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Funeral Services:

Nancy Joanne Fox of Eaton Rapids, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Nancy was born on May 25, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Archie and Louise (Beashore) Fox. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and then went on to attend Michigan State University. Nancy worked for the State of Michigan for many years before her retirement. She was very social and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite hobbies was playing Bridge.

Nancy is survived by her nephew, John B. Fox; nieces, Kellie (Jack) Patton, Ceresa (James) Justus-Lee, Michele (Scott) Miller, Wendy (Brian) Rogers, Amy Norris; sister, Kathy Sage of Canada; sister-in-law, Gloria Fox; brother-in-law, Gordon Dill; 14 great nieces and nephews as well as many great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Norris, Mary Dill; brother, John D. Fox.

A private family burial was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township, Michigan. 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:

Leonard LeRoy Gyles of Holt, passed away September 10, 2025, at the age of 104. Leonard was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan, on July 24, 1921, the son of Fred and Elsie (Behling) Gyles. Leonard grew up to serve his country with bravery and distinction as a member of the United States Army during World War II, notably engaging in the historical Battle of the Bulge. For his service Leonard was awarded, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European African-Middle East Campaign (with Bronze Star) WWII Victory Medal. Following his military service, Leonard cultivated a fulfilling career as a master barber, a position he held with pride until his retirement. He was an active participant in the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Leonard was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #70 F & AM of Mason, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8 and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. An avid golfer, Leonard found tranquility and camaraderie on the greens.

He is survived by his children, Marilyn Stenberg of Pleasant Lake, Marlene (Michael) Osborn of Okemos, Lamont Gyles of Mason; devoted companion, Betty Fogle; Betty’s children, Gerry (Brent) Grinold, Clare (Janette) Everett, Clarice (Paul) Hamlin, Marcia Everett and Barb Woolard, Marie (Ralph) LaLonde;13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Marie Gyles; siblings, Leo Gyles, Bill Gyles, Margaret Hinkley, Dorothy Thomas, Lloyd Gyles; son, Leon Gyles; son-in-law, Jack Stenberg; daughter-in-law, Linda Gyles.

A Memorial Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 Washington Rd., Holt, MI 48842. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Military Heritage Museum, 311 N. Wisner St, Jackson MI 49202. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Nancy Jean Jecks of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the age of 80.

Nancy was born on August 6, 1945, in Charlotte, MI. She attended school there through the 11th grade before graduating with the Sexton High School Class of 1963.

She was admired for her strong work ethic and meticulous nature. Nancy dedicated 31 years to General Motors in payroll and workers’ compensation insurance before spending another eight years running her own business, Bucket and Broom, where she contracted to do final cleanups of new construction homes. Even away from work, Nancy poured her energy into maintaining a spotless home, a well-tended lawn, and a beautifully kept garden.

In her younger years, Nancy learned to fly alongside her father and cherished the time they spent together in the air. She was also an avid golfer, playing in leagues at both Centennial Acres and Eldorado Golf Course. Nancy had a deep love for animals, especially panda bears, and treasured the companionship of her grand dogs. She and her husband, Tom, enjoyed wintering in Paso Robles, CA, where she enjoyed visiting vineyards, taking in the ocean views, and strolling the beaches in search of sea glass.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Thomas Jecks; her sons, Archie Jecks and Mark (Debbie McCreary) Whitlock; grandchildren, Nina Whitlock and Mitchell Whitlock; brothers, Mike Lord and Terry Lord; along with numerous extended family members and cherished friends.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Eaton County Humane Society or the American Cancer Fund. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Rae Marie Warner (Parish), a much-loved mother of six children, age 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2025, leaving a void her family will never be able to fill.

Rae Marie enjoyed cheering on her grandkids and great-grandkids from the sidelines. If she could not be at every sporting event in person, she was calling and texting every five minutes for an update. She never missed a moment. Sundays were for the Detroit Lions, and she looked forward to the banter and back-and-forth with her boys. She loved to knit, boy, did she love to knit. She would show up one week with ten pairs of slippers and still arrive the next with ten more, “just in case.”

In her younger years, before becoming a grandmother and an armchair quarterback with opinions on everything from football to family get-togethers, she was known for her voice. If you knew Rae, you knew her voice, a voice that gave you goosebumps and made you forget all your troubles. And just like she did so many times here on Earth, today she sings with the angels.

Rae Marie is survived by her children: three sons, Michael, Matthew, and Mitchell (Sara) Parish; and two daughters, Stacie Veit and Shannon Parish; eleven grandchildren, Kellie, Kurtis, Gerhard, Samantha, Katie, Tony, Kristy, Danny, Myles, Scotty, and Molly; nine great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bob Warner. They will all miss her deeply.

She is now reunited with her beloved daughter, Kellie Jo Parish; her sister, Kay Warner; her brothers, Larry and Danny Warner; and her parents, George and Maxine Warner.

There will be a celebration of life memorial and lunch on September 27, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand Street, Eaton Rapids.

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Funeral Services:

Debra G. Etheridge, age 70 of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 1, 1955, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Ted and Evelyn (Henderson) Marshall.

Debra cherished her family above all else, a testament to the love she instilled in their lives. She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany (Ross) Mumma; and her four beloved grandchildren, Brittney (AJ) Bowen, Brooke (Austin) Clements, Emily (Cary Hudson) Mumma, and Elizabeth Mumma. Additionally, she leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren who will remember her affectionate spirit. Debra is also survived by her sisters, Sindi Marshall, Tammy (Gary) Bower, Lisa Marshall, and Beth (Tim) Massengale; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carrie Etheridge; her son, Joshua Meacham; her sister, Lori Henry; her brother, Teddy Marshall; and her niece, Maggie Marshall.

Throughout her life, Debra found joy in various hobbies including playing card games, creating and decorating miniature dollhouses, and engaging in arts and crafts such as scrapbooking and painting ceramics. Her creativity and passion enriched her life and the lives of those around her.

Debra’s Celebration of Life will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, located at 206 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, Michigan. Visitation will take place on September 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m.

Debra G. Etheridge will be dearly missed by her family and friends, and her memory will forever remain in their hearts.

To view Debra’s obituary online or to leave condolences 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:

Mr. Daniel (Danny) Barton Geyer, 59, of Charlotte, unexpectedly passed away in his home on September 6, 2025.

Danny was born in Muskegon, Michigan, July 18, 1966 to Barton and Patsy (Foreman) Geyer. In 1984, Danny graduated from Holt High School and then furthered his education in computer science. In 1994, he successfully completed Teen Challenge, admitting that his life was forever changed and that he had given his life to Jesus Christ. This is a testament he carried for the remainder of his life. 

Danny made it his personal mission to make sure every person in his reach was wearing a smile. He had the uncanny ability to turn even the most ridiculous and difficult situations into treasured family memories. 

He was completely in love with his family. He was never happier than when he was hamming it up with the Foremans. Whether it be in the middle of winter at Christmas parties, or in the middle of summer, soaking in the pool, he had a blast. More recently, he was excited to add his Geyer siblings to his shenanigans! He was so proud of that re-connection. It was a chance to share his love with even more of his cherished family.

While he loved cutting it up with his cousins, his true calling was much closer to home. Not only was he his mother’s child, but he was also her best friend. Never has there been a son that loved his mother more. They were partners in crime; two peas in a pod. No get-together was complete without Aunt Pat and Cousin Danny! There was never a dull moment to be had when those two were present.

Danny was preceded in death by his father, Barton Geyer; his uncles, Jack Foreman, Herbert “Herby” Geyer, Gilbert “Gil” Geyer; aunts, Betty (Foreman) Booher, Gloria (Geyer) Wood; cousins, Jody Mac Foreman, Matthew Zoll. 

He is survived by his mother, Patsy; uncles, Mac Foreman (Diane), Bennett “Ben” Geyer; aunt, Susan Steffen (Jack Foreman); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Danny’s love of life, his beautiful sense of humor, his passion for laughter and fun will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends alike.    

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Funeral Services:

Kevin Joslyn Beachnaw, of Charlotte, MI, passed away at the age of 70 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Sparrow Hospital in Charlotte. He was born on August 28, 1955, at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, to Donald and Donna (Sutton) Beachnaw.

Kevin was raised in a large military family as one of six children. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School. Kevin spent his life working with his hands and took immense pride in his craftsmanship as a carpenter and tradesman. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent every moment he could in a deer stand or with a fishing pole in hand. The woods and the water were his sanctuary.

His sense of humor was unmatched, and he saw every stranger as a potential friend who just had not heard one of his jokes yet. His generous spirit and love for people left a lasting impression on everyone he met. While he had many passions, his greatest love was for his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Lucas Beachnaw, who was KIA in Afghanistan in 2010. Kevin was also preceded in death by his parents, Donald Beachnaw and Donna Sutton; and his siblings, Dennis Beachnaw, Craig Beachnaw, Kelly Beachnaw, and Holli Hamill.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Yvette; daughter, Jamie (Ronnie) Bourquin; son, Thomas Beachnaw; stepsons, Chad and Brent McPhall; sister, Shaun (Joseph) Ancona; his eight grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Corbin, Gaige, Brock, Carson, Lillian, and Grady; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Kevin will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, and the deep love he held for the outdoors. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love for his family and friends.

Kevin’s family will be hosting a Life Celebration at a later date. 

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Funeral Services:

Charles L. Green, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Thursday, September 11, 2025. He was born October 29, 1937, in Detroit the only son of Fordyce and Edna (Schwan) Green. Charley spent his growing up years on North Cochran Avenue, where his family operated Green’s Grocery Store. It was here that Charley learned from watching his parents, how to serve his community with genuine compassion and humility. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School with the class of 1955. Charley then attended Olivet College and later graduated from Wayne State University in 1962, with a degree in Mortuary Science. While in school he worked at the Burkhead Furniture Store in Olivet and Burkhead-Cheney Funeral Home in Charlotte. MD Burkhead and Gordon Cheney were instrumental in taking Charley under their wings and setting him on a path to a successful career. After graduating from mortuary school, Charley returned to his hometown and began a legacy of service to his friends and community. On July 14, 1963, he married LeAnn Ruth Heisler at the First Congregational Church. He and LeAnn purchased the Burkhead Funeral Home in November of 1980. Charley was an active member for over 50 years and past president of the Charlotte Lions Club. Charley will be remembered as a true gentleman. He was a man of great integrity and empathy.

Charley is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, LeAnn; sons, Jeffrey (Lisa) of Charlotte, Michael (Lori) of Laingsburg; sister, Susie Carpenter of Whitehall; step-grandsons, Cory Leffingwell, Jason Leffingwell; honorary daughter, Angela (Brian) Overholt of Mulliken; honorary grandsons, Denys and Nazar Overholt; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marguerite (Doug) Burkhead; and brother-in-law, Lee Carpenter.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

Those desiring may make a contribution in Charley’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or First Lutheran Church 550 W. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.

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Funeral Services:

Hilda Mae TeVelde, a humble and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Hilda, 88, of Charlotte, was born on July 18, 1937, in Kent County, the daughter of Richard and Gertrude (VandenBerg) DeVries. She was a graduate of Grand Rapids Christian High School, class of 1955. On June 25, 1957, she married Calvin TeVelde and together spent the next 49 years creating their legacy until his passing in 2007. Hilda proudly worked for 24 years at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility as a cook, before retiring in 1999. One of her favorite daily tasks while working was baking pies for the residents. She would bake 10 pies each day with apple being the resident’s favorite. Hilda was a homemaker at heart and hobbies that she enjoyed included, gardening, canning, reading, knitting, crocheting, singing, playing cards, bowling, collecting poetry, and playing the piano. In recent years Hilda attended TOPS Club at AL!VE in Charlotte, where she made countless new friends. She devoted her life to the Lord and was a founding member of the Charlotte Christian Reformed Church, now known as Christ the King Reformed Church. Above all her biggest passion in life was being with her family.   

Hilda is survived by her children, Thomas (Marcia) TeVelde, Richard TeVelde, Cindy TeVelde, Joel (Crystal) TeVelde, and Amy (Bradley) Harris; grandchildren, Manny (Jamie) Lopez, Angela (Joe Fredericks) TeVelde, Crystal TeVelde, Shawna TeVelde, and Branden Harris; one great-grandchild; siblings, Richard DeVries, Arline Wielenga, and Bernard (Joyce) DeVries. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Calvin; siblings, Florence VandenBerg, Mary Schipper, Albert DeVries, Ralph DeVries, Edward DeVries, John DeVries, and Bertha Huisman; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Hilda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, September 19, 2025 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Christ the King Reformed Church in Charlotte with Pastor Bret McAtee officiating. A private family graveside service will be held at West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Hilda’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 Salvation Army. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Douglas Rex Brown, 84, of Vermontville, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on September 10, 2025.

Doug was born on February 24, 1941, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing to Franklin and Opal (Thurlby) Brown. He attended Lansing schools and graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1959. Shortly after, he began a long and dedicated career at Oldsmobile/General Motors, where he worked for 42 years until his retirement in 2006. During his career he was a skilled tradesman in experimental assembly and also served as a UAW committeeman.

Doug’s life was filled with passions that reflected his love of family, friends, church, and cars. His enthusiasm for automobiles was more than a hobby; it was a legacy he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Together they shared countless memories at car shows, especially when everyone brought their own hot rod. A true auto enthusiast, he found joy in building, drag racing, and photographing cars, always eager to share his knowledge and appreciation for the craft.

His love of golf began at the age of 13, when he pedaled an ice cream cart through his neighborhood to save enough money for his very first set of clubs. That early eagerness grew into a lifelong passion. He played in countless golf leagues, most often alongside his best friend, Dean Steward, and delighted in teaching the game to his grandchildren.

Another of Doug’s great joys was photography. He captured life’s most meaningful moments through his lens, from weddings and senior portraits, to highlighting his grandchildren in sports. His photographs became treasured keepsakes, reflecting his eye for beauty and his love of preserving memories.

Doug is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Nancy Brown; four children: Eric (Kandy) Brown, Heather (Lou) Moon, Matt (Greer) Brown, and Derek (Julie) Brown; nine grandchildren: Jordan (Nick) Schooley, Nick (Rebekah) Moon, Jacob Brown, Zack Moon, Isabella Brown, Jada Brown (Colin), Simone Brown, Evan Brown, and Chloe Brown; and six great-grandchildren: Scarlett, Clancy, and Cashel Schooley; and Carson, Bailey, and Avery Moon. He is also survived by his loyal German Shepherd, Summer, and his many nieces and nephews. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Opal Brown, and his siblings, Patricia (George) Schraft, Mary (Kent) Miller, Donald (Barb) Brown, Doyle (Grace) Brown, and Yvonne (Jerry) Simpson.

Friends and family gathered for visitation on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. A mass service was held Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cyril Catholic Church in Nashville, with a luncheon to follow.

Flowers can be sent to Daniels Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home- Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.