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Phyllis Elaine Root, aged 90, passed away suddenly but peacefully, Tuesday, May 28 at the Corewell Hospital, Hastings, MI.

Phyllis was born May 14, 1934 in Charlotte, MI, the middle child of Lynn and Ila (Dexter) Griffin. She was preceded in death by 1 brother, Dexter Griffin and 1 sister, Barbara Widrig. On October 19, 1952, Phyllis married Millard Von Root and together they had 6 children, 5 of whom survive: 2 daughters, Duonna (Mrs. Tom Worstell) of Richmond Hill, GA, and Sheila (Mrs. Robert Veitch) of Lake Odessa, MI; 3 sons and their spouses, Kevin (Teresa) Root of Charlotte, Tim (Doreen) Root of Vermontville, and Curtis (Connie) Root of Hastings. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Millard, and one son, Mark (Jodi) Root of Charlotte. Millard passed away just 22 days short of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Phyllis and Millard raised their children on the family farm just northwest of Charlotte. They became Christians early in their marriage and together they taught and led hundreds of people to the Lord. She always wanted to support Millard’s Bible teaching and preaching and was the quiet, always present, force behind him.

Phyllis was not only a beloved wife and mother, but also a talented quilter, seamstress, painter, gardener, baker and stone mason who showered family and friends with the gifts from her hands. Truly she was much like the Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31, and her children called her blessed as did her husband.

Phyllis was the last surviving member of her generation and is survived by 21 grandchildren and 41 grandchildren.

Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’ family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with George Blanch officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Gresham Cemetery. 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 Phyllis’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in care of Sheila Veitch for various charities. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl Leroy “Lee” Howser. He left this world on May 20, 2024, just a few days before his birthday of May 31. A truly remarkable soul, Lee was a community leader, a man whose generosity knew no bounds, and a loving father. “He was a kind and generous dad, far beyond what his children deserved!” his daughter, Julie, lovingly said.

Lee married Norma Jane Amos in 1957. They were married for 64 years when Norma passed in 2021. Their three children, Christopher Lee, of Traverse City, Steven Daniel, of Jackson, and Julie Ann, of Charlotte, survive him, along with grandchildren, Ryan, Nathan, Michael, and Addison. Three great-grandchildren, Xander, Avery, and Ryleigh, complete the Howser family.
Lee came from very humble beginnings but bettered himself through education along the way. After his high school graduation, where he was salutatorian, he was recruited to play basketball at Lincoln University in Missouri. He then attended Missouri University, where he received his master’s degree, and later his Ph.D. at Michigan State University.

In his early days he was a television personality on KRCG-TV in Missouri. In 1964 he taught school and was the head basketball coach in Jefferson City, Missouri. Lee served as the president of Jackson Community College from 1993-2001, and the Howser Child Development Center at JCC was named after Lee and Norma when he retired. He was instrumental in the creation of the center, in order to provide single mothers with safe and free childcare to give them the opportunity to seek better employment.

Lee Howser accomplished much in life. He worked with General Colin Powell, for instance, on his “Promise to Youth Alliance,” a program to improve the life of America’s at-risk youth. He helped establish Michigan Education Foundations at Jackson Community College and later at Charlotte Public Schools, raising millions of dollars. Working with astronauts McDivitt, Worden, and Lousma, he helped found the Michigan Space Center in Jackson. Lee founded the Jackson Enterprise Group, an economic development model. He served as president and chairman of the Jackson United Way. He actively supported many non-profit organizations, such as the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, the Shakespeare Festival, the Jackson Balloon Festival, the Ella Sharp Museum, the American Cancer Society, the Courthouse Square Museum, and many more.

On a fun note, each year Lee enjoyed Halloween at his daughter’s “Halloween House” in Charlotte, Michigan. He loved interacting with people and talking to the children. He would dress up to greet them at the door, sometimes as Elvis, other times as a spider.
With a love for animals, the Howser home was a sanctuary for various furry friends brought home by his children as they were growing up; “It didn’t matter what you dragged home, or where you found it, a lost animal was always welcome. You knew you could take it to the vet and Dad would pay.”

Lee will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the legacy of kindness and compassion he leaves behind. As we mourn his loss, we should also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the positive impact he had on the world around him.

You are encouraged to share memories of Lee on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com, or by attending memorial services to honor Lee’s life. The memorial will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 1-3:00 p.m. 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 Lee’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Howser Child Development Center through the Jackson College Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Norman J. Milbourn, a good-natured go getter, died suddenly May 23, 2024 in Lansing. Norman, 82 of Charlotte, MI was born July 24, 1941in Watertown, NY, the son of Lawrence and Marjorie (Perry) Milbourn. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959.
“Stormin Norman,” as his friends referred to him, was a laid-back, easygoing person who blended in with any group of friends. Known as a hard worker, Norman had a talent of being able to fix anything and everything. His family recalls that he could “MacGyver” anything as long as he could find a nut and a bolt.

Norman was an excellent auto body craftsman. His early years in the field were spent at Diamond Reo in Lansing. After Reo closed he worked a Keehne’s Autobody in Charlotte until starting at Spartan Motors in 1992, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. On the job he shared his skills teaching his coworkers some of the many things he had learned over the years.

Norman will always be remembered as a great friend with a great laugh. He always found some way to laugh in nearly every situation. He loved to share time on the golf course with his friends who would enjoy his stories much more than the game. On weekends you could often find him either perusing garage sales looking for that “special thing,” or at a local car show admiring the work that others had put into their cherished machines.

Above all, Norman was most proud of his family and cherished recent trips to Arizona by train to visit his son Tim, and another road trip to visit relatives in North Carolina. A family custom was dinner at their home with his son and daughter every Wednesday evening.

Norman is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine; children, Debbie (Al) Jeffers and Tim Milbourn (Jim); sister, Sandy Southern; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken (Patricia) Marple, Pat Marple, and Joyce (Bill) Scott; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Phil Southern, Bob Marple, and Don Marple.

Friends are encouraged to support Norman’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, May 29, from 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Thursday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Norman’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Diana Marie “Dirty” Shumaker Naylor, age 74, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, surrounded by her family. Diana was born on June 3, 1949, in Charlotte, MI, to Lowell and Betty Jean (Hale) Shumaker. She grew up in Charlotte, attending the one-room Southworth country school through the sixth grade, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967.

In her youth, Diana loved riding horses, particularly her cherished horse, Tinker. She worked at several restaurants, including Jim’s Place, Holley’s Bear Den, and Calico Kitchen. Diana worked as a school bus driver for Eaton Rapids Public Schools for over 20 years and retired in 2003. She had a passion for music, especially Bob Seger, whom she saw live in concert numerous times. Diana enjoyed playing pool and introduced the game to her grandchildren, fostering their love for it by taking them to tournaments across the state and beyond.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Dakota; her nephew, Jammie Wixson; her brothers-in-law, Tom Wixson, Reese Naylor, and Duke LaMotte; and her parents-in-law, Ruth and Frank Naylor.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Keith Naylor; her children, Mike (Cheryl) Wakley, Stacey (Jim) Clickner, Tammy Rowley, Kim (Pat) Hengsbach, and Mike Naylor; her grandchildren, Korrine, Vaughn, Erik, Elana, Jason, Logan, Randy, Drake, Macey, Patrick, Codie, Seth, Kylie; great grandchildren, Zayden, Paislee, Raya, Harlow, Briar, Ellie, and Ki’Morey; her siblings, Sandy Wixson, Connie (Floyd) Brandt, Randy (Dena) Shumaker, Deb (Don) Moga, and Lynn (Paul) Juhola; her sister-in-law, Carol LaMotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved dog, Sophia Grace.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM, with the venue to be determined. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visitSkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Frank Thompson, 74, of Charlotte, a dedicated family man and community volunteer, died Sunday, May 19, 2024, after a sudden illness. Frank was born October 29, 1949, in Battle Creek, the son of George Francis, Jr., and Goldie Normean (Miller) Thompson. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1968. Frank lived an adventurous youth, including a summer-long trip hitch-hiking to California and back. He attended a year of college before changing course and earning his journeyman mechanic. He went to work as a cold end mechanic at Owens-Illinois in Charlotte, a career he enjoyed for 42 years until the plant closed and he retired. Frank married Susan Sybil Chaplin on September 20, 1969, and the two settled into family life raising their two children. Frank remained a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather to the end. He proudly attended his grandson’s football games and was looking forward to seeing him graduate on May 23.

Frank could often be found at Char-Lanes bowling alley, where he played in leagues and developed many lasting friendships. He also loved the outdoors, especially fishing trips down the Grand River and Salmon fishing up North, and time spent tending his plants and garden. He was an avid reader, whether it was a new book he was reading or the newspaper, and he followed baseball closely. Frank enjoyed family trips out to Colorado to visit his cousins, and to see the mountains. He was also very generous with his time, devoted many hours to Courthouse Square in Charlotte, where he volunteered to help maintain and repair the historic buildings. He was active with the local genealogy society, and taught reading to immigrants looking to earn their citizenship. He was a busy man to the very end, whether working hard, staying active with his family, or volunteering in many capacities in the community.

Frank is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Susan Thompson; daughter, Heather Thompson-Michaud; son, Jesse Thompson; and grandson, Wyatt George Francis Boersen. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Frank’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Frank’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Johannes (Joop/Joe) and Hendrika (Henny) Matthyssen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by their loving family. Johannes was born on May 15, 1930 to Joannes and Gijsberta (Geurtsen) Matthijssen and passed away on May 16, 2024 at the age of 94. Hendrika (Henny) Matthyssen was born on December 28, 1930 to Anthonie and Bertha (Hazeleger) Renes and passed away on March 13, 2024 at the age of 93. They were both born in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Joe and Henny Matthyssen were married on December 2, 1954 in Utrecht. They immigrated to the U.S. in March of 1957. Shortly thereafter, Joe began his rewarding career as a Machinist/Sales Engineer at Industrial Welding Inc. (Enprotech Mechanical Services) for 34 years. In his spare time, Joe pursued his passion for soccer by playing, coaching, and refereeing soccer for more years than we can count! However, the true love of his life was always his wife, Henny. They spent 69 loving years together and often talked about how wonderful their lives have been together living in the U.S. Joe always said that his wife was “his number one!” He devoted his entire life to loving and taking care of his family.

Henny was a homemaker whose greatest passions were taking care of her wonderful family and sewing. Henny was an extremely talented self-taught seamstress and started sewing when she was only twelve years old and continued sewing until she was 92 years old. In the Lansing area, she was a founding member of the Lansing Clippers and American Sewing Guild, and belonged to various bowling leagues. She enjoyed her volunteer work (sewing projects) and attending her children’s athletic events. She loved baking, cake decorating, cooking Dutch recipes, and reading. For the last twenty years, she spent her time making beautiful quilts for her entire extended family. Each one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have a quilt made especially for them. Her love of sewing was only surpassed by her love for her family; especially for her husband, Joop. They were soul mates and made a wonderful life together in the United States.

Joe and Henny were preceded in death by their parents; Joe’s brother, Frans Matthijssen, and his sisters, Greet Matthijssen and Berta Gerritsen; and Henny’s seven brothers and sisters. Joe and Henny are survived by their three children, Johanna (Brian) Haack, Yvonne (Dennis) Barens, and Johnny (Kim H.) Matthyssen; along with their eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Joe and Henny are also survived by Joe’s brother, Gerard (Ada) Matthijssen, his sister, Joke Matthijssen, and their sister-in-law, Johanna Matthijssen; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family in the U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands.

Friends are encouraged to support the Matthyssen family by attending services or sharing memories on their Tribute Pages at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation for Joe and Henny is Friday, June 7, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Palmer Bush and Jensen Holt Chapel, 5035 Holt Road, Holt. Memorial services are Saturday, June 8, 11:00 a.m. at Palmer Bush and Jensen Holt Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either of the following: Holt Public Schools to help support the Holt High School Soccer programs (donations should be mailed to the Superintendent’s Office at 5780 West Holt Road, Holt, MI 48842) or to The National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Wendell Lamar Burk was born on December 15, 1934, in Alagansee Township, Michigan to Ralph Burk and Luceille (Kriser) Burk. He grew up in southern Michigan and graduated from Fremont Public Schools in Indiana in 1953. He married the love of his life, Virginia (Cooper) Burk on March 12, 1955, in Angola, Indiana. From this union, they had one child, Craig Burk.

Wendell and Virginia moved to Eaton Rapids in 1965 after losing their home in the Palm Sunday tornado earlier that year. Wendell started a new job at General Motors and got into skilled trades as a welder. He was a long-standing member of the UAW Local 652 and was very proud of it. He could fix anything and being a skilled welder, he was always working on something for a friend or neighbor. Wendell spent a lot of time tinkering in his garage, mostly spent working on his cars. Or you could find him down in his leather shop, making handmade belts and wallets. The project he was most proud of was his 1935 Chevy Street Rod that he built from the ground up. They drove it to hundreds of car shows all over the country together. Wendell loved cars from a young age. He had gasoline running through his veins. He started racing dirt track stock cars and go-karts in his early years, switching to two wheels later in life, you could find him tearing up the trails on his CR500 near the family camp in Luther, Michigan. He also enjoyed old country music, watching western re-runs, and rooting for his Spartans… GO GREEN.

He loved spending time with family and friends any chance they got. Friday nights were always spent taking the family out for dinner before their weekly trip to Meijer for groceries. Soon after getting their cart, Wendell and his only grandson would sneak away to the toy department to check out the newest Nintendo games and toy cars. Wendell’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandson and great-grandson.

Wendell is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Burk of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; his son, Craig Burk of Charlotte, Michigan; his grandson, Dustin (January) Burk of Jackson, Michigan; his great-grandson, Cooper Burk.

There will be a Memorial Luncheon on June 8, 2024 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center (306 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813). We welcome everyone to bring their show cars.

Any memorial donations can be directed to the Mid-Michigan Autism Association (PO Box 27462, Lansing, MI 48909).

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Funeral Services:

John Oscar Saurer, 88 of Venice, Florida, passed away into eternal life surrounded by his beloved family, on May 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He was a Christian and lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. His faith sustained him until the end.

John was born on December 8, 1935 in Pleasant Lake, IN to Reuben and Marjorie (Matson) Saurer.

John was raised in Charlotte, MI and in 1952 he met his future wife, Beth Kays, working at a summer camp at Duck Lake, MI. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954 and attended Western Michigan University. He and Beth were married in December 1956, and he graduated in 1958 with a degree in Business Administration. John enjoyed a successful career in Sales & Marketing and his various jobs took him from Austin, TX to Albion, MI. It was in Albion that John and Beth raised their family, and he began a career at Albion Malleable in the Management Training Program. He also worked in Production Control, Sales and became Manager of Component Supply. He resigned from Albion Malleable and joined the J.W. Hallock Agency, later known as Galtaco Inc., working in material handling and sales of castings for motor vehicles. John retired in 1990 and began spending winter seasons in Florida. He and his wife became full-time Florida residents in 2002, where he enjoyed bird watching, fishing, golfing, nature, family time, all pets, and the love of his dog, Muffin.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 67 years Beth (Kays) Saurer; daughter Cylinda (Haskins) and husband Tim of Englewood, FL; son Craig Saurer and wife Sue of Rotonda, FL; daughter Christie (de Nicola) and husband Tony of Englewood, FL. Precious grandchildren Taylor Haskins and partner Jason Sharer of Greenville, MI; Spencer Haskins and wife Mellissa of Keaau, HI; Michael Saurer and wife Lindsay of Lincolnshire, IL; Leslie (Saurer) Smith and husband Drew of Port Charlotte, FL; Kaley (de Nicola) Study and husband Alex of Bradenton, FL; Ted de Nicola and wife Catherine of Wyckoff, NJ; and CJ de Nicola and wife Jaclyn of Hoboken, NJ.

John is also survived by his most recent family blessings, his great-grandchildren: Korah and Ellianna Haskins; Grayson Saurer; Bennett, Adelaide and Roman Study; and Hazel de Nicola. He is also survived by his brother Richard Saurer and wife Judy of Salt Lake City, UT; brother Robert Saurer and wife Paula of Henderson, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will occur this summer for family only.

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Funeral Services:

Kendrick “Kenn” Keith Hayward of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 85. Kenn was born on July 27, 1938, in Michigan, one of the 12 children of Marenus and Frances (Cucksey) Hayward. He met his wife, Sue Hunt, while stationed with the US Air Force on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where he worked as a switchboard operator, and Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960, at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Kenn spent many years working as a die sinker at Lindell and Melling drop forges in Lansing and was a landlord to many tenants at several properties that he and Sue purchased over the years. Along with Sue, Kenn was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years and enjoyed going to area auctions and yard sales to look for treasures that he could fix up and sell. He especially loved tinkering with old clocks, radios, and toys, many of which he kept at home to enjoy. He also loved fixing up bicycles. Kenn loved traveling and especially enjoyed his trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. He enjoyed birdwatching and would keep a pair of binoculars handy while on vacation so he could see the birds and other wildlife closely in order to identify them. More than anything, Kenn was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished his family and the time he spent with them. He greatly appreciated his extended family, as well, and rarely missed a family reunion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Hayward; daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Hayward; his parents, and 10 siblings. Surviving are his sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family received family and friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Friday, May 24, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Saundra “Sandy” Lou Stevens, 85, of Olivet, passed away on May 16, 2024, at the McLaren
Hospital in Lansing, MI.

She was born on November 22, 1938, to Leslie and Genevieve (Waidelich) Holt in Marshall, MI.

Sandy married Lynn C. Stevens on March 29, 1985, in Olivet.

She worked as a machine operator for Eatons of Marshall for 30 years until she retired.

Sandy and Lynn owned and operated the Olivet Optic News. She drove a school bus for Olivet.In her 20’s she raced at Butler Motor Speedway in the Powder Puff division. She loved to scrapbook, write poems and short stories, build puzzles and play bingo. She liked to spend timein her flower beds and play games with her family when they got together. Sandy’s favorite thing was to whoop her kids at the card game called Hand and Foot. Sandy was a proud member of the Michigan FlyWheelers Museum in South Haven Michigan. Volunteering for Farm History days and working in the gift shop during the annual tractor show was one of her most favorite things to do. She loved keeping the family history and retelling the tales of her beloved father and his adventures in life.

Saundra is survived by her loving husband of 39 years Lynn C. Stevens; children, Kim (Leon) Bartlett of Pennfield, Mike Peters of Marshall. Leslie (Dale) Dailey, Jennifer Cantrell and Cori Ashley all from Olivet; grandchildren, Denise, Erin, Shaun, Samantha, Stefanie, Michael, Steven, Chris, Sara, Josh, Alexis, Ben, Morgan and Bailey; plus eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Terry Peters and her parents.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Marshall, Michigan.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Kempf Family Funeral Home Marshall, Marshall, Michigan with Pastor Brandon Crawford officiating.

The burial will take place in the Lee Center Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.