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Dean Hamilton Mills, 84, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2025. Born on November 6, 1940, to Blanchard and Mary (Tenney) Mills, Dean was a lifelong resident of Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1958 before attending Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

Dean began his career as an English teacher at Marion Public Schools before transitioning to the Michigan Department of Corrections, where he worked until his retirement in the early 1990s. However, his true passion was serving his community. For 40 years, Dean dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter, Auxiliary Police, EMT, and later a paramedic. His commitment to emergency services played a vital role in the establishment of the new Emergency Room at Eaton Rapids Medical Center.

Beyond his service, Dean was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and sport shooting as a member of the Three Fires flintlock shooting club. A 6th-degree black belt, he also shared his love of martial arts by teaching karate in his community. A devoted sports fan, he cheered faithfully for the Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Tigers.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Cindy Hogan; his children, Diane Peltier, Kim (Brad) Butler, Laura Mills, Lynn (Wayne) Sleeman, Jim Mills, Susan Myers, and Tom Milbourn; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jon (Vicky) Mills; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A service to honor Dean’s life was held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation in Dean’s memory.

To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Ellis J. Sanders was born in Eaton Rapids on November 9, 1932, and was the eldest son of John and Berthal Sanders. Surrounded by his loving family, he left this world to be reunited with his beloved wife Eva on January 13, 2025.

Ellis was a proud US Army veteran having served during the Korean War and earned the rank of Sergeant in the Army Corps of Engineers. While on leave, Ellis and Eva tied the knot on March 19, 1953, and were happily married for 68 years. Their marriage served as a shining example for everyone who knew them. Ellis worked at GM as a supervisor and retired in 1986. Friends and co-workers from GM will remember the annual pig roasts at their cottage in Walhalla, where there were good times, good food and lots of beer. After retirement, Ellis teamed up with his brother Norm to provide landscaping and lawn maintenance services to the community and helped with home remodeling and repair projects to those who needed a hand.

In his spare time, Ellis loved golfing with his buddies, meeting friends for coffee to solve the world’s problems and looked forward to deer hunting. A true sportsman and firearms expert, he bagged his last deer at the young age of 91. He would jump at the chance to travel to be with family or friends and cherished those special times at Tallman and Loon Lakes, trips to California, Florida, Arizona and around the globe. He was a prolific storyteller and was happy to share his knowledge and experiences. His family and friends will hold close to their hearts his words of wisdom.

Ellis is survived by his children, Steve (Ann) Sanders, Rick (Jackie) Sanders, Julie (Jim) Hannon. Ellis was very proud of his grandchildren; Allison (Josh) Hummel, Jessica (Erik) Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Look, Zach (Kasidy) Hannon, Stephanie (Jimmy) Wood, Grant Sanders (Haley Standage) and Gabrielle (Tyler) Witte. These grandchildren gave him 11 wonderful great-grandchildren: Owen & Blake Smith, Eva and Sutton Hannon, Chloe and Dakota Look, Holden and Parker Hummel, and James, Brooklyn and Logan Wood. He is also survived by his brother Norm and sister Evelynn (Doug) Stall, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

A celebration of Ellis’ life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church located at 600 S. Main Street in Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Melany Chalker officiating. The family will begin receiving friends and loved ones at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251.517-878-6600.

Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, in memo please put “hunting and fishing class” and American Legion in Charlotte, MI. The family is serviced by Vickers Funeral Home-Leslie.

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Ruth Ann Halsey of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Ruth was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 1, 1950, daughter of the late Walter and Virginia (Martin) Byington. She married Calvin Halsey on July 7, 1972, and together they shared one son. Ruth worked as a professional clown for many years as well as working for Lockwood Elementary in Eaton Rapids. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids and worked for their daycare, Small Blessings. Ruth enjoyed crafts, needlework and crocheting.

She is survived by her husband, Calvin Halsey Sr.; son, Calvin (Jennifer) Halsey Jr.; grandchildren, Masen, Annette and Amelia Halsey; brothers, Ken (Julie) Byington, Gerald (Kelly) Byington; sisters, Karen Lopez, Katherine (Rick) Keelan, Mary Ellen (Jack) Shue. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Tom Lopez.

A private graveside service will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids in loving memory of Ruth Ann Halsey. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Audrey “Jean” Bradfield, a woman who loved her family and being in the presence of others, died on Monday, February 10, 2025. Jean, 86, of Charlotte, was born on August 24, 1938, in Charlotte, the daughter of Vernon and Van Loa (Collier) Childs. Upon graduating from high school Jean worked as a Secretary at Bradfield Accounting. For many years she volunteered at the Eaton Rapids Medical Center and Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Jean loved family camping trips to Snow Lake and other campgrounds around the state. Every summer she loved attending the Thursday night concerts at the courthouse. Jean also enjoyed dancing, playing bingo, and playing the organ. Above all, her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.

Jean is survived by her sons, Mike (Michelle) Bradfield, and Chris (Jennifer) Bradfield; grandchildren, Melissa (Kyle) Nash, Jason (Katie) Bradfield, Justin (Aubrey Gilman) Bradfield, Ashley (Heather Suhonen) Bradfield, Elizabeth (Korey) Kazor, Jeff Byrd, Gage Mingus, and Kye Mingus; great-grandchildren, Zane, Canaan, Weston, Kashton, Wade, and Abel; siblings, Tony (Linda) Childs, Danny (Diana) Childs, and Bonnie Harwood; and many friends and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, March 22, 2025, from Noon until 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held following at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Jean’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Robert (Bob) Frank Morris of Charlotte, MI passed away on February 9, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born in Grand Ledge, MI on August 9, 1937; the son of Raymond and Syliva (Greenfield) Morris. Bob graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1956. He served with the National Guard for several years, and Bob worked for General Motors and retired after 30 years of service. Many of the activities Bob enjoyed most were centered around being outdoors, whether it was farming, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping or collecting sap to make maple syrup. Bob enjoyed hunting deer, elk and bear with trips to Montana, Colorado, Iowa, and his home state of Michigan. Born and raised on a farm, he was a farmer at heart and truly enjoyed everything about farming, whether it was planting and harvesting or the many animals he raised, including horses, cows, pigs, chicken, and turkey. He also raised and sold AKC registered Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Springer Spaniels. Bob was a generous, good-hearted, and kind man who enjoyed helping neighbors and spending time with his family. The family would like to give special thanks to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services for the exceptional care shown to Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Belinda (Jeff) Riddlebaugh, Jeff Morris, Amy (Phil) Kelso, Rob (Amy) Morris, Salleigh (Josh) Lyon, Larry (Fawn) Morris, Tina Ellena, Joan Ellena, and Teddy (Veronica) Ellena; fifteen grandchildren, Tori (John) Pline, Cody Morris, Clay Morris, Emily (Brandon) Kenyon, Hunter Morris, Remi Lyon, Lane Morris, Jake Morris, Theodore Ellena III, Jorge Hernandez Jr., Tyler O’Boyle, Tavontaye Ellena, Diamond Ellena, Jawon Ellena and Michael Ellena and seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jonnie (Marge) Morris, sister Joy (Lloyd) Thomas; sisters-in-law, Joan Morris and Becky Wood; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Jane Morris; parents, Raymond and Sylvia (Greenfield) Morris; brother, Carl Morris and sister, Jeanie Morris.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will take place before the service from 1:30-3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Donna Mae (Sundstrom) Johnson passed away on February 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Leonard Johnson. They are now dancing together in heaven. Donna was a devoted mother to her children Cathy Roberts, Dan (Katherine) Johnson, Linda (David) Prevo, Tom Johnson and beloved grandmother and gigi to nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Donna graduated from Charlotte High school in 1950 where she was a cheerleader and a twirler in the band. She married the love of her life, Leonard, in October 1950 and began a lifelong commitment to building and maintaining her family, a value that she has instilled in all her children and grandchildren. Donna was new to farm life and quickly learned to cook, sew, garden, and created a beautiful and gracious home. She often expressed that the birth of her children changed her life and she took great joy in all their accomplishments.

Donna and Leonard enjoyed many years of travel in their motor home with family and friends. They were snowbirds in Arizona and had great fun with the lively group of friends that lived on their block. Donna was in a bridge club in Charlotte for more than 50 years and enjoyed playing the game wherever she was. She loved to be outdoors and had beautiful gardens. She collected things in nature and used them to create beauty in her home.

Donna delighted in fun and maintained a love of adventure and learning throughout her life. She appreciated all that life gave her. Donna often expressed how grateful she was to have lived a long life full of wonderful experiences with her loving family and friends. She had a life well lived and will be greatly missed. The family she created will continue with her love.

In keeping with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place later this year.
Those desiring may make contributions in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org

To view Donna’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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Joanne Ruth Jones, a generous and determined woman, died February 10, 2025. Joanne, 93, of Charlotte was born on November 23, 1931, to Burr Lewis and Ruth (Gamble) Wood. She married Barton Jones, and the pair made a dynamic duo living the farm life, and the chores to go along with. Hard-working, spunky and loving, she had a wonderful sense of humor and loved spending time with her family and then later her grandchildren. Crafting and collecting shells and pudding stones and loved to travel out west in their motor home. Joanne volunteered at the VFW Home in Eaton Rapids; served as President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was a Life Member of that esteemed organization.

Joanne is survived by her sons, Steve (Cheryl) Jones, Mike (Ann) Jones, Larry (Cindy) Jones; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her siblings, Noveda, Phyllis, Feleniece, Lewis, Oral, Leon, Genevieve, Dean, and Dale.

Friends are encouraged to support Joanne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, February 16, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, February 17, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Joanne’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Sheri DeAnne Cogswell of Battle Creek, passed away February 7, 2025, at the age of 55. Sheri was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on September 26, 1969, the daughter of Daryl and Loretta (Slaght) Steele. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the class of 1987. Sheri was a manager at Cracker Barrel, she worked there for 27 years after starting out as a waitress in 1998. An accomplished herbalist, Sheri’s deep connection with nature was evident in her extensive knowledge of plants and their healing properties. Her nurturing spirit extended to her family and pets, whom she adored above all. Some of Sheri’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by her many family members. She also enjoyed traveling and riding her motorcycle whenever she had the opportunity.

Sheri is survived by her daughter, Chaina Cogswell; grandchildren, Peytan, Paisleah and Poppy DeAnne; parents, Daryl and Loretta Steele; brother, Daryl (Paula) Steele II; nieces and nephew, Megan, Ashleigh and Daniel (Rachel), as well as numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at FoxView, 975 Main Street, Nashville MI 49073. The immediate family will receive family from 12-1:30 p.m. and friends from 1:30-2 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ionia County Humane Society in loving memory of Sheri DeAnne Cogswell. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Theresa Claire Young Beckett (Tedi) went home to be with her gracious and loving Lord on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing. Tedi was born December 9, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas, to Betty Jo and Paul Curtis Vaught. She was later blessed with a wonderful stepfather, Philip Allen Young. She married Clifford Leroy Beckett on May 25, 1973, and was married 49 years until his death in 2022. Together, they raised two strong Christian sons, Chad Philip Beckett and Timothy Daniel Beckett. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Torrey (Tim) Smith, two absolutely adored daughters-in-law, Nancy Beckett and Tatyana Beckett; 7 very loved grandchildren, Frank, Lewis, Leia, and Natalie Beckett all from Texas and Kayla, Madison, and Michael Beckett from Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Clifford.

Tedi graduated from the University of Texas at Fort Worth System School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975 and from West Texas State University with her Master of Science in Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 35 years before retiring in 2018. She was known for her skills in teaching beginning nurses at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University. She created nursing education workshops for West Texas State University, the Michigan Nurses’ Association, the Michigan Department of Corrections, Grand Care Home Health Care and Hospice, and the Visiting Nurse Services of Lansing. Tedi also developed quality assurance programs for home health agencies and hospices. Before retiring in 2018, Tedi worked for the State of Michigan in a variety of roles, including long term care, complaint investigation, trainer, manager, and nurse auditor and analyst for a Medicare/Medicaid pilot program, and Director of Nursing at a state-run psychiatric hospital.

Tedi loved her family with all her heart. She had undying patience, an unwavering faith in them, consistent Biblical wisdom during hard times, and unfailing generosity. She supported them in all of their decisions with prayer and intercessions with the Lord. She wept with them in times of great sadness and rejoiced with them in times of great joy. As a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, she committed their individual lives to the Lord and prayed diligently for guidance in raising and loving them.

Tedi passionately loved many dogs, a few cats, and her backyard chickens. She loved to cook, grow vegetables, and collect cookbooks. She enjoyed reading and writing technical reports for work. Giving gifts at Christmas and helping with her grandchildren brought her great joy. Most of all she loved to read Scripture and her walk with the Lord.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Center Eaton Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Tedi’s memory to the Capital Area Humane Society 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

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

Stephen Burr & Suzie Wade

Stephen Burr

Son of

Suzie Wade

Daughter of