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Funeral Services:

Howard Alden Smith, a resident of Leslie, MI, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on June 13, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, MI, he was the son of Alden and Geneva (Wake) Smith. Howard graduated from Springport High School in 1957. Howard served his country with pride in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1967, completing three tours in Vietnam as part of the Navy Seals unit.

Professionally, Howard contributed his talents to several notable establishments. He began his career at Aero Quip in Leslie, MI, later joining Lenn Industries in the same town, and finally retiring from Securitas in 2010 after providing security services for General Motors.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Howard was an active member of various clubs and organizations, including the American Legion, the Family Motorcycle Club, and the Michigan Bicentennial Wagon Train Club. He found joy in spending time with loved ones, playing PlayStation with his grandson, enjoying rounds of golf, and raising and breeding horses.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Aldi Smith. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Garred) Smith; daughters, Jaunitta (Bruce Conant) Craddock, Terri (Phil) Cupp, Tammie (Jeff Gilbert) Hyde; cherished grandchildren, Josh (Katie Furgala) Bambach, Lindsey West, William (Stephany Gonzalez) Craddock, Talor (Josh Mayo) Bambach, Charley (Alli Gates) Gilman; great-grandchildren, Faith West, Anthony West, Jaxson Mayo; sisters, Gerri Brooks, Suzie (Butch) Pike, Elsie (George) Ehara; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Howard’s life was held on Thursday, March 21, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Friends were invited to pay their respects starting at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow the service at the Onondaga Community Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 491 in memory of Howard. Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Paul Scott Ritchey of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 15, 2024, at the age of 65. Paul was born in Lansing, MI on May 6, 1958, the son of Paul and Dora Jean (Friese) Ritchey. He was a truck driver for Caster Concepts where he had developed some amazing friendships. Paul’s co-workers were a great support group for him while he was going through his illness. He had a passion for motorcycles. Paul owned several bikes and enjoyed working on them and going for rides when he could. He liked music and was a talented guitarist.

Paul is survived by his siblings, Susan (Jeffrey) Valerio, William (Kathryn) Ritchey; nephew, Joseph Hector; niece, Kasey Hammond; several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Ritchey and Dora Jean Trierweiler.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Humane Society in loving memory of Paul Scott Ritchey. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Linda Sue Kay, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, known for her generosity and thoughtfulness, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 17, 2024. Linda, 75, of Grand Rapids, was born December 2, 1948, in Ypsilanti, MI, the daughter of Paul Birtie and Lora Louella (Lawson) Baird. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and went to work in education. Linda married the love of her life, Thomas Patrick Kay on February 4, 1978. Soon after their marriage, Linda and Tom took ownership of Kay’s Natural Living Health Foods on MLK in Lansing. They happily operated the store together for just over 20 years. Linda was also known to greet each customer warmly and was always a listening ear. Linda will be remembered for her kindness and empathy for others, qualities she put to use in the classroom as a substitute teacher for the Lansing School District. After they closed the store, Linda continued her teaching with various school districts in the Tri-County area.

Her family will always cherish Linda’s preparation and care in creating the most meaningful and beautiful family gatherings at the home. Her attention to detail was especially evident in her Christmas Tree, which was always trimmed to perfection. She loved to cook for her family and spent many hours in the garden and canning food. She also loved constantly working on the family home, preparing for renovations or work around the grounds. Perhaps her greatest personal joy was camping up North in the Upper Peninsula with her family. Linda found peace around the bonfire and in nature. She was especially thankful for the Michigan State Parks and the comfort extended to visitors by the employees.

Linda kept in touch with her sister and extended family. She enjoyed trips “down home” to Essex, MO, for family reunions. She loved watching movies, time spent with her grandchildren, and generally interacting with others. She would give everything she had even if it meant she would go without so that someone else would not be without. Above all, Linda will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for others, someone who truly knew that it was better to give than receive, someone who was always ready and willing to be there for others, someone who put family first, and someone who never gave up. Even when she faced health troubles early in her cancer stages, she continued to teach, right up to her retirement.

Linda is survived by her husband of 46 years, Thomas Kay; their son, Jonathon (Robin Meester) Kay; two grandchildren, Lillian and Jackson Kay; siblings, Paulette Croghan and Robert Baird; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her son, Brandon Kay in 2003; her brother-in-law, John Croghan; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral Services were at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with interment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. 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 Linda’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

God gained a passionate, gifted individual in Kory Wertz who passed away unexpectedly at a young age of 38 on March 2, 2024.
Kory’s passion for fitness was unwavering and very dedicated. He proved this by his continued fitness education with multiple certifications achieved in different fitness fields. The day he cut the ribbon on ODP Fitness (Open Door Policy) was the highlight of his career. Owning his own business was something that Kory had always dreamt of. ODP Fitness was a huge accomplishment for Kory, but he wasn’t done yet. Kory had an outstanding amateur fighting career and continued on following his dreams in Mixed Martial Arts. Leveling up to a professional fighter status was an accomplishment itself he had always dreamt of and was so proud of himself for achieving. He loved MMA fighting.

He was more than proud of the family community he built within the gym and as a personal trainer. His drive to help people get fit was endless and admirable. Kory had this magnetic personality that you just wanted to be around him. It seemed magical in a way. From this he was able to form connections with his clients and helping them reach their ultimate goals was his reason for it all. Setting Kory apart from other fitness centers was his ability to do programing with endless hours put into strategizing each workout for the next two weeks out. Targeting the proper flow in body muscle usage to protect from injury never left his mind. It was important to Kory, and it showed. He never formulated one workout, class setting, or personal training session without thorough preparation with such compassion and experience included.

Hosting various fund-raising events at ODP Fitness also was a strong passion of Kory’s. From supporting the Autism Foundation to raising enough money to build several homes for the Mujeraue and the women and families in Totonicapán, Guatemala, are just to name a few. It was important to the ODP members, so it was important to Kory.

Once Kory made the move to Denver, Colorado he increased his knowledge of fitness and Mauy Tai, climbing mountains with his dog Josie, forming many connections, and making some lifelong friends. Following his return from Denver with all of the knowledge he had gathered, Kory was adamant and beyond excited on opening ODP 2.0. Gathering equipment, making workout plans, and all the preparation that comes with opening a gym, he had done it all.

In his “free time” he loved doing construction jobs and constructing things based off of his own intricate blueprints. He was a perfectionist and made sure it was done right and correct the first time. Kory had always been an adrenaline seeker; from a very young age he was fearless in anything he did or tried. In his younger years his passion was BMX bikes, building crazy jumps, jumping over semi boxes, and so much more.

Kory genuinely loved all the time he spent with his friends, family, and his beloved dog Josie. He always wanted the best outcome for those he loved. To him the gym he created wasn’t a gym, it was a family, a community. This is reflected on the “Remembering Kory Wertz” page on Facebook. In true Kory fashion, his favorite saying, “I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.”

Kory is survived by his parents, Van and Mary Wertz; brother, Trevor Wertz (Trevor’s fiance Tracey Birman); niece, Jaelan Wertz; nephew, Brody Wertz; grandparents, Darry and Dee Wertz and Britt and Faith Morgan; aunts and uncles; Diane and David Franz, Cindy and Gil Vanneste, Julie Wertz, Rebecca Wertz-Dahlgren; numerous cousins, and countless more family and friends.

Kory is preceded in death by his Grandfather Kenneth Baur, Grandmother Marjorie Baur-Ballard; uncles, Wade Wertz, Shane Wertz, Paul Baur, and Dwight Baur.

A time of sharing and remembrance will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, between 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending the service on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 a.m., held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with a luncheon to follow at Hidden Creek Farms, 2181 E. Vermontville Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813. Please come and share your stories and celebrate Kory with us.

Donations can be received at the funeral home or you can contact Megan Large at (517) 983-0888, by text, if you would like to make a donation to help with covering the costs of funeral expenses.

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

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Funeral Services:

Kenneth Edward ‘Ed’ Mathis Jr., age 56 of Nashville, Michigan, passed away in Lansing on Sunday, March 3, 2024. He was born to Ken and Anna (Moncrief) Mathis Sr. on August 25, 1967, in Charlotte. Ed graduated Charlotte High School with the class of ’86. After high school Ed was taken under the wing of his stepcousin who was his mentor in auto mechanics. After graduating, Ed went on to work for him for the next few years. He loved to go up flying with his stepcousin as well and was invited to go up several times. Ed eventually moved to Rapid River in the U.P. of Michigan. His love of vehicles and working on them led him to running his own mechanic and welding shop in Escanaba, Michigan. He was a member of The Rebels motorcycle club, which he was very proud of. Later in life, Ed spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver. Another one of Ed’s favorite pastimes was eating out with his friends and just plain hanging out with the people he cared about most. He will be missed tremendously by his family, friends, and loved ones.

Ed is survived by his stepfather, Jim Mullins of Nashville, and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ken Mathis Sr.; his mother, Anna Mary Mathis-Mullins; and several aunts and uncles.

Those desiring may make contributions in Ed’s memory to the American Heart Association at heart.org

In keeping with Ed’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

To view Ed’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:

Linda Jean Shetenhelm, a humble and God-loving woman, died March 9, 2024. Linda, 72, of Charlotte was born April 6, 1951, in Elyria, Ohio, to Joseph Lowery and Donna (Lawrence) Lowery. Linda graduated from Elyria High School in 1969. During her senior year of high school, she began writing letters to Timothy Shetenhelm while he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On November 29, 1969, Linda married Tim, and the two began a family together. She worked at Christensen’s Furniture in Charlotte for many years, and later attended college in her 50’s to earn an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. Owner and operator of The Children’s Village Daycare, Linda was happiest when caring for children. Linda and Tim were foster parents for many years, welcoming children into their home from all walks of life.

Linda had never traveled outside of her hometown until she met Tim. In her leisure time, Linda enjoyed camping in the summer, mentoring children through church and Kid’s Hope, quilting, sewing, and taking pictures of her grandchildren and daycare children. Linda touched many people throughout her life, adults, and children alike. She was very active at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and most recently the Charlotte Church of Christ. Linda’s faith in God gave her strength and compassion, and she will always be remembered for her unwavering, selfless nature.

Linda is survived by her husband, Timothy Shetenhelm; sons Joseph (Sarita) Shetenhelm, William (Brandy) Shetenhelm, and Jason Shetenhelm; daughters Michelle Vorndran and Holly Berteau; grandchildren Malik Cochrane, Braeden Vorndran, Anne, Kaitlyn, Emmaline, Grace, Timothy, and Louis Shetenhelm; sisters Carol Megyesy and Susan Burgett; and brother Joey Lowery. She was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Alan Lowery.

Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home; and again, on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 10-11:00 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ. Funeral services were Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment took place following the funeral at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, MI. 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 Linda’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 Suitcases 4 Kids MI or the Charlotte Church of Christ. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

John “Jack” Ellis Rathburn of Vermontville, MI known for his community involvement and helpful spirit, died Sunday, March 3rd at the age of 95. Jack was born at home in 1928, the eleventh child born to Irene and Ernest “Clyde” Rathburn in Charlotte Michigan. The family moved to Vermontville in 1942, and Jack soon became a fixture in the community.

He was active in many organizations including the American Legion post 222, Fire Department, Library Board, Cemetery Board, and the First Congregational Church. He operated the Standard Oil Station in Vermontville for over 30 years before retiring in 1982. And for the next 32 years as the Sexton for the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Jack loved hunting, fishing and playing poker with his Legion buddy’s. He was known for his tall tales and funny stories and as a jokester. Even at the age of 95, his memory was amazing. He could tell you stories of who married who, who lived where and even tell you their phone number off the top of his head.

Throughout his life he volunteered and donated his time to help others. You could find Jack helping others by clearing snowy driveways, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, blowing leaves and at any community work project that came along. He was especially proud that he was able to donate over 36 gallons of blood and platelets with the Red Cross helping save lives.
Jack enlisted in the Army in 1948 and served in Heidelberg Germany at the Headquarter Signal Battalion where he handled coded communications with NATO forces. He was discharged in 1951 as a corporal. Jack was proud of his service and his involvement with the American Legion where he had made so many lifelong friends.

Jack is survived by his wife of 71 years Joyce (Thrun), his children Steven (Peggy) Rathburn, Patty (Alan) Hamlin, Trudy (Jim) Jager and Philip (Sue) Rathburn. Jack loved his family and enjoyed spending time playing with his grandkids; Gregg (Kathy) Rathburn, Holly (Mike) Brandt, Meredith (Drew) Nicholoff, Kelsey (Kyle) Stolicker, Sueann Bowen, Chancy (Amber) Rathburn, Kara (Jon) Bowers and his great grandchildren; Chase, Cruize, Cayll, and Knox Rathburn, Logan and Layla Bowers, Audrey Nicholoff, Kamden and Kaylee Stolicker, Kennedy and Lucus Rathburn, and Evonne Kwaiser.

Jack is also survived by his brothers Larry and Don, and his sister Betty Betts. He was preceded in death by his parents, twelve siblings and his great-grandson Elijah Rathburn.

Jack asked for no formal funeral service, However the Family will hold a celebration of life for Jack on April 13 at the Vermontville Fire Department at 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Keeping with Jack’s passion for replacing the trees in the Woodland Cemetery, memorial contributions in Jack’s memory can be sent to “John Rathburn Memorial Fund” at PO Box 193, Vermontville, MI 49096.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Joan Marie Sharp-Harmon, age 87, of Bellevue, passed away March 6, 2024, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. She was born July 21, 1936, in Eaton Rapids to Merle and Marvelle “Jessie” (Heisler) Sharp. Joan received her education in Olivet, graduating from Olivet High School with the class of ‘54. She married the love of her life, Joseph Harman, on June 5, 1955 in Olivet.

It is hard to sum up Joan’s life in a few words. She was proud to be a homemaker and worked hard taking care of her family and chores on the farm. Joan also worked part time in the office helping farmers at Eaton County Farm Bureau. She loved to spend time outdoors and kept a tidy vegetable and flower garden every year. Joan was known for her cooking as well as being ruthless at playing Hand & Foot card game! She always took time to make sure her children succeeded in life and spent countless hours helping them with 4-H, girl scouts, and as a PTA room mother at Olivet Schools. Later in life Joan collected dolls and teapots. She was talented and creative with making crafts. Watching and listening to the many songbirds in her backyard brought her joy. She loved the Lord and attended Ainger Bible Church. Joan’s family remembers her as a very kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Those surviving her are her husband of 68 years, Joseph; children, Sally (Carl) Fox of PA, Carla (Bill) Kanine of Petoskey, Thomas (Julie) Harmon of Olivet, Debra (Rex) Swank of Olivet; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; siblings, Jane VanDriessche of Olivet, brother-in-law, Bill Mott of Battle Creek, Barbara (John) Henry of TN, sister-in-law, Joyce Sharp of Olivet, Mary (Richard) Midlam of Olivet; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Gene Sharp, Elaine Sharp, Ilene Mott, and Kenneth Sharp.
Funeral services were held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Saturday, March 9, 2024, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Family received friends during a time of visitation for one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place after the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Joan’s memory to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204 or to Visiting Angels in Charlotte, 338 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813, or to West Carmel Congregational Church, 5016 Carlisle Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813

To view Joan’s obituary online or 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:

Jewelene Anderson of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 9, 2024 at the age of 96. She was born August 28, 1927, in Salyersville, KY the daughter of Elliot and Gertrude (Whitaker) Risner. She attended school in Kentucky and moved with her family to Michigan as a young woman. Jewelene married Earl Anderson November 5, 1948, in Eaton Rapids and they had three children.
She enjoyed gardening, canning food, cooking, crocheting and knitting, sewing (including quilts), helping people with their income taxes, working crossword puzzles, and going to Cracker Barrel and Walmart. She and Earl were founding members of the Eaton Rapids Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Earl Anderson; daughter, Susan Burns; son, Dave Anderson, and siblings, Chalmer Risner, Irene Wittman, Elsie Love, Joyce Byron, Esther Risner, Alden Risner, Lorena Jecks and Mark Risner.
Jewelene is survived by her son, Don (Nancy) Anderson, daughter-in-law, Paige Anderson; four granddaughters, Amy Anderson, Michelle (Greg) Blythe, Cathy Anderson, and Jennifer (Brian) Oldham; great-grandchildren, Alex and Chloe Montgomery, Emily and Caylee Anderson, John Oldham; sister, Mae Locke as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the entire staff at the Island City Assisted Living for their special care they gave to Jewelene over the past four years.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. Family received friends for visitation on Tuesday at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 10500 Plains Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in Jewelene’s name. To share memories and condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com

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Funeral Services:

Raymond Howard “Howard” Metzmaker, Jr., age 91, of Potterville, MI, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Masonic Pathways, Alma, MI.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at VFW Hall in Charlotte, MI.

Raymond was born in Grand Ledge, MI on April 10, 1932, the son of Raymond Howard and Zella (Walker) Metzmaker. Howard graduated from East Lansing High School. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Howard owned and operated Howard’s Garage in Potterville for 60 years until 2018. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #367 in Potterville and the American Legion. Howard loved race cars and raced until he was in his eighties.

Howard was a staple in the community whose kindness touched many. He helped others who were in need and always said, “Friends and family are what’s important.” He sponsored several teams over the years. He loved softball and was a proud supporter of Potterville and the Michigan State University Spartans. He was loved by all that knew him and will be missed by all he touched in his life.

He is survived by his son, Rick and Roxanne Metzmaker; son, Rod Metzmaker; daughter Kristy Metzmaker; 26 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dave Metzmaker in 2004, and his brothers: Jerry Metzmaker in 2010 and Jacob Metzmaker in 2013.

Special thanks to all the staff at Masonic Pathaways for all the wonderful care and support shown to our family.

Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.