Obituaries
Francisco Ramirez, Sr.
Francisco Ramirez, Sr., 75, of Battle Creek, MI passed away at home on Monday, February 17, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Francisco was born in Edcouch, TX, the son of the late Jose Ramirez and Jovita (Ornelas) Ramirez. He moved with his family to Michigan at the age of 16. Francisco was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 serving until 1971 as a Gunner, earning the National Defense Service Medal as a Sharpshooter (M14, M16). He worked at GM in Lansing for over 40 years, retiring in 2008. He loved working outdoors and was always willing to help anyone with anything, anytime they needed it.
He and his wife, Susie were married for over 53 years and created countless happy memories together.
Francisco is survived by his devoted wife, Susie; their two sons, Francisco (Angela) Ramirez, Jr., Ricardo (Carrie) Ramirez; grandchildren, Vanessa, Austin, Sydney (Hugh), Dylan, Aleah; great-grandchildren, Alex, Ava, Austin Jr., Mallorie; siblings, Juan Ramirez, Simon (Candy) Ramirez, Jose (Tammie) Ramirez, Carmen Esquivel, Marta (Lupe) Sanchez, Jovita (Javier) Puentes, Leonarda Ramirez, Margarita (Arturo) Reuz; sister-in-law, Diane Ramirez; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Arturo Ramirez, Fernando Ramirez; sister, Jesusita Ramirez, Anita Ramirez, Teresita Ramirez; and sister-in-law, Jane Ramirez.
Visitation will take place at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made in Francisco’s honor to the Kirk Gibson Foundation, 280 N. Old Woodward, Suite 106, Birmingham, MI 48009, or online at www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org.
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Kevin Braithwaite
Kevin Braithwaite, age 70, passed away February 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born to Lloyd and Joyce Braithwaite, Kevin was raised in Charlotte, Michigan, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1972. He went on to earn a degree from Michigan State University with honors. In 1988, he welcomed his daughter, Kaitlin, with whom he shared a deep and special bond. A devoted and proud father, Kevin cherished their time together and took immense joy in watching her grow. In 2004, he married Patty Cross Boucher and embraced his expanded family, later becoming a beloved “Pop Pop” to eight grandchildren.
Kevin was a voracious reader with an endless desire to learn. He also enjoyed golfing in the Dinx on the Linx league for 30 years. After his retirement from the State Department of Management and Budget, he and Patty fulfilled a dream of traveling the world, visiting several western states, New York, San Diego, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, the Maldives, and Paris.
Kevin is survived by his daughter Kaitlin (Dylan) Haan and their three children Audrey, Isla, and Lukas; his wife Patty and her children Jessica Boucher, Katie (Ryan) Starkweather, and Daniel (Nicole McLeod) Boucher; grandchildren Allie, Reid, Sage, Addy, and Lane; his brother Todd (Sharon) Braithwaite; sister-in-law Julie (Chuck) Cooper; and brother-in-law Sam (Kathy) Cross.
Kevin was known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and dry sense of humor. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Per Kevin’s wishes, no services will be held. The family kindly asks for privacy and appreciates your understanding in respecting their wishes for discretion.
Those desiring to make contributions in Kevin’s memory may do so by donating to Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Kevin’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.
Stephen Wayne Ferrell
Stephen Wayne Ferrell, a faith-filled servant to both his country and St. John’s church, died February 14, 2025. Stephen, 73, of Charlotte was born May 11, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Ira Ervin and Elizabeth Ella (Pennington) Ferrell. Stephen served in the U.S. Air Force at K. I. Sawyer Air Force base as a U.P. Guard and also served in Vietnam. After the service, Stephen moved to Florida where he went to work at Owens Illinois in Lakeland, Florida, being a third-generation employee, and also working as a beekeeper. Stephen moved back to Charlotte in 2003 with O.I. His father and grandfather were instrumental in opening the O.I. plant in 1963.
Stephen was a faithful servant at All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland and after moving back to Charlotte at St. John’s Church serving as an Episcopal Vestry Jr. Warden and a lector reader. He also served as an Eaton Community Palliative Care volunteer. Flower gardening and reading were some activities he enjoyed, as well as loving literature, specifically Science Fiction and church history. With great knowledge for trivia, Stephen would often come up with answers that no one else could. He also served as the family genealogist, and was extremely proud of his kids and grandkids.
Stephen is survived by his sons, Scott Ira Ferrell and Todd Barrett Ferrell; mother, Elizabeth Ferrell; grandchildren, Ella and Owen; brother, Rick Ferrell; sister, Mary Holcomb; and former spouse Cathy Ferrell. He was predeceased by his father.
Friends are encouraged to support Stephen’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services will take place in Florida and Michigan. Florida services were Friday, February 21, 1:00 p.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida. Services in Michigan are Thursday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, Michigan. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles Atlee Anderson II
Charles Atlee Anderson II, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born January 25, 1955, in Parkersburg, WV, the son of Charles and Dortha (Pennington) Anderson. Chuck graduated from Charlotte High School in 1973. After graduation he attended Lansing Community College and earned his Associate’s degree. On May 19, 1984, he married Laurie Marie Davis at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, MI. Chuck loved spending time outdoors. Fishing, camping and his dog Thor were the pastimes that brought him the most joy. He was also a huge MSU Spartan and Detroit Lions fan. Chuck was an extremely talented man and could complete any task he set his mind to. He was affectionately known as MacGyver by his family and closest friends. Above all Chuck was a devoted family man who cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will always be loved and never forgotten.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Laurie; daughters, Alyssa (Bob) Flahive of Portage, Ashley (Jordan) Rogers of Middleville, Amanda (Aaron) Tarr of Stafford, VA; grandchildren, Hudson Tarr, Tyler Flahive, Easton Flahive, Grayson Tarr, Lillian Rogers; and sister, Donna (Carl) Hartman of Haslett.
He was preceded in deÇΩath by his parents and brother-in-law, Jerry Joppie.
The family received friends on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. There will be a private family memorial service held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Chuck’s memory to Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
To view Chuck’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Bonny Louise Powers
Bonny Louise Powers, 68, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. She was born on September 22, 1956, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Joyce (Burlison) Bodell.
A proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School’s Class of 1975, Bonny went on to build a career in construction as a skilled drywall finisher for over 40 years. Gifted with remarkable craftsmanship, she found joy in woodworking, crafting, and home remodeling. No project was too big or too challenging, she even built a deck for her home, meticulously handcrafting the balusters for its railing.
Above all, Bonny cherished her family. She especially loved the holidays, going all out for Christmas with an abundance of beautifully wrapped gifts, each adorned with her handmade bows. She found happiness in attending craft shows, shopping, and caring for her beloved pets, particularly her dogs.
Bonny was preceded in death by her son, Jason Krokker; her parents; her brother, Robert Bodell; and her sister, Krystal Simpson.
She is survived by her loving husband of 22 years, Ted Powers; her children, Savannah (Brandon) Prince and Matt (Heather) Briggs; her cherished grandchildren, Tristan, Tahya, Avy, Ayden, Bryce, Jaxon, Riley, and Maddox; her sister, Debra (Dan) Loughan; her brother-in-law, Roy Simpson; and her beloved dog, Bella, and cat, Rascal, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In honor of Bonny’s memory, contributions may be made to the Lupus Research Alliance.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.