Obituaries
Bruce James Maltby
Bruce James Maltby, a man whose biggest enjoyment in his life was his family, died peacefully on October 28, 2023, at his home after a short illness. Bruce, 80, of Charlotte, MI., was born March 15, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Grover James and Beverly June (Woodman) Maltby. At a young age, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, serving four years. He remained a proud Marine throughout his lifetime. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked briefly in California before returning home to the promise of a career at General Motors in Lansing. During his childhood, he competed as an amateur boxer, a passion he passed on to his son. The two enjoyed watching fights together. Sporting events were an interest he also shared with his grandchildren, attending their many games and meets throughout the years. Bruce was also a big fan of University of Michigan football as well as NASCAR. He loved following local races, especially cheering on his family members who competed. Above all, Bruce loved his family.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Candace Rosebrugh; son, James (Kelly) Maltby; grandchildren, Kylie (fiancé Jonny Fullerton) Rosebrugh, Chase (Liv Hodgins) Rosebrugh, and Paige Maltby; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Haven, and Oaklyn; seven siblings; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, a half-sister, and his former in-laws.
Friends are encouraged to support Bruce’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral Services was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Myrna Jean DeDolph
Myrna Jean DeDolph, a woman that will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her recognizable laugh, died on Friday, October 27, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Myrna, 78, of Charlotte was born on December 26, 1944, in Dansville, MI the daughter of Donald and Edith (Nelson) Maynard. She was one of 15 children. At the age of 28 she married Richter “Rick” DeDolph and together they started their legacy. After having children Myrna worked as a Homemaker for the family. Once the children got older, she began working for Sparrow Hospital as a Shuttle Driver. Most recently she and Rick were owners of the Eaton Theatre in Charlotte, working alongside each other for 27 years. Myrna was a proud and devoted member of the Charlotte Moose #2565. She enjoyed her sports; Myrna participated in several different leagues from golf, bowling, and softball. She was an avid fan of MSU, Tigers, Lions, and the Red Wings. Many would say that Myrna was a fierce competitor, who also enjoyed a game of cards. Above all her biggest passion in life was spending time with her family and friends.
Myrna is survived by her husband, Rick; children, Mike (Mary) Long, Sue (John) McNeel, and Dale (Brenna) DeDolph; grandchildren, Zack and Ben Long, Max and Fred McNeel, Hannah and Delilah DeDolph; nine siblings; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Myrna’s family sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, October 30, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. A Funeral was held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dutch Docktor officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Moose Heart. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kevin Wayne Heisler
Kevin Wayne Heisler, 52, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on June 22, 1971, to Larry and Sherry (Whitney) Smith in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Kevin was a graduate of Bellevue High School. He was a longtime meat cutter and deer processor in the Bellevue area. Kevin’s favorite place to be, was outdoors, especially hunting and he also enjoyed watching television.
Kevin is survived by his parents, Larry (Eleanor) Heisler of Nashville, Michigan and Sherry Smith of Bellevue, Michigan; his daughter, Mackenzie Heisler of Grand Ledge, Michigan; his brothers, Daniel Smith of Bellevue, Michigan and Jordan Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; his sister, Lori (Jake) Herr of Nashville, Michigan and his stepsister, Barb (Dave) Hyatt of E. Leroy, Michigan, He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his stepsister, Terri Conroy and grandparents Kenneth and Marian Heisler.
Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, Michigan.
Memorials are suggested to the family.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth St. Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Russell Lyle Whitney
Russell Lyle Whitney, 93, of Potterville, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Russell was born June 8, 1930, at home in Windsor Township, the son of Sylvester Clark and Vera Mae (Getter) Whitney. He attended Potterville Schools before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952. He married his life-long love, Mary Lou Page in Angola, IN, and the two started their family. Russell worked for Fisher Body and Aluminum Extrusion before the family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1970. Russell worked as a custodian for Traverse City Public Schools for 17 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both in Traverse City. He enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to his own rendition of Jerry Reed’s “The Preacher and the Bear.” Russell loved rat pack music, as well as country music, particularly Conway Twitty. He danced the jitterbug three times a week and played horseshoes and enjoyed biking and walking until he no longer could do so. Above all, Russell loved his family.
Russell is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Mary) Whitney, David Whitney, and Rusty (Marcia Casey-Cole) Whitney; five grandchildren, Danielle, Brandon, Ian, Brent, and Debbie Whitney; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou in 2007; grandson, Danny Whitney; brothers, Donald, Wayne, and Robert Whitney; and sisters, Gloria Hickox, Orpha Hayden, Verda Nightengale, and Maxine Cady.
Friends are encouraged to support Russell’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, with Kathy Dobie officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marilyn Jean Stiles
Marilyn Jean Stiles, 75 of Mason, a feisty and very good-hearted lady, died October 13, 2023. She was born to Otto and Mary Lou (Waite) Heikkila on May 31, 1948 in Midland, MI. With a very kind heart, it was no surprise that Marilyn was an animal lover, she loved every kind of furry friend, but dogs held a special place in her heart. Never one to sit still for long, Marilyn was always busy taking care of her family and working for 30 years as the Manager at QD in Mason, loving and adopting as her own all of her “QD Children.” She was a proud mom, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, and sister, always doing little things for her family to show them how much she cared. It’s no surprise that she was an Elvis fan, because everyone that knew her couldn’t help falling in love with her.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Larry (Janet) Davids, Connie (John) Hong, Ricky Davids, Chad (Heather) Stiles, and Chantell (Frank) Bonila; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marjorie McKenzie, Joseph (Karen) Heikkila, Huey (Savonya) Heikkila, and Marie (Wayne) Myer; and her beloved dog, Ivy. She was predeceased by her son, Jerry Davids; parents; and siblings, Barbara Heikkila, Rebecca Perrne, and Richard Heikkila.
Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, October 20 at Mason Community Church 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 Marilyn’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 Capitol Area Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.