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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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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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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.

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Michelle Dunkleberger, Age 59, Marshall (formerly of Nashville), passed away unexpectedly on February 26, 2024, at her home in Marshall, MI. Michelle was born in Hastings, MI, on August 30, 1964, a daughter of the late Bernice (Maurer) and Leon Frith.

Michelle was raised in Nashville and attended local schools, graduating from Maple Valley High School in 1982. After completing her education, she married Mr. Tony Dunkelberger on December 10, 1983, at St Cyril Catholic Church in Nashville, MI. Michelle and Tony began their family together in Nashville, then in 1996, relocated to Alpena, MI, where Tony was teaching school & coaching.

During this time, Michelle continued to pursue her passion for the arts. She began by renting a small space in a local antique store, where she established her art studio. She used her talents to teach art classes and opened Michelle Louise Glass Studio and Gifts. Her love of the arts extended beyond “creating” and into theatre, where she was an active community participant in the Thunder Bay Theater. She performed in productions such as Tom Sawyer, Little Abner, Music Man, and Once Upon a Mattress.

Michelle loved music and used her vocal talents singing in St. Cyril, St Ann, and St. Bernard church choirs. She was also integral to volunteering at the annual Alpena Blues Festival. She was part of a group that established Friday Nights Downtown in Alpena. Michelle returned to the Nashville area in 2012 and began the restoration of the stained glass windows at St Cyril Catholic Church and served on the Maple Valley School Board. She was a licensed real estate agent and enjoyed helping many find their homes.

Michelle is survived by her three children, Kellen (Samantha) Dunkelberger, Jessilyn (Michael) Dunegan, LeeAnn (Richard) Martin, siblings Cynthia Gertude (Dean) Houston, LuAnn (Duane) King, RoseMary (Steve) Fosdick, six grandchildren, and her significant other Charlie Wolgamood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony, who passed away in 1999.
Funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at St. Cyril Catholic Church, 203 North State Street, Nashville, MI, with Father Jeffery Hanley officiating.

The family received visitors on Monday, March 4, 2024, with a Rosary service immediately following at Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M79 Highway Nashville, MI.

Interment occured immediately following the Funeral Mass at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Douglas Peter Sjoquist (born March 30, 1951, in Escanaba, Michigan) passed away at Eaton Community Palliative Care peacefully on March 5, 2024. He is survived by his dearest friend and wife, Jan, of Charlotte, MI, and his children: Jonah (Yoko) from Brighton, MI, Mei-li (Nick) Restani from San Francisco, CA, Michelle (Mike) Erickson from Grand Rapids, MI, and Stephanie (Dean) Leavitt from Charlotte, MI as well as his two brothers and best friends, Paul (Annabelle) from Mililani, HI and Bill (Cathy) from Gladstone, MI. He had several grandchildren including Kainoa, Kaleo, Novella, Alessio, Alyssa, Maleia, Julia, Ethan, Elana, Collin, one great granddaughter, Freya, and one great grandson, Eli.

He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974 and the University of Hawaii in 1979. Sjoquist was a professor at Bay de Noc Community College (1980- 81), Lansing Community College (1982-2015), and at Michigan State University (2008- 2020). He was a curious mind who enjoyed an active and rich lifestyle of traveling, rockhounding, swimming/snorkeling, music, art, and writing on a variety of topics. He was also a professional musician playing in various rock and country bands throughout most of his life.

It is nearly impossible to sum up Doug’s influence on all who knew him, but former student, Justin Parker Pool 1 came close:
“It has been about 25 years since I took his class, but I still remember him explaining with wonder how the old Taoists would not mourn the dead, but rather parade down the street in celebration of their life. It is with that sense of joy that I am thankful to have known him as a teacher and friend. Sjoquist-Sensei’s kindness and joy for life will live on in all of us who knew him.”

There will be no funeral service. In honoring his life, donations may be made to Doug’s cause of spreading compassion and knowledge to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Friends of Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

John E. Locke Sr., honest, humble, and beloved family man, died March 1, 2024, at the age of 81. A lifetime resident of Charlotte, John was born May 2, 1942, to Rowland and Doris (Wonser) Locke. In 1961 he married Judith Ludwig and they worked side-by-side on their dairy farm for 62 years. While he wasn’t always politically correct, he loved to make others smile and was a jokester, loving to pick on his friends. John was very active with 4-H, FFA, and Farm Bureau, and was the fun dad and grandpa, with the kids always wanting to be where he was and do whatever he did.

John was also one of the guys that people would go to when they needed help. He was a 4-H leader, Farm Bureau FSA committee member, volunteered at his church and at the Eaton County Senior Center, and received several awards for his active participation in so many organizations over the years. John was a humble, fair and honest man, loving the Lord and living his life in a way that showed others what being a Christian really means.

John will be greatly missed by many people who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife or 62 years, Judith; children, John Locke Jr. (Tuttie Gulett), Jeffrey (Angie) Locke, Lisa (Greg) Wylie; son-in-law, Roger (Nanette) Harris; grandchildren Jesse (Natlie) Harris, Elizabeth (TJ) Smith, Sarah (Chris) Johnston, Kendall (Alex) Dubois, Brittany (Alex) Ambrosius, Paige (Justin) Hall, Chelsea (Joshua) Ramirez, Lindsey (Ben) Walker, Joshua Locke, Justin Locke, Brett (Haidyn) Heikes, and Sharlene (Nick) Tekrony; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Leone Bust and Duane (Sharon) Locke; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter, Cynthia Harris; brother, Elwin Locke; and brother-in-law, Don Bust.

Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, March 5, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, March 6, at Crossroads United Brethren Church in Charlotte. The funeral as webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on John’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 Eaton County Agricultural Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Norene Rose Fell, a woman of remarkable passion and a self -taught Linnaean Taxonomist, left this world on March 4, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of all who knew her. Born on September 11, 1937, in Muskegon, MI, to Adolph August Pierre Domont and Norah Johnson, the last of four daughters. Norene’s life journey was a testament to her love for God, Christ, and the awe-inspiring wonders of His creations.

In her youth, Norene was an active member of the Girl Scouts and Walther League, finding solace and community in her church. She graduated from Muskegon High School, laying the foundation for a life characterized by curiosity, kindness, and an unyielding spirit. Embarking on her professional journey, Norene began as a bookbinder and librarian’s assistant. After her marriage to Forrest Alton Fell on January 9, 1967 her deep connection with animals led her to become the proud owner of Crestview Boarding Kennel in the Charlotte area. For 34 years, she welcomed over 10,000 customers, caring not only for their dogs and cats but also raising prizewinning German Shepherds alongside her beloved husband, Forrest.

In 1984, Norene graduated from Lansing Community College, transitioning to a fulfilling role as a substitute teacher. A woman of many talents, she was a gifted musician and writer, sharing her love for music by actively participating in her church choir and serving as the accompanist on piano and organ. Norene’s commitment to her faith and her community was unwavering. Her studies in Linnaean Taxonomy, the study of the genus and species of all living things, reflected her awe for God’s creation, as she saw science as a pathway to understanding the divine.

Noreen is survived by her children, Aaron (Shannon) Fell, Michael (Carla) Fell, and Sarah (Jaymie) Walters; grandchildren, Robert, Angie, Michael Jr., Jacob, Jessica, Andrew, and Alexandyr. She was predeceased by her husband, Forrest; grandson, Daniel; and her sisters, Nancy Rudick, Delphine Poellott, and Arlene Rose (her twin sister).

Family and friends were invited to celebrate Norene’s life during the visitation at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Thursday, March 7. The funeral service was held on Friday, March 8, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Norene will be laid to rest beside her husband in West Carmel Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte or Siren Eaton Shelter, organizations that held special places in Norene’s heart. Memories of Norene can be shared on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.