-

Funeral Services:

Gary L. Starkweather, age 78, of Spring Lake, passed away December 6, 2024, at home with family by his side. He was born July 3, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan to Junior and Betty (Kilgore) Starkweather. He married Alice Wiles, the love of his life, on October 24, 1970.

Gary served many years in law enforcement, beginning with the Charlotte City Police Department and then with the Michigan State Police, retiring in 1995. He enjoyed racing cars, the outdoors, fishing, hunting in Wyoming, spending time with his family and fixing things. Duct tape and WD-40 were important items in his toolbox. Gary was a loving, funny, talented curmudgeon, who was very loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years; two sons, Adam (Tracy) Starkweather, and Tracy Starkweather, four grandchildren: Lexie (Gary) Fleming, Caitie, Emmy, Jojo; brother, Monte (Lonnie) Starkweather; sisters-in-law, Susan Meston and Judy Draper; nieces and nephews: Kellie (Brad) Janousek, Jessie (Kevin) McClelland, Fred (Kristine) Meston, and Dwight (Shannon) Meston; many great-nieces and nephews; and his dog, Goose. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, brothers-in law, Milt Meston and Billy Draper, and his best dogs, Sam and Bean.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Harbor Hospice Foundation or Harbor Humane Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Judith “Judy” Anne Snyder, a caring and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Judy, 85, of Charlotte, was born on May 27, 1939, in Lansing, MI the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Tanner) Fox. She graduated from East Lansing High School class of 1958 and later attended Ferris State University. She received a job offer to work at the U.S. Dept. of Navy in Washington D.C. and later the Pentagon. In 1963 she and her family moved to Monterey, California where she worked for the Monterey County Welfare Dept. In 1967 she moved back to Michigan and became employed with the State of Michigan, where she retired in 2002 after 35 years of service.

On March 25, 1972, Judy married Gene Snyder and together they were happily married for 31 years until his passing in May of 2003. Judy and Gene were active members of the Charlotte Lions Club where they worked on countless projects together over the years. In 1992 she became the club’s first woman president. Judy served as a volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, and the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. Hobbies that Judy enjoyed included traveling, working on needlepoint crafts, watching football, and most importantly rescuing dogs. She was a devoted member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Judy is survived by her son, James (Jill) Dillion; stepson, Carl M. Snyder; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike; nieces, Missy, and Julie; and her beloved dog, Sandy. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene C. Snyder; her parents; siblings, Allen Fox, Elizabeth “Betsy” Larson, and Don “Sandy” Fox Jr; and countless rescue dogs that she fostered over the years.

Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, December 13, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 5-7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, Eaton County Humane Society, or UM Health – Sparrow Home Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Daniel Walcott Ritter, a quiet farmer that was well loved and respected by all who knew him, died December 4, 2024, at the age of 66. Dan was born April 6, 1958, in Charlotte to Royal and Dorothy (Zimmerman) Ritter, and lived his entire life in this area. A farmer at heart, Dan felt it was his responsibility to be a steward of the land, and he was committed to his family’s values. He also had a thirst for knowledge and was self-educated and always striving to learn more with his super inquisitive ways. While his primary social life was centered around dairy and farming, once you got through his gruff exterior, he was a sociable guy and had a way of putting people at ease with his contagious laugh. Dan was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association.

Dan is survived by his sister, Phyllis (Chris) Reynolds; and nieces, Hannah (Michael) Cleland and Abbigail (Jeremy) Weant. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings, David and Mary.

Friends are encouraged to support Dan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.

Visitation was Monday, December 9, 2024, 9-11:00 a.m. at Hidden Creek Farms in Charlotte with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions to Future Farmers of America or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Mark Joseph Boehmer, age 61, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on December 7, 2024. Mark was born on August 31, 1963, in Charlotte, Michigan to Earl W. and Thela A. (DeLong) Boehmer. He was a loving husband and devoted father to Kevin Boehmer and Ashley (Max) Neubauer, and a proud grandfather to Brantley.

Mark graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of ’81 and worked many years at Tenneco until he retired in 2020. He was a man of grit and was incredibly hard-working. Mark had a great sense of humor, and his laughter and lighthearted spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mark enjoyed golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends.

Mark leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Debora; children, Kevin Boehmer and Ashley (Max) Neubauer; grandson, Brantley; siblings, Mary (John) Gehrig, Bob (Mary) Boehmer; sister-in-law, Spring Boehmer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jim Boehmer and Earl Boehmer.

A celebration of Mark’s life was held at the Lee Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076 on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Mark’s honor.

To view Mark’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.

-

Funeral Services:

Alana Deann Vedder-Lord, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday November 27, 2024. She was lovingly surrounded by family and friends.

Alana was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 13, 1947, the oldest of three children, to Lyle and Segrid (Simon) Vedder. She attended Needmore Country School through sixth grade, graduating from Charlotte High School in 1965.

She raised three children, the pride and joy of her life, and returned to the workforce working for Wright Plastics and then the federal government. After 29 years, she retired in 2008 as a Contract Specialist for the United States Property and Fiscal Office of the Michigan National Guard.

Alana enjoyed traveling to The Big Water (Lake Superior), as she fondly called it. She enjoyed just being by the water and watching ship traffic. She loved to cook and garden; she had a lot of horticultural knowledge. She also enjoyed bird watching and taught her family how to identify them.

A generous and forgiving person by nature, she exemplified the love of Christ in her everyday life. The Lord was by far Alana’s greatest pursuit, and she touched many lives with His love and kindness. She was a member of First Lutheran Church for over 40 years and greatly valued the worship, teaching and friendships she enjoyed there.

Although we know Alana is now healed and with her Lord, she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Alana is survived by her children Todd (Kaleigh) Lord, Joelle (Broc) Burgess, and Danielle (Bob) Roodvoets; grandchildren Spencer, Skylar, and Pierce Lord; Levi, Brennyn (Sean McPhee), and Raegan (Kyle Franklin) Hebekeuser, and Janna, Amelia, Silas, and Robbie Roodvoets; six great-grandchildren; sister, Marlene Siefert; brother, Rod Vedder; beloved nieces and nephew; special cousins Paula McCloy, Pam Wilson, and Cheryl Roll; special friends Tessa Stoltzfus, Marlene Smith, and Bob Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service was held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.

If desired, memorial contributions can be sent to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte 550 W. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.

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

-

Funeral Services:

Margaret Evelin (Mason) Jones, 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 25. She was born on September 28, 1929, to Frank and Pauline (Scholl) Mason. She attended St. Johns High School where she graduated in 1947.

She married William (Bill) Jones in May of 1949 in Muncie, Indiana. Together they enjoyed traveling the United States throughout the years. Margaret was a cashier at Kroger store and in her free time she loved to crochet. She was a life member of the Potterville Order of Eastern Star.

Margaret is survived by her son Thomas (Kathy) Jones; grandchildren Bill (Erica) Jones, Brandy (Mark) Bishop, Michelle (Lenny) Cruz, Jim (Kara) Jones; and several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; sons James H. Jones, Timmerman J. Jones; and seven siblings.

In keeping with Margaret’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

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

-

Funeral Services:

Kathleen Dornan, 89, of Traverse City, joined her husband Victor Dornan in Heaven. He passed away in 2015.

Kathleen was born on September 15, 1935 to Gerald and Ina (Hoke) Shumaker in Vermontville. On June 14, 1952 she and Vic married, and they shared many wonderful times together.

For many years, Kathleen loved working in retail, first at Millikens and later at Pranges/Younkers.

She was a member of Living Hope Church in Traverse City. Her faith was always very important to her. She was passionate about her love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23, and it gave her great comfort in her final days.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patrice; and siblings, Bob Shumaker, Gerald “Junior” Shumaker, Elaine Harmon, and Carol Ann Landes. She was also preceded in death by her little dog, Sophie, whom she loved very much.

She is survived by her children: Michael (Paula) of Louisiana, Gregory (Carol) of North Carolina, Victoria (Bruce) Brown of Traverse City, and Susan (Michael) Stacey of Mississippi; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Samaritans Purse. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with her family.

-

Funeral Services:

Charles Edward Hadley, age 89, surrounded by his loving wife and children and the love of our Lord passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Charlotte, Michigan. We were blessed that close family and friends were able to say good-bye during the two days before he passed. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Charles was born on September 17, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan to Daniel and Fern (Dorr) Hadley. He was the fourth child of six children. Charles married the love of his life, Beverly Jean Wright, on August 5, 1956, and they were married for 68 years and they had four loving children. Charles (Charlie) will be remembered for many things. Coming from meager beginnings, he began working as a produce manager at Maker’s IGA to learn the family skill of meat cutting. Charlie became the owner of his own corner store, the South End Grocery, in Charlotte, Michigan and at one time the Thriftway market in Mulliken. He taught his children and several young people the skill of responsibility and working with people. He also managed to purchase a farm and became a crop farmer and later owned a peat farm. Later in life he worked at General Motors for twenty years and retired. Charlie and Beverly moved to Zephyrhills, Florida where he learned to golf for the first time. They enjoyed being retired and returned to Michigan during the summers. He learned the love of fishing and hunting at an early age and it made him happy to share his knowledge and experiences with his children, grandchildren and many friends throughout his life.

Charles is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beverly Jean Hadley (Wright); four children Kim (Bud) Kruszka, Chuck (Tiva) Hadley, Sally (Rod) Magoon and Scott (Bonnie) Hadley. Charlie and Beverly have sixteen grandchildren, Charles (Chuckie) Edward Hadley III, Marshall Magoon, Jeremiah Hadley, Christopher (friend Tonya) Magoon, Jessica Hadley, Mitchell (Jen) Magoon, Tia (Ray) Armstrong, Ty (Brianna) Hadley, and Nikolaus (friend Eliza) Kruszka and Tim Lenhard, Samantha Dumond, Kaity Loveland, and Alex Cummings; thirteen great-grandchildren, Charles Edward Hadley IV, Olyvia Magoon, Annabelle Magoon, Brody Choinski, Harper Choinski, Maylee Hadley, Maddyn Hadley, Kollins Armstrong, Estin Hadley, Emily Lenhard, Maddie Armstrong, Noah Armstrong, and Ilitah Simmons; five great-great-grandchildren, Alaric, Malikye, Novaleigh, Delylah and Genicys, and children Sophia and Manoah.

He is also survived by his brother, David Hadley; sisters-in-law, Janet Bryner and Sally Buckley; brother-in-law, Richard Phelan; and many loved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Fern Hadley; brothers, Daniel Hadley, Clarence (Bill) Hadley; sisters, Barbara Corrigan and Carol (Dee-Dee) Phelan; sisters-in-law, Arlene Hadley, Joyce Hadley, Mary Hadley; and brothers-in-law, Chuck Corrigan, Roger Bryner, and Dick Buckley; and his three grandchildren, Charles (Chuckie) Hadley III, Jeremiah Hadley and Charles Edward Hadley IV.

He is also remembered by special friends, Robert and Diane Lake, Randy Grundstrom, and Steve (Ted) Dotts. Special thanks to cousins, Dick and Linda Balzer who tended to their care while in Florida.

Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2–5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25 at Pray Funeral Home with grandson, Ty Hadley, officiating. Interment will take place at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing with a luncheon to follow. 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 Charles’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

-

Funeral Services:

Larry Earl Walker, 81, a kind-hearted “strong man” of deep love for his family, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 21, 2024.  Larry was born November 17, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Earl and Leona (Smurr) Walker.  He graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of 1961 and shortly after married the love of his life, Roxanne Pruden on August 10, 1963.  He worked many years at GM, retiring in 1995, but farming was his lifelong passion, which he did right alongside his family until his retirement in 2002, when he slowed down only slightly.  Larry and Roxanne worked hard, but they played hard, too.

Every summer holiday weekend, they hosted a huge campout with friends and family at the park they worked hard on at the back of the farm.  Larry and his grandsons eventually even built a small log cabin shed on the property.  Larry’s grandchildren were his world.  He loved time spent with them, especially outdoors working, cane pole fishing, or on trips up North riding dirt bikes.  His grandkids will remember him as a soft-spoken “super grampa” who attended all their sporting events and made sure to make a big family dinner for them each and every Sunday.  No one left Larry and Rock’s house hungry.  Larry lived his life by the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would want to be treated.”

Larry is survived by his son, Chad (Carolyn) Walker; grandsons, Benjamin (Lindsey) Walker and Christopher (Alexa) Walker; seven great-grandchildren, Jetzen, Dawszen, Ellyszen, Boszen, Hutzen, River Roxanne, and Ember Lynn; and several nieces and nephews and extended family.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Roxanne; their daughter, Trina; and his sisters, Donna Johnson, Joyce Johnson, and Shirley Van Auken.

Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Hidden Creek Farms, 2181 E. Vermontville Hwy., Charlotte, MI.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice in lieu of flowers.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.