-

Funeral Services:

A celebration of life for Jan Paul “J.P.” Benedict of Alba, Texas was held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Lake Fork Baptist Church with Bro. Perry Crisp officiating. J.P. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and dear friends on February 14, 2019, in Texas. He was born June 7, 1944, in Hastings, Mich., to Gretchen and Paul Benedict. He was a member of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity at Michigan State University, Class of 1967 and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Zoology/Chemistry. J.P. was called to serve in the armed forces during his senior year of college and enlisted in the United States Army for Officer Candidate School. During his tour in Vietnam, he was 1st Lt. and Platoon Leader of the 1099 Transportation Company, nicknamed the 1099th River Rats. He received the following citations/commendation awards:  N.D.S.M, USM, VCM, ARCOM and two O/S Bars. After serving our country in the Vietnam War and receiving an Honorable Discharge, he pursued and obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree at the Valparaiso School of Law in 1973. He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan and began his career as a prosecuting attorney for Ingham County before going on to private practice until 2004. J.P. and Brenda married in 1998. After moving to Texas in 2004, they purchased a Dairy Queen, which they are very proud of.  J.P. was also an instrument rated, private pilot. He was an avid outdoorsman. J.P.’s love for horses began at their farm in Michigan. He was an active member of the NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association), ACHA (American Cutting Horse Association) and WCHA (World Cutting Horse Association). He was very passionate about his horses and won numerous awards in cutting competitions.

J.P. always said that he wasn’t born in Texas, but he got here as fast as he could! His sons remember him as a strong leader who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He adored and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and loved teasing them; especially telling his little granddaughter that he was going to be better looking than her in the morning!  His friends remember him as a warm, gentle and caring man; strong and determined with a wonderful sense of humor.  He was a loving husband, father and “Bapa” and will be greatly and dearly missed by his family, friends and brothers in arms.

J.P. leaves behind his loving wife, Brenda of Texas; two sons, Tyler (Jaclyn) Ripley of Charlotte, and Travis (Katie) Ripley of Lindale, Texas; three loving grandchildren, Max, Kylee, and Beau Paul Ripley of Lindale, Texas. J.P. is also survived by his sister, Susan Benedict of Charlotte, North Carolina; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Martin of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Tonya (Barry) Ashley of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Linda Willis of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Carol (Travis) Combs of Kingwood, Texas; sister-in-law, Janice Ward of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Kathy (Tom) Jones of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Dan (Barb) Martin of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Dennis (Renee) Martin of Mulliken; and numerous extended family members around the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter Benedict, of Michigan.

A special thank you to Dr. Bernard Taylor and his staff and the medical professionals at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center. 

 Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home. The online register can be signed at wilsonorwoskyfuneralhome.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Linda Mae (Stadel) Clarke, 78, of Kalamo Township, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2019 at her home. Linda was born in Charlotte on February 5, 1941, the daughter of the late DeVere and Thelma (Barlond) Stadel. She was raised in the Bellevue area and attended local schools, graduating in 1959.

She was the wife of Dean Clarke. The couple was married in Charlotte on April 22, 1961. They began their lives together on a small family farm in the Eaton Rapids area. Early in their relationship, Linda worked as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, but when her family began to grow, she focused all her attention on caring for her children and her home. After a short time at the Eaton Rapids farm, the couple purchased a farm in the Bellevue area where they raised their family together. Linda always wanted a large family, and took great pride in tending to her home, and her families needs. Each year she would spend time in the kitchen canning fresh food for her family to eat throughout the year.

In her spare time Linda enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, and word searches. Linda loved animals, and named each animal on the couple’s farm. She had a special affinity for cats, and rescued every stray cat should could.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Dean; and six children, Scott Clarke, Kevin (Susan) Clarke, Brad (Tiffany) Clarke, Brian (Nicole) Clarke, Deanna (Roger) Ladd, Brent (Kara) Clarke; her brother, Norman (Mary) Stadel; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Walker.

Funeral Services were held at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville on Thursday, February 14, 2019, with Lester DeGroot officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.

-

Funeral Services:

Linda Lou (Halsey) Ames, of Manchester, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich. Linda was born to George and Rhea (Peg) Halsey on February 24, 1939 in Charlotte. She completed high school in three years, graduating as Salutatorian of the Vermontville High School Class of 1956. Linda married Joseph (Bill) Ames on September 11, 1958. They lived in Charlotte, Springport, Vicksburg and Chelsea before settling into their home in Manchester in 1970. Linda had various jobs over the years, including working in the kitchen at Chelsea Hospital and sorting mailings at Unit Packaging in Ann Arbor. She was also a volunteer for Arbor Hospice for many years. After graduating with an associate’s degree from Washtenaw Community College at age 50 with a 4.0 GPA, Linda began her most treasured job of all — teaching creative writing at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. She enjoyed writing poetry and attending writing conferences. Linda spent many enjoyable hours reading to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and many especially remember her incredible cookies. Throughout her entire life, she found joy spending time with her many cherished pets and was often seen walking her dogs or working outside in her yard.

Linda is survived by daughters, Stacey Ames, Vanessa (Philip) Albee, Theresa Ames, Stephanie (Bruce) Carlton; grandchildren, Ben (Stephanie) Carlton, Matthew (Danielle) Carlton, Chett (Kathryn) Albee, Megan Carlton, Ryan Albee; and 12 great-grandchildren, Madison, Hunter, Matilda and Bruce Carlton; Claire, Caleb, Luke, Lydia, Anna, Isaac and Levi Carlton; and Tyson Pidcock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Bill); parents, George and Peg Halsey; stepfather, Robert Halsey; and granddaughter, Angela Luree. 

A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Manchester Chapel. A private interment of her cremains will take place at a later date. Flowers or donations are not necessary; instead, take time to thank a health care worker or express your love to family and friends.  If you would like, donations are always appreciated at Hospice of Lenawee, any Humane Society, or any other charity of your choice. 

Please leave a message of comfort for Linda’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at borekjennings.com.

Linda’s family would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Tecumseh Cambrian Assisted Living where she was a resident for three years.

-

Funeral Services:

Leland E. “Lee” Carpenter, 69, of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte, passed away, Monday, February 18, 2019. Lee was born April 25, 1949, in Lansing, the son of Edward W. and Shirley (Feier) Carpenter. Lee graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967. Soon after graduation he honorably served his country in the United States Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. On July 18, 1970, Lee married Susan Elizabeth Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Lee retired after many faithful years of service from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission and National Wine and Spirits. One of Lee’s favorite pastimes was cruising the Lake Michigan shoreline with Susie in their boat. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching MSU sports and Detroit Tigers baseball. Lee was active throughout his life in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at White Lake Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. 

Lee is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; mother, Shirley Carpenter of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte; sister, Lois (Rudi) Semen of Lansing; brother, Kevin (Cindy) Carpenter of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Marguerite (Doug) Burkhead of Williamsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward W. Carpenter, nephew, LCpl Andrew Carpenter. 

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. John Brooks officiating. Interment followed at Millerburg Cemetery. There will also be a memorial service held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, MI 49437 with visitation one hour prior to the service. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Lee’s honor to the White Lake Assisted Living, 6827 Whitehall Road, Whitehall, MI 49461 or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.

To view Lee’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

-

Funeral Services:

Marie Louise Franks, 90, of Satsuma, passed from this life on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at her home following an extended illness. She was a native of Okmulgee, Okla., and had lived in Satsuma for the past 10 years, coming from Charlotte. She enjoyed Bingo, horse races, scratch-offs and watching game shows on TV. Marie was of the Baptist faith.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Franks; and parents, Carson McDaniels and Sarah Myrtle Virginia Byford.

She is survived by her son, Lonnie Lee Ackley of Charlotte; her daughter, Karen Palmer (James) of Satsuma; 16 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.

No services are scheduled at this time.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Marie’s Book of Memories page at johnsonoverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.

-

Funeral Services:

James Albert Clemons, 82, of Bellevue, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019. He was born April 14, 1936 in Battle Creek, the son of LeRoy and Marjorie (Berry) Clemons. Jim worked as a farmer his whole life and for Kellogg Co. for 30 years before his retirement. He married Duretha Myers on October 8, 1954 in Battle Creek. Jim was a member of the Kellogg 25-year Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #299, and attended Pleasantview Family Church. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was involved in many leagues. Jim loved spending his winters in Mercedes, Texas. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. 

He is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Duretha; daughters, Valerie (Chuck) Tuttle, Valeta (Doug) Norris, and Vickie Mingus; sisters, Marilyn Gordon and Sharon (Al) Ballard; brother-in-law, Cork Berry; longtime friend, Bill Schroder; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and special cousins from Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Connie Clemons; son, Gordon Clemons; son-in-law, Denny Mingus; and sister, Carolyn Berry.

Funeral services have already been held. Burial took place at Assyria Cemetery in Barry County. 

Memorial tributes may be made to Pleasantview Family Church. Arrangements were made by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. 

-

Funeral Services:

Perry Michael Walters, 60, an avid fisherman both in the water and on the ice, died February 12, 2019.  Perry was involved with both Cub and Boy Scouts. Perry was born in Charlotte on October 31, 1958 to Ned and Beverly (Payton) Walters. Perry worked in Georgia for over 20 years. A Georgia drawl made Perry recognizable from his Michigan family and friends. In order to care for his father who was in poor health, Perry returned home to Michigan. For the last seven years Perry has been employed at Peckham Industries. Fishing was Perry’s main interest.  He loved spending time with a fishing pole in his hands and country music on the radio.

Perry is survived by his loving family; sister, Cheryl L. Pressler; and brother, Danny D. Walters.  

Perry was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Lynn Walters.

A Celebration of Life service was held Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment in Maple Hill Cemetery followed the service. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Perry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.  

-

Funeral Services:

Charles Downham, 72, formerly of Charlotte, passed away January 18, 2019 in Spring Hills, Fla. He had been the former owner of the Eaton Place Restaurant and Carriage Cleaners. He was born September 23, 1946 in Chicago, Ill. to Opal (Cochran) Downham and Robert R. Downham. He then was raised in South Bend, Ind. and graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School. He married Mary Willis in 1973. One child, a daughter, was born of that marriage. The marriage ended in divorce. Charles moved to Tampa, Fla. 20 years ago and returned to Michigan at times to visit his daughter, Lauren and her son. Charles had a great love for fishing and hunting, and he loved the animals. In his younger years, he did competition dancing on roller skates and was on his high school swim team. He had been a member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Lauren M. Shuler. 

He is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Willis Mogg of Olivet; grandson, Matthew Shuler; brother, Robert R. Downham; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation has taken place and a private burial will be held at a later time.

-

Funeral Services:

Bryan Richard James Howlett, born in Great Yarmouth, England on January 16, 1934, met his Savior Jesus on February 12, 2019 at home surrounded by family. 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Barbara (Doty); five stepchildren, Frank Badgley, Brenda (Cor) Toncray, Jeffrey (Judy) Badgley, Monte (Susie) Ferris, and Stanford (Tina) Ferris; two sisters, Avril Smith and Shirley Hurren, both of England; and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and dear dog, Muffi. 

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Ellen Howlett; sister, Brenda Senior; and dog, Dusti Rose.

Bryan was an exceptional man, one worthy of four names. As a 5 year-old boy, he was evacuated during WWII and frequently told stories of meeting American soldiers preparing for D-Day. Later in life, he was an Engineer by trade, which began with an Apprenticeship with Vickers-Armstrong Aircraft Company when he was 17 years old. His passion of aviation led him to the Royal Air Force, where he served as an officer in the 50s in the Far East. After his service to queen and country, he returned to engineering, demonstrating his competency in not only aviation, but also designing bridges, buildings and automobiles. His vocation was not his only passion; he was a model husband who loved to travel and spend time with his wife dancing and antiquing. She became known on local airwaves as “The Penguin Lady” as he would call from overseas to request songs devoted to her, the trans-Atlantic romance capturing the attention of media outlets. He was an awesome stepfather, consummate gentleman and had many interests and talents. He was a competitive ballroom dancer, loved gardening and also his little girl, Muffi.

Bryan was so much to so many, and he will be greatly missed until the day we are reunited in Heaven. 

There will be a memorial planned in the spring, donations can be made in memorium to Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care, 801 S. Waverly, Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48917. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. 

Please visit millsfuneral.com to leave online condolences.

-

Funeral Services:

James Edward Miller, a high school teacher affectionately known as “Old Man Miller,” died following an injury from a recent fall. James, 89, of Olivet was born February 21, 1929 at his family’s farm in Olivet, and died February 10, 2019. The son of Claude and Jessie (Dodd) Miller, James became known as the go-to-guy for family and friends, because he could build or fix anything.  He earned his bachelor’s degree from MSU and then his master’s degree in teaching from Western Michigan University. Mr. Miller taught auto mechanics, machine shop, and drafting for 40 years at Battle Creek Lakeview High School, and he also taught at Kellogg Community College, as well as directing the evening adult high school completion at Battle Creek Lakeview for 23 years.  He loved his students, and especially enjoyed when he could “scare them straight,” and his students had numerous stories about him they loved to share, both real and embellished. During his tenure at Lakeview, he was named teacher of the year and received a commendation from the Governor of the State of Michigan.

James loved fishing with his family, and even though he had a pond on his farm, he only fished there with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Cleone, fished for 25 years at Lake O’Sullivan in Northern Ontario, and he also enjoyed catching brook trout in the Upper Manistee River area, family fishing trips were some of their favorite times together. They also enjoyed driving around the country for Egg Art shows, and James was very talented with creating animated egg art, including Christmas displays, R2D2 from Star Wars, and an amazing space ship. In keeping with his abilities to do anything, he finished out the interior on their new home in 1994 on the original family farm. Other things James enjoyed included his 1972 M.G., which he drove to school and had it rebuilt years ago, and target shooting as well as loading his own ammunition.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cleone; daughter, Susan Ashley; son, Timothy (Annette) Miller; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as all of his siblings.

Funeral services were held Friday, February 15, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Battle Creek Food Bank. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of James on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.