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Funeral Services:

Thomas Ray Garrison, born on April 15, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly while fishing on June 8, 2025, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He was a dedicated family man, adored by his loved ones, and well-known for his meticulous nature, always ensuring that everything was in its proper place. Throughout his life, Tom expressed a profound love for his family and friends and was always striving to ensure everyone was well cared for.

Tom was a proud member of the Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120 and the Potterville Masonic Lodge #367, engaging in his community and upholding the values of brotherhood and charity. His interests took him outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, caring for his quarter horses, and spending quality time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Joyce Garrison; his beloved wife, Joyce Garrison; his daughters, Kelly Wells and Kerry Kyes; and his brothers, Chuck Garrison and Jeff Garrison.

Tom is survived by his children, Scott (Suzi) Kyes of DeWitt, Tonya Keith of North Carolina, Jeff (Darcie) Kyes of Baraga, Chris (Lynn) Garrison of Eaton Rapids, and Elizabeth (Jon) Feise of Elsie; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Donald Wells of Utica; brother, Jim Garrison of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.  

Despite his passing, Thomas’s legacy of love and diligence will continue to resonate with all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home located at 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813 on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Tom’s memory to the Potterville Masonic Lodge #367 4925 Royston Road, Potterville, MI 48876. 

To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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Funeral Services:

Bonita “Bonnie” Louise DeLong of Eaton Rapids, peacefully passed away June 13, 2025, at the age of 83. Bonnie was a graduate of Waterford High School and married to the love of her life. Bonnie and Don were married for 63 years. She worked as a florist for Alice’s Greenhouse in Eaton Rapids and Leslie Floral in Leslie. She spent her time as a Girl Scout leader, athletic booster member, seamstress, and cab driver to her three children. She loved to fish, camp, knit, crochet, play cards, and travel. Her wonderful neighbors were more like family. Bonnie and Don wintered at Sleepy Hollow Park in Zephyrhills, FL for over 20 years, sparking friendships along the way.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Barb) DeLong of Eaton Rapids, Laura (Scott) Church of Rossford, OH, Michael (Laura) DeLong of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Amanda (Rob) Dubois, Heather (Brandon Williams) DeLong, Ainslie (Allen) Mathews, Brittany (Christopher) McKinnon, Dustin (Stephanie) Dean, Sierra (Chris Segura) Church, Cody (Mable Henrick) Church, Joshua (Georggia) DeLong, Kyle (Chelsie) DeLong; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Johnson; and step-father, Bob (Jean) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Johnson; father, Harold (Deloris) Fuchs; husband, Donald DeLong Jr.; brother, Ronald (Pat) Fuchs.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Eaton Rapids Sports Boosters, 800 State St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, or online at www.wildsidemi.wordpress.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Jerrold “Jerry” Raymond DeMuth was a kind, yet stubborn man with a huge heart. He died May 29, 2025 at the age of 76. Jerry was born in and lived his entire life in Charlotte, MI, the son of Carl and Barbara (Nisse) DeMuth. He attended Potterville Schools until the 12th grade, he graduated from Charlotte in 1967. After high school he started working at Oldsmobile, where he worked for 32 ½ years before his retirement in June of 2000. After retirement Jerry and his wife Linda enjoyed wintering in Arizona. Cars were a passion of his, he was the proud original owner of a ’71 Chevelle, and a ’41 Chevy Coupe, he loved going to car shows and was a member of the National Street Rod Association, and a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was very handy, could fix anything, and was great at welding and making art from horseshoes. Jerry also loved hunting, he was very proud of his 11-point buck, going to flea markets and swap meets, gardening, and collecting Chevy automotive related things.  

Jerry was very proud of his family and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda DeMuth; children, Duane (Jayne) DeMuth, Brenda (Ronald Wagner) Bassett, Robin (Chuck) Smith, and Jill (Jim) Sorensen; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; sister, Lynda (David) Dawson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Jim DeMuth.

Friends are encouraged to support the DeMuth family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, June 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Tuesday, June 3, 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey 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 Jerry’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 St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Katelyn Mae (Clark) Aapala, passed away peacefully at her home in Charlotte on June 9, 2025, at the age of 42. Born on January 19, 1983, in Lansing to Randolph and Lisa (Hoberg) Clark, Katelyn dedicated her life to her family, career, and her steadfast commitment to serving others.

Katelyn graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 2000 and went on to earn her Associate’s Degree from Lansing Community College. For over 15 years, she was a vital part of Richard’s Appliance, where she served as a sales clerk. Her dedication and commitment to her work were evident through her interactions with customers; all were treated as her “favorite customer,” showcasing her personality as a true “people person.” Katelyn took great pride in ensuring that each customer felt valued and cared for.

Her love for family was unmatched. Katelyn cherished every moment spent with her husband Aaron and their children, Clark and Sophia. She was a devoted supporter at all of her children’s sporting events, reveling in their achievements and milestones. Yearly trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula were a tradition for Katelyn, where she found joy in exploring the beauty of nature. Another of Katelyn’s loves was her dogs. She will be deeply missed by her family, who will carry her memory forward in their hearts.

Katelyn is survived by her loving husband, Aaron; her devoted children, Clark and Sophia; her father-in-law, Richard Aapala; her sister, Meagan Clark; and her brother, Jacob and April Clark. 

Katelyn was preceded in death by her father, Randolph Clark; her mother, Lisa Clark; and her mother-in-law, Gail Aapala. 

Those desiring to make contributions in Katelyn’s memory may do so by donating to Elle’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI 48915 to help support grieving and bereaved children and teens.

A celebration of Katelyn’s life will be held at a later date.

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

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Funeral Services:

Julie Marie Hennessy was the kind of woman who could do it all…woodworking, plumbing, flooring, and running marathons, there was not anything she was afraid to tackle. She died unexpectedly Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the age of 62, leaving her friends and family to remember that tomorrow is not promised. Julie was born July 2, 1962 in Flint to Donald and Kay (MacKenzie) Clark. Immediately after high school she started working for GM, and received her Bachelor of Science Degree from General Motors Institute, where she then worked for the next 42 years as an Engineer. 

Julie loved to be active and enjoyed many sports including swimming, running (she ran in several marathons including qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon), and biking. With a passion for biking, she cycled in the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Race Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), the oldest and longest bicycle tour in the world, 14 years in total. When she could not be outdoors participating in sporting events or doing home improvement projects, she also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, crafting, knitting, doing math problems, sudoku, and the NY Times Puzzles.

The absolute joy of Julie’s life was being a grandma. She adored her grandchildren, Wynn and Kylie, and was a full-time nanny for Wynn. Grammy always had time and energy to do crafts, read books, go for walks, play on the swings, and do all the things that kept the kids entertained and engaged. She was very proud of teaching Wynn to swim, one of her greatest passions.

Julie is survived by her daughter, Kelsey Williams; son, Arron (Mary) Sparks; grandchildren, Wynn and Kylie; and sister, Lisa (Jeff) Basinski. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Julie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, June 16, 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Daniel Sowles 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 Julie’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Katherine Johnson, a beautiful soul, went to be with her Lord on June 9, 2025, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. She was a loving wife and mother with a passion for helping others in her church, her family, and her community.

She is survived by her husband, Dan; son, Keith (Joanna); daughters, Kara Prickett and Amelia Johnson; grandchildren, Lyla, Henry, Indigo, Avery, and Leo; eight sisters; six brothers; and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Her legacy of caring will continue.

A celebration of Katherine’s life was held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church with Pastor Adam Droscha officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Katherine’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org

To view Katherine’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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

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Funeral Services:

David Trumley, 1954 – 2025, was born in Lansing, Michigan in 1954 to Richard and Beverly (Greenshields) Trumley. He lived a life full of curiosity, kindness, and a deep love for history.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army, then followed his adventurous spirit around the world. While abroad, he met his wife, Ghizela, in Scotland. Together, they built a life of love, learning, and travel, settled in Berlin, Germany.

David was a passionate reader and historian and known for his wit.

He is survived by his wife, Ghizela; children, Aaron, Curtis, and Lauren; brothers, John and Steve; and his father, Richard. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly.

David will be remembered always.

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Funeral Services:

Barbara Jean Sleeper, age 82, of Vermontville, MI, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Barbara was born on April 11, 1943, in Lansing, MI, to Robert and Patricia Shassberger. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1961 and went on to earn her teaching degree from Michigan State University in 1965. She later received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University. On September 12, 1964, she married the love of her life, LeRoy Sleeper. They shared 50 wonderful years together before LeRoy’s passing in 2014.

Barbara was saved in 1972, a moment that shaped the rest of her life. She had a heart for serving others and a deep love for her family, her faith, and her community.

She began her working life at the D&C 5-and-dime store and later worked at Lansing General Hospital caring for employees’ children alongside her best friend Cheryl. Her greatest professional joy, however, came from her years as a Home Economics teacher at Maple Valley Schools, where she lovingly taught generations of students, including several of her own children. Of all her years in education, these were among her most cherished. Barbara had a special bond with her students and stayed in touch with many of them throughout her life.

After earning her Master’s degree, Barbara went on to teach at Portland Middle School, where she continued her work in special education. She retired from Portland, holding fond memories of the strong connections she formed with students and families there as well. Her dedication and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone she taught.

Barbara was talented and creative, she learned to sew at a young age and even made her own wedding gown. She loved cooking and sharing recipes, and her kitchen was always a warm and welcoming place. She had a deep appreciation for nature, especially watching birds, and she delighted in keeping family and friends informed of every springtime milestone from the first robin sighting to the blooming of wildflowers. She loved reading, gardening, and most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her faith was her foundation, and she often reflected on the promise of eternal life, once writing: “Death is not the end, something better is waiting for us.”

She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Barbara is survived by her six children: Jeff (Kelly) children: Ava and Max; Brian, children: Anna, Gordie; Joshua (Christy) children: Alaina, Caleb, and Tyler; Leah (Dennis) child: Kalel; Bethany (Lonnie) children: Charlotte and Faith; and Michael.

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. If desired donations may be left to the family.

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Funeral Services:

Barbara Jean Fulton was born February 4, 1951 to Robert and Evelo Fulton in Charlotte, Michigan and passed peacefully from this world on June 6, 2025. This is how most obituaries begin, but as Barbara has requested, this one will not be a listing of things she did or places she lived or attended school. This, at her request and wholly in true celebration of her life, is a collaborative effort and focuses on the values, principles, beliefs, and ideals that formed her character, reflected her passion and created her legacy.

From the very beginning, she was loving and loyal, devoted to her extended family and friends. She was curious and interested in learning from every interaction with people, nature, academia, and all aspects of problem-solving. She was courageous and adventurous, and a collector; of people, animals, rocks, and ideas.  Most of all, she was a creative thinker and educator, innovator and collaborator. Barbara used her experience, compassion, and endless energy to bring ideas to fruition. She imagined and believed in possibilities and the people who could and would implement them.

Barbara embodied living a life with purpose and abundance. Her efforts in bringing AL!VE into being at a time when most were focused on economic downturn, was a triumph of belief in the healing power of generosity.  As Director of Eaton Community Health, she reinvigorated the collaboration among social service agencies and focused on the “upstream” solutions to healthcare problems. The phrase “healthy communities” in measuring the impact of programming owes much to Barbara’s involvement. 

Anyone, family, friend, or stranger who met Barbara found that she was not one for “small talk”, but instead asked questions designed to find commonality and, even better, a shared passion for a hobby, a cause, course of study or other pursuit. She had an extraordinary gift for reminding us that moments matter, that shared laughter, simple gestures, and meaningful experiences are where life’s deepest joys are found. A nurturer in the truest sense, she taught by example that generosity and connection come from sharing time, attention, belief, and love.  

Barbara was an ultimate event planner. Her parties, whether for family, friends, community, business or a club always had a theme (and usually wine!) Whatever the purpose, people had a wonderful experience, in large part because Barbara focused on the enjoyment of those attending. In addition to events she planned, Barbara showed up for her family and friends, She attended games, concerts, graduations and other events for her siblings, nieces, nephews and on down to the next generations. No one was a greater cheerleader than Aunt Barbara.

She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, imagination, collaboration, dedication and generosity of spirit. Barbara was a shining example of a life beautifully lived. Barbara is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Butman, with whom she shared so many adventures, interests and experiences; her siblings, Christi (Tom) Dutcher, Kathie (Chuck) Cook and Mike (Janice) Fulton; her cousins, Wes Fredenburg and Sarah Collick; her nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Doug) Reed, Becky (Bob) Elkins, Matt (Jessica Hix) Cook, Rob (Shannan) Cook, Ben (Chelsea) Fulton, Emily (Aki) Zecic and Andrew (Alyssa) Fulton; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews, many more extended family members and a host of friends and collaborators.

Friends are encouraged to support Barbara’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Barbara’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Health (ECH), the Charlotte Generosity Fund or the Forest Garden Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Theresa Lynn Arras, February 2, 1965 – June 7, 2025, passed away unexpectedly at her home after a short battle with cancer. Theresa is survived by her husband, JR Green; mother, Simone Arras; daughters, Callie Arras and Asia (Cory) Arras, grandson, Steven Beebe, granddaughter, Onyx Beebe; grandsons ,Zander Watts and Eli Watts; granddaughter, Layla Myers; brother, Chris (Marlena) Arras; sisters, Laura (Kenny) Coat, Jeannette (Jason) Clemens; brother, James (Ashley) Arras; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Arras. 

Theresa went to Eaton Rapids Public Schools and as a young child and teenager was in 4H and showed dogs. She loved her fur kids and rescued many animals throughout her life. Theresa loved to garden, her knowledge of flowers and plants was unmatched. She loved posting her beautiful gardens online for everyone to enjoy. Theresa was very creative and could turn trash into treasure with a little love and paint. She was a talented painter, a trait she inherited from her mother. Theresa loved to fish and spent many days and nights fishing on Narrow Lake. She also loved to go to Firekeepers casino with her husband JR. Theresa was tough and spent many years working construction alongside her husband but her main love in life was being at home taking care of her family and spending time with her husband, granddaughter, and fur kids. Theresa’s funny, sarcastic, and outspoken ways will be missed by all who knew her. There will be no celebration of life at this time.