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Funeral Services:

Doris A. Fullerton, 93, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019, at Eaton Community Palliative Care with her family by her side. She was born at the family home on May 27, 1925, in Charlotte, the daughter of Phillip A. and Lula S. (Shumaker) Wehr. Doris graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1943. Soon after graduation she married the love of her life, Calvin Fullerton at the Center Eaton Church, just outside of Charlotte. Every year on their anniversary, Cal would give Doris a bouquet of roses containing as many roses as the number of years they were married. This got to be a rather large bouquet as the years passed. Doris grew up on the farm and developed a passion for agriculture. She began as a young lady raising sheep. As she began to raise a family she passed on her love of the farm to her children and grandchildren. They are proud to say that they still own a centennial farm homesteaded by Doris’s grandparents. Doris and Cal owned and operated Cal’s Western Store and Cal’s Mobile Service here in Charlotte. Doris also worked as an LPN at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Doris loved to travel. Both she and Cal looked forward to their yearly trips to Acapulco and Las Vegas. In her free time, she adored spending time with her precious family and quilting.  

Doris is survived by her children, Robert (Jeannette) Fullerton of Charlotte, Gordon (Tich) Fullerton of Charlotte Hall, Md., Kevin (Nancy) Fullerton of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and brother, Max (Dorothy) Wehr of Charlotte. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 65 years, Cal in 2008; siblings, Elizabeth Crozier, Naomi Conard, Rolland Wehr, and Rex Wehr.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Curtiss DeMars-Johnson officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Doris’s honor to the Christmas Kiddies, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.

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

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Funeral Services:

Susan Evelyn Baker, 54, a loving mother, grandmother and wife, died Friday, January 25, 2019 in Lansing, after a brief illness. Susan was born September 8, 1964, the daughter of Robert Carl and Dorene Ann (Cutcher) Dean.  She received an associate’s degree from Suomi University before going to work as a caregiver with Wilson Homes Adult Foster Care. She spent most of her career at Crestview in Bellevue, where she met her husband, Keith Baker. The two married on July 2, 1988 and started their family in Olivet. She later continued caregiving at King Street Daycare, until her retirement. Keith and Susan were longtime attendees of Charlotte Assembly of God Church.  Susan loved time spent at home with Keith and her daughters, and later, her beloved grandchildren.  She had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially cows, and cherished her many pets, including dogs, chickens, and ducks. She enjoyed time spent outdoors, working around her flower gardens and bird watching.  Above all, Susan loved her family.

Susan is survived by her husband of 30 years, Keith Baker; daughters, Bethany (Daniel) King of Marshall and Katlin (Jason) Bradfield of Charlotte; grandchildren, Elijah and Elliana King, and Weston Bradfield; mother, Dorene Dean; sister, Marilyn (Glen) Wagner; brother, William (Nora) Dean; nieces and nephews; and her in-laws, Larry and Alma Baker.  

She is predeceased by her father.

A memorial service was held Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Private interment took place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue in Olivet.  

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

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Funeral Services:

Duane Paul Shipman, 69, of Vermontville, passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019 at his home. Duane was born October 20, 1949, in Hastings, the son of Paul Eli and R. Louise (Dow) Shipman. After graduating high school, Duane started his career at General Motors while attending college. After two years, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years, partly as a member of the Marine fast-pitch softball team. Upon his return, he soon met the love of his life, Donna Lee Turpin. The two married on September 18, 1976 and settled into family life, raising three children. Duane retired from GM in 2002, after 35 years of service.  In his retirement, he shared his lifetime love of hunting, fishing and sports with his family and friends, especially his four grandchildren.

Duane is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Shipman; daughter, Heather (Jaime) Rittenhouse; sons, Daniel Shipman and Stephen Shipman; grandchildren, Cameron, Tyler, Matthew, and Kaitlyn; and his brother, Mark (Kim) Shipman.  

He is predeceased by his parents; and his siblings, Linda Burt and Gary Shipman.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or VFW Post 2406. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Duane on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. 

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Funeral Services:

Peter Ben Carpenter, 82, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital with his family by his side. He was born September 4, 1936, in Charlotte, the son of Jay and Ivadene (Lake) Carpenter. Pete graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954. Soon after graduation, on his birthday, he married Constance J. Keeny. Together they owned and operated Connie’s Beauty Studio in Charlotte for many years. Pete was also a cofounder of Eaton County MS Support Group. He also worked as a salesman, traveling many miles selling his promotional material. Pete loved serving others. Pete volunteered with Mobile Meals in Charlotte for many years and could often be found lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He also had a passion for bicycling. Pete rode in many DALMAC events throughout the years. You will be greatly missed, Petey the Sweetie. 

Pete is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie; children, Debra (Roland) Williamson of Loveland, Colo., Anne Carpenter of Charlotte, Stacy (Ike) Fry of Mason; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Daniel Carpenter.

In keeping with Pete’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Pete’s honor to the Mulitple Sclerosis Foundation, 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

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

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Funeral Services:

Raymond Floyd Hunt, 60, of Eaton Rapids, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019, after battling cancer. Raymond, was born September 5, 1958 in Portland, Ore. to Thomas and Margaret (Myers) Hunt. Raymond graduated from Charlotte High School in 1976. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country. He worked as a housekeeper at HGB and also at the Sheraton Inn. Most recently he worked in home health. Raymond enjoyed playing card and board games, riding his bike, and also collecting eagles.  

Raymond is survived by his loving family; daughter, Cassandra (Dustin Arnold) Hunt; girlfriend, Bernice Sherman; siblings, Annie (Theadore) Carmoney, Thomas (Rebecca) Hunt, John Elkins; and his nieces and nephews. 

Raymond was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Howard Hunt.    

Friends are encouraged to support Raymond’s family at visitation and funeral services.  Funeral services are Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at 11:30 a.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to assist with final expenses. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Geraldine Louise “Gerry” Bursley, 93, of Charlotte, a caring and loving, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother died January 23, 2019. Gerry was born April 7, 1925 in Hammond, Ind. to Gerald and Frances (Ling) Niccum. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1943, and soon after married Dale Bursley. Together they enjoyed Polka festivals in Indiana, Ohio, and all over Michigan. The Bursleys loved to dance every Saturday night at the Moose Lodge. While Polka music and dancing were two of Gerry’s favorite activities, she also loved gardening, fishing, camping, traveling, crocheting, and crossword puzzles. Experimental meals were common in the Bursley household, she loved trying new recipes. Gerry will be remembered for her loved showed towards others, she never met a stranger. 

Gerry is survived by her daughters, Carol (Larry) Hill of Nashville and Connie (Al) Upright of Charlotte; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren; and beloved extended family members, Paul (Linda) Campbell, and sons.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dale in 2011; grandson, Don Beck; and her parents. 

Friends are encouraged to support the Bursley family at her celebration of life. Her celebration of life is Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Sunfield United Brethren Chruch. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or the Sunfield United Brethren Church. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Joe Neal Hubbard, 61, passed February 3, 2019 at home with his family close to him. He was born in Lansing on January 17, 1958, to Eileen May (Smith) and Jack Earl Hubbard. Joe had many jobs around the area over the years, working for Fisher Body, the Clark gas station, and then Kane Heating and Cooling for the last 30 years, with Joe and Kathleen buying the company in 1999. Joe always made time for family, including every day he would have lunch at noon with his wife at The Eaton Place.

Joe had many things to keep him busy, he loved riding his Harley, going camping in the U.P. and yearly camping trips with Ted. He also enjoyed Monday night pool league, and monthly birthday parties for family members.  Joe loved beating Kathy at Cribbage, they always had an ongoing tournament. Joe gave up golf when his brother-in-law and friend, John Vlahakis, passed in 2015. He also loved a challenge when a Kane customer needed something custom made out of sheet metal.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Kathleen; five daughters, Jennifer Robles (Chris Tossava), Jesica Hubbard, Michelle Henry, Antonia (Joseph) Challender, and Jennifer Lynn (Joey Green) Squier; grandchildren, Cody, Kayla, Mason, Rose, Grace, Katie, Austin, DeVante, Britany, Alexis, Rachel, Athena, Adara, J.D. (Joseph Donald), Chrisitian, Trevor Joe-Jack, Emalynn, and Elijah; six great-grandkids; mother and step-dad, Eileen and Bennie Pittman; step-mother, Sharon Hubbard; siblings, Shannon, Shawn (Michelle), Jerry, Antonette, Jack Wayne, Teresa, Lynda (Mike), Betty, and Julie (Jerry); many specials aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins; best friend, Ted; friend and business partner, Chad Lewis Jr.; and many, many more.  

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Jack Earl Hubbard; and sister, Mary.

Special thank you to Michelle Hubbard for her special care and devotion when Joe needed her, he adored her and was calmer when she was there, and brother, Shawn Hubbard, for his love and support. 

Friends are encouraged to support Joe’s family at visitation and funeral services.  Funeral services are Monday, February 11, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.  Visitation is Sunday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home, as well as two hours prior to the services, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, February 11.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Peggy Louise Parker (McConnell) Hartley, a kind, caring and generous lady loved by many, died unexpectedly on January 29, 2019 at the age of 85. Born September 24, 1933 in Charlotte, MI to Robert and Kathleen (Johnson) Parker, Peggy married her first love, Max McConnell, at the age of 17 on her father’s 35th birthday.  She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1952, and Peggy and her husband farmed with his parents. They were a very busy family – all working together, proud and happy. Peggy enjoyed family times at Houghton Lake, as well as trips with her husband to Las Vegas. 

After Max passed away, Peggy married Richard “Butch” Hartley and they continued the tradition of trips to Las Vegas. Butch and Peggy bought a Motel in Ludington and moved there in 1987. In 1993 they sold the motel and moved into a new home, with a basement big enough to hold all 52 of their family members in the basement for gatherings, and Peggy’s mother moved in with them so Peggy could care for her.

Peggy always had so much love to share with those around her. She was very proud of her family, and loved family gatherings and cooking “The Best” homemade chicken pot pie, beef and noodles, and swiss steak that everyone enjoyed. She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Fishing, playing cards, dominos, and games with her family were some of her favorite things to do.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Richard “Butch” Hartley; children, Randy (Karen Morehouse) McConnell, Debbie (Robert) Kinney, Jim McConnell, Denise (Mark) Williams, and Kent (Carrie) McConnell; step-children, Rick (Shelley) Hartley, and Leasa Stornant; 22 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.  

She was predeceased by her first husband, Max McConnell in 1983.

Friends are encouraged to support Peggy’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, February 2, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.  Visitation was held Friday, February 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte or Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center in Eaton Rapids. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Taken far too soon, Charles “Chuck” Kessler of Eubank, Ky. passed away at the age of 64 on January 26, 2019 following a brief illness. He was born on January 23, 1955 in Philadelphia, Penn. to the parents of Sam and Rosalyn Kessler. Chuck began his 37-year career with the Department of Defense at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1973 as a sheet metal apprentice, learning the sheet metal trade from drafting to manufacturing and installation aboard naval vessels. In 1982 he was promoted to sheet metal supervisor, a position he held until the closing of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in 1994. That same year, Chuck was transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. He was promoted in 2005 to Quality Assurance Specialist in the Public Works Department, a position he held until his retirement in 2010. Formerly from Kenosha, Wisc., Chuck had a passion for volunteering, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a member of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department Citizen’s Academy from 2005 to 2013. Chuck assisted with numerous public events such as the Kenosha Business Expo, the Kenosha County Fair, the Kenosha Civic Parade, and the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program. Chuck also assisted with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) from 2011 to 2013. In 2013 Chuck moved to Olivet. He joined the Olivet Lion’s Club and was a member of the Charlotte Frontier Days Board of Directors, where he served as the Parade Chairman in 2016. Chuck also enjoyed assisting with the Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association in Charlotte, where horses are introduced to children with special needs. In 2014 Chuck was hired by Walmart in Charlotte. On June 22, 2015 Chuck and Sue Rigas were married. Both Chuck and Sue were baptized on July 23, 2016. They moved to Eubank in October 2016, where Chuck continued his employment with Walmart at the Somerset, Ky. store.

Chuck leaves behind his wife, Sue; his children, Eric, Julie, and Joey Kessler; former spouse, Susan Kessler; his sisters, Naomi Bailey and Faye Schmidt; brothers, Edward and Michael Kessler; nieces, Laura Ann, Rebecca, and Renee; and nephews, Max and John, as well as hundreds of friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019 in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home in Somerset, Ky. 

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Funeral Services:

Joseph Lee Russell, 86, of Olivet, passed away Friday, January 25, 2019 at his residence.  Joe was born on June 21, 1932 in Birmingham in his grandparents’ house to Irving and Mary (Plowfield) Russell. Growing up, he was called J. Lee but became Joe at work. His nieces and nephews still knew him as Uncle Jay.

Joe graduated from Olivet High School in 1950 and worked at Post until he entered the United States Army on October 14, 1952. He proudly served our country until his honorable discharge on October 13, 1954. Joe was an M.P. doing guard duty during classified atomic testing on Pacific atolls. He then returned to work at Post.

Joseph married Anita Shreve on September 30, 1955. He met and wooed her from his Harley Davidson, cruising downtown Marshall. In 1964, Joe and Anita, along with a group of friends, traveled by motorcycle to Alaska. They saw firsthand the damage from an earthquake and the majestic scenery. They shared 63 loving years together.

Joe worked in several positions before his four-year apprenticeship to become an electrician for Post Cereal Company in Battle Creek. He also became an elevator repairman and was later sent to Pennsylvania for training when operations became electronic. After 36 years, he retired in 1987. He was able to spend time with his daughter Judy, helping her and her husband, Steve Langridge modernize their milking operation before her untimely death in 1990.

Joseph enjoyed woodworking, cutting firewood, growing blueberries and strawberries and just being in the woods. He and Anita drove many miles in their motor home, visiting friends and family in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. They even went to the Rose Bowl Parade, although it rained that year and dad got separated from the group. Mom wouldn’t let the bus leave without him. When their first great-granddaughter was born, they gave up traveling so they could watch her grow. He continued riding his Harley until last summer, although mom began to say “No thanks!” He always drove an Allis Chalmers tractor and located and restored several for his sons and grandson.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Anita Russell of Olivet; children, Jan (Matthew Taylor) Russell of Olivet, Joe (Angela) Russell II of Olivet, John Russell of Olivet, and Joni (Will) White of Charlotte; grandchildren, Daniel (Angela Porter) Corralez, Justin Corralez, Joshua (Kelly) Russell, Jordan (Casey) Russell, and Zach Russell; four great-grandchildren, Audrey Russell, Amelia Russell, Kaius Russell, and Keion Adams; sisters, Marianna Wells, and Barbara (Richard) Gellasch. 

He was preceded in death by parents, Irving and Mary Russell; daughter, Judy Langridge; sisters, Ruth Van Lieuw, Maxine Baker, and Audrey Rice; and brother, Willis Russell.

Funeral services were held at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Marshall Chapel on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Doug Hammond officiating. Joseph was laid to rest in Bosworth Cemetery following the services.

Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.