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Funeral Services:

Brenda K. Collins, 59, of Olivet, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family following a long illness. Brenda was born on May 30, 1959 in Chariton, Iowa to Leland and Geneva (Allen) Long. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1977. On December 1, 1979 she married John M. Collins at the Olivet Congregational Church.

Brenda was a homemaker staying home to raise her family. She also worked for a short time at the McCamly Plaza in Battle Creek, and two gas stations in Olivet. Recently she had been working as a Para-Pro for Olivet Schools. Brenda was a member of the Ainger Bible Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, collecting snowmen, and shopping. Brenda especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness and having an open home to anyone in need in the Olivet area.

She is survived by her husband, John of Olivet; children, Parker (Christy) Collins of Colorado, Garrett (Kelly) Collins of Olivet, Taylor (Joel Flagg) Collins of Marshall, and Maddy (Sam Roe) Collins of Olivet; five grandchildren, Noah, Ainsley, Abel, Emelia, and Opal; siblings, Jeanne (Russ) Johnson of Norwalk, Iowa, Linda Henry of Charlotte, Lee (Debi) Long of South Carolina, Ken (Janet) Long, and Brian (Connie) Long all of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Donnie Long and Connie Ansley.

Family gathered with friends on Friday, December 21, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, with Pastor Scott Brood officiating.  

Family will gather with friends following the services in the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Marshall Reception Hall.  Memorial contributions are requested to Oaklawn Hospice.  

Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Doris Irene Lightner of Eaton Rapids, a woman who believed in the power of prayer, died December 14, 2018.  Doris, 84, was born July 13, 1934 in St. Johns to Harold Wineland and Zelma (Bond) Esch. She was adopted and raised by Burnett Esch. Doris was a woman of faith that loved everyone and enjoyed her time in prayer.  There were many things that Doris excelled at and enjoyed in life, including: decorating cakes, cooking, crocheting, reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing the organ at church, and going to many church functions. Wal-Mart customers appreciated her cake decorating skills, and she also worked at a donut shop, and as an orange (fruit) sorter.  

Doris was very proud of her family. 

She is survived by her children, Peggy Jane Booth, David (Kathleen) Lightner, Lisa Hicks, Fred (Sheryl) Lightner; daughter-in-law, Peggy Jo Lightner; brothers, Bud (Carolyn) Esch, Gary Esch, Michael (Paula) Esch, Dale Wineland, Duane (Colleen) Wineland, Larry (Betty) Wineland, Laurence (Judy) Wineland, Keith (Vickie) Wineland; sister, Linda (Sheldon) Snow; brother-in-law, Bill (Anne) Lightner; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.  

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Lightner, Sr.; son, Robert Lightner, Jr.; grandson, David Joseph Lightner; son-in-law, Tony Booth; and siblings, Lloyd and Karen Wineland.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 17 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating.  

If desired, memorial contributions to the family are appreciated to help with final expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doris on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. 

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Funeral Services:

Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Southerly, 72, of Potterville, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2018.  She was born in Kenton, Ohio on December 27, 1945 to Mary Edna (Hesser) and Charles Fredrick Gordon. Phyllis was blessed to have her family, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends while growing up. A great-aunt led a 4-H club where Phyllis honed her homemaking skills learned from her mother.  Her father loved to travel, so they travelled on a budget, camping and visiting family and friends across the country.

After graduating from Kenton High School in 1963, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Terry Dean Southerly, on September 21, 1963. They moved to Lansing upon his discharge from the Army in 1964. Starting their family and making a home occupied Phyllis until she began working for the State of Michigan at the age of 30. Beginning as an entry-level clerk, she retired as a unit supervisor while continuing to be a wife and mother.

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry; sons, Troy (Shannon Combs) Dean and Jay Dion; grandchildren, Turner Southerly, Madison Southerly, Isabelle Robinson and her mother Laurie Robinson; sister, Nancy (Michael) Livingston; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

She was preceded in death by brother, David E. Gordon.

Burial and graveside services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a future date. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. 

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

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Funeral Services:

John Paul Therrien, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2018. 

He leaves behind his wife, Marci; children, Steven, Brianna, and Bella; his parents, Brenda (Dave) Wendorf, and Mike Wellman, Sr.; brothers, Joseph (Tasha) Therrien, and Jared (Nikita) Therrien; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy E. Therrien, and his grandparents.

A small, private family service was held at the family home.

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Funeral Services:

Clyde Edward Bodell, of Charlotte, a self-made, hardworking, jack-of-all-trades, died Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at his residence. Clyde, 84, was born July 15, 1934, in Eaton Rapids to Roy and Florence (Allwood) Bodell. He worked many jobs throughout his life, retiring from GM in 1988, worked as an electrician for Klaiss Electric, however his pride and joy was the business that he built; originally called Bodell Enterprises and currently Stage and Sports Audio. For the last 50-plus years, Clyde would do audio for large shows throughout the entire Midwest.  He was known as a pioneer in the music business supporting many of the big-name acts. Clyde was as big as the stars on stage because of the work he did with his audio. His old-school hard-working mentality came from growing up at the end of the great depression. Clyde instilled his work ethic onto to children as well. In 1981 Clyde married his sweetheart Marjorie Wood and together spent the next 37 years creating their legacy. Clyde loved anything with a motor, he was known for his snowmobile racing. He also enjoyed racing Micro Midgets in his younger years and riding his motorcycle. Above all his biggest passion in life was what he accomplished and created in his life.        

Clyde is survived by his wife, Marjorie; children, Terry (Will Stabenow) Pottruff, Bobbi (John) Bruder, Norma (Jeff) Stoecker, Champ (Heather) Bodell, and Richard (Brenda) Bodell; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Janette Klaiss, Marilyn Peters, Marlene Coffin. 

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents, and 10 siblings.  

Friends are encouraged to support Clyde’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was Friday, December 21, 2018, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Hospital. 

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

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Funeral Services:

On December 4, 2018, William Lloyd Catey completed the last wish in his bucket list to see the Panama Canal. Later that night he died unexpectedly while on the cruise ship. Lloyd, 80, was born on May 3, 1938 in Grand Ledge, to Wilford and Frances (Strange) Catey. Lloyd shared the womb with twin brother Charles, but was the first to enter the world. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School. He retired in 1992 after working 23 years as a welder at Michigan State University. On August 24, 1955 he married Linda Cagle, and together they created their legacy before her passing in 2012. Following Linda’s death, Lloyd moved to Florida where he married Phyllis Brown. With this new union, Lloyd gained daughters, Susan (Chris) Smith Kihle, and Lori Smith Escareno; and grandchildren Tyler and Kaitlyn Vetter and Connor Escareno. Lloyd enjoyed deer hunting, square dancing for 50 years, going to casinos and traveling. Lloyd was extremely proud of his 22-year sobriety.  Above all, Lloyd’s biggest passion in life was his family. A proud brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he had a heart that was filled with love for everyone.

Lloyd is survived by his wife Phyllis; children, Shannon Lovaas and Shari Alber; grandchildren, Jason Pearson, Melissa Pohl, David Pearson, Erika (Dane Porter) Lovaas, and Mollie Alber; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Hazel, Rhyan, McKenna, Vincent, Gabriel, Cyrus, and Jude; siblings, Fannie Mae O’Neil, Mary (Tommie) Hahn, Tom (Shirley) Catey, and Sam Catey.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Linda; daughter, Alisa Pearson; granddaughter, Sallie Lovaas; brothers, John, Joe, Dan, and Charles Catey; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Lloyd’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Garry Arthur Haigh, 75, of Charlotte, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 13, 2018.  Garry was born July 17, 1943 in Ann Arbor, the son of Amos and Joyce (Smith) Haigh.  He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961. Garry married Marjorie Kline in 1965 and the two started their life together farming and raising their family. He also enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard, serving six years. Garry’s skill as a craftsman and carpenter led him to earn his contracting license and work self-employed for over 30 years.  His love for the outdoors found him fishing and hunting often.  Above all, Garry loved his family.

Garry is survived by his significant other, Bonnie Porter; son, Arthur (Candy) Haigh of Charlotte; daughter, Jeannette (John) Holland of Weidman, Mich.; grandchildren, Matthew (Nikki) Haigh of Eaton Rapids, Dylan (Makayla) Haigh of Charlotte, Nichelle (Ben Davison) Holland of Grand Rapids, Michaela (William) Aune of Cheboygan, and Jessica Holland of Weidman; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Eloise Haigh, Corben and Wyatt Aune, Henry Davison, and Amos Haigh; siblings, Larry (Mary) Haigh of Bellevue, Daniel (Helen) Haigh of Charlotte, David (Pat) Haigh of Sunfield, Sandra (John) Pifer of Charlotte, and Scott (Ruth) Haigh of Charlotte; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  

Garry is predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Marjorie Haigh in 1990.

Friends are encouraged to support Garry’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 17, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating.  Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the funeral home. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.  

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Garry on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. 

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Funeral Services:

Genevie May Miller, who lived until the age of 90, passed away on December 4, 2018. She was born on September 12, 1928 to John T. and Lana (Bracy) Crilly in Battle Creek. Genevie was a secretary who worked for MNR Tool and Contractors’ Wall Repair. Traveling around the world and being active were among her interests. She loved being outside, where she had flowerbeds and gardens; riding motorcycles, and cross country skiing. Watching birds, especially cardinals and hummingbirds, at the birdfeeder was one of her hobbies. She also enjoyed puzzles and spending time with her grandkids. 

Genevie is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Bob) Crozier, Lori (Brian) Sullivan; daughter-in-law, Sue Taylor; grandchildren, Tanya (Todd) Moist, Jake McGlaughlin, Travis Siefert, Maranda (Dan) Dipple, Ryon Perry, Makayla Sullivan, and Abbra (Tony) Raabe; 11 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; her son, Dean Taylor; her parents; and three siblings. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 8, 2018 at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences on Genevie’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Sharon “Nana” Lee (Williams) McCrimmon, 73, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, December 11, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Sharon was born November 1, 1945 in Lansing to Merrill (Cecilia) Williams and Maxine Gawaryla. On February 22, 1969 Sharon married her sweetheart Ronald and together they created their 47-year legacy. Sharon worked in the IRP department for the Secretary of the State for 25 years. Sports were a big part of Sharon’s life, she spent several years on bowling leagues at Charlanes, cheering on The Detroit Tigers, coaching her sons little league teams and also playing golf. Family was everything to Sharon, she was known by everyone as Nana. She was most proud of her boys until her grandchildren became her life. She never once missed an opportunity to support her grandchildren, from school parties to sporting events.    

Sharon is survived by her loving family; sons, Greg (Kendra) McCrimmon, Doug (Lisa) McCrimmon; grandchildren, Austin, Abagail, Jordan, Kohan, and Cole; siblings, Vicky Williams, Jon (Julie) Williams, Linda Courter, Robert Courter, Brenda Courter, and Debbie Courter-Quintanilla; and Charlie Brown the Chocolate Lab that Sharon gifted to the family. 

Sharon was preceded in death by husband, Ronald; and son, Jeffrey McCrimmon.

Friends are encouraged to support Sharon’s family at her celebration of life. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the VFW Post 2406, from 2 to 5 p.m. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton Area Senior Center, where she loved to call and play Bingo. 

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