Obituaries
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.
Roger Keith Carroll
Roger Keith Carroll, a resident of Eaton Rapids, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the age of 82. He was born on February 18, 1941, in Traverse City, Michigan. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Elaine and Francis Brakel, in Traverse City, graduating from Traverse City Central High in the class of 1959. Roger proudly served in the United States Army before embarking on a fulfilling career.
Following his military service, Roger joined Delta Airlines, reveling in the opportunity to travel and explore the countryside. Later, he transitioned into the trades and dedicated an impressive 55 years as an electrician with the IBEW 665.
Roger’s active lifestyle reflected his passion for athletics, and he excelled in basketball, baseball, bowling, and golf. He was an enthusiastic member of golf leagues, initially at Bronson Bay and later at Duck Lake Country Club. A devoted Michigan State Spartan fan, he thoroughly enjoyed following their athletic programs.
Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Linda (LeaTrea) Carroll, and his children: Amy (Jim) Warner, Jodi Raccuia, Carrie Colwell, and James (Heather) Bielecki. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Allison (Conner) Johnson, Chelsie (Luis) Reyes, Taylor (Colon) Wright, AJ Raccuia, Joey Raccuia, Emma Raccuia, Jayden Colwell, Trevan Colwell, and Samantha Bielecki. Additionally, he is remembered by his sister, Faith (Gary) Waters, and brother, Bruce Brakel.
A remembrance celebration is being planned for a later date. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Hazel Marie Hamilton
Hazel Marie Hamilton, age 80, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Thursday, December 14, 2023. She was born March 7, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Raymond and Helen (Sessions) Burley. Hazel graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961. Just a few short months after graduation she married Ronald C. Hamilton. Hazel was a loyal and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She spent her entire life helping others and doing her best to ensure they were well cared for. Hazel chased parts for Ron while he was operating their business. She also managed to find time to serve lunch at her home every day during the school year for her youngest son, Todd and his friends. Hazel loved spending time together with family at their cottage on Bertha Lake. Her and Ron also looked forward to spending their winters in St. Cloud, Florida. Her absence will be keenly felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Hazel is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ron; children, Kathy (Jeff) Rosenbrook of Charlotte, Terry (Diana) Hamilton of Charlotte, Todd (Kelly) Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Mindy, Ashley, Nate, Kelly, Brandie, Jessika, Broedie, Blaze; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Floyd (Pat) Burley of Charlotte, Pat (Bob) Stahls of Florida, and Dee (Cheryl) Smith of Marshall.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, LaVern Williams.
Funeral services were held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family received friends on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Hazel’s memory to First Lutheran Church 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Hazel’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Emily Janice Newton
Emily Janice Newton, age 94, of Charlotte, passed away at home surrounded by those who loved her on December 9, 2023. She was born on July 24, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Ephraim and Gertrude (McKelvie) Newcomb.
Emily worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier for over 30 years in Pontiac, MI. After retiring from the postal service, she moved to Charlotte where she made many friends. Emily was a very loving and giving person. She volunteered for years working at the gift shop in the Hayes Green Beach Hospital. She was also instrumental in raising funds and establishing the senior center. Emily spent countless hours crocheting prayer shawls for ladies at the First Congregational Church, where she attended. Emily was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary at the VFW. One thing she was known for was her love of animals. Emily always fed stray cats around her home as well as providing feed for the birds and squirrels all year long. As she aged gracefully, she kept her mind sharp with myriad brain exercises. Emily enjoyed crossword puzzles, jumbles, reading, games, and jigsaw puzzles. Always paramount to her though, was her love for her family and she will be deeply missed.
Those surviving her are her children: son, Dave (Christine) Newton of Covington, LA; daughter, Debra Satterfield of Laverne, OK; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kathy Newcomb; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Those preceding her in death are her parents and siblings.
Following Emily’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services.
Those desiring may make contributions in Emily’s honor the Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI, 48813.
To view Emily’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.
Brady Eugene Pritchard
Brady Eugene Pritchard, a young man with big dreams and aspirations, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Brady, 22, of Marshall, was born on December 4, 2001, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of David and Cynthia (Anzaldua) Pritchard. He was a graduate of Olivet High School class of 2020. After graduation he began working alongside his mother at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation. Most recently he worked at the Target Distribution Plant. Many will remember Brady for his upbeat and always positive attitude. His biggest passion in life was making others around him happy. Hobbies that he enjoyed were working out, playing just about any sport, trips to the casino, sports betting, rapping, hanging out with his friends, and cheering on Michigan State and the Detroit Lions.
Brady is survived by his parents, David and Cynthia; siblings, Tyler and Harley Pritchard; grandparents, Abel and Lisa Anzaldua, and Penny Burt; great-grandmother, Marion Pelto; aunts, Christina (Clint) Litzenberg, Alisha (Tom Potter) Pritchard, and Faith Childress; uncle, Jose (Wendy) Anzaldua; close friends, Collid Pelfrey, and Logan Williams; and girlfriend, Tiffany Carhuayo; family dog, Fat Boy.
He was predeceased by his uncle, Adam Burt “Uncle Animal”; and great-uncle, Roy Fuller.
Friends are encouraged to support Brady’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Funeral services were Friday, December 22, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation took place just prior to the service. 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 Brady’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.