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Funeral Services:

Ronald “Ron” Laverne Shepler, an independent and very devoted farmer, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at his family farm surrounded by his family. Ron, age 85, was born February 6, 1933 in Lansing, to Harry and Pauline (Root) Shepler. He was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. After graduating high school, he went to serve in the United States Marine Corps. On August 2, 1952, Ron married his sweetheart, Norma Wilhelm and they spent the next 65 years creating their legacy together. Despite growing up a city kid in Lansing, Ron knew that he wanted to be a farmer at the age of 5. He was a very successful and devoted dairy and cash crop farmer. Ron managed 100 head of dairy cattle, naming and remembering each and every one. Following a long day of work on the farm, Ron was welcomed with a homecooked meal by Norma.

Ron was a man who could create an experience with the simplest of things around the farm. His children and grandchildren cherish the time that they spent on the farm with dad and grandpa. He loved wintering in Florida, swimming, and walking two miles a day. Traveling was one of Ron’s favorite hobbies, he and Norma traveled all across the country…they would pack up the fifth wheel and go. Ron’s sense of direction was top notch, he did all of this traveling without using a map. His grandchildren cherish the numerous adventures that they spent each year with grandpa and grandma. Ron was the type of person that when he spoke you listened. He always told people to “Accomplish what you want, because you only have one shot at life.”

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Norma; children, Julie (Bruce) Telfer, Betty (Darryl) Shook, and Bill Shepler; grandchildren, Amy Williams, Carla Vastine, John Shook, Dennis Shook, and Kimberly Hubbs; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Bonnie (Forrest) Hatch.

Ron was predeceased by grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Garett Swift and Charlotte Shook; brother, Roger Shepler, and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family at visitation and funeral services.  Funeral services are Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation was Friday, August 3, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

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

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Funeral Services:

On the evening of July 26, 2018 Athol May (Bodell) Wood was comforted by her family at her home in Eaton Rapids at the time of her passing. Athol was 95 years old. She was born in Charlotte on January 1, 1923, the second child of Roy and Florence (Alwood) Bodell. Athol worked as a drywall finisher for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, mowing the yard and cooking/ baking for her family. Athol was a strong, warm and loving person.

Athol is preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Burr Wood; sisters, Norma Jones, Verle Barnard and Bonnie Springs; brothers, Donald Sheets, John Bodell, Thomas Bodell, Leonard Bodell, Robert Bodell; grandchildren, Greg Stoken, Chad Stoken, Heather Wood, Nicole Stoken and Dana Harrison.

Athol is survived by her children, Sandra (Allen) Coklin, Burr (Linda) Wood, Daniel (Connie) Wood, Leon (Mary) Wood, Robin (Mary) Wood, Bruce (Marsha) Wood, Rebecca (Bruce) Zogda, Loren (Amy) Wood, Renee (Kevin) Kole, Eric (Gwen) Wood; 25 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 13 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Peters, Clyde Bodell, Marlene Coffin and Janet Klaiss.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel.

For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice in memory of Athol.

To share memories and condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Mark Steven Wehr, 68, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018, following a lengthy illness. Mark was born March 24, 1950, in Lansing, the second child and only son of Maxon and Dorothy (Wildeman) Wehr. He graduated from Charlotte High School and was a past member of First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Mark was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, having enlisted in the US Army right out of high school. He lived in Florida for several years before returning to Michigan, where he worked for the US Post Office and Wehr’s Shoes. In his spare time, Mark enjoyed working on cars and watching football.

Mark is survived by his parents, Max and Dorothy Wehr of Charlotte; sisters, Judith (Phil) Hooper, Kay (Darwin) Mahar, Mary Jo (Brian) Huver, Polly (Paul) Burns; three nieces; three nephews; and four great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, August 3, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery following a luncheon at church.

Those desiring may make contributions in Mark’s honor to Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warrior Project.

The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ruth M. Schulz, 97, of Charlotte, previously of Berrien Springs, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Eaton County Healing and Recovery Center, where she was so caringly assisted following a short illness.

Ruth was born Dec. 26, 1920 to William H. and Elizabeth Doroh. She attended Arden School and St. Joseph High School. She married Lothar Schulz and, together with brothers- and sisters-in-law, worked their farm most of their married life.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie (Al) Wolf of Charlotte; two grandchildren, Grant (Lyn) Wolf of South Bend, Ind., and Dani (Brett) Linsley of Charlotte; great-grandson, Drew Linsley of Charlotte; and nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sister, Elizabeth Waggoner; her brother, Paul Doroh; and special friend, Jake Emhoff.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baroda, with Rev. Nan Dehnke officiating. Burial will be in Spring Run Cemetery in St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, is entrusted with arrangements, and messages for the family may be left online at allredfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

John (Pepe) Gutierrez and Nancy Ruth (Zeitz) Gutierrez, of Charlotte, a very loving and devoted couple, tragically left this earthly world behind to be in Heaven together forever on July 29, 2018.  John was born April 29, 1949 to Jose and Antonia (Cantu) Gutierrez in McAllen, Texas. Nancy was born October 29, 1948 to Jim and Edith (Klink) Zeitz in Eaton Rapids. John and Nancy were inseparable since they were married 50 years ago, an example to the community of a wonderful marriage. They spent their free time traveling to watch their children and grandchildren participate in all the activities they loved doing.

John joined the Army out of high school, and later became a State Trooper with the Michigan State Police.  After his retirement, he worked as a Public Safety Officer at Capital Region International Airport and later Baker College. He was an adjunct professor for 30 years at Lansing Community College Criminal Justice Program for law enforcement. John enjoyed cooking for family, as well as hunting with his son and grandson.  John was a fun loving, animated storyteller who loved people.

Nancy, known for her quiet strength and subtle sass, loved gardening and spending time with family.  She was a nurse at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte, and later left to work as a rural postal carrier for the U.S. Post Office until her retirement.  Nancy was always ready to listen with an open heart.  Nancy was very proud to be a mother and grandmother, and loved sharing stories with her children and grandchildren.

John and Nancy are survived by their children, Lisa (Sean) Carroll, Brock (Holly) Gutierrez, and Erin (Tony) Harbor; grandchildren, Rourke, Cormac, and Catriana Carroll, Izabelle and Bode Gutierrez, and Jelani, Thaine, and Tamaeus Harbor; brothers and sisters Julie Steele, Steve (Brenda) Gutierrez, Lupe Shakespeare, Jesse Gutierrez, Audrey Martini, Hank (Carol) Zeitz, and Peggy (Gregg) McCann; and Nancy’s parents, Jim and Edith Zeitz.

They were predeceased by John’s parents, Jose and Antonia Gutierrez.

Friends are encouraged to support the Gutierrez family at visitation and funeral services.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 4, 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was held Friday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Fallen Trooper Memorial c/o Michigan State Police Troopers.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John and Nancy on their Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com or their Facebook Page at JohnNancy Gutierrez.

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Funeral Services:

Lawrence Lee Treadwell II, a loyal and dedicated husband, father, and deputy, died Monday, July 23, 2018 in Detroit, with his wife by his side. Larry, 52, of Charlotte, was born August 24, 1965 in Lansing, the son of Larry and Geneel Treadwell. Growing up, he spent time with his grandparents on the family farm in Olivet, a place that remained near to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1984 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway in the Persian Gulf. Upon his return home, he worked in corrections at the Federal Correctional Institute in Milan before entering law enforcement academy. He joined the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 as a deputy. On October 3, 2001, he married Teresa Ann Freer before immediately answering the call to service in 2001 after 9/11, deploying overseas to defend his country. Upon his return, he completed his bachelor’s degree and worked his way up to Lieutenant, overseeing much of the operations of Eaton County corrections, including the work release program.

Throughout his lifetime, Larry loved time spent in the outdoors. He enjoyed fall deer hunting on the Treadwell farm with his cousins in his early days, and his sons in later years. Larry and Teresa enjoyed family camping trips with their kids and traveling to many cheerleading events, where Larry served as the honorary cameraman.  Above all, Larry loved his family, devoting his life to their wellbeing.

Larry is survived by his wife of 17 years, Teresa; sons, Larry Treadwell III and Lance Treadwell; daughter, Meagan Treadwell; brother, Chad Treadwell; mother, Geneel; grandfather, Sterling Treadwell; and his nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence Lee Treadwell, Sr.; and his grandmother, Arlouene Treadwell.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 27, 2018 at Charlotte Assembly of God Church. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Olivet.

Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Law Enforcement Monument Fund at michigan.gov/mleom in Honor of Lt. Larry Treadwell.

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

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Funeral Services:

Mario Gutierrez, 62, of Charlotte, passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018. Mario was born March 27, 1956 in Pontiac. He lived in Charlotte with his wife Pamela. Mario graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1974. He was a General Motors employee for 25 years, retiring in 2006. Mario was so full of life. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, yard work, dancing, and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by paternal father, Godfrey Gutierrez; and parents, Avelina (Chavez) and Fernando Aranjo.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Pamela (Wildberger) Gutierrez; children, Mario Gutierrez, Gina (Braxton) Harris, and Justina Gutierrez; stepchildren, Jeremiah Lerma, Yvonne (Raul Jr.) Martinez, and Israel Lerma; grandchildren, Mikalya, Carter, Maribella, Conlin, Mackenzie, Jayda, Jaylen, Terry Jr., Samantha, Kaylee, Santos, Sophia, Anthony, Isabella, and Asher; siblings, Joyce Rodriguez, Rosalinda Castaneda, Yolanda (Joe) Garcia, Nina (Adam) Chavez, and Jesse Aranjo; also many nieces and nephews.

Mario loved his dogs, especially Pancho, and Chiquita who will miss him dearly.

A funeral service was held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes in Lansing on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 and the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at grlansing.com for the Gutierrez family.

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Funeral Services:

Claudia Lou (Redfield) Bryner, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and caregiver, died Thursday, July 19, 2018 surrounded by her family. Claudia, 64, was born September 9, 1953 in Lansing to Claude and Gertrude (McGilvra) Redfield. She graduated in 1971 from Potterville High School. On February 17, 1973 Claudia married her sweetheart Randy Bryner and together spent the next 45 years by each other’s side. Claudia devoted her life to caring for others. She often put her needs second to the needs of others. She worked as a caregiver at Hope Landing in Charlotte retiring in 2016, prior to Hope Landing she worked as a caregiver at Moore’s Country Living. Claudia showed true care and compassion with each and every patient that crossed her path. Her hobbies included reading, spending summers camping at The Sherwood Forest Camp Ground in Olivet, also camping at other locations around the state. Claudia’s biggest passion was spending time with her family.

Claudia is survived by her loving husband, Randy; daughter, Jessica Ripley; grandchildren, Ethan and Broden Ripley; siblings, Lucy Shaw, Wiley Redfield, Georgia Schlee, Cora Haun, and Annabelle Persons.

Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Delbert Redfield, Claude “Butch” Redfield, and Dennis Little.

Memorial services were held Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing.

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

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Funeral Services:

Eva Ruperd, 96, of Alma, formerly of Charlotte, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018 in Alma. Eva was born July 26, 1921 in St. Louise, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Julia (Sweet) Hunsaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and a member of Maple City Chapter #218, Order of the Eastern Star of Charlotte. For many years before retirement, she was employed in the Eaton County Department of Social Welfare and Eaton County Clerk’s Office.

Eva is survived by her daughters, Joyce Lennon and Janice (Richard) Ripley; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert J. Ruperd on September 23, 1980; and her six siblings, Frank Hunsaker, Jr., Dorothy Cranmer, Elmer Hunsaker, Bob Hunsaker, Geraldine Brown, and Everett Hunsaker.

Memorial services were held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Estarl Education Fund of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan or the Masonic Home at Alma.

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

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Funeral Services:

Katherine Ann Bosworth, a kind, caring and compassionate wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 22, 2018, surrounded by family. Katherine, 82, of Charlotte, was born June 13, 1936, in Lansing, the daughter of George and Ruby (Ferguson) Stephenson. Following high school graduation, she married Ned Bosworth on August 20, 1955 in Charlotte. Katherine worked at Michigan Bell from 1954-1959 before going to Montgomery Wards in the 1960s. Later, she sold Avon and worked at McDonalds in Charlotte. Katherine was a kind-hearted people-person and devoted her life to helping others. She volunteered countless hours at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services as a greeter and activities volunteer. She was a member of the Red Hatters Extension Club, as well as a member of the Eaton Area Senior Center, with Ned.  Katherine enjoyed celebrating birthdays with her family, she loved riding around their family property, but most importantly, she loved the bible and attending church. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Katherine loved spending time with them. She loved her pets and treating them as part of the family. Ned and Katherine celebrated their 50^th anniversary with a trip to Branson, Mo. to see Danny O’Donnell, they also made trips to Mt. Rushmore, Savannah, Ga., Washington D.C. and Niagara Falls.  Above all, Katherine loved her family.

Katherine is survived by her husband, Ned; sons, Kremen (Sue) Bosworth of Charlotte and Doug (Karen) Bosworth of Eaton Rapids; daughter, Beth (Larry) West of Charlotte; grandchildren, Ben (Karen) Bosworth, Sam Bosworth, Brienna Bosworth, Craig Bosworth, Josh West, and Kyle West.

Katherine is predeceased by her sisters, Barb Cook and Norma Willbur.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Ray Miller and John Willbur officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activity Department.

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