Obituaries
Norene Rose Fell
Norene Rose Fell, a woman of remarkable passion and a self -taught Linnaean Taxonomist, left this world on March 4, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born on September 11, 1937, in Muskegon, MI, to Adolph August Pierre Domont and Norah Johnson, the last of four daughters. Norene’s life journey was a testament to her love for God, Christ, and the awe-inspiring wonders of His creations.
In her youth, Norene was an active member of the Girl Scouts and Walther League, finding solace and community in her church. She graduated from Muskegon High School, laying the foundation for a life characterized by curiosity, kindness, and an unyielding spirit. Embarking on her professional journey, Norene began as a bookbinder and librarian’s assistant. After her marriage to Forrest Alton Fell on January 9, 1967 her deep connection with animals led her to become the proud owner of Crestview Boarding Kennel in the Charlotte area. For 34 years, she welcomed over 10,000 customers, caring not only for their dogs and cats but also raising prizewinning German Shepherds alongside her beloved husband, Forrest.
In 1984, Norene graduated from Lansing Community College, transitioning to a fulfilling role as a substitute teacher. A woman of many talents, she was a gifted musician and writer, sharing her love for music by actively participating in her church choir and serving as the accompanist on piano and organ. Norene’s commitment to her faith and her community was unwavering. Her studies in Linnaean Taxonomy, the study of the genus and species of all living things, reflected her awe for God’s creation, as she saw science as a pathway to understanding the divine.
Noreen is survived by her children, Aaron (Shannon) Fell, Michael (Carla) Fell, and Sarah (Jaymie) Walters; grandchildren, Robert, Angie, Michael Jr., Jacob, Jessica, Andrew, and Alexandyr. She was predeceased by her husband, Forrest; grandson, Daniel; and her sisters, Nancy Rudick, Delphine Poellott, and Arlene Rose (her twin sister).
Family and friends were invited to celebrate Norene’s life during the visitation at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Thursday, March 7. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 8, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Norene will be laid to rest beside her husband in West Carmel Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte or Siren Eaton Shelter, organizations that held special places in Norene’s heart. Memories of Norene can be shared on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Tom Reid
Tom Reid, age 86 of Nashville, MI passed away on March 1, 2024, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte.
Thomas was born in Hastings MI, February 12, 1938, a son of Florence and Clyde Reid.
Thomas was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools graduating from W.K. Kellogg School in 1957. After completing his education Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He served faithfully for three years before being honorably discharged in 1962. He worked faithfully for over 35 years retiring in 2000 from Union Pump Company.
Tom also was a lifetime farmer raising beef cattle and buffalo.
On June 5, 1965, he married Emma Jean Jordan in Assyria MI. The couple made their home together on the family farm in Nashville.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his two children, Paula Reid, and Scott (Julie) Reid; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, Rod, Roland, Jim, Richard, Bernard, Eva Phoebe and an infant sister.
The family received visitors on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Daniels Funeral Home Nashville.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley
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.
Carolyn Julia O’Connor
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.
Darrell Hamilton
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.