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Funeral Services:

Helen Rose Wilber, a kind and compassionate servant of God, died peacefully January 19, 2024 at the age of 72. Helen’s parents, Jerome and Rose (Schohl) Beachnau, welcomed her into the world on June 9, 1951 in Lansing, MI. Growing up with four siblings, Helen learned how to care for others and throughout her life she lent a listening ear and offered a helping hand to many people. Music was important to Helen. In her younger years she loved playing the guitar and singing, even recording a song with her dear friend, Ed Swanson. Open hearted and caring, Helen was always focused on helping others. She loved baking bread, and was a baker at Mike’s Shop-Rite, and also worked at Goff’s in St. Johns and Gormans in Lansing. In addition to her family, some of the things that gave Helen joy were reading (enjoying romance novels and many of the “Chicken Soup” books), collecting elephants and penguin figurines, and watching the New York Yankees play baseball.

Helen is survived by her children, Tammy (Gary) Robert, Barb (Calvin) Funsch, Phillip (Lori) Monroe, Amy Bates, Candy (Joe Axel) Stallcup, Charlie (Heather) Wilber, and Daryan Wilber; 19 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Kathy Beachnau. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael; son, Michael Wilber II; brothers, Harold Beachnau, Frank (Jane) Beachnau; sisters, Ruth (Jerry) Martin and Barbara Carnes; and lifelong friend and significant other, Thomas “Tony” Vance.

Friends are encouraged to support Helen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held Wednesday, January 24, 12-1:00 p.m., with funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Helen’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 Myasthenia Gravis Foundation in Grand Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Linda Ann Winters, a very competitive and spirited, mother, grandmother, sibling, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends. Linda, 81, was born on August 23, 1942, the daughter of Renold and Thelma (Wright) Beals. She was born in Charlotte, MI, and spent her entire life here. Linda graduated from Potterville High School. Out of high school she started working in food service, but later in life worked as a Child Care Provider with her dear friend Pam. In 1978 she attended clown school and would provide laughter to many as Lollie. On November 5, 1988, she married Raymond Winters and spent the next 32 years creating lasting memories until his passing in 2021. Linda was a lifetime member of the South Cochran Church of God. She attended the church when it was in downtown Charlotte before its current location on South Cochran. At the church, she was a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school volunteer, and was also awarded the church woman of the year.

Throughout her lifetime Linda was always there to help people in need. She cared deeply for those in her life. Hobbies that she enjoyed were playing cards, cheering on the Lions, Tigers, and Spartans, playing Dr. Mario with Raymond, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends. Her biggest passion in life was her son, Robert.

Linda is survived by her son, Robert Patterson Jr.; step-children, Tom Winters, Peggy (Dave) Gardner, and Carla (Mike) Fell; sister, Judy Wisinski; brother-in-law, Alan (Susie) Patterson; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her first husband, Robert Patterson Sr.; second husband, Raymond; step-daughter, Betty Brown; daughter-in-law, Starr Patterson; siblings, Renold Beals Jr., Shirley Ellsworth, Raymond Beals, Roger Beals, Bruce Beals, Stanley Beals, Cathy Murray, Rosemary Gould, and Russell Beals.

Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service for Linda will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor David Burnett officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from Noon until 2:00 p.m. 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 the American Cancer Society, or Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Donald G. Walters, age 91, died January 6, 2024. Donald was born April 7, 1932, the son of Guy and Jane (Wilson) Walters. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1950. After a term in the U.S. Army, he returned to Eaton County where he was a mechanic and farmer. Donald was married to Eleanor (Bush) Walters for 30 years. They raised nine children and hosted 27 foster children. He had numerous grandchildren. He was preceded death by his parents, his wife, and three of his children. No services are planned at this time.

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Funeral Services:

Jane Ann (Carmoney) Aldrich entered the gates of heaven one day before her 93rd birthday peacefully with her loving family by her side. Imagine the birthday celebration with her Lord and Savior and her two daughters.

Jane was born in the family home in Potterville, MI, on January 18, 1931, a daughter of the late Claira Belle and LaVerne Carmoney.

She was raised in the Lansing area and attended local schools graduating from Bath High School in 1949.

On February 4, 1949, she married Mr. Gerald Aldrich. The couple had three children and made their home together in the Vermontville area.

Jane was a farmer at heart. She loved working the family farm, whether milking cows, tending the beef herd, feeding the pigs, raising chickens, making maple syrup or bailing hay. Jane’s passion for working the land was unmistakable. During the summer months, Jane would meticulously tend her garden, yielding produce which she would can for her family, and sell at the Lansing City Market. Jane maintained an active dairy operation until 1973, when the focus was moved to crop farming and raising beef cattle. Jane’s love of her family farm led her to get her private pilot’s license and her own airplane; because what better way to survey the farm than from the air! It was only recently that Jane was forced to “slow down” just a bit, at the age of 90 she was still raking hay, using the International 1066!

Jane’s working career was not limited to farming, in 1961 she became a tool & die maker at AE in Charlotte where she worked faithfully for over ten years. Jane was an excellent cook, who used her talents catering weddings, funerals, and working as the cook at the Eaton County Jail for 26 years. Jane’s dedication to the Vermontville Methodist Church was seen in coordinating, cooking, and serving the Barbeque Chicken Dinner at the Vermontville Syrup Festival. Although Jane never really stopped working, she did “formally” retire at the age of 84. Jane continued to serve as a committee member in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service office in Eaton County.

Left to carry on her legacy are her son, Jerald Aldrich; granddaughter, Lesley (Brock) DeGroot; great-granddaughter Gabrielle DeGroot and great grandson Wyatt DeGroot; and grandson Mark Porritt.

Jane is survived by her siblings: Joyce, Susan, Raymond, Dennis, Ted, John, Rick, David, Tim, Connie and Mike; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughters: Jill Lynn in 1964 and Janet Lorraine in 1994. Passing on before her as well are her siblings: Bob, Tommy, Nancy, Ron, Penny, and Barbara Dell.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 11 a.m.‑12:00 p.m. with funeral and luncheon following at Daniels Funeral Home‑Nashville. Interment to follow at the Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.

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

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Funeral Services:

Carol Ann Pelfrey, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. She was born February 2, 1941, in Detroit, the daughter of Clayton and Josephine (Labuda) Ostrander. Carol graduated from Cass Tech High School in Detroit. On October 7, 1960, she married Roy C. Pelfrey at the Gilead Baptist Church in Detroit by Reverand Long. Carol’s faith was extremely important to her throughout her entire life. They were long time members of Inter-City Baptist Church in Allen Park. In her spare time she enjoyed baking and decorating exquisite cakes and sewing. She will be deeply missed by her precious family.

Carol is survived by her husband of 63 years, Roy; daughters, Linda (Dana) Myers of Canton, Lisa (David) Carter of Charlotte; grandchildren, Emily, Matthew, Andrew, Madison, and Brandon.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Edward Ostrander.

In keeping with Carol’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are being held.

To view Carol’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:

Ruth Ann Todd, a woman that impacted so many lives, died on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Ruth, 79, of Charlotte, was born on February 7, 1944, in Lansing, the daughter of Robert and Helen (Frith) Todd. Even with her impairments her parents made sure that she lived a normal life. Ruth traveled with her parents around the country. She was also very knowledgeable when it came to trivia; she loved watching Jeopardy, game shows, word searches and crossword puzzles. Ruth had the ability to make strong connections with anyone she crossed paths with. She always made sure to tell you that she loved you. Ruth was very strong in spirit, she enjoyed attending church at the Charlotte Church of Christ, and most recently cherished times when Chaplains would visit her. Above all her biggest passion was her family.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Richard (Louise) Todd; nephews, Rick (Cindy) Todd, Rodney (Robyn) Todd, and Mark (Alisha) Todd; niece, Teresa (Roderick) Reidsma; six great-nephews and nieces; and countless lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Ruth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte 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 Ruth’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 the Crosswalk Teen Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

James Ross Kinnaird passed away on January 11, 2024 at home in Eaton Rapids, MI following a long battle with cancer and heart disease. Jim was born on December 5, 1951, in Danville, KY to Mildred Martin McCain Kinnaird and Barrington West Kinnaird. He grew up in Waynesboro, VA. As a teenager, he attended Darlington School in Rome, GA where his grandfather, James Ross McCain, served as the founding headmaster from 1905 to 1915. Jim, who bore his grandfather’s name, strove always to honor his grandfather – a man who loved education, the Lord, and service.

Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Emory and Henry College and his master’s degree in labor relations from Michigan State University. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1976 where he served as a paymaster and in the supply corps. Following separation from the Navy, he continued to work in the Naval Reserves, retiring after 20 years with the rank of Commander.

Jim was employed as a Personnel Analyst for the City of Lansing in the Human Resources Department. Living on the Grand River at the time, and his office being situated near the river, Jim took pleasure in occasionally paddling a canoe to work where he would casually enter the workplace with a dripping paddle over his shoulder.

Jim loved water and being near it. His “happy place” was his family’s cottage in Virginia where he enjoyed swimming and boating. Three of the homes he owned during his lifetime had water frontage, and in his many travels, he always sought out bodies of water where he could take a boat trip.

Jim enjoyed both domestic and foreign travel. He visited 27 different countries and was excited about each one. A planned trip to Greece and Crete was canceled due to his final illness, but he undoubtedly made a quick detour there before heading to his Heavenly destination. He trekked the Camino de Santiago – the oldest pilgrimage route across Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain – three times.

Jim served others quietly and unobtrusively. He participated in building the first two Habitat for Humanity homes in the Lansing area. He was a 5-gallon blood donor to the American Red Cross and volunteered with them as a responder for national emergencies. He joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 701 and served on their color guard recognizing and honoring military veterans who had passed on.

Jim joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while in the US Navy. He was taught the gospel by shipmates on the USS Eisenhower where the roar of launching and returning aircraft on the flight deck often interrupted Sunday services. He had a deep faith in his Savior Jesus Christ and served faithfully in different Church responsibilities. He married his sweetheart Lisa for time and eternity in the Washington, DC Temple of the Church and they enjoyed 41 years of married life on Earth together.
Jim will be dearly missed by his wife, Elisabeth (Lisa) Gottlieb-Kinnaird; his siblings, Barrington (Barry) West Kinnaird, Jr. (Jude), Mary Scott Kinnaird Miller (Bob) and Elizabeth (Bett) Isabel Kinnaird Verbeek (Tony); nephews and nieces; special cousin, Marvine Howe; and special friend, Eric Moore.

A memorial service is planned for later in the year. Jim will be buried in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. If you wish to honor Jim, please consider a donation to the Volunteers of America or the American Pilgrims on the Camino.
The family is being served by Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI.

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Funeral Services:

Kelley Lee Place, 54, of Bellevue, passed away on January 10, 2024, at his home in Bellevue.

He was born on November 22, 1969, to Robert and Janice (Masters) Place in Battle Creek, MI. Kelley worked as a machinist for Air-Way Manufacturing, he really enjoyed working there. On September 20, 1996 he married Mary Wiggins in Battle Creek. Kelley loved spending time with his family and liked to tease his daughters-in-law. He would add lyrics and make up lyrics to songs he would listen to. Kelley cared about his friends no matter what, he will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Kelley is survived by his loving wife, Mary; children, Jake (Danek) Hannah of Bellevue, Jeremy (Sara) Place of Bellevue; sisters, Kim (Mike) Music, Karla (Greg) Canfield, Karen (Matt) Thorne, brothers, Kyle (Sandy) Place, Kent (Sherri) Place all of Bellevue; sisters-in-law, Lorri Place of Bellevue; brothers-in-law, David (Brook) Wiggins, Katie (Lynn) Burke, Jennifer (Matt) Selwa; mother-in-law, Eva (David) Dintamin; and father-in-law, David Wiggins; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Lee Place and brother, Kalen Place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Kelley may do so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for children.

Arrangements are by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek 49015. For further information contact Kempf’s of Bellevue at 269-763-9511.

To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Ken Lacy enjoyed 94 years on this earth and he is much loved by his family and friends. He passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Saturday, January 13, 2024.

He was born September 6, 1929, the son of Curtis and Ruth Lacy and grew up in Roessleville, NY, with his sister Carolyn. He had a serious intestinal illness at age four and was a semi-invalid for three and half years but fully recovered. He helped his father build a house and develop his father’s real estate project on Lacy Lane before he headed off to Cornell University to earn a degree in agriculture. He was an Ag Agent for the New York State Agricultural Extension Service in Otsego County, NY for three years, where he met Betty, fell in love, married her, and adopted Debra. He then went to McCormick Seminary in Chicago and earned a Bachelor’s of Divinity degree in Theology. He pastored First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, IL for ten years, and was an Associate Pastor of Apostle Presbyterian Church of West Allis, WI for seven years.

In both churches he implemented dynamic programs that explained the Bible in visual and memorable ways – The Bethel Series for adults, and his own creations: an after-school program for school-aged kids he called Youth Club, and a teen program that used Young Life concepts called The Alley Door.

In 1976, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and then pastored several small nondenominational churches in Wisconsin and Michigan. His ministry had a focus on healing and deliverance. In retirement, he wrote about his spiritual journey in a self-published book called Walk With Me and he wrote two Bible study courses for children, Old Testament Overview and New Testament Overview, and gave them away for free.

He was community-minded: during the 60’s civil rights movement he walked with Martin Luther King, Jr. In the early 70’s he led teen groups to help do restoration projects in Milwaukee’s inner city and welcomed Vietnamese immigrants. In the late 70’s and 80’s he created a close-knit community of Christians that lived near to each other, as well as welcoming several people to live with his family for long periods of time.

His family fondly remembers him for his engaging stories and sense of humor. He took his family on epic vacations on a shoestring budget, and though they didn’t love reading every historic marker he could find nor the leaky tents used for camping, those vacations made for fond memories of rafting and body surfing rivers, riding waves on so many beaches, rail trail biking, hiking mountains, and visiting family in upstate New York. When his children were adults, he and Betty orchestrated weeklong family reunions either at the beach or in the mountains that were vital to keeping everyone in touch. Ken always believed God would supply all his needs and that worked out to be true. He was never wealthy but never was in need and he lived a rich life.

Ken was an avid jogger, then walker, all his adult life, and loved history and adventurous excursions, including hiking up Colorado mountains. His daily walk with the Lord was his greatest passion and focus.

He and his beloved late wife, Betty, raised four children, Debra Chicorelli (Bill Sellinger), Robert Lacy, Miriam (John) Woods, and Marsha (Domingo) Gallardo and he has ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lacy, and granddaughter, Heidi Ruth Woods.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Mt. Hope Church, 202 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917 with Pastor Joe Mead officiating. A private burial will take place at the Benton Township Cemetery.

To view Ken’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:

Michael Duane Harris, 79, of Charlotte, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, died peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024. Michael was born May 2, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Donald “Bucky” and Betty (Isbell) Harris. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1962 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and proudly serving two years during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he went to work as a lineman for Michigan Bell Telephone Company (later ATT). Throughout his career, he worked in several capacities, including cable splicer and construction supervisor, until his retirement. Michael married the love of his life, Mary Clarice Stephens on February 21, 1970, and the two enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Michael was a proud member of the American Legion and the 40 and 8 Club. He especially loved time spent at the family cottage on Higgins Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and time spent with his grandchildren. His family was everything to Michael, and he devoted his entire life to working hard to support them. He and Mary were members of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.

Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughters, Alice Harris and Brooke Hogan; sister, Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 2019; and his sisters, Katheryn Davidson and Donna Oliver-Johnson.

Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place in Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. 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 Michael’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 Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.