Obituaries
Michael R. Dolph
Michael R. Dolph, 74, of Bellevue, passed away on December 28, 2023, at the Medilodge of East Lansing, MI. He was born on February 22, 1949, to Robert and Alma Louise (Kelley) Dolph in Battle Creek, MI.
On October 19, 1985, he married the love of his life, Marci Sanders in Bellevue, Michigan and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2009. Mike owned and operated with his brother, Steve, Dolph Roofing in Bellevue for over 30 years. He loved working with wood, being in the great outdoors and camping. He also loved his dogs. His daughters said he was a jack of all trades but a master of none. Mike enlisted in the Army and was in the Vietnam War.
Mike is survived by his loving daughters, Kim (Phil) Nobert of East Lansing, MI, Candy Dolph of Charlotte, MI and brother, Robin Dolph of Charlotte, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, Jerome Burger, brother, Steve and sister, Tammy.
Burial of cremated remains will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery.
To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Daisy Mae Komor
Daisy Mae Komor, a wonderful little spitfire, died surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Daisy, 87, of Nashville, was born on December 16, 1936, in Doyle, Tennessee, the daughter of Jessie and Daisy (Yates) Simmons. In 1954 Daisy married Cordell Kirby and they started a family together. In 1965 the family relocated to Michigan, where after living in a couple of different towns the family would later settle in Nashville. Daisy always cherished her Southern heritage, from her accent to her cooking, she was a Southern woman. During her working years, Daisy worked for the Charlotte Chair Company, Hoover, and Walmart. Hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, fishing every Sunday with her family, line dancing, traveling around the country, trips to the casino, playing bingo, crafting, sewing, quilting, and woodworking. Daisy was a very talented woman who loved being able to gift her talents to others. Above all, her biggest passion in life was her children.
Daisy is survived by her children, Glenna Hennessey, James (Linda) Kirby, Paul (Connie) Kirby, Sharon (Jerry) Parks, Donna Kirby; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; companion, Richard Powers; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Cordell Kirby; second husband, Daniel Maggard; third husband, Donald Komor; daughter-in-law, Amanda Kirby; son-in-law, Jerry Hennessey; great-granddaughter, Ava Kirby; parents; and her 12 siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Daisy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Funeral services were Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Daisy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Terry Alan Lowery, Sr.
Terry Alan Lowery, Sr., age 75, of Charlotte, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was born on August 6, 1948, in Elyria, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Donna (Lawrence) Lowery. He graduated from Elyria High School in 1966, where he developed a love for journalism and his role as a sports writer for the Elyria Chronicle Telegram.
After graduating high school, Terry completed his electrician apprenticeship, and began his 42-year career with General Motors as a master electrician. Terry loved sports. He played for and managed multiple softball teams, the most notable being The Wrecking Crew. As a father, he actively supported his children’s sports, school activities, and hobbies, even volunteering as a leader for Boy Scout Troop 46 for more than ten years. Terry’s hobbies included genealogy, electronics, and woodworking. He also had a great passion for ministry and music. After his retirement, his deep interest in genealogy and baseball inspired him to undertake the process that resulted in the induction of the 1947-1949 Vermontville High School baseball team and star pitcher, Ken Beardslee, to multiple Sports Halls of Fame.
Terry is survived by his children: Terry Lowery, Jr. of Grand Rapids, Miscella (Patrick) Kelly of Grand Rapids, Brian (Lisa) Lowery of Birmingham, Rachel (Joseph) Stambaugh of Charlotte, Derek Lowery of Charlotte, Cory Lowery of Sacramento, CA, Ryne (Rachael) Lowery of Owosso; grandchildren: Chay Beckett, Jadyn (Ryelee) Malone, Terry Lowery III, Connor Kelly, Brenna (Tony) Clark, Cora Kelly, Alexandra Lowery, Victoria Lowery, Jacob Stambaugh, Benjamin Stambaugh, and Judah Lowery; great-grandchildren, Cadyn Beckett and Sunnie Malone; siblings: Linda (Timothy) Shetenhelm of Charlotte, Carol Megyesy of Charlotte, Susan Burgett of Medina, OH, Joey Lowery of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, David Megyesy and Steve Burgett.
A funeral service is scheduled for 12 p.m. on January 6, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte, MI.
Those desiring may make contributions in Terry’s Memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Compassion International.
To view Terry’s obituary online or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.grcremation.com/obituaries.
Robert Loren Cowles
Robert Loren Cowles of Springport, passed away December 30, 2023, at the age of 78. Loren was born in Marshall, MI, April 3, 1946, the son of Robert and Rella (Lange) Cowles. He was a 1964 graduate of Springport High School where he was elected FFA and Class President, served as the Springport Township Treasurer, Springport School Board President, and was the Owner of Rapids Tumble Finish. Loren was an avid reader, passionate about sports, particularly MSU, golfing, woodworking, and his favorite artist Andrew Wyeth in which he held an artist exhibit in Jackson, MI. Loren and his wife Chris enjoyed traveling to their Northern MI property (Perch Lake) and spending time with friends, family and his nine grandchildren that will miss him a great deal.
Loren is survived by his wife, Chris; children, Brian (Melissa) Cowles of Cincinnati, OH, Tim (Faiza) Cowles of Chicago, IL, Betsy (Slater) Cowles of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Luke, Nora, Mia, Alex, Holden, Esme, Wyeth, Dylan, and Vivianne; siblings Bill (Jeanne) Cowles, Annie Hansen, Jan (Kip) Laughlin, Beth Bandelow, Thelma (Rick) Suban. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; mothers, Rella and Madge.
A celebration of life will take place in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association | Donate to Fight Alzheimer’s Disease and the Springport High School FFA Chapter. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Maudie Irene Startup
Maudie Irene Startup (Lake) was called home to the Lord on the morning of December 27, 2023, while surrounded by her loving family at the age of 92 years young. Maudie was a life-long resident of the Eaton County area, born on January 23, 1931 in Olivet at the family home and farm. She married the love of her life, Albert B. Startup on November 25, 1952, in Battle Creek. They enjoyed 68 long years of marriage and traveled the world together. They had two boys born in Germany while Al was stationed overseas, and a daughter, born stateside in Alabama.
Maudie was a talented surgical nurse, during which time she assisted in medical procedures ranging from childbirth to heart surgery. She also ran the medical department for several decades as the plant nurse for Owens-Illinois in Charlotte. In addition to nursing, Maudie also loved to cook, garden, help Al on the farm, and play dominos with her family. Maudie will always be remembered for her faith beyond measure in Jesus Christ and the deeply held belief in life everlasting through His mercy.
Maudie is survived by two younger sisters, Barbara (Bobbie) Lake and Judith (Judy) VanSickle; her son, Charlie D. Startup; daughter, Susan L. Startup-Hiler (David Hiler); granddaughters, Alena M. Clark and Amanda L. Clark-Richards (Joe Richards); grandson, Benjamin A. Wierenga; and great-grandson, Camden L. Richards.
Maudie was preceded in death by her parents, Lena Lake (Heisler) and William Clair Lake; husband, Albert B. Startup; eldest son, Michael K. Startup; and sisters, Blanche Piepkow and Geraldine (Gerri) Pridemore.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Maudie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
To view Maudie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.