Obituaries
Gary David Peterson
Gary David Peterson of Tompkins Center, MI passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2023, at the age of 81. Gary was born in Charlotte, MI, August 18, 1942, the son of Benjamin and Freda (Rebhan) Peterson. He was a 1959 graduate of Springport High School. Gary took first place in his county for the Dekalb Junior Two Acre Corn Growing Contest. He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, based in Munich, Germany, where he operated the cargo trucks, Jeeps, and five-ton tractor trucks. Gary once told his family he got a ticket for going five miles over the speed limit on base, needless to say, he never did that again. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Hall in 1966. Gary worked for Nelson Tree Service for many years. He liked to hunt, fish, play the lottery and play his deuces wild tabletop game.
Gary is survived by his children, Sandi (Tim) Newman, Debbie (Jeff) Lonsbery, William Peterson; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Norma Binkowski and two nephews. He was preceded in death by, his parents and wife Charlotte Peterson in 2018.
Graveside services will be held at a later date. In memory of Gary, play a few dollars on the lottery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Dominga Perez Castaneda
Dominga Perez Castaneda, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her son by her side on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. She was born March 30, 1930, in Texas, the daughter of Juan Carlos and Francis (Gonzales) Perez. Dominga spent her younger years in Texas before moving to Michigan in the 1960’s. She adored her family and cherished each and every one of them. Spending time together with them brought her heart much joy. Dominga loved playing BINGO, traveling to the casinos, especially Las Vegas. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
Dominga is survived by her children, Rosa Cook of Florida, Francis Corral of Chicago, IL, John Castaneda of Mulliken, Charles Castaneda of Charlotte; 14 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos in 1989; daughter, Bertha Quijas; siblings, Mary Belmares, Ray Perez, Joe Perez, and Ralph Perez.
In keeping with Dominga’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dominga’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org.
To view Dominga’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.
Linda L. Terry
Linda L. Terry, 73, of Rockford, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, died December 1, 2023. Linda was born September 12, 1950, in Battle Creek to Lloyd and Jean (Siefke) Terry, Sr. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University, where she graduated with two master’s degrees. Linda was a teacher for 40 years with the majority of her teaching career spent at Rockford Public Schools. She retired in 2008.
Linda enjoyed spending time in nature, especially working with flowers, and loved animals. She especially loved to go shopping. Every year she traveled to Mackinac Island for the “Somewhere In Time” weekend. Linda enjoyed traveling with her friends and visited many states, national parks, and countries over the years. She also attended different theater shows and concerts.
Linda is survived by her siblings, Lloyd (Susan) Terry, Jr., Mary Terry, Gail (Tom) Burd, Julie (Gary) Riegel and Annette Terry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her special companions, her cats, Kallie and Kerby. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services to celebrate Linda’s life were held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Linda D. Stoddard. Interment followed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile (cleft lip and palate organization) at www.operationsmile.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Vaughn Karl Buchholz
Vaughn Karl Buchholz, a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home on December 2, 2023, in Grand Ledge, MI, following a five-plus-year battle against pancreatic cancer. He was 65. Born on April 22, 1958, in Lansing, MI, he was a son to the late Harold and Betty (Reed) Buchholz and grew up to be a man of strength and character, touching the lives of all who knew him.
Vaughn’s life was a portrait of devotion, illustrated by his loving marriage of 43 years to his beloved wife, Debbie. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Tracy (Brian) Summers and Michelle (Garrett) Masters. His role as a grandpa was one he cherished deeply, and he shared an unbreakable bond with his granddaughters, Peyton and Regan (Summers), and Madison (Masters). He is also survived by his brother, Vance (Kristine) Buchholz; and his nephews, Brad (Christie) and Justin (Chelsea). He is preceded in death by his parents; and father and mother-in-law, Jim and Ruth VanWyk.
A proud graduate of Charlotte High School, Vaughn was a lifelong farmer who also dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors. Possessing a work ethic that never remained idle, it was in the simple things that Vaughn found the greatest joy—tinkering and fixing things, a testament to his knack for problem-solving and his desire to help others.
Vaughn was a man of faith, actively involved in the Grand Ledge Baptist Church. An avid admirer of God’s creation, Vaughn relished in the beauty of nature, whether it was farming, camping or taking the pontoon out on Gun Lake.
Vaughn never met someone who remained a stranger for long. His warm, inviting spirit drew people to him, and he had a unique ability to make anyone feel at home.
A Visitation was held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge with a lunch provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to ProMedica Hospice, Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Vaughn Buchholz. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
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.