Obituaries

Search Obituaries:

Submit an Obituary >

Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley


Marcelyn Yvonne Kelley, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024. She was born December 5, 1935, in Charlotte, Michigan, the eldest of five children born to the union of Leo and Margaret (Powers) Baker. She attended CHS, graduating in 1953. Marcelyn married the love of her life, Sherman Kelley on January 9, 1954, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church where she was an active member for 72 years.

There are so many words to describe Marcelyn – compassionate, selfless, empathetic, generous, devoted, kind, lovely, optimistic, sincere, thoughtful, warm-hearted, wise, peacemaker, gentle, cheerful, considerate, graceful, inspiring, with very strong moral values. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, friend, trip/event planner, entertainer, volunteer and American patriot. Most importantly, she was mom, grandma and great-grandma and her family was absolutely everything to her as she was everything to her family. Her grandchildren would say she was truly the best grandma in the entire world. Marcelyn loved playing cards and she was always very lucky, something all her family kidded her about. She was very competitive and even the grandkids knew that grandma probably wouldn’t let them win.

Marcelyn sold World Book encyclopedias for 20 years. It was important to her that children had a great set of learning books and she put her heart and soul into selling them. She never made much money selling because she wouldn’t pressure anyone, but she loved all the people she met along the way. Marcelyn volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital for ten years and the Binder Park Zoo for 14 years. Her second home was the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, where she gave her time selflessly cooking meals, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and was an active member of her church circle. She also, participated in church camps, including a two-week trip to Puerto Rico. Marcelyn’s deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was everything to her.

Marcelyn is survived by her children, Kimberly (Randy) Howe, Kris (Jan) Kelley; grandchildren, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Jason Whetstone, Skye Kelley, Chandler Kelley; great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; sisters, Darlene Raymer and Rosemary (Dave) DeWaters; brother, Doyle (Jackie) Baker; sister-in law, Mary Jean Baker; brother-in-law, Dwight Pierce; several nieces and nephews; her special friend of over 70 years, Larry Towe and special friend. D.J. McGee. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Sherman Kelley; her brother, Daryl Baker; and brother-in-law, Robert Raymer.

Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on Marcelyn’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, March 3, at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, March 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Jack Conklin and family friend Jonathan White officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marcelyn’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 Heartland Hospice Monroe or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read more

Carolyn Julia O’Connor


Carolyn Julia O’Connor went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2024. Carolyn was born in Hastings on December 13, 1941, to James and Dorothy O’Connor. After high school she attended nursing school in Battle Creek, where she then lived for over sixty years. She obtained her LPN and began working at Community Hospital. It didn’t take long to determine work in the Emergency Department was her calling. In 1982 she earned her Registered Nurse certification. She retired from Battle Creek Health System in February 2004 after 43 years in nursing. Even after retiring, she continued to volunteer weekly at the hospital until 2020.

Carolyn treasured many close friendships over the years and loved to travel with her friends. She enjoyed every opportunity to get together with the girls for a meal or a show. Always a fun, supportive and thoughtful aunt, she enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews grow. She was extremely proud of the home she purchased and maintained herself. A fiercely independent woman, she rarely asked for help. She was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings.

In 2021, Carolyn moved from her home to Hope Landing in Charlotte to be closer to family and receive the care she needed. She was thankful for all the wonderful staff and comfortable environment. She lived a full life of service to others and found it difficult to accept any help as she grew increasingly unable to do things for herself. Additional care in her final weeks was given by Heart to Heart Hospice who treated her with profound grace and dignity.

Carolyn is survived by her older sisters, June Baatz of Suttons Bay (formerly of Maple City) and Shirley Beck of Charlotte (formerly of Hastings), her niece Peggy (Mike) Leggett of Traverse City, nephew David (Ronda) Beck of Charlotte, and nephew-in-law Charles (Robin) Floramo of Midlothian, IL. She is also mourned by great nieces and nephews Maria, Aleah and Derrien Leggett, Angela (Sylvia) Floramo, Joseph Floramo, Ashley and Justin Beck.

She was preceded in death by her parents, niece Linda (Beck) Floramo, brothers-in-law Robert Baatz, and Walter Beck.

The family encourages those wishing to make a contribution in her memory to support Grace Lutheran Church (239 E North St, Hastings MI 49058) or Heart to Heart Hospice of Lansing (2260 E Saginaw St, Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823).

In honoring Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.

Read more

Darrell Hamilton


Darrell Hamilton, 83, of Nashville, MI went home to be with his Savior on March 3, 2024. He was in his Florida home on hospice care for five days when he passed away.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt Hamilton, Hazel (Hollister), stepmother Minnie (Radtke), and his brother, Duane Hamilton.

Darrell is survived by his wife, Claudette (Priddy); son, Kent Hamilton and wife Jackie; daughters, Christine (Rich) Smith, Kelly (Steve) Schoonbeck, and Carmen (Brian) Friddle; as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He regularly attended Vermontville Bible Church for 63 years, having served on the board there for several terms, and worked as a youth group leader for 17 years.

He loved to work on his 80 acres, digging ponds, building roads, and moving dirt.

He ran his own business for 38 years, spreading Ag-lime, digging farm ponds, trucking soils and stone, and farming some. He was a strong, hard-working businessman and always provided well for his family. He was an honest, Godly man.

Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2024, at Vermontville Bible Church with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and luncheon following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may go to Vermontville Bible Church.

Read more

Harold Elgin Peck, Jr.


Harold Elgin Peck Jr. a man known for his hard work ethic and always sharing a dirty joke, died surrounded by his family on Monday, March 4, 2024. Harold 64, was born in Three Rivers, MI. the son of Harold and Carol (Jaseph) Peck Sr. On February 18, 1978, Harold married his high school sweetheart Valerie Miller and together they created 44 lasting memories until her passing in 2022. Harold worked at Carefree Aluminum for 35 years until its closing, and later at Linn Products and most recently Spartan Motors until his retirement. He was an outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harold also enjoyed trips to the casino, hanging out with his buddies, and most importantly spoiling his grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his daughters, Jessica Garvie, and Jennifer (Christopher) Broskey; grandchildren, Allison, and Aaron Garvie, Emily, and Andrew Broskey; siblings, Suzanne Childs, Roy Peck, Kristy (Kerry) Peck, Lester Peck, and Chad Peck; brother-in-law, Steven Miller; lifelong friends, John Judy, Lyle and Rose Royston, and Willis. He was predeceased by his wife, Valerie in 2022; his father Harold Sr. in 2020; and his mother, Carol in 2007; and good friend Dale Burt.

Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Harold for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read more

Jonathan James Ripley


Jonathan James Ripley of Lansing, passed away March 4, 2024, at the age of 70. Jon was born in Charlotte, MI on February 4, 1954, the son of Wendell and Rosalie (King) Ripley. He was a US Army Veteran and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Jon worked for the City of Eaton Rapids in the Wastewater Treatment Plant for many years. He had a very creative mind and could always amaze his family with his stories and ideas. Jon enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening and was very interested in airplanes.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Ripley of Lansing; children, Paula (Scott) Shaw of Plymouth, Wendy (Justin) Schafer of Holt, Jordan Ripley of Lansing; grandchildren, Liam Shaw, Alanna Shaw, Oliver Schafer, Hawthorne Schafer; siblings, Kay (Kwadwo) Ekye-Addai, JoAnne Bock, Jim Ripley, Bob (Stacey) Ripley, Sarah Ripley and several nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his father.

As per Jon’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Clean Water Action of Michigan, 909 Abbot Rd, East Lansing MI 48823, in loving memory of Jonathan James Ripley. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT:

READERS: SINCE MANY ADS ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA, PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING BEFORE SENDING MONEY.

ADVERTISEMENT:

READERS: SINCE MANY ADS ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE LOCAL AREA, PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING BEFORE SENDING MONEY.

Pin It on Pinterest