will (Sherry) Hess, along with many other cherished relatives and friends.
Robin was an active member of Essential Church in Williamston, where her spirit of kindness and generosity was felt by all who attended.
A memorial service celebrating Robin’s life will be held on Oct. 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Essential Church, 3510 Zimmer Road, Williamston, Michigan 48895. A memorial luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church.
The family invites all who knew and loved Robin to join them in remembering a remarkable woman whose legacy of love and compassion will continue to impact those she leaves behind. Memorial contributions may be given to Essential Church. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.
Randy Lee Hankins
Randy Lee Hankins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and cherished member of his community, passed away on August 27, 2026, while on vacation in upper Michigan, just three days shy of his 70th birthday. Randy was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 30, 1956, to Marvin and Evelyn Hankins. Throughout his nearly seven decades of life, Randy touched countless people with his laughter, kindness, humor, generosity, and genuine love of being around others.
Randy was a man who believed that life was meant to be lived fully. He was community-minded, family-oriented, and always ready to share a laugh, tell a story, sing a song, or lend a hand. He had a large sense of humor and an even larger laugh, one that was unmistakably Randy and could often be heard before he entered a room. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, and he was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and people he cared about.
Above all else, Randy was proud of his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandra K. (Cook) Garvie. Their relationship was an important part of his life, and Randy was proud of Sandy and grateful for the life they shared together. He was a proud and loving father to Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie and Justin (Jessica) Garvie. His children were an important source of pride and joy, and he cherished watching them grow and create lives of their own.
Randy was also a proud grandfather to Nicki LaValley, Allison Garvie, Aaron Garvie, Rowan Garvie and Noah Livingston. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he was grateful for every opportunity to spend time with them, share memories, and watch them grow. Family was never something Randy took for granted. He understood the importance of the people who stood beside him throughout life, and he treasured the connections he had with those he loved.
Randy often spoke with pride about how far he had come in life. He was grateful that he had the ability to raise himself up throughout the years and build a life through determination, hard work, perseverance, and his own unique strength of character. His journey was not simply about where he started, but about the person he chose to become. Randy knew that life could present challenges, but he also knew the importance of continuing forward, finding something to laugh about, helping others, and appreciating the people who mattered most.
Those who knew Randy well will remember that he was, in his own words, “cute.” In fact, one of his favorite sayings was simply, “I’m cute.” It was perfectly Randy – confident, playful, and always delivered with the kind of humor that could make people smile. He never seemed to take himself too seriously, and he had a remarkable ability to find humor in everyday situations.
His sense of humor was one of his defining characteristics. Randy loved making people laugh, and he had a natural gift for bringing lightness into a room. His big laugh became part of his identity, and friends and family will undoubtedly hear it in their memories for years to come. He was happy around people and enjoyed the simple pleasure of conversation, companionship, music, and sharing experiences.
Music was another important part of Randy’s life. He formerly sang in a barbershop quartet in Lansing, Michigan, and his love of singing eventually became part of his working life as well. During his years as a driver for EATRAN, he became known affectionately as the “singing bus driver.” It was a fitting nickname for a man who loved music and loved making people smile. He was proud to become an IT support person to the State of Michigan, ending his career with the Michigan State Police with a specialty in lien and cyber crimes.
Randy enjoyed music from many different eras and especially loved the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. Their music reflected some of the things he enjoyed most – fun, freedom, friendship, summer, and living in the moment. Whether he was singing, listening to his favorite songs, or enjoying karaoke, music was one of the ways Randy connected with people.
Randy also had a genuine passion for fishing. There was something about being outdoors, enjoying the water, and taking time away from the rush of everyday life that appealed to him. Fishing gave him an opportunity to relax, spend time with others, and enjoy one of the simple pleasures of life.
Another interest that reflected Randy’s personality was his love of coins and “numismatics.” He appreciated the history and stories behind coins and enjoyed the hobby as both a collector and an enthusiast. His interests were varied, and he had a natural curiosity that led him toward technology, history, cars, music, community projects, and many other things.
Randy had a special fondness for his “Black Mustang,” which was another reflection of his personality and his love of cars. He enjoyed being part of the car community and was past president and membership director of the Charlotte Cruisers Car Club and past president of the Jaycees. Cruising, and the friendships that developed around those interests gave Randy yet another way to be with all the people he cared about.
Randy is survived by wife, Sandy Garvie; children, Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie, Justin (Jessica) Garvie; grandchildren, Nicki, Allison, Aaron, Rowan, Draco, Memphis, Evelyn, and Ethan; siblings: Ronald Hankins, Darlene Keshick; many nieces and nephews; and extended family, Tony and JoDee Pruden, Kelly and Stan Karamol, and Kent and Teresa MacDonald. He was preceded in death by siblings, Marvin Hankins, Wayne Hankins, Karen Tate, Suzan Tyler, and Delores Tyler; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Randy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastors Charles Jenson and John Messner 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 Randy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry and the Michigan Heart Association. The family are in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Charlotte Ann Walker
Charlotte Ann Walker, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Charlotte at the age of 84. She was born on May 23, 1942, in Sears, Michigan to Robert and Ruth (Murray) Lewis. Charlotte graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1960. She married the love of her life, Erwin Walker, on July 25, 1959 at the Charlotte Church of Christ, spending 67 years together.
She went on to build a steady and caring working life, serving in office roles for different doctors over the years. She primarily worked at Hayes Green Beach for more than 15 years as an office assistant in the billing department, where her dedication and reliability were part of her daily work.
Outside of work, Charlotte found joy in the simple and meaningful things she loved most. She enjoyed gardening and took special care of her flowers. She also loved crafting and working with her hands, especially through painting and sewing. She cherished time spent at the family cabin on Bertha Lake in Farwell, a place that held many special memories. Charlotte and Erwin also enjoyed traveling in their RV to Texas and spent many winters in Bandera, Texas. Most of all, Charlotte loved her family and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, Erwin Walker; her children, LoriAnn Gonzalez, Bob (Jayne) Walker, and Daniel (Donna) Walker; grandchildren, Tearsa Spear, Jessica Walker, Jayme Walker, Jacob (Brittany) Walker, Jillian (John) Hoesli; great grandson Winton Walker; siblings, Diana (Jim) Wietzke, Roberta (John) Forell; and many nieces nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Arletta Lahr, and her brother, Duane Lewis.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlotte’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
In keeping with Charlotte’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Friends are encouraged to leave online condolences on Charlotte’s page at www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Christi Jane Dutcher
Christi Jane Dutcher, 76, of the Gun Lake area, a woman of inspiration, ambition, and love, died peacefully after an extended illness on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Lansing. Christi was born September 24, 1949 in Charlotte, the oldest child of Robert Willis and Evelo LeJeune (Michael) Fulton. Christi grew up in a family for whom generosity was never an abstract virtue to be admired from a distance, it was a discipline practiced daily, in ordinary and extraordinary ways, and it shaped every decision she would go on to make for the rest of her life.
Christi graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1967 and went on to spend a brief period studying drafting at Lansing Community College. In her early years, long before shelters and formal support systems for domestic abuse victims existed in most small communities, Christi recognized the critical and largely invisible need that abused women and their families in the area had nowhere to turn for safety. Without hesitation, and without waiting for anyone else to act first, she opened the doors of her own home, offering shelter, comfort, and a loving hand to innumerable women and children who needed it most. It remains, in the eyes of her family, perhaps the purest expression of who Christi truly was: when she saw a need, she acted immediately, and she never asked for anything in return.
Christi knew what it meant to work hard for every dollar and to treat every customer with genuine care. She spent time at Michigan National Bank, as well, before settling into ownership and management of the family business, Fulton Lumber, in 1973. Christi logged countless hours at the counter and behind the store’s paint-matching machine, and she carried forward a lesson passed down through generations of her family: that the customer always comes first. Those who worked alongside her, and those who simply came in for a gallon of paint or a load of lumber, remember her the same way – warm, attentive, and utterly incapable of doing anything halfway. Friends often said Christi was “the definition of a go-getter,” and that the word “no” never seemed to have made it into her vocabulary.
Her willingness to dive in and help manifested itself in great measure with her civic duties and devotion to the community of Charlotte. She was involved with the Courthouse Square Association from the moment of its inception, and over the years she held nearly every position available on its board of directors, including president. For decades, she was, in the truest sense of the phrase, the “face” of Courthouse Square. She was the person who stood before city council and county commissioners meeting after meeting, advocating tirelessly for the site’s preservation and its place in the life of the town. It was through her persistence, her instinct for building relationships, and her refusal to let good ideas die on the vine that the 1885 Courthouse and Museum became not merely a historic building preserved for its own sake, but a living, integral part of Charlotte’s community identity, a gathering place, an educational resource, and a source of civic pride that has touched thousands of residents’ lives.
Christi also served as a member and Past-President of the Board of Trustees of the Vomberg Foundation, working alongside fellow trustees to serve the Foundation’s mission of providing scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. Christi helped open doors for countless young people across the Charlotte area who might otherwise have struggled to further their studies. It was a cause close to her heart, rooted in the same belief that carried through every part of her life: that investing in people, quietly and without expectation of recognition, is one of the most powerful things a community can do for itself.
The list of Christi’s accomplishments and contributions to Charlotte is vast. She helped to spearhead the first annual John Gaedert Generosity Celebration, helped developed CanDo’s organizational rally cry of “Shop Charlotte,” and was instrumental in uniting the efforts of local clergy, city officials, and the students and faculty of Charlotte High School around a single shared purpose of welcoming a group of young citizens from Burundi, a small nation in East Africa, to build an international bridge between two cultures. Christi received the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce’s “E Award,” an honor named in tribute to her good friend, Eleni Nicolau, as well as the Clyde A. Fulton Award, named for her grandfather.
Her generosity extended into her church as well, where for many years Christi was active in music ministry, played piano, and sang in the choir. Music, especially singing and playing the piano, were central to Christi’s life. For all that Christi accomplished in the public life of her community, her family says without hesitation that her greatest legacy was built at home. She was a wonderful wife, a loving mother, and, in her grandchildren’s own words, a marvelous grandmother. She set what her family calls “a sterling example of how to be a good person” for every generation that came after her. She taught her grandchildren that spare change was meant to be saved throughout the year and donated, at year’s end, to a charity of their own choosing. She taught them, too, that a good deed should never be done in expectation of a reward. Rewards, in her words, “will always be there in the end,” even if they aren’t visible right away.
Christi followed her children and grandchildren to their many activities and endeavors with the same boundless energy she brought to every part of her life. She could be found cheering from the stands at sporting events at both Martin and Charlotte High Schools, or other venues such as barrel racing. At the lake, Christi found time to kayak on her own and with her grandkids.She always refused to sit on the sidelines when there was fun to be had.
Over the many years Christi spent in the Charlotte community, she watched her grandparents and her parents give unselfishly of themselves to make their community a better place to live. In her own generation, she and her husband, Tom, along with her siblings and their families, carried that same tradition forward without ever treating it as a burden. Volunteerism was simply the watchword of her life, and sharing her time, her effort, and her financial resources with others was never framed as sacrifice. It was, as her family put it, “just the thing that you do.”
Christi is survived by her husband, Tom Dutcher; daughters, Rebecca (Robert) Elkins and Jen (Doug) Reed; grandchildren, Katelin Elkins, McKinnon (Becky) Elkins, Robert (Brook) Elkins III, Freddie Jo (Jeremiah Darling) Elkins, Mari (Jacob Cole) Elkins, Fulton (Raigan Garcia) Reed, Van Reed, and Tasha Elkins; great-grandchildren, Grant Roberts, Hazel and Rozilyn Elkins, Emma Bruischart, Harley Bruishart, Robert “Bubba” Elkins IV, Raelynn Elkins, Wesley Darling, and baby Elkins/Cole coming spring of 2027; her sister, Kathie Cook; brother, Mike (Janice) Fulton; brothers-in-law, Richard Butman and Jim (Susan Aguilar) Dutcher; cousins Wes Fredenburg, Bob Miller, nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Putter. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Nick Elkins; sister, Barbara Fulton; brother-in-law, Charles Cook; cousin, Connie Miller; parents, Bob and Evelo Fulton; mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Lola Dutcher; and aunt, Jerre Fredenburg.
Friends are encouraged to support Christi’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Courthouse Square Association, 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, Michigan. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Courthouse Square Association or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.