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Funeral Services:

Patrick Michael O’Brien, better known as OB, a true patriot and loving family man, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, brother, sister-in-law, and children at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.  OB, 75, of Plainwell, formerly of Charlotte, was born March 8, 1949, in Detroit, the son of Dennis Joseph and Elizabeth Louise (Merritt) O’Brien.  Growing up in Dearborn, OB learned the value of hard work pumping gas and working on cars at his father’s service station.  He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School but was drafted into the U.S. Army before graduating.  OB’s talents in mechanical problem-solving and innovative thinking landed him a role as a helicopter mechanic and door gunner aboard a Huey Helicopter in the thick of the Vietnam War.  Upon his return from the war, OB found the disarray and chaos of the 1960s American homeland unbearable and volunteered immediately for a second tour of duty.  He returned to the Vietnam jungles only to find his former base abandoned.  He foraged his way to a new base, where he once again served his country with valor and distinction, earning countless decorations, including a Bronze Star.

Upon returning home, OB had several unusual jobs during these years, including training security dogs, going undercover for his father’s Fairlane Detective Agency, working as a bouncer and steel truck driver, and earning his welding certification to construct dune buggies.  He finished his G.E.D. and went on to earn two associate degrees. He eventually found his calling, enlisting with the Army Air National Guard, where he remained for nearly forty years.  He married the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Murrell, affectionately known to OB as Margaret, on October 16, 1976.  A few years into their marriage, Sherry and OB welcomed their son, Shaun Patrick O’Brien, and soon after, their daughter, Tara Elizabeth O’Brien.  They moved their young family to Charlotte, MI, where they would reside for 40 years.

OB continued his service as a career helicopter mechanic with the Air National Guard in Grand Ledge, eventually attaining the rank of First Sergeant.  His unit was deployed to Iraq, where he served his final tour of active combat duty at Camp Anaconda in Balad.  His troops trusted his combat experience and leadership, and he commanded respect from all who worked alongside him, including his superiors.  OB was always known to stand up for what is right and never back down.  His humility wouldn’t allow him to admit it, but to all who knew him, he was the true definition of an honorable man and a hero.

OB organized the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the armory in Grand Ledge for many years, complete with corned beef and cabbage, serving over 100 servicemen and their families. His innate ability and natural God-given intelligence allowed him to solve problems many others couldn’t, a trait he passed on to his children.  Patriotism was a top priority in OB’s life.  To him, “Country is Family.”  He organized and led the construction of the Memorial Wall in Grand Ledge and served as a Mercy Pilot for those in need of transportation for long-distance medical care.

Above all, OB will be remembered for his dependability, courage, and love for his family.

OB is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Sherry O’Brien; their son, Shaun (Lara) O’Brien; their daughter, Tara (Aaron) McCullough; three grandsons, Beckett and Colin McCullough, and Logan O’Brien; sister, Beth (Ron) Clark; brother, Kevin (Fran) O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Timmy O’Brien and Dennis O’Brien.

Friends are encouraged to support OB’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church and in the Parish Hall after completing military honors.  The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device with internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on OB’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Elizabeth “Liz” Leslie Spaeth, a woman known for being a vibrant Jesus Freak which led to her fierce love of others, died on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Liz, 71, of Charlotte, was born on January 8, 1953, in Arlington, MA, the daughter of Ralph and Anne (Stanley) Scribner. She graduated from Waverly High School and later earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. On June 8, 1974, she married Hal Spaeth and together they spent the next 50 years creating their legacy. Liz was known as a Triple Threat as a homemaker, accountant, and a talented seamstress. Over the years Liz ran a sewing and alterations business out of her home. She made her own wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses. Liz devoted her life to the Lord. She was a self-proclaimed Jesus Hippie. With her love for others she cared for lots of children, and helped several troubled young adults over the years. She was an avid swimmer and taught her children and grandchildren how to swim. For over 20 years she and her husband went to serve at the Jamaican Deaf Village where she set up a profitable sewing business that the residents could run themselves. Hobbies that she enjoyed included playing classical guitar, collecting rocks and fossils, camping, reading, and anything hummingbirds. Liz was an adjunct Judo instructor at Michigan State University and was a Women’s Masters World Judo Champion, National Champion, and Kata Master. Above all Liz was very thankful for the family God blessed her with.

Liz is survived by her husband, Hal; children, Rachel (Rob) Wood, Chris (Jenny) Spaeth, and Rosemary Neumeister; grandchildren, Youngju, Ace, Grace, Kelvin, Ellie, Cassie, Donna, Kallie, Alex, Emma, Sophia, Livie, and Daryl; sisters, Judy Scribner, Elaine (Steve) Scribner-Wagner, and Katey (Scott) Van Allsburg; niece and nephews, Ian (Melanie), Everett, and Jessica (Tim); and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and son-in-law, Ben Neumeister.

Friends are encouraged to support Liz’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 4-5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Pete Kroll officiating, with a dinner following the service. 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 Liz’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 Answers in Genesis. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Virginia “Jenny” May Burlison, 68 of Eaton Rapids, an extraordinarily proud grandma and caring individual, died September 23, 2024. Jenny was born February 4, 1956 in Hastings. She was an on-site manager for the Barry County Commission on Aging. Some of the activities she enjoyed include knitting, going to the casino, and bowling on a Sunday night bowling league called “Holy Rollers.” Many activities were centered around her grandchildren, including weekly trips to McDonalds for chicken nuggets, making cookies and rock candy.

Virginia is survived by her sons, Nickolas Wolf and Carl “CJ” Wolf; grandchildren, Carter, Haellie, and Miranda Wolf; siblings, Norma (Roger) Claypool, Sandy (Harry) Rollins, and Steve Reid; many nieces and nephews; many “adopted” grandbabies, including Isaac Snyed; her fur babies, Fumble and Chloe; and her fur grandbabies. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Burlison; parents, Lyle Reid, and Jean and Ernest Withey; and fur babies, Bobby Jo and Daisy Mae.

Friends are encouraged to support Virginia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, September 30, 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ 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 Virginia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests contributions to Potterville Athletics “Youth Wrestling Club” or Crosswalk Teen Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

James “Jim” “Jimmy” Scott Bernheisel, a man who lived his life to the fullest even with all odds against him at birth, died on Friday, September 20, 2024. Jim 52 was born on September 27, 1971 in Charlotte, the son of Arthur Bernheisel and JoAnn (VanDorpe) Lefever. He was a 1991 graduate of Charlotte High School, and after began working at different places around town. Many will remember Jim as being a people person and a ladies’ man. If there was Bingo around town Jim was there. He played every week at the Senior Center and was a caller at the American Legion. Jim also enjoyed trips to baseball games, bowling, and skydiving with his buddy Stewart. He was also very lucky when it came to trips to the casino. Above all Jim was very proud that he was able to live the life that he did with the cards he was dealt.

Jim is survived by his mother, JoAnn Lefever; siblings, John (Candace) Bernheisel, and Betty Jo Adams; special friends, Pat Yockey, and the entire Osier Family; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Bernheisel; and brother, Jeffery Lynn Bernheisel.

Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 4-6:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Dena J Cowick (Potter), age 52, of Jackson, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was born March 2, 1972, in Charlotte, the daughter of Reginald and Virginia (Brandon) Potter. Dena loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Brody, and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Dena had a huge heart for others. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.

Dena is survived by her son, Brody Boone; father, Reginald Potter; brother Jason (Lindsay) Potter; brother Adam (Jill) Potter, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her second son Dillon Boone; husband Robert Cowick; and mother Virginia Potter.

In keeping with the wishes of her family, cremation has taken place.

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Funeral Services:

Gone too soon, Emily Elizabeth Hansen, age 26, of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on September 10, 2024. She was born June 25, 1998 in Kalamazoo, MI to Edwin L. Hansen, Jr. and Wendy (Hagerman) Cornish.

Emily was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine. She was an old soul that touched everyone she knew. She found joy in greeting and chatting with the community at Oriole Nutrition in Charlotte, knowing them all by name. She loved to sit and talk with the elderly she helped take care of at The Oaks in Battle Creek. Serving others is what made her heart happy.

Emily was an extremely proud dog mom to Pumpkin, the love of her life. She also loved the Detroit Red Wings, Harry Potter, Legos, Halloween, scary movies, elephants, Christmas, and all the Christmas movies.

She is survived by her mother, Wendy (Dwayne) Cornish of Charlotte, MI; her fur-baby, Pumpkin; siblings, Lindsay (Jamie) Rokita of Parma, MI, Bethany Cornish of Marshall, MI, Landon Cornish of Dorr, MI, and Ashley (Tyler) Six of Portage, MI; grandparents, Calvin Bates, Sr. of Albion, MI and Mike (Sandy) Cornish of Albion, MI; aunts and uncles, Joe (Teresa) Hagerman of Albion, MI, Brandie (Jimmy) Owens of Camden, MI, Dawn (Tom) Hoyt of Albion, MI, Kathleen Hansen of Albion, MI, Jason (Niki) Hansen of Albion, MI, Tracy (Rob) VanHove of Detroit, MI, Leslie (Sherman) Price of Bronson, MI, Warren Hagerman of Camden, MI, Calvin Bates, Jr. of Washington, and Mallisa Cunha of Washington; many loving cousins, and her godmother, Sherill (Buff) Swanson of Mt. Iron, MN.

She is preceded in death by her father, Edwin L. Hansen, Jr.; grandparents, Elizabeth Ellen Bates, Edwin Hansen, Sr., Doris Hansen, George D. (Marian) Hagerman, Sr. and uncle, Doug (Melissa) Hagerman.

A visitation was held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, in Albion, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM. That evening they continue to celebrate Emily’s life with dinner and memories at the Beach Market in Downtown Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Carolyn Anderson Nelson, 70, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on September 15, 2024, in her home after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Carolyn was born in Provo, Utah, on September 6, 1954, to Roland and Renee Anderson.  As a child, she and her family moved to Mount Clemons and then Muskegon, Michigan.

Carolyn graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1972 and from there attended Muskegon Community College and Rick’s College in Idaho.  She transferred to Michigan State University where she met her eternal companion, Val Nelson.  They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 24, 1976.  They welcomed 5 children while living in Michigan and Utah.

Carolyn dedicated her professional career to working with children with special needs in the Charlotte Public Schools for 29 years.  In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, crafting, and most recently started working with stained glass. She was a dedicated member of her church community where she faithfully served the children, youth, and women.  Her faith in Jesus Christ was a paramount piece of her life.  She was often found to be reading her scriptures and in most recent years serving in the Detroit Temple every other Saturday.

Carolyn loved her family most of all and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  Throughout her life she was found at her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events, band or orchestra concerts, dance recitals, and more.   Ever the peacemaker, she was sought for her wisdom and listening ear.  She will be missed for her selfless, compassionate, dedicated, and loving nature.

She is preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her loving husband Val Nelson of Charlotte, MI.  Children: Victoria (Weylin) Douglas of Laingsburg, MI, Meggen (Joshua) Kensler of Kalamazoo, MI, Tiffany (Paul) Quast of Richmond, TX, Elaina Nelson of Las Vegas, NV, Jared (Dahlia) Nelson of Murray, UT and 12 grandchildren.  Siblings: Clint Anderson of Oklahoma City, OK, Vennetta Hickson of Kansas City, MO, and Vint (Denae) Anderson of Pace, FL.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 200 North Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carolyn’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To view Carolyn’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:

Florence Jannette Davids, age 65, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. She was born August 25, 1959, in Charlotte, the daughter of Donald and Florence (Smith) Davids. Flo loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Presten and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Flo had a huge heart for others and would give you the shirt off her back. She enjoyed drawing, playing cards, and listening to music. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.

Flo is survived by her son, Presten Charles Merschel; grandchildren, P.J. and Nevaeh; sister, Donna (Jackie) Oestrick; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Charlene M. Shaver.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 3 P.M. at Needmore Cemetery 351 W. Needmore Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

Those desiring may make contributions in Flo’s memory to the family.

To view her 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:

Douglas Edward Cove, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born February 9, 1952, in Charlotte the son of Robert and Leone (Haddix) Cove. Doug graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970. He went to work for General Motors and retired with over 35 years of service. Doug was a huge MSU and Green Bay Packers fan but he only switched to the Packers after his perpetual disappointment in the Detroit Lions. Doug loved cooking for the family and just spending time together.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Carl Gordon; and brother, David Cove.

He is survived by his children: Jason (Cherie) Cove of Charlotte, Joel Cove of Charlotte, Celena (Kevin) Aspinall of Charlotte, Carli (Russell) Miyasato of Eaton Rapids; four grandchildren; and siblings: John (Shirley) Cove, Linda (Jack) Raymond, Debbe (David) Townsend.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family asks that you wear MSU apparel.

Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, 530 Beech 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.

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Funeral Services:

Joan Elaine Hart of Onondaga, passed away September 13, 2024, at the age of 97. Joan was born on August 26, 1927, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Louis and Bernice (Bateman) Gretton. She attended Mason High School and graduated in 1946. Joan lived in the farmhouse that her great grandfather built in 1875. She spent lots of time outdoors in her gardens. Joan was very proud of her flowers, she always made sure to let her son, Brad, know not to mow over her flowers. She had vegetable gardens and fruit trees and spent many hours canning fruits and vegetables. Joan was a member of Farm Bureau and the Mason Art Guild. She was a great artist, she especially enjoyed watercolors and oil paintings.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Robert Sanderson) Hart of Mason; sons, Bradley (Diane) Hart of Onondaga and Brian (Pam) Hart of Brutus; grandchildren, Marc (Christina) DuWig, Darcie (Uwe) Saefkow, Katie Sigman, Karrie Hart, Tyler Hart, Collin Hart; great grandchildren, Gwenyth, Lily Ann, Keegan, Juliana, Jordyn, Atley; sisters-in-law, Muriel Allen, Merna Mudgett, Marlene Akers, June Hart, Rosie (Jerry) Miers as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Clair “MC” Hart in 2013; parents, Louis and Bernice; brother, Dale Gretton; sister, Eleanor Hart.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Island City Assisted Living and all their staff for the phenomenal care they gave Joan for the last four years.

A Memorial Service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation the evening prior from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2260 E. Saginaw Street, Suite A, East Lansing MI 48823 or Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids in loving memory of Joan Elaine Hart. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.