Obituaries
Thomas William Kuehn
Thomas “Tom” William Kuehn, a very gentle and kind man, died August 30, 2023. Tom was born September 24, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan the son of Marvin and Geraldine (Grafuis) Kuehn. After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1961, Tom went to work for General Motors, where he worked 43 years retiring in 2006 as a Journeyman Die Welder. At the age of 20, Tom met his future wife, Joyce and they were married 59 years and raised their two sons.
Always an active man, many referred to him as an army of people in one body, for no one could keep up with him. He had a large garage where he would work on welding cars for people and could fix or build anything. Tom also built their family home, there was not anything he could not do. He was passionate about gardening, especially proud of his pumpkin patch for his grandchildren.
Tom and Joyce enjoyed the cottage at Silver Lake and after retirement enjoyed spending winters in Florida. On his trips back to Michigan he always made a point to bring back pounds of Russell Stover’s Candy for his great-granddaughters.
Tom loved spending time with his granddaughters and great granddaughters, he would cook breakfast at the summer cottage and looked forward to the yearly school shopping trips with them.
Thomas William Kuehn is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce; sons, Brian Kuehn and Bradley (Debbie Jackson and Jackson family) Kuehn; granddaughters, Sierra (Clifford) Malloy, Haily (John Michael) Moore; great-granddaughters, Kylee, Ella, Haily, Aubree, Adalee, Layla and Harper; sisters, Judy (Steve) Gerry and Carol (Kim) Freer; sisters-in-law, Verna (Ron) Fleming and Jean (Bob) Kimball; nephew and nieces, Brett (Libby) Gunnison, Jason (Robin) Freer, Cheryl Kimball and Kim White; great-nephew, Annan. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Tom’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Thursday, September 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Sean Esterline 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 Tom’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 Future Farmers of America. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Doris Sadler
Doris Sadler, a caring, feisty, and funny mother, grandmother,great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and sister, died on Friday, September 8, 2023. Doris 93, of Charlotte, was born on December 19, 1929, in Palmersville, TN, the daughter of James and Minnie (Pettit) Burton. On June 22, 1947, Doris married John Thomas Sadler and created many fond memories until his passing in 1979. She worked as a Nurse Aide for the Holliday Home, Hayes Green Beach Hospital, and Eaton Manor until her retirement in 1989 to help with her grandchildren. Doris was an avid NASCAR fan and college basketball fan, especially UofM. She also enjoyed playing bingo, trips to the casino, playing cards, and spoiling her cats, Thelma and Louise. Many will remember Doris and her love for sweets, trait that she has passed down to her family. Doris was a very independent woman and later in life she never wanted to be a burden for her family members as they helped care for her. Above all her biggest passion in life was her family and the great joy that they provided to her.
Doris is survived by her children, Ann (Ken) Firman, Gloria (James) Schaefer, Tom (Jenny) Sadler, and Cyndi Wine; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and ister Linda (Kenneth) Stanley. She was predeceased by her husband, John; seven sisters; one brother; her parents; and son-in-law, Jerry Wine.
Friends are encouraged to support Doris’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll 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 Doris’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 the Eaton County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marjorie Elaine Baur-Ballard
Beloved Mother and Grandmother, Marjorie Elaine Baur-Ballard nee Karr is now dancing through the beautiful flowers, free from pain, in heaven. She passed on September 6, 2023, in Benton Township. After 90 love filled years of faith and family, she joined her Lord and Savior. Marge was born in Cass City on April 6, 1933. She married Kenneth L. Baur in 1952, and together they moved to Charlotte, MI to raise their family of five children together on the farm. During this time the Baurs traveled the state and attended various county fairs, along with the Michigan State Fair, to show sheep and participate in 4H. She was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church. Together, Ken and Marge owned Town & Country Realty and the Award & Specialty Co. until Ken passed in 2000. Later, Marge married Jack Ballard welcoming him into life at the family home until his passing in 2020. Fond memories of the family gathering together at the farm, or “Bamie’s House,” along with Marge’s love of flowers, will forever be cherished.
She was preceded in death by her two sons, Dwight in 1974 and Paul in 1977; husband, Kenneth Baur in 2000; and husband, Jack Ballard in 2020; as well as her sister, Janet Wolfe; and brother-in-law, Carl Baur.
She is survived by three daughters, Cynthia (Gil) VanNeste, Mary (Van) Wertz both of Charlotte, and Diane (David) Franz of Lansing; nine grandchildren: Rebeckah (Gabe) Carter, Rikki Nevins, Trevor Wertz, Robbyn (Andy) Roll, Kory Wertz, Julie (Eric) Pullum, Callie VanNeste, Nicholas Franz, and Sarah Franz; and seven great-grandchildren: Jade, Michaela, Hailey, William, Jaxon, Anna, and Oliver; and one great-great granddaughter, Natalea.
A private family service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.
To view Marge’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.
James William Braden
James “Jim” William Braden, of Louisville, KY, formerly of Charlotte, MI, died on Monday, August 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife. Jim, 75, was born on July 6, 1948, in Charlotte, the son of Alonzo “Sparky” and Nora (Brandon) Braden. Upon graduating from Charlotte High School, Jim joined the United States Army proudly serving from 1968-1970. Once he returned home, he began working for Aluminum Extrusions, where he worked until he retired and moved to Dothan, Alabama. On December 14, 2009, Jim married Julie Ann Click and together they created many great memories. Jim was known for his beautiful singing voice and his calligraphy ability. He loved cooking and he enjoyed searching the internet for his next recipe to try out. Jim was a big Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Alabama Football fan.
Jim is survived by his wife of 13 years, Julie; sisters-in-law, Teresa French, and Paula (Gary) Smallwood; brother-in-law, Donald Zauner Lea; nephews, Donald Lee, Michael (Laura) Braden, Douglas Braden, Joshua Smallwood, and Chase (Jessica) French; nieces, Nora Braden, Ashley Snawder, and Jesse Smallwood. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Marguerite Braden, Judith Braden-Lee, Jack Braden, and Jill Braden Lea.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte.
Sandra Jean Deupree
Sandra Jean Deupree of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the age of 86. Sandy was born on July 4, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Edward and Carrie (Heisler) Oberlin. Her early years were spent on the family farm just outside of town while attending a quaint one-room school on Booty Hwy. During high school, Sandy was a proud member of the majorettes.
After a brief time in Arizona, she returned to Michigan and began her career, initially at Cords Food Locker and later at Eaton Stamping. Sandy eventually went to work in the paint department at General Motors where she retired.
In retirement, Sandy lived in Barryton, MI on Upper Evans Lake where she made numerous friendships and enjoyed her weekly poker games. She was passionate about her landscaping and kept a meticulous lawn and garden, which earned her accolades for their beauty. Sandy’s greatest joy in life was her role as a loving mother and grandmother. She cherished the moments spent with her family, especially doting on her grandchildren.
Sandy is survived by her children, Jodie (Roger) Kellogg, Penny Cribley, and Timothy Cribley; along with her beloved grandchildren, Shawn Kellogg, Kristy (Gavin) Kelsey, Amanda Hawkins, and Brandi Lee. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren, Kiera, Bella, Guinever, Travis, Cloe, Carson; and one sister, Sally Geisenhaver. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard Oberlin, Stephen Oberlin; and sister-in-law, June Oberlin.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.