Obituaries
Marian Elizabeth Zeis
Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born December 9, 1936, to Harold and Marian Gelow. Marian lived in Durand, Charlotte, Lansing and at her family cottage in Greenville. She graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 and worked for the State of Michigan for 37 years.
Marian is survived by her daughters, Deborah Zeis (Judy Tegreeny) and Theresa Thomas; grandson, Levi G. Thomas; and special friend, Julia Freije. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Marian Gelow; sister, Mary Johnson; granddaughters, Vanessa, Ginger, and Erika Hicks; and former husband, Robert D. Zeis.
Family was everything to Marian. She loved her daughters, saying they were “the best part of her life”, along with her grandchildren. She was always sharing stories about them to anyone who would listen.
In 1953, her parents purchased a cottage on Half Mile Lake in Gowen, MI. This was Marian’s “Happy Place”, where she was known as “Ducky” (her family nickname). After retiring, Ducky spent 23 summers at the lake, cherishing every moment, whether it was enjoying family and friends, riding around the lake on the pontoon or entertaining her grandchildren.
The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ele’s Place. Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
Kolean England
Kolean England, 78, of Homer, passed away on June 12, 2025 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born on November 23, 1946 to William “Bill” England Sr. and Emma Jean (Allen) England in Hanover, MI. She received an Associates of Applied Science specializing in tool and die from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1986 and graduated from Olivet Michigan High School. She was a trailblazer for women in her trade. Kolean started out at Eaton Manufacturing for five years and served as a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years at Grace Freewill Baptist Church. She retired from the manufacturing industry and American Axel (previously Simpson Industries) after 35 years. She took great pride in her home landscaping, gardening, pets, and taking her grandkids on vacation trips as much as possible.
Kolean is survived by her sister, Pamela L. (Pat) Kibbler; daughter, Darla Jean Woodman; son, Alan John Woodman; grandchildren: Adrianna (Tray) Davis, Jeremiah (Erika) Hutchison, Benjamin Mathew Woodman, Acacia Bree Harris; and great-grandchildren: Tracy Jr., Raidyn, Sydney, Raphael, Ariella, Layla and Baby River. God Bless Everyone with being Saved and Baptized.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emma England, William “Bill” England Senior and their son William “Bill” England Junior; brothers, Delmar, Jacob, and Copas “John” England; sister, Jean Passmore; former husband, Jackie Allen Woodman; and son, Brian M. Woodman.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with a service following at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.
Burial will take place in the West Clarendon Cemetery, following the service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Kolean’s name may do so to the Humane Society of West Michigan or John Hagee Ministries, 239 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
James Claire Kingsley
James Claire Kingsley, 86, of Springport, Michigan, passed away at home on June 28, 2025. He was born on December 28, 1938, to Elma and Ralph Kingsley in New Harmony, Indiana. Jim grew up in Saranac, Michigan, graduating in 1956 as class president and was active in the FFA. He attended Michigan State University, earning a DVM in 1962. After graduation, he married Judy (Witt) and enlisted in the army, being stationed at Fort Detrick for two years. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Returning to Michigan in 1964, he practiced veterinary medicine in Eaton Rapids for several years until purchasing a farm in Springport. He changed careers to become a teacher and taught at Leslie Schools. Jim enjoyed farming, camping, canoeing, woodworking, and supporting his children’s school, sports, and 4H activities. He attended Springport sporting events until his health no longer allowed.
Jim is survived by his spouse, Judy; his children: Jennifer (Doug) Rainey of Newaygo, Jeff (Gabby) Kingsley of Eaton Rapids, and Joanna Kingsley of Charlotte; and his grandchildren: Hannah Rainey, Selena Kingsley, and Sofi Kingsley.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home located at 121 Pearl Street in Springport, Michigan. A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
Ruth Ann Thuma
Ruth Ann Thuma, age 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Born on October 15, 1936, in Lansing, the daughter of Frederick and Mary (Perrin) Cleeves.
Ruth moved with her family to Eaton Rapids at the age of three and graduated with the Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1955. She married Art Thuma on June 9, 1956 and together they had three children. Over the years, Ruth held a variety of jobs, including positions at the Accident Fund Insurance, Sears in Lansing, Weight Watchers, and also worked as an Avon representative. However, her most cherished role was a homemaker and a devoted mother to her three children she shared with Art Thuma.
Ruth was a faithful and longtime attendee of First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting, painting, needlework, baking, and working on puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Jennifer (Thuma) Schmidt; and her siblings, Robert Cleeves, Kenneth Cleeves, Frederick Cleeves, Dorothy King, and Jack Cleeves.
Ruth is survived by her children, Wayne (Marla) Thuma, Rodney (Sue) Thuma, and Sheri Thuma; her grandchildren, Josh (Sabrina) Thuma and Ethan (Sondra) Thuma, Harrison Thuma; great-grandchildren, Brady Thuma and Abigail Schmidt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in memory of Ruth A. Thuma.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Karon Rae Pewoski
Karon Rae Pewoski of Charlotte, passed away June 22, 2025, at the age of 77. Karon was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 16, 1948, the daughter of Raymond and Bernice (Lott) Colbath. She retired after over 35 years of service for General Motors. Karon was a big fan of baseball and loved her Detroit Tigers. She was an animal lover of all kinds. Above all else, Karon was a very generous person, she would give you the shirt off her back.
She is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Matthew) Grubaugh of Eaton Rapids; stepchildren, Cindy Pewoski of Charlotte, Jon (Michelle) Pewoski of Hastings; grandchildren, Michael, Nathan, Madison (Justice), Kylie, Landon, Alexis, Jeffrey; great grandchild, Scarlett; siblings, Bonnie Jordan, Sharon (Rodger) Craft, Sam (May Pouzar) Colbath as well as several nieces and nephews. Karon was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley Pewoski; nephew, Derek Sadler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Karon Rae Pewoski. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.