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Funeral Services:

Betty Lou Goostrey passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on December 7, 1935, to Silvion and Ethel Dahlem, Betty lived a life marked by strength, warmth, and devotion to those she loved. She was known for her incredible hospitality—always ready with food on the table, a kind word, and a welcoming home.

A woman of many talents, Betty found joy in quilting, gardening, and growing flowers. She had a lifelong passion for genealogy and spent countless hours exploring her family’s history. She was a hard worker and a true friend to many.

In the early 1960s, Betty embarked on a motorcycle trip to Alaska and back—an adventure that perfectly captured her sense of wonder. She loved traveling, playing cards, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved.

Betty was blessed with four children from her first marriage to George Hammond: Douglas Hammond, Steven Hammond, Dawn Hammond, and Gayle Hammond. She later found love again and married Edward Goostrey, with whom she shared a joyful life filled with travel, laughter, and companionship.

She was preceded in death by both George and Edward, as well as all four of her children. Despite these profound losses, Betty’s love for her family remained unwavering, and her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—whom she cherished deeply.

Betty is survived by her brother, Charles Dahlem, whom she loved very much; her daughters-in-law, Karen Schriner, Nancy Wilson, and Sandra Hammond; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry forward her stories, her strength, and her love.

Betty loved the Lord, and her Bible was filled with bookmarks and underlined verses. One she had highlighted was Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Her family finds deep comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the presence of her Savior.

A private graveside service will be held for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor her memory by planting something beautiful or spending time with those you love—just as Betty always did.

To view Betty’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.

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Funeral Services:

Victor “Butch” Craven, passed away at home on July 9, 2025 under the loving care of his wife Sandi and son, Troy Craven. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened—because it was either good advice or hilariously inappropriate. His work ethic was unmatched: rain or shine, weekday or weekend, Butch got the job done. He made us laugh, roll our eyes, and enjoy life. He worked hard so others did not have to, unless of course you were one of his sons—in which case, congratulations, you were born into a lifelong apprenticeship.

He loved his sons fiercely, even if he showed it most through acts of service and off-color jokes. He taught them how to drive, how to change oil, how to fix a toilet, and how to stand up for themselves. He was not fancy, but he was solid. 

He is reunited now with his beloved son, Trenton Jay Craven; sisters, Phyllis Hadfield and Paulette Parks; brothers-in-law, Mike Parish, Jack Parish, Jim Parish and Harvey Parks; in-laws, Mary Lee Rodeman, Gus Rodeman and Jack Parish Sr. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sandra K.; son, Troy (Tamelia Miller); sisters-in-law, Elaine (Dave) Martin, Patti Parish; and brothers-in-law, Max Rodeman and Ron (LaDonna) Parks.

A celebration of Butch’s life, and stories that may or may not be true, will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to First Baptist Church of Charlotte, Helping Hands Food Pantry or Eaton Community Palliative Care.

To view Butch’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.

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Funeral Services:

William C. Voigt, 92, of Hastings MI, formerly of Charlotte, MI died unexpectedly Monday, July 14, 2025 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, MI.  William (Bill) was born on March 5, 1933 to William Adam and Hazel (Conley) Voigt in Detroit, MI. The family, including Bill’s sister and brother, moved to East Lansing, MI in 1938. Bill attended and graduated from the East Lansing school system in 1951. He attended Central Michigan College for a short time prior to enlisting for three years in the U.S. Army. Bill served in Korea during the Korean war before being honorably discharged. He joined The Michigan State Police in early 1956.

Soon after joining the State Police, Bill met, and in December of 1956, married the love of his life Fay Louise Hartman. The couple had five children and began raising them in East Lansing, MI before moving the family to Charlotte in 1971 where all five of the children attended and graduated from school. In 1980, Bill retired from the Michigan State Police as a Captain and First District Commander. He then served as the Eaton County Undersheriff from 1980 through 1990 and also was elected and served as a Charlotte City Councilman for 10 years. In 1990, Bill and Fay moved to Hastings, MI to be closer to their cottage on Thornapple Lake. They also had a winter home in Port Richey, FL. The couple was known for their parties and rousing get-togethers with family and friends. Fay died March 26, 2012 leaving Bill a little rudderless, but he carried on. Bill was a prolific author. He wrote the Criminal Law and Procedure manuals for The Michigan State Police and along with his son William A., wrote a quick reference law manual for The Michigan Sheriff’s Association. In addition, Bill wrote and published 19 fiction novels.

Bill is survived by his five children, William A. and Jean Voigt, Kurt and Darlene Voigt, Theresa Moody, Michelle Walker, and Kevin and Tammy Voigt; as well as 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Fay, his parents, his siblings and their spouses John & Karen Voigt and Joan & Gerald Schmidt ;and sons-in-law Tom Moody and Bo Walker.

Per Bill’s instruction, there will be no funeral or visitation. Friends and family were invited to attend a short graveside service at Bethany Cemetery in Morrice, MI at 11:00 a.m. on July 18, 2025.

If desired, memorial donations can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org

The family is in the care of Daniels Funeral Home, Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net. 

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Funeral Services:

Albert “Al” Sweet, 53 of Atlanta, Michigan died suddenly on July 11, 2025 at his home. He was born in Charlotte, Michigan on August 16, 1971 to Richard and Joyce (Gleason) Sweet. He married Tina (Matarazzo) Sweet on February 17, 2007 and together they celebrated 18 years of marriage before his passing. Together the couple owned and operated Sweet’s 624 & More in Atlanta since 2021. Al was a member of the Michigan Flywheelers in South Haven. He enjoyed tractors, trains, blacksmithing, and anything with an engine. He also enjoyed fishing. He is and will be deeply missed.

Al is remembered by his loving wife, Tina Sweet; mother, Joyce Sweet; children, Keith (Kora) Sweet, Caleb Sweet, Brittany Sweet, Hanna Sweet, Ashley Sweet, Neila Sweet; several grandchildren; siblings, Daniel Hammond, Richard Sweet, Harley Sweet; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

In accordance with his wishes Al has been cremated. There will be a memorial held in celebration of Al’s life at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Green Funeral Home. Condolence messages may be sent via our website at www.greenfuneralhomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Allan Ormond Sine, age 66, of Olivet, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. He was born May 7, 1959, in Marshall, Michigan the son of Robert and Marlene (Herman) Sine. Allan graduated from Olivet High School in 1977. He was a huge Detroit Tigers fan and was always looking forward to the next big game. Allan also enjoyed playing cards with friends, working on cars, and baking. He loved working together with his father on the family farm and had a passion for John Deere Tractors. 

Allan is survived by his parents, Bob and Marlene Sine; sister, Carmen Kay (Mike Eisenlohn) Sine; uncle, Richard Sine; aunts, Elaine Tanner, Marie Thompson; good friends, Randy and Marilyn Campbell, Harry Reynolds; several cousins and his special dog, Kaylee. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Sine. 

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Lee Center Cemetery located on V Drive N between 21 Mile Road and 22 Mile Road in Lee Township. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Allan’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076. 

To view Allan’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.

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Funeral Services:

Anna Louise Lewis, of Charlotte, was born on June 20, 1928 and passed away on July 13, 2025.

Visitation is Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Friday, July 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ann Louise Milam of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Ann was born in Mason, Michigan on November 14, 1950, the daughter of Richard and Virginia (Appleton) Pifer. She taught Special Education and 3rd grade in Phoenix, Arizona for 32 years before her retirement. Ann and her family moved back to Michigan in 2007 and settled in Eaton Rapids. She loved to garden and always had a beautifully maintained yard. Ann was very sociable and considered herself to be the shen-Ann-igans supervisor. It was never a dull moment when you were in her company. Ann loved her grandchildren above all else and relished any time she got to spend with them.

She is survived by her sons, Jeremy (Renee) Milam of Eaton Rapids, Scott (Chrisanne) Milam of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Stephen, Dominic and Mackenzie Milam of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Michael (Marie) Pifer, Steven (Sue) Pifer. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Kent Milam.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Ann Louise Milam. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Diane Sue Baum, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on October 18, 1947, in Charlotte, Michigan. Diane’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven from love, kindness, and a deep concern for others.

Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1965, Diane would go on to proudly work at numerous jobs throughout the community. She owned and operated the Dusty Rose Boutique in Charlotte, where her flair for fashion and her genuine warmth welcomed all who entered. Her boutique was not just a store; it was a sanctuary where friendships blossomed and where her kindness left a lasting impression on every customer. Diane had the remarkable ability to make people feel valued and understood, a true testament to her compassionate spirit.

Beyond her career, Diane was a passionate collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, finding joy in the history and nostalgia behind each piece. Diane was also a magnificent cook, making every holiday meal feel like a cherished event. Christmas, in particular, held a special place in her heart, where she created a warm atmosphere brimming with love, laughter, and delicious feasts for her family.

Diane had an undeniable talent for sewing, crafting beautiful garments that displayed her creativity and skill. Her interests extended to jewelry, where she reveled in the beauty of various pieces, each with its own story to tell. Shopping was another joy for Diane, where she always found the perfect gift to share with loved ones, embodying her thoughtful nature.

Family was at the core of Diane’s being. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Their laughter and smiles were the highlights of her days, and she took great pride in being a doting grandmother. One of her favorite traditions was her weekly evening dinners with her granddaughter Malorie—precious time filled with heartfelt conversation, laughter, and love. Diane also loved spending time at the family cabin near Higgins Lake, where the beauty of nature mirrored the warmth that surrounded her.

Diane is survived by her husband Jerry; sons, Michael (Cheri) Kiplinger, Darren (Cassandra) Kiplinger; step-sons, Todd (Shanda) Baum, Troy Baum; grandchildren, Michael “Mickey” Kiplinger, Kyle Kiplinger, Lane Kiplinger, Malorie Kiplinger; five great-grandchildren; sister, Toni (Steve) Wildern, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Elaine Johnson; father, Gordon “Gordie” Johnson; and special aunt, Donna Johnson. 

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Diane’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

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Funeral Services:

Phillip Laverne Hebenstreit, age 72, of Olivet, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born December 25, 1952, in Battle Creek the son of Clarence and Martha (Pierce) Hebenstreit. Phil went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1972. On August 29, 1981, he married Deanna Lynn Griffin in Charlotte. Phil enjoyed many things in life but his family was of the utmost importance to him. He enjoyed working with his hands and was always working on one project or the next. Phil could often be found working in his yard. But when he was not busy at home or work, he would be out hunting for his next treasure at local yard sales or Goodwill. Playing games was an enjoyable pastime for him and his family. Skip bo, Solitaire, and Yahtzee were a few of his favorites. 

Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deanna; children, Cristina (Tony) Owens, Mathew (Sarah) Hebenstreit, Aaron Hebenstreit, Nathan Hebenstreit, Phillip Hebenstreit, Kristy (Scott) Huber, Kari (Chris) Aleman; grandchildren, Rebekah, Bethanie, Noah, Patricia, Emilie, Gracie, Faith; brother, Clarence “Butch” (Rebecca) Hebenstreit; sister, Peggy (Roger) Canterbury; sister-in-law, Iris Hebenstreit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hebenstreit; mother and step-father, Martha and Mayn Cortright; and siblings, Sam Hebenstreit, Sally Moscoso, and Mike Hebenstreit. 

The family received friends for a time of visitation on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. 

Those desiring to make contributions in Phil’s memory may do so to the charity of their choice. 

To view Phil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Jack A. Wells (Jaws), 74, of Vermontville, MI passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born on July 20, 1950 to Kennth and Marianna (Russell) Wells. He enlisted into the Army at the age of 17 in 1967 serving in Germany and Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1970. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Dorleen A. (Richardson), they had two children and many years together until her passing in December of 2022.

He worked many different jobs finally landing at Citizens Elevator, upon retiring he enjoyed times with his wife, family, and dog Stinker. He loved tending his yard. He was grumpy, loving, and always hardworking man and very proud of serving his country, and quietly loving all around him. He was also very proud of his family.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Janell (Wells) Smith; Son, Russell Wells; granddaughter, Karlee Wells; great granddaughter, Emelia Martinez; brother, Dennis (Donna) Wells; sister, Joyce Bristol; and sister-in-law, Patricia Wells.

He was preceded in death by his parents and parent-in-laws; brother, David Wells; brother-in-law, Jerry Bristol; and his favorite niece, Julie Parish.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be given to the family or your local VFW Post.

Memorial services will be held on July 21, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, with a dinner following at 4 p.m. at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St., Battle Creek, MI 49014.