Obituaries
Byron “Bud” Hicks
Byron “Bud” Hicks, 96, of Marshall, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Bud was born in Battle Creek on December 14, 1926, to Walter and Ila Hicks. Bud married the love of his life, Judy Bauman on October 6, 1951. They enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage.
Bud is survived by Judy; his daughter, Lonnie (Monte) Starkweather; granddaughters, Kellie (Brad) Janousek and Jessie (Kevin) McClelland; and two very special great grandsons, Ryder and Hayden McClelland. He is also survived by extended family members and so many wonderful friends.
As a child of the depression, Bud’s upbringing was humble. Much of his childhood was spent with his loving grandparents and with cousins on the Hicks family farm in Pennfield. There was not a time in Bud’s 96 years that he wasn’t dreaming about or fixing a car. The car bug really bit when at 13 years old, Bud bought a third interest in a Model T for $6. By the age of 14, he had purchased his second car, a Ford Model A. Bud’s calling wasn’t to higher education, but to work. He worked at various service stations prior to getting a job at Battle Creek Autobody. At the age of 17, Bud enlisted in the Navy. As a member of the Sea Bees, he spent time in Guam decommissioning vessels and playing a lot of cards. Upon his return from the Navy, he continued working in body shops. By the age of 24, he had purchased Lakeview Body Shop. Bud was always a hard worker and an artist in “leading” car bodies. Judy and Bud met through Bill, her older brother. They were married in 1951. Their family grew with the addition of Ted and Lonnie. The Hicks family could be found camping and entertaining friends by the pool. Bud could always be found in the middle of a game – cards, shuffleboard, pool and bocce. In the early 70’s, Bud help start the Autobody Repair program at the Calhoun County Vocational Center. It was here he taught many young men about body repair, but more importantly, work ethic. By the late 70’s, Bud had given up the body shop business to work full time at antique auto restoration. Bud and Judy were members of the Battle Creek Car Club, Buick Club of America, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and ’53-54 Skylark Club. Buicks were Bud’s favorites as they were “over built” and good road cars. He always said he collected Buicks because he couldn’t afford Duesenbergs. Bud and Judy took many road trips and tours over the years, often including their granddaughters on the ride. When Bud “retired” at the age of 85, he spent more time fishing, playing cards and traveling to Florida. He especially loved playing games with Ryder and Hayden.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Barbara Barney; brother-in-law, Ray Barney; and his sons, Theodore “Ted” Hicks in 1969 and Daniel Hicks in 1957.
Visitation was held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Richard Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, and funeral services were held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield with a gathering of friends and family immediately after. Family, friends, and cars have always been at the center of Bud’s world. The family asked that attendees drive their old cars to the visitation or funeral service in his memory.
Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or The Gilmore Car Museum Garage Works Program (to educate high school students on automobile restoration).
The family is in the care of Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015; Phone: 269-962-5191; www. henryfuneralhome.org.
Paul Edward Fassett
Paul Edward Fassett, a caring man that was always giving of himself, died peacefully June 25, 2023 at the age of 83. He was born May 29, 1940 in St. Louis, MO to Perry and Faida (Odgen) Fassett. After high school graduation he enlisted in the Navy, serving from 1958 to 1963, and after his time in the military he worked 29 years for Michigan Bell (later AT&T) out of the Hastings office as a lineman and equipment repair technician. With an outgoing nature, Paul easily made friends and was a truly caring individual, volunteering for Meals on Wheels and devoting much time to his church for different projects. Old westerns were his favorite TV shows, and he also loved to watch action movies and play golf during his free time.
Left to carry on his memory, Paul is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Jonathan Fassett; daughter, Elizabeth (Roy) Tillery; and his sister, Joan Fassett. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Paul’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, June 27, followed by funeral services Wednesday, June 28, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Conklin officiating. The funeral waswebcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Paul’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 Mother Teresa House. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jenae Anne Ridge
Jenae Anne Ridge, 31, of Muskegon, a free-spirited lover of life and devoted mother, daughter, and wife, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Muskegon. Jenae was born November 22, 1991, in Lansing, the daughter of Wayne and Yvonne (Hannold) Ridge. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2009 before earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University in 2013. Following college graduation, Jenae led a life of adventure and travel which shaped the person she grew to be. Jenae eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, a place she called home for the past seven years. Jenae was not afraid to do what made her happy, which led her to a career shift. Jenae loved the opportunity to be creative in her role as a web designer, but she found her passion in teaching and competing in competitive pole dancing. While in Utah, she met Andy Butterworth. The two started their family by bringing Aspen into the world and married on September 28, 2018.
Jenae loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking, but more than anything else she loved being a mother. Over the past few weeks, many friends shared messages with Jenae and two common qualities kept repeating. Jenae inspired others in the way she loved her daughter. She always made time for “special play time,” even while confined to a hospital bed. Jenae was fun, patient, forgiving, and so deeply loving. Jenae also inspired everyone she met with her radiant smile and outlook on life. She lived life to the fullest and was never afraid to try new things or do what made her happy, even if they were scary.
She always saw the good in everyone she met and had the unique ability to help others see that same light in themselves. She loved to say, “We can do hard things,” which for her included skydiving, cliff diving, rock climbing, and eventually battling cancer. She was a passionate yoga and competitive pole dancing instructor. She competed out of Moxy Studio in Salt Lake City and had recently started her own studio business. She was booked out solid before she had to cancel for health reasons. Eventually, Jenae and Andy moved with their daughter, Aspen, to Muskegon, MI, to be near her family. Many will forever remember her passionate outlook on life, dedication to family, and driven personality.
Jenae is survived by her husband, Andy Butterworth; daughter, Aspen Jade Butterworth; parents, Wayne and Yvonne Ridge of Charlotte; siblings, DJ McGill of Charlotte, Eric (Morene) McGill of Charlotte, Shalyne (Sean) Harris of Twin Lake, and Hailee Ridge (Russ Werner) of Okemos; grandparents, Ron and Flora Hannold of Charlotte and Ken Ridge of Lansing; and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Patty Ridge.
Friends are encouraged to support Jenae’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Pioneer Park Picnic Lodge, 563 Scenic Dr., Muskegon, MI 49445-9612. Come with memories to share and dressed in color to match her shining light. Let’s celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on us all!
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Aspen Butterworth’s College Fund, in care of Susan Butterworth. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles Frederick McAllen
Charles Frederick McAllen, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away in Lansing on August 2, 2023. He was born on February 6, 1951, to Gordon and Neoma (Burden) McAllen in Battle Creek, Michigan. He graduated with the class of ’70 from Olivet High School and was a life-long resident of Eaton County.
During Charlie’s growing up years, he spent countless hours working at the family business, McAllen Oil Company. He later worked for and retired from Airway Manufacturing in Olivet. He loved sports, especially watching them on television. Through the years, Charlie was a member of numerous bowling and golf leagues. He will long be remembered for his kind heart, friendly nature, and sense of humor.
Charlie is survived by his sister, Patricia Thompson of Saranac; brother, James McAllen of Grand Blanc; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.
The family will receive friends during a visitation held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Richard Thompson officiating. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlie’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI, 48813.
To view Charlie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Linda Hamm Davis
Linda Hamm Davis, age 72, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Chelsea, Michigan. Linda was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on May 10, 1951, the first of four children to Gerald and Norene (Farmer) Hamm.
She graduated from Olivet High School in 1969. Attending Michigan State University, she completed a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education in 1975, and a Master of Education in Reading Instruction at the University of Hawaii in 1976.
Devoted to her children and known as Mimi to her grandchildren, she enjoyed participating in their many school, church, and community activities. Her life was dedicated to her family, friends, students, and church. Linda was an active member of the Marshall United Methodist Church, having joined in 1985.
Linda had a lifelong love of reading and enjoyed her years of teaching reading to her first-grade students at Charlotte and Marshall Public Schools. After her children were born, she took a fourteen-year break from teaching to raise them, later teaching at Gordon School in Marshall.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Hamm. Surviving her are her children, Emily (Joseph) McGraw, Laura (Aaron) Opie and Jon M. Davis; her grandchildren, Grace McGraw, Layla McGraw, August Opie and Linnea Opie; her siblings, Judy (John) Clark, Debra (Rick) Slone; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Family will greet friends at Marshall United Methodist Church on August 16, 2023, at 1 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m. M. Reverend Erin Fitzgerald will officiate, with interment at Olivet Cemetery in Olivet, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Marshall United Methodist Church, 721 US Hwy. 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Linda’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.