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Thelma J. Newsome

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Funeral Services:

Thelma Jean (Bryant) Newsome of Springport formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 31, 2022, at the age of 82. Thelma was born in Martin, KY, June 11, 1939, one of 13 children, born to Benjamin Harrison “Chick” and Betty (Little) Bryant. In her younger years, she cleaned houses and babysat for her brother’s children. She later went on to work for Houston Farms and Heifetz Pickle Factory. She married the love of her life, Estill, who was also the most handsome man in Floyd Co., KY. She enjoyed her flowers, reading the newspaper, going out to eat, researching genealogy, visiting relatives back home in KY, shopping and “cemetery hopping.”
Thelma is survived by her children, Linda (Dean) Mikkelson, Cindy Hansen, Darrell (Catherine) Newsome, Gloria Newsome, Crystal (Corey) Church; grandchildren, Reatha (Matthew) Gates, Derek (Terina) Rockafellow, Tabitha (Ryan Clark) Rockafellow, Traci (Justice Boire) Newsome, Jeffrey (Beth) Newsome, Jared (Stephanie) Hansen, Hadley (Derrick) Weller; great grandchildren, Tesla, Allison, Mattison, Reanna, and Justin Gates, Aisha Furgala, Lorelie Newsome, Zayden Lindahl; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estill Newsome; daughters, Debbie Coffelt and Barbara Newsome; 12 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday February 5, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place on Friday from 6-8 pm and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Munger Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Angela Michelle Pickett

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Angela Michelle Pickett, of Charlotte, known to all as Angie, slipped from earth to her heavenly home on January 23, 2022, at the age of 44. Angie was the much-loved daughter of Penny (Van Skike) Pickett and Garth David (deceased) and Mike Pickett.
Born October 30, 1977, Angie lived a full life: Special Olympics (ten different sports), work (21 years at Subway) and adventure (bus tours and vacations). She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1997, and from The Learning Center in 2003. Angie also participated in the Adult Handicap Program for 28 years.
Angie loved her family, the color purple, her teammates, her cats, and her American Girl dolls. She traveled to Chicago, New York, Minnesota, and on the internet to purchase 29 dolls which she lovingly cared for—they were her “girls.” Angie never met a stranger. She had a beautiful smile that she shared freely, leaving handprints on the hearts of friends of all ages. To know Angie was to love Angie.
Angie is survived by her mother, Penny; close aunt and uncle, Brynda Filkins of Charlotte and Nathan Van Skike of Vermontville; many other special aunts, uncles and cousins; honorary brother, Martin Fabrik; her father, Mike Pickett and his daughter, Chelsea; grandmother, Patricia Van Skike. She was predeceased by Garth David, aunt, Gretchen Van Skike-Campbell, boyfriend, Mike Malerba, and grandfather, Bryan Van Skike.
Visitation with the family will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, on Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial service for Angie will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Avenue, Charlotte, on Friday, February 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial gifts, if desired, may be made to the Charlotte Community Library in Angie’s name. Angie was a beautiful soul, given by God, who made the world brighter just by being here.

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Marianna June Wells

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Funeral Services:

Marianna June Wells, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. She was born June 25, 1926, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Erving and Mary (Plowfield) Russell. Marianna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, doing puzzles, and reading. Marianna was a devoted member of New Hope Community Church in Charlotte.
Marianna is survived by her children: Dennis (Donna) Wells of Oklahoma, Joyce Bristol of Vermontville, David (Pat) Wells of Charlotte, Jack (Dorleen) Wells of Vermontville; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; and sister Barb (Richard) Gellasch of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth in 2009; sisters: Maxine Baker, Ruth Schnoover; brothers: J. Lee Russell, Willis Russell; granddaughter, Julie Parish; and son-in-law, Jerry Bristol.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11 a.m.. at the New Hope Church, 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will take place starting at 10 A.M. at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Marianne’s memory to the New Hope Community Church 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Marianna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr.

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Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. 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 Kevin’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 the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Pamela Jean Weaver

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Funeral Services:

Pamela Jean Weaver, 68 of Olivet, a caring lady with a beautiful smile, died at home surrounded by her loving family on January 20, 2022. Born Pamela Jean Rittenour on September 28, 1953, in Midland, she grew up and graduated from High School there in 1971. She went on to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Michigan State University, and went to work for the State of Michigan as a food inspector for 32 years. In September of 1978 she married Karl Amos Weaver and became a proud and strict, but fair mother to their three sons. Always gracious, Pam loved the Lord and sharing this love as a Sunday School teacher, member of the church choir, and a member of the State Christian Nurture Board for over 30 years.
Always with love and a giving spirit, Pam would help anyone in need, it made her happy to serve others and be an example of God’s love. Some of the activities she enjoyed include camping, NASCAR (working 19 years at the MIS race), fostering pets until they could find their “furever” homes (many of which stayed with Pam and Karl), and collecting everything with cow/moose on it. She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and enjoyed being a grandmother more than anything.
Her smile and her jokes will be dearly missed by her family. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Karl; sons, Karl (Melissa Ann), Robbie (Amanda), and Timothy James (Heidi); grandchildren, Theodore, Lilly, and Alex; and sister, Anne (Tom) O’Brian; and many four-legged fur babies. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pam’s family want to thank their many friends and family members for their outpouring of support over the last few weeks and invite them to attend services or share memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, January 29, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Sunday, January 30, 2022, 1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Olivet, with Pastor Garry Fisher 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 Pam’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Eaton Area Humane Society, Heartland Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Robert Donald Ayotte

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Funeral Services:

Robert Donald Ayotte, age 78, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Sparrow Eaton Hospital. He was born October 8, 1943, in Detroit the son of Donald and Rosemary (Hauser) Ayotte. Bob graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961. On October 31, 1964, he married the love of his life, Sue Cheney. Bob worked as a small engine mechanic the majority of his life. During his career he worked for Albin’s Honda, College Bike Shop and Grand Pointe Marina. One of Bob’s favorite things to do was to go camping together with Sue. They made many trips up north and cherished the time they spent together. He also loved snowmobiling and riding motorcycles.
Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue; children: Susan (Greg) Campbell of Bellevue, Rob (Kathy Ferguson) Ayotte of Ceresco; grandchildren: Travis Hester, Alan (David Bye) Hester, Allison (Michael Lubin) Hester, Cara (Zach Schroeder) Ferguson, Dustin (Libby) Campbell, Zach Campbell, Kelsey (Vallen) Campbell; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings: Michael (Judy Rizzo) Ayotte, JoAnn (Loren) Peterson, Gary (Kathie) Ayotte, Todd (Lisa) Ayotte; sisters-in-law: Jane (Gerald) Cuendet, Mary Cheney; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Albert and Rosemary (Hauser) Ayotte; parents-in-law; Gordon and Loretta Cheney; and brother-in-law, G. William Cheney.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Conklin officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s honor to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the charity of their choosing.
To view Bob’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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Sondra Jane Hughes

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Funeral Services:

Sondra Jane Hughes, 85, of Charlotte, died Sunday, January 23, 2022, in Charlotte. Sondra was born June 21, 1936, in Lansing, the daughter of Burr O. and Mary C. (Swathwood) Pierce. Following her high school graduation, Sondra earned her license as a practical nurse and served 4 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital and 12 years at Eaton Manor. Sondra married the love of her life, Gerald R. Hughes, on September 15, 1956, following his return from his service in the U.S. Airforce. Together they celebrated 59 years of happy marriage until his death in 2016.
Sondra’s love of nursing led her to bring humor and joy to each of her patients. Faith and kindness filled Sondra’s life and many church members were the recipients of her prayers, hugs and caring ways. A great lover of animals, she had many pets, especially cats. She enjoyed reading and crocheting and shared her talents with her family. Sondra’s greatest moments in life revolved around family gatherings. Her family will miss her around the table, but know that she has found Glory and is again together with the love of her life, Jerry.
Sondra is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Walt) Lupu; son, Mark (Valerie) Hughes; daughter-in-law, Cindy Hughes; 7 grandchildren, Christopher Chapman, James Chapman, Courtney (Brandon) Robison, Greg (Jennifer) Hughes, Brandon (Amanda) Pitts, Andrew Pitts, and Ashley (Rece) Cox; 9 great-grandchildren, Harrison Chapman, Louis Chapman, Thomas Chapman, Lane Robison, Carolina Robison, Amelia Robison, Alexis Pitts, Bryce Cox, and Braxton Cox; sister, Cheryl Deadman; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald R. Hughes; son, Gary Hughes; brother, Albert Pierce; and sister, Catherine Lekki. The family would like to express a special thank-you to Sondra’s close friends and neighbors, John and Carol Rossio, Carol Cook, and Lorrene Cody.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Sondra’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was held on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Sondra’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Eaton Community Palliative Care or First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Elie V. Manta

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Funeral Services:

Elie V. Manta, age 87, of Bellevue, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 22, 2022. He was born in Detroit, MI in May of 1934, the third child of Romanian immigrants, Eli and Bucura Manta. He graduated from Pershing High School in 1952 and gained employment with the Grand Trunk Railroad. He was proudly drafted into the U.S. Army where he continued his education as a repairman of Steam Locomotives. After two years he was honorably discharged and continued his career with the railroad, eventually becoming a Locomotive engineer. He held several positions in management and as a union official.
After meeting at a USO in Virginia Beach, VA, Elie married Frieda Joan Dow, a nursing student from Morrilton, AR, making their home in Warren, MI in 1956. They relocated to Bellevue, MI in 1971 where “Lee” continued with the GTW Railroad. Elie became an important part of the Bellevue community with membership in the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Village Council, Rescue Squad and Whirl-Away Square Dance Club. Other interest included fishing, camping, spending time with family and friends, travel and eventually a winter home in South Texas. Elie’s retirement began in 1993.
After 49 years of marriage, beloved wife Joan graduated to heaven in 2005. In 2006 he married Louise (Link) Starkweather. They continued life in Bellevue, wintering in McAllen, TX.
Left to cherish Elie’s memory are his wife, Louise; sister, Mary (John) Tatimor of Palm Springs, CA; sisters-in-law, Elieen Dow of Fullerton, CA, and Neal DuPre’ of Peachtree City, GA; children, Victoria (Patrick) McEwan of Charlotte, Stephen (Val) Manta of Battle Creek, Virginia (Brenton) Nesseth of Battle Creek, and Donald (Ruth) Manta of Sanborn NY. Louise’ children, Debbie (Grey) Wilcox, Diane Bailey, Dena (Randy) Shumaker, Luanne Lakies. Many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Elie was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Cornelia Salistean of Cleveland, OH.
Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021. A memorial gathering will be held January 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, 122 N. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 at 2:00 P.M. with the memorial service beginning at 3:00 P.M. Pastor Don Manta officiating.
In honor of Elie’s life, in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to; Bellevue Good Samaritan Fund, 119 N Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021. You may visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.

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Terence Clinton Merrick

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Terence “Terry” Clinton Merrick, the oldest Disney Kid around, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan died January 25, 2022. Terry, 76, was born June 18, 1945 in Charlotte to Jesse James and Lenora June (Friar) Merrick. Terry was the family touch stone, THE guy, very smart, with a wonderful and rich sense of humor. He graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1963, was a First-Class Petty Officer and Fire Control Technician in the US Navy, and loved piloting his own aircraft. He was an award winning golfer, a fisherman, a bowler with a couple of 300 games; enjoyed boating, camping, MSU and Lions football, Euchre and Poker, playing piano. He enjoyed it all. He made numerous videos and loved editing. Terry graduated from Cooley Law School in 1981, and became a Private Attorney. He retired as a Judge with the State of Michigan. Terry married Charlene Kae (Hineline) in 1999 and were married for fourteen years. He absolutely loved going to Disney and traveled there more than 40 times with his family.
Terry is survived by his children, James Todd Merrick, Jeffery Dean (Terri) Merrick, Jesse Allan (Skye) Merrick; grandchildren, Shelby, Brody, Avery, Elle, and Theodore; great-grandchildren, Cooper and Jackson; sister, Linda (Herbert) Brizendine; nephews, Matthew (Lisa) Brizendine, Nicholas (Kelly) Brizendine; and many special friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Charlene; parents; and brother, Tim Merrick.
Friends are encouraged to support Terry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services are Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Richie Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. The family is also planning a Summer Celebration of Life for Terry. 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 Terry’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 Dexter Lake Church in Battle Creek. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Doris Pauline Gordon

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Doris (Dorie) Pauline Gordon, age 86, passed away at her home in Weidman, MI on May 24, 2021.
Doris was born on January 17, 1935 to Myron Henry and Doris Olivia (Brandt) Shaw during an ice storm as Dorie would add. She graduated Eaton Rapids High School in 1953. She was an avid artist. She was an dedicated fisher woman who had the chance to fish the Tasman Sea at Chain of Lagoons, Tasmania. The blue gills in Michigan never stood a chance.
She is predeceased by her parents, husband Oliver Barclay Gordon, brother Loyd Shaw, brother in law Ron Bowser, and nephew Danny Bowser. May they all know peace.
Dorie is survived by her sister, Virginia (Ginny) Bowser, her four children: Brian Carter, Brent Carter, Sheri Merritt, and Mitchell Carter. She is further survived by six grand children and six great-grand children.

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