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Mary Lee Buhs


Mary Lee Buhs, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 93 on November 26, 2023. She left behind a legacy of love and family that will forever be remembered by all that met her. Mary was born to William Estes and Eva Beula Mae Ozbun in Kane Illinois on May 20, 1930.

Mary met the love of her life, Marion Walter Buhs when the two of them were employed at Owens Illinois Glasswork (O.I.) in Alton, Ill. during the depression. They married on October 16, 1948 and had five children. They moved to Charlotte, Michigan in December of 1967 when Marion and Mary transferred to the Charlotte O.I. Plant. Mary retired from O.I after 30 years of employment and then became an entrepreneur by starting a Dog Grooming Business which she successfully managed for ten years.

Her family was her passion, and she leaves behind a sprawling family tree that includes five children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mary’s home was always filled with laughter and food as she enjoyed feeding anyone who came within the vicinity of her home, including the squirrels. She was famous for her homemade rhubarb pie. Mary Lee’s sharp wit and her not-safe-for work humor made her one of kind. She taught all her grandkids the importance of family and their first swear word. She always said what was on her mind and had the kindest heart and never let go of her southern soul.

Mary is survived by her children, Diana (Larry) Carter, Michael (Pam) Buhs, Vanessa Buhs (Michael Moran), and Alan Buhs; her grandchildren, Dameon (Jenni) Rohdy, Maggie Rohdy, Sadie Rohdy, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Brand, Lyndsay Carter, Caleb (Alison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Birchmeier, Dayton (Alisha) Buhs, Nicole (Caleb) DeBattista, Monica (Jesse) Telfer, Jessica Buhs; 19 great -grandchildren; and her special friend, Cathy Reed.

Mary Lee is preceded in death by her son, Kevin (1969) and her husband, Marion (2013); her daughter–in-law Cristine Buhs; and her siblings, Gilbert Morris, Francis Woodring, William Edward Estes, Thomas Estes, Andrew Jackson Estes, Henrietta McRae, Donald Estes, and Betty Darr.

Everyone who loved Mary Lee feels comfort knowing that she is spending time with her son Kevin, her siblings and continuing the saga of loving, fighting, and making up with Marion again as only true soulmates can.

Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no service.

A donation in Mary’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

To view Mary’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.

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Marvel Rowena Wyble


Marvel Rowena Wyble, a caring and loving friend and family member, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Marvel, 102, was born on June 19, 1921, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of James and Alfraetta (Smith) Robins. She created many lasting memories with the love of her life Rolland “Polly” Wyble until his passing in 1990. Marvel was a retired Line Worker from Wilcox Gay in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Marvel was very talented at crafting things, she known for taking junk and turning it into beautiful furniture and knick-knacks. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, and most importantly collecting dolls.

Marvel is survived by her nephew, Randy (Gretchen) Boehmer; caregivers, Joan Coolman, and Pat Simpson; and dear friend, Diane Triovola. She was predeceased by her husband Rolland “Polly; and special friend, Bernice.

Friends are encouraged to support Marvel’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. There will be no services held for Marvel at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Glenn Allen Mortimer


Glenn Allen Mortimer was called home to his heavenly Father on November 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Born June 27, 1941, in Albion, MI, Glenn lived a life steeped in faith, compassion, and love, emblematic of a true servant of God.

Glenn was a skilled tool and die maker starting his career with Olofssons where he spent 15 years and later dedicating 30 years to General Motors, retiring in 2005. In retirement, he enjoyed camping trips, attending Charlotte Frontier Days, the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival, and breakfast outings with his friends and family. Glenn was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking in the beauty of his property in Eaton Rapids. He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church where he rarely missed a Sunday evening service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vickie Mortimer; and his two children, Brent (Bridget) Mortimer and Brenda (Kevin Rogers) Cain. Glenn was a proud grandfather of Austin (Justine) Mortimer, Evan Mortimer, Melinda Obrinski, Carly Shoemaker, Darla Mortimer and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Barbara Michalcewicz and Joan (Steven) Call. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Mortimer, and his granddaughter, Darcey Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Baptist Church. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Eldon Delos Howe


Eldon Delos Howe, a pioneer in the automotive industry and a beloved pillar of the community, passed away on November 24, 2023, marking the end of an era. Born on September 4, 1930, to Chester and Beulah Howe in Charlotte, Michigan, Eldon was the last surviving of five brothers.

From his formative years, Eldon was intricately involved in the family’s grocery and service station business located at the intersection of Clinton Trail and Vermontville Highway. School didn’t align with Eldon’s passions, leading to a pivotal moment when, in elementary school, he sought refuge from the school bus in the garage’s oil pit. This incident became a turning point as Eldon’s affinity for mechanics emerged, eventually propelling him into the world of cars.

His father’s decision to put him to work at the filling station turned out to be serendipitous. Eldon’s adeptness at fixing cars led him to venture into car sales in 1947, at the remarkable age of 17. He became one of Michigan’s youngest car dealers. His dealership flourished under his guidance after being christened “The Beacon.”

Eldon’s dedication to his work was unparalleled. His unwavering commitment saw him laboring until November 15, 2023, despite being under hospice care. His love for vehicles extended beyond the showroom; he remained a licensed driver until the age of 93, showcasing his passion and resilience.

Eldon married Patricia Moreland in 1962 and together they raised their son David. Family was at the core of Eldon’s being. He cared for his parents while managing the market, actively engaged in his family’s pursuits, and maintained a strong family-centric ethos throughout his life. He embodied the belief that a robust work ethic was the cornerstone of success, a principle he instilled in his family.

Eldon’s community contributions were significant. He held profound respect for emergency and first responders, and supported both the Charlotte Fire Department, Eaton Area EMS and a supporting founder of AL!VE. He was also supportive of the welfare of his community. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Eldon remained humble, never having boarded an airplane, or taken a vacation. His dedication to Beacon Sales and Service was unwavering, evident in his mere ten days of work missed throughout his extensive 76-year career.

Known for his formidable spirit, Eldon was an avid debater on politics and various topics. His love for reading spanned diverse subjects, and his encyclopedic knowledge of car makes, and models was impressive. He harbored affection for animals, especially the family’s lineage of dogs, and in his later years found solace in observing and feeding birds.
Eldon’s resilience was evident when, at 87, he overcame a grievous injury, a testament to his indomitable spirit and work ethic. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, a legacy of determination, wisdom, and kindness.
He is survived by his beloved son, Dave and his wife Eldora; granddaughters, Erron Sparks (Mick Bazaire) and Keisha Howe (Brian Miller); great-grandchildren, Ty Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller, Caiden Bailey, Brody Miller, and Izzy Miller; nephews, Ron Howe and Don Howe; niece, Annette Florence; close family friend and caretaker, Dawn Howlett; loyal employees; and his four-footed companion Shiloh II. Eldon was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Pat; four brothers, Menzo, Garland, Bart, and Louis; and five furry four-footed friends, Ginger I, Ginger II and Ginger III, Babe, and Shiloh I.
The stories and “legends” of Eldon Delos Howe will endure through the generations. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation was Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eldon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. 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 Eldon D. Howe’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 Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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James Dunn, Jr.


James Woodrow Dunn, Jr., 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his waiting Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

A devoted husband and father, James (Jim) was married to Janet (Cole) for nearly 70 years. They raised three children of whom he was very proud. The family travelled the country with their pop-up camper, eventually visiting 46 of the 48 continental states. They often camped in Michigan, too, especially enjoying a favorite fishing spot in Mesick and visits to Hartwick Pines.

He was proud to have coached his son Jim’s Peewee League baseball team for several years and he loved to roam the sidelines of Charlotte High School football games, especially when Jim was on the team.

James retired from Fisher Body, Lansing, having risen from line worker and union rep through promotion to supervisor.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Greene County, Tennessee to James Woodrow and Loretta (Ball) Dunn. He had two sisters and two brothers. The family moved to Michigan, and he attended school in Lansing until 8th grade when a move to West Windsor put him in the Charlotte school district. It was there that he and Janet met and fell in love. A couple of years later, when his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, they continued their courtship long distance until Janet took the train there in December of 1953 and they were married January 10, 1954. Soon, they moved to Lansing and James started working at Fisher Body June 1, 1955.

Shortly after their first child, Cheryl, was born in 1958 they moved to Charlotte where they remained for the rest of James’s life. Daughter Carrie (Smith) was born in 1960 and son James Woodrow Dunn III was born in 1962. Family life over the years included long Sunday drives, morel mushroom hunting in the spring, summer frolics in the backyard pool and large, prolific gardens every year from which the family ate all year long.

James and Janet travelled extensively after their kids left home. They went to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They drove cross-continent to Alaska in their van over several weeks, and they wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida for many years. They finished the 47th and 48th continental states, so that they could say they’d been in every one of the United States.

The special pride and joy of grandparenting came to James’s life in 1988 when Curtis Kalleward was born, followed in 1990 by James Woodrow Dunn IV, Sarah Dunn in 1994 and Eliza Bychek in 1997. James and Janet reveled in numerous outings with their grands through the years—visiting zoos and museums, going camping, fishing, playing games and reading endless stories. In 2020, James delighted in becoming a great grandpa to Elizabeth Dunn and to Coulson Kalleward in 2021.

James was proud of the life he built with his family and the relationships he maintained with his extended family. He regularly attended Chester Gospel Church and believed deeply in the salvation of Christ, as learned from his beloved mother, Loretta.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta (Ball) Dunn and sisters, Joyce Norton and June Haynes. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Cole), daughters, Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Carrie Smith (Steve) and son, Jim (Cheryl). Also surviving are brothers, MC (Maxine) and Jerry (Cordelia); aunts, Geneva (Ball) Foshee and Charlene (Hayes) Ball; grandchildren, Curtis Kalleward (Celeste), Jimmy Dunn (Theresa), Sarah Dunn and Eliza Bychek; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Dunn and Coulson Kalleward and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in James’s memory to Chester Gospel Church, Charlotte, Michigan. 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 Jim’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).

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