Phyllis Nelson

Celebrating 100 Years
Since January 29, 1924

Phyllis Nelson of Charlotte was born on January 29, 1924. She recently celebrated her 100th Birthday on January 27 with family and friends. Happy birthday, Phyllis!

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Funeral Services:

Terry Lee Baker, 72, of Springport, passed away on January 17, 2024, at his home. He was born on July 21, 1951, to Larry and Marjorie (Shotts) Baker in Indianapolis, IN. He married Kathleen D. Mulligan on July 25, 1970, in Michigan City, IN. Terry received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tri-State College Angola, IN. He worked for Hayes Albion in Albion, MI for 22 years as the engineering manager, then for Texas Foundry where he worked in maintenance engineering management and East Jordon Iron Works in Ardmore, OK as an engineering manager. He then returned to Michigan where he worked at Veolia Water as as Maintenance Lead. After retiring, Terry enjoyed construction work with Jennings Construction for several years. Terry enjoyed building and remodeling classic cars, especially Mustangs and Model A’s. He belonged to the Sunset Cruiser’s Car Club in Battle Creek, and he was also on their Board of Directors.

Terry is survived by his children, Anthony (Melissa) Baker of Rives Junction, MI, Beth Prater of Battle Creek, MI, Debra (Jason) Gray of Mason, MI; grandchildren, Keygan (Hillary) Baker, Devin Baker, Cheyenne (Alex) Leigh, Tyler Prater, Tahtiana Davis, Tayzia Gomez, Josh Pena, Levi Gray, Jacob Gray; great grandchildren, Ryker and Braxton Leigh; brothers and sisters, Charles (Martha) Baker of Marshall, MI, Ross (Laura) Baker of Tualatin, OR, Lorry (Ron) Klinger of Cadillac, Linda (Keith) Miller of South Carolina and special friend, Kathy Baker of Springport, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dale Baker and sister, Jayellyn Johnson.

Terry’s family will receive friends on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. for a memorial service at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI.

Memorials are suggested to the charity of one’s choice. 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:

Phyllis Marie Rulison, or “big Phil” as her husband Don called her, died January 19, 2024 at the age of 80. Phyllis was born in Lucas County, Ohio to Thomas R. and Virginia (Hilton) Ames on October 30, 1943. Family was always her most important reason for enjoying life, whether it be reminiscing about childhood memories with her siblings or making new memories with her own children as well as her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis was most proud that her children were raised to be self-sufficient and capable adults. She was selfless, never complained, forgiving, always concerned for everyone else’s welfare, and lived by the motto “I do the best I can”. She and Don loved their 17 years wintering in Florida and loved the beach. Annual golf-outings in Cadillac were a favorite thing, and Don would say often that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Phyllis loved to travel and play golf, but also loved to do quieter things like flower gardening and reading. Holidays with family and family reunions were always a priority with her and she loved to play the game of Mah-Jong. Phyllis was an employee of the State of Michigan from 1976 until her retirement in 2002.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Donald Ray Rulison; children, Nolan (Kathy) Spotts, Ginny (George) Nobbe, Teresa Redfield, Suzie (Wade) Nichols; grandchildren, Andrea Wadlington, Sydney Spotts, Jake Spotts, Erica Heinitz, Brandon Moe, Vince Wireman, Saige Shook, Dallas Redfield, Britnee Rivera, Lindsey Quinn, Trevor Nichols; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Montegue and Nancy Ott. She was predeceased by her brothers, Melvin and David Ames; sister, Carolyn Sova; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 23, 2024 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24, at the Charlotte Assembly of God Church with Pastor Shane Bryant 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 Phyllis’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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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.