Obituaries
William (“Bill”) John Powell
William (“Bill”) John Powell, born January 1, 1940 was taken into the arms of his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2023. In his earthly death he is now reunited with his loving and faithful parents, Wilbur Edward Powell and Margaret Elizabeth Binder, who adopted him when he was eight years old and who preceded him in death.
Bill graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. He lived 50 years in Jackson before moving to Charlotte, MI where he lived for the past 26 years in the company of his beloved partner, Debbie LaPaugh. In his younger years Bill was very active in sports including baseball, basketball, and football. He spent 20 years as a Michigan high school and college referee. More recently he also enjoyed playing on senior leagues for golf and bowling in Charlotte.
Bill is also survived by his two daughters, Denise Powell Montebello and Jennifer Powell Ramsay, both of West Michigan; children from his first marriage to Karen Darby; grandchildren, Emily Montebello and Michael Montebello, both of England, Natalie Ramsay and Reid Ramsay, both of West Michigan; his first great-grandchild, Solomon Montebello (8 months) of England; his sister, Judy Lightheart Lester of California; stepsons Jeremiah LaPaugh of Elwell and Andy (Jennifer) LaPaugh of Olivet; and step-grandchildren Linkin, Lyla and Kamden LaPaugh of Olivet. He also leaves behind his two precious German Shepherds, Dakota and Ellie, who brought him much joy, purpose and comfort each day.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by all of his family and friends as a man of great humor and energy, always pushing himself physically to do more. After living with chronic pain for years, he is free at last to rejoice in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ without affliction and in the fullness of His glory, Hallelujah! In his final days he repeatedly sang this hymn:
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love Lord, I’m coming home.
Cremation has taken place and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jackson will be decided at a later date.
Evelyn Jane Rigelman
Evelyn Jane Rigelman, age 96, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. The full obituary will be published later and may be viewed at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Stephen Scott “Weezer” Halsey
Stephen Scott “Weezer” Halsey, age 78 of Vermontville, MI passed away August 3, 2023, at Clearstream Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hastings, MI.
Steve was born in Charlotte, MI August 19, 1944, the son of Elmer and Rena (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in Chester Township, the youngest of five, with brothers Stanley “Bub”, David “Hap”, and Charles Halsey and sister Rebecca Halsey Saylor. He graduated from Charlotte High School. Following graduation Steve joined the Army National Guard and trained as a culinary cook for four years.
Steve worked for D.E. Wertz & Co., AE Hoover, ran an antique photo booth with his wife Jane in the 80’s, and also restored antique furniture. Eventually Steve worked for and retired from Spartan Motors, and enjoyed woodworking on the side, in which he was very talented.
Steve was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3552, The American Legion Post #42, The Charlotte Moose #2565 and was a member of Inward Man Fellowship in Delton, MI.
Steve enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals where he would help run euchre tournaments. He was known for cooking the best grilled chicken; homemade deep-fried onion rings, french fries and potato chips; and some of the best fried fish to be found.
He enjoyed mushroom hunting with family and friends, camping, fishing, playing euchre and pinochle, watching Nascar and listening to bluegrass music.
Steve remained close friends with his Hyatt brothers and sisters, longtime friends Barb and the late Gary Bruce, and Jerry and Vicky Morse, all of whom were like family, and the little fur animal that won over his heart he fondly dubbed “Porter Wagtail”.
Steve is survived by his daughters, Christina Williams, Dede (Shawn) Roggow, Melissa “Mysi” Cantrell; his current wife, Gail Marie Halsey; stepchildren, Chuck Warren and Crystal Hoffman; grandchildren, Amy Strickland, Cody Williams, Jenna and Maycee Roggow, Anthony Warren, Kalin, Cameron and Blair Hulsebos; great-grandchildren, Cassie and Elizabeth Strickland; and many special nieces and nephews.
Per Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his final resting place will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI alongside his late wife Loretta “Jane” Hyatt Halsey, with whom he shared 28 years before her passing. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte, MI on Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to The Family of Stephen Halsey.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Nashville, MI 49073. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.
Lucille Naomi Crim
Lucille Naomi Crim, age 95, of Olivet passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was born July 29, 1928, in McMinnville, Tennessee, the daughter of Hebron and Ruth (Simons) Lance. On December 20, 1947, she married RD Crim. Lucille loved gardening and spent countless hours working diligently to reap a bountiful harvest. She loved her family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for.
Lucille is survived by her sons, Robert Crim of Olivet, Paul (Penny) Crim of Bellevue; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Mays of Manchester, Tennessee; and brother, Lonnie (Debbie) Lance of Lebanon, Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, RD.
A graveside service was held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Olivet Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Lucille’s memory to Harmony Cares Hospice.
To view Lucille’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.
Doloras Jean Harris
Doloras Jean Harris – Miss Christmas – died surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 21, 2023, at her residence in Charlotte. Doloras, 86, was born on June 1, 1937, in Wheelwright, KY, the daughter of Vittorio and Angelina (Mundy) Rossi. At the age of 17 she married the love of her life, Troy Harris, and the couple created lasting memories until his passing in 1999. She worked for Aluminum Extrusions for 28 years. There she was a proud Union Committee Member, where she was able to voice her concerns for fellow co-workers. Doloras later worked at Wal-Mart. She will be remembered for her ability to give the days until Christmas, her love for Elvis Presley, being the biggest UK basketball fan in Michigan, and for her love in taking care of others. Doloras also enjoyed fishing, crocheting, taking family trips to Kentucky to visit family members, and being with her grandchildren. Above all her biggest passion in life was her family. Her family’s last words to her were, “we loved that Granny,” as this was a saying that was always exchanged in goodbye.
Doloras is survived by her children, Teresa Uhl, Angela (Joseph) Russell, Victor Harris, and Mark Harris; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Vena (Otis) Newsome. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Troy; children, Jodi Ann Harris and Sylvester Harris; grandchildren, Curtis Harris, Troy Harris, and Thomas Austin; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Kyle Barnett; siblings, Mary Ellen Nance, Anna Gibson, Victoria Martin, and Joe Rossi; and son-in-law, Spike Uhl.
Friends are encouraged to support Doloras’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and funeral service was Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.