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Funeral Services:

Duane Richard Martin of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 88. Duane was born January 28, 1935. He was a foster child living in numerous places in Eaton Rapids, including, the Miller Farms, the VFW National Home for Children, and many thanks for the following people for taking him in as well: Luman and Luella Klink, Charlie Campbell and Herbert Gates, Sr. Being a father was an important role for him and it was one that he took on lovingly full time while farming his land. Duane worked for the Lansing School District as a painter and was a Maintenance Director at the Dimondale Nursing Center for many years. He was a member of Robbins United Methodist Church, the Eaton Rapids Chapter FFA, was the leader of the 4-H Club Borderline Wonders, a 4-H softball coach that went all the way to the State Finals, member of the American and Michigan Corriedale Sheep Breeders Association holding many officer positions, the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association, was the 1993 Premier Sheep Breeder at the Michigan State Fair, and a wool buyer. He spent winters in Zephyrhills and loved restoring tractors.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Martin; daughters, Kim (Steven) Koth of South Haven, MI, Teresa (Robert) Wallo of Gregory, MI; grandchildren, Joshua (Angela) Salow-Leatherberry, Gregory Wallo, Stacy (Craig) Rehmann, Michelle (Travis) Pietsch, Eric Robert Duane (Julie) Leatherberry; great grandchildren, Ethan, Hendrix, Kayden, Jemma, Kenley, Emily, Annabelle, and Jillian; finally, his dog, Ginny, who was his best friend. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Timothy Edward Salow and several siblings.

Memorial services were held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartwood Schools, 625 Hagadorn Rd, Mason, MI 48854. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Paul Duane Adleman, a resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on March 21, 1935, Duane was the fourth child of Emery and Winnie (Taylor) Adleman and spent his formative years in Big Rapids, MI, graduating from high school in the class of 1952 and went on to receive his bachelor’s in accounting from Ferris State University.

Duane proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. On June 22, 1957, he married the love of his life, Joyce (Knoop) Adleman, and together they raised three beautiful children.

Throughout his career, Duane worked as a purchasing manager for several manufacturers, including Capitol Plastics, Dart Container, Spartan Motors, and Melling Corporation. In his retirement, he found joy in delivering paint and driving for Sparrow Hospital. Duane was a devoted homebody who cherished moments spent playing cards, board games, and passionately supporting the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Dennis) Desgrange, Tim (Sue) Adleman, Ron (Barb) Adleman; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Adleman; his brothers, Art, and Floyd Adleman; his sister, Dolly Lile; and his grandson, Creig Adleman.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at the funeral home starting at 10:00 a.m. A remembrance luncheon hosted by the family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Duane. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Merle Leroy Rochester of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 86. Merle was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on August 11, 1937, the son of Arlo and Alice (Paquette) Rochester. He proudly served with the US Army for two years while stationed in Germany.

Merle worked for General Motors for 30 years and not a day more, before retiring in 1986. He was also a lifetime farmer taking over his family farm. Merle enjoyed bowling and chasing around grandkids whenever he got the chance.

Merle is survived by his wife, Daisy Rochester of Eaton Rapids; children, Kathi (Barry) Hardin of Haslett, Jeffrey (Carol) Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Larry (Lori) Chesebro of Muskegon, Charles Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Gary (Lindsey) Chesebro of Stanwood, Christine (Todd) Garrison of Eaton Rapids; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marilynn Ward; second wife, Linda Potter; grandson, Jeffrey Rochester Jr; siblings, Robert Rochester, Eloise Bainbridge, Loreen Bertram, Wilson Rochester.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in loving memory of Merle Leroy Rochester. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Marjorie Ann Niceswander of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 7, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born in Mason, Michigan on June 28, 1947, the daughter of Charles Norman and Mary Ellen (Dexter) McMann. Marjorie enjoyed the simple life and liked to keep to herself. Some of her hobbies included reading, playing games on her Kindle and growing cherry tomatoes in her garden. Marjorie was also a good cook, she had a special recipe for homemade tortillas that her family especially enjoyed.

Marjorie is survived by her children, Dean Niceswander of Lansing, Wade (April) Niceswander of Missouri; grandchildren, Keith, Hannah (Dustin), Hali (Nicole), Hunter (Allison), James and Arisa; great grandchildren, Emma, Gavyn, Enslea, Aidon, Charlie and Elliet; siblings, Chuck (Deb) Wells, Nancy (Bob) Botke, Mary (Chester) Anderson, Eileen (Steve) Delaney; sister-in-law, Michelle Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Niceswander in 2022; parents, Charles and Mary; siblings, Betty Lou Elliott, Mark Smith, Dan Molter and Mike McMann.

A memorial will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Marjorie Ann Niceswander. 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:

Gerald Lynn Oberlin, age 69, of Rives Junction, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023, with his loving family by his side at Henry Ford Hospital Jackson. Gerald was born on June 26, 1954, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Warren and Marilyn Oberlin who have preceded him in death. He was a jack of all trades and worked in welding, roofing, and as an auto mechanic. Gerald married his loving wife, Kim, and they shared 39 years of marriage before her passing in 2022. He loved anything outdoors and tinkering with anything with an engine. He merged those passions into his “other wife,” Black Magic, his beloved Dune Buggy, and they spent many hours riding the Michigan sand dunes. He also loved mud bogging, bracket racing, drag racing, and lawn mower racing with Outlaw Raceway. When he felt like slowing down, he enjoyed the quiet of hunting and fishing, watching action movies, and singing his favorite songs (just not very well). In his younger years, he played softball for local teams. Gerald loved to make people laugh and although he enjoyed hearing or telling a good joke, practical jokes were his favorite, and no one was safe from his hijinks. He was an unofficial employee of the Springport C-Store where he held the counter down while chatting and joking with everyone. Gerald was generous and would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was missing the sleeves, and was willing to drop everything to help a friend. Although he was not a hugger, you knew he loved you through his actions. He loved his family, enjoyed family get-togethers, and will be remembered as being a loving husband and great father and grandfather.

Along with his parents and wife, Gerald is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Sam and Phyllis Gillett, and brother-in-law, Denny (Sandy) Gillett. He is survived by his sons: Jerry (Jessica) Oberlin, Jamie (Sarah) Oberlin, and Patrick (Brandi Fiser) Oberlin; bonus children, Scottie Catt and Lacy Osborn; grandchildren: Breanna (Chris), Brian, Dewey, RiRi, and Wyatt; bonus grandchildren: Dakota, Jayden, and Millie; and great-grandchildren, Baylee and Rylee. Gerald is also survived by his siblings: Terry Porter, Vickie Hamp, Sandy (TJ) Baker, Sharon (Richard) Calkins, Larry (Debbie) Oberlin, and Karen (Steve) Gordon; best friend of 57 years, Stan (Barrie) Latoski; special friends: Natasha (Jason) Haring, Sarah (David) Lightner, and Stan “Bud” Latoski; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Springport Bible Church located at 240 Mechanic Street in Springport, Michigan, with Pastor Matt Rhode officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service and a graveside service will follow at the Springport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Drive, Suite 200, Okemos, MI 48864, or online at act.alz.org. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.

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Funeral Services:

Herman H. (Bud) Schuette, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2023 at The Gables at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.

Bud was born on May 14, 1929 in Wallace, Michigan. He worked on the family farm throughout high school and when he graduated, enlisted in the Navy. When Bud was discharged from the Navy and returned home, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Barbara Fort. In 1955, Bud was offered a job with the United States Postal Service, so they moved to St. Paul, MN. They purchased a home in Oakdale, MN and lived there for 50 years. Bud retired from the Postal Service after 32 years and went to work, part-time, for Hermanson’s Dental as delivery driver.

After Bud was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, he moved to Boutwells Landing and resided there for seven years. Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann (Fort), in 2003; his parents, Herman and Edith; and his siblings and their spouses, Joyce (Jack) and Warren (Pearl). Bud was the last survivor of his family of origin.

Bud is survived by his loving daughter, Ruthie (Brad); son Donald (Diane); nine loving grandchildren: Jenie, Jane, Dan, Anna, Sarah, Becky, Ashly, Maddy and D.J.; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff on the second floor of the Gables at Boutwells Landing for the loving care that they gave to Bud (Grandpa) over the years. They are truly an amazing team working in a blessed place. The gifts from the St. Croix Hospice staff will never be forgotten. Their presence as Dad’s health declined was such a blessing and the family is grateful.

A Celebration of Life and burial for Bud and Barb will be held at a later date in the Mellon Township Cemetery in Wallace, Michigan.
Memorials may be sent to “The Gables at Boutwells Landing” or “St. Croix Hospice” in Bud’s name.

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Funeral Services:

Henry Francis Tripplet, 83 of Charlotte, MI, a good ole country boy that grew up in North Carolina and never met a stranger, died December 6, 2023, in Florida. Henry was born March 22, 1940, in Hickory, North Carolina to Bertha (Swanson) Whisnant and attended Beecher High School. Henry was a kind, generous, and helpful guy with a great sense of humor and he loved to pick on people. Many people in Charlotte will remember him for the many activities he participated in at the Senior Center, always working on projects and portraying many different characters in the shows there over the years. Henry was never one to sit still for long. He participated in many activities at his church, Crossroads United Brethren, was active with the Eaton County Fair, and he loved to cut wood, selling it by the cord, and do woodworking projects. A very humble guy, Henry never liked to talk about himself, and also never had an unkind word about another person.

Henry worked 30 years at Fisher Body. He was married for 42 years to his first wife, Linda, and they had five children together. After her death, Henry married Ramona Chase in 2004 and they enjoyed their golden years together, including many local community activities and travelling.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ramona; children, Tina (Dave) Farrow, Henry (Cindy) Tripplet, Michael (Bethany) Tripplet, and Tresa (Steve) Manning; and Bethany (Theodore) Wilson; 15 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren.

Friends are encouraged to support Henry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, December 16, 4-7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 17, 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ricky Hull officiating. Please join the family immediately following the service at Eaton Area Senior Center for lunch. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Crossroads United Brethren Church or Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Charles Steve “Sonny” White, 84, of Portland, a beloved husband, father, and “papa” to the grandchildren, died peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023. Charles was born October 13, 1939, in Hazard, KY, the son of Steve and Juanita (Patrick) White. As a boy, his grandfather nicknamed him “Sonny,” a name he proudly used throughout his life. He grew up among the Kentucky coal camps and was a proud descendant of a Scottish family that made their way to America aboard the Mayflower. Although Sonny moved north at a young age, he remained proud of his family heritage and upbringing throughout his life. As a young man, he settled in Michigan, where he married and started his family. He worked as a Millwright at Fisher Body until his retirement in 1996. Sonny enjoyed a lifelong passion for automobiles, especially his corvettes. He married Sharon Ann Norton and the two enjoyed 37 years of love and adventure, traveling throughout the country and all over the world, including the Far East, Australia and Europe. In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed time in the outdoors, tending to his garden and attending Detroit Tigers games. He loved to play pool and continued to enjoy watching others play when he no longer could actively participate. Above all, he loved and cherished time spent with his family and friends.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon Norton-White; his forever friend and mother of their children, Rosalie White; children, Billy (Donetta) White, Sonny (Susan) White, Crystal White, and Ruth (Brian Porter) Henry; grandchildren, Tausha (Eric) Stiver, Nichole (Joe Bowles) White, Jeff (Fawn Larder) White, Megan Burden, Chuck (Stephanie) Moss, Zebulin (Jennifer) White, and Cody White; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Belle Emenheiser; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve White and Juanita Fraley; sisters, Doris June Wells and Barbara Sue Trowbridge; brothers, Curtis Eugene Fraley and Theodore Wayne Fraley; and son, Steven White.

Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Gathering will take place on January 6, 2024, from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Sara Jackson

Celebrating 97 Years
Since December 28, 2024

Happy birthday to Sara Jean Jackson from Battle Creek, Michigan, who will be celebrating her 97th birthday on December 28, 2023. A card shower in her honor would be appreciated. Cards may be sent to Sara Jackson, in care of The Haven House, 1146 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte MI 48813.

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Funeral Services:

Charlene Mae Love left this earth and entered heaven on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Eaton County Health and Rehab. Charlene 89, of Charlotte, was born on October 9, 1934, in Charlotte, the daughter of Cecil and Donna (Davis) Deuel. She was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1952. On February 24, 1957, she married Verland Love and they created lasting memories until his passing in 1996. Charlene was very proud of the Centennial farm house that she and Verland renovated and called home. Shortly following his death, Charlene sold the house and moved into town. In her younger years she worked at Michigan Bell Telephone as a Phone Operator, later as a Secretary at First Baptist Church, and she finished her working career as a Para-Professional for Charlotte Public Schools. Charlene was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she took part in several bible studies, and other church activities that she was deeply proud of. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, doing crossword puzzles, reading, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans, and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren.

Charlene is survived by her children, Laura (Chris) Thomas, Kent Love, Kirke (Debbie) Love; grandchildren, Stephen (Kailey) Thomas, Nathanael Thomas, Micah (Maria) Thomas, Courtney (Kristian) Gaedtke, and Andrea Love; 1 great-grandchild, Atlas Thomas; brother, Larry (Karen) Deuel; sister-in-law, Sharon Deuel; several nieces, nephews, and lifelong church friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Verland; siblings, Lynn Deuel, and Karen Sanders; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Charlene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with son-in-law, Rev. Christopher Thomas 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 Charlene’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 Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.