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Funeral Services:

Debra Suzanne Turner of Eaton Rapids passed away March 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Debra was born in Charlotte, MI on January 24, 1951, the daughter of Freeman and Luella (Root) Robinson. She was a graduate from Charlotte High School class of 1969. Debra was a secretary with the Eaton Rapids High School, retiring after 22 years of service. She loved playing all types of cards and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Family was the center most important thing in her life. She loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren.

Debra is survived by her daughters, Michele (Randy) Denman of Holt, Paige (Daniel) Emmons of Holt and step-daughter, Shantel (James) LoFiego of South Lyon; grandchildren, Emma Denman, Bailey LoFiego, Katie LoFiego, Foster Emmons; sister, Ginny Stuart of Holt; and her companion of 11 years, Stephen Shelden Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rexford Turner; brother, Timothy Robinson.

Graveside services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or Gift of Life, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Margaret Louise Andreas, 79, of Olivet, a hardworking and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Charlotte. Margaret was born September 11, 1945 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Leslie Junior and Dorothy Ann (Fleming) Bracy. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1963 before going to work at State Farm Insurance, where she edited the company publication known as the “Big Mac.” Margaret married the love of her life, Thomas Andreas, on May 6, 1972, and the two happily raised two daughters. Later, after her children had grown, she went to work at Cornwell’s Turkeyville, where she was affectionately known as the “head turkey slinger.” Margaret could debone a turkey in mere seconds. Although she wouldn’t acknowledge it, Margaret was a very creative woman. She had a self-taught yet masterful way with a paintbrush and she enjoyed photography and scrapbooking with her daughters. She possessed an impressive collection of Precious Moments figurines and had the most beautiful penmanship. Margaret also enjoyed being outdoors tending her gardens and watching for hummingbirds.

Margaret is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Thomas Andreas; their daughter, Heather (Jarrett) Kreiner and Amber (Richard) Swan; five grandchildren, Jacob Chavez, Lauren Chavez, Blake Kreiner, Andrew Chavez and Brett Kreiner; her sister, Virginia Barrett; special niece, Laura Bracy; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Daniel Bracy; and brother-in-law, Tom Barrett.

Friends are encouraged to support Margaret’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Brock Peters officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., just prior to the service. 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 Margaret’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contribu-tions to the Wounded Warriors Project, Parkinson’s Foundation, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gerald “Jerry” Glenn Gilbert, 91, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on March 4, 2025 at his home in Charlotte. He was born on April 13, 1933 to Floyd and Alice (Towlsey) Gilbert in Manistee, MI. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1952. Jerry served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing in the fix/repair department. On June 27, 1981 he married Virginia “Jean” Becerra at the Charlotte Methodist Church, and she preceded him in death on October 15, 2018.

Jerry really enjoyed watching sports, especially the Detroit Lions and Tigers, MSU basketball, football, and hockey. He enjoyed being outdoors, he liked to hunt and fish, and he loved to mow his grass. Jerry liked being with his friends and going to the casino, especially when he was winning, which was a lot. Jerry and Jean enjoyed traveling in their RV. He was a member of the St. Johns – Ovid Masonic Lodge #105 in St. Johns.

Jerry is survived by his children, Debra Loudenbeck of Perrinton, MI, Donna (Jim) Beaudrie of Manistee, MI, Laurie (Mick) Becker of Eagar, AZ, Glenn (Shannon) Gilbert, Jr. of Fowlerville, MI, stepson, Jim (Elaine) Salinas of Texas; God son, Christopher Sebastian; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, James (Joann) Gilbert, Joyce (Ed) Howard, Betty (Kenny) Fitzhugh, and Carroll Gilbert. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Linda Snater.

Visitation was held Monday, March 10, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Devon Shepard officiating at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Marshall, Michigan. Burial will take place in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Jerry are suggested to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 212 Hanover St., Marshall, MI 49068 or McLaren Hospice, 2815 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Ste 4, Lansing, MI 48910.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family. 

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Funeral Services:

Barry Roger Canterbury Jr. and his wife Desiree Irene Canterbury, passed away together on March 4, 2025, as a result of a traffic accident. 

Barry, 58, was a great guy who was there for everyone, although he would rather be referred to as the “tough guy.” Barry was born in Charlotte to Barry Roger and Peggy Aileen (Hebenstreit) Canterbury. He was a devoted Christian, and very proud of his studies with the Forgotten Man Ministries. He enjoyed collecting Marvel Superheroes figures and comics and displayed his “knick-knacks.” He was employed by Tennaco Manufacturing in Marshall. He was able to make people laugh and did so often. Some of his favorite memories include the petting zoo with his kids and holding a python and feeding a baby tiger. His son shared that, “He was a great man, and I owe him my biggest respect and gratitude for teaching me how to be a man. He didn’t have to do that, but he loved strongly enough to do it anyway”. 

Desiree Irene Canterbury, 44, an outgoing chatterbox, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025, at the age of 44. Desiree was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Donald and Carolyn (Pepper) Lorenz. She was very adventurous, willing to try anything once, and especially enjoyed traveling around the country with her family. Desiree also enjoyed crafts and making jewelry. Loving, sweet and kind, she never met a stranger. Desiree and Barry were married in 2017 and resided in Olivet, where she enjoyed family life.

Barry and Desiree were survived by their son Jesse Mayn Canterbury and their blended family by his sons, Henry William Paul Canterbury, Christian Canterbury, Cory Michael Frazier; her children, Raymond (Emily) Lorenz, Janessa Lorenz; grandchildren, Mason, Mary Jane, Zach, William, Alexander; Charlotte, Savannah, and Victoria Lorenz; his parents; Barry’s brother, Rick Canterbury. Desiree’s second mother Penny (Allen Hapeman) Byington; father, Donald (Shonda) Lorenz; siblings, Kenneth Lorenz, Scott Lorenz, Garret Lorenz, Trenton Lorenz, Timothy Biddleston, Royanna Peterson-Tyree, Crystal Biddleston, Yelena Weatherman, and Kara Lorenz; stepsiblings, Reyna Brown, Subrina (Scott) Woods, and J.T. Brown; grandmother Carole Hubbard; grandparents, Bill and Betty Draves; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Barry was predeceased by his brother, Jesse Mayn Canterbury; and his wife, Desiree. 

Desiree was predeceased by her husband, Barry; brothers Alex and Dameon Lorenz; mother Carolyn Berryhill; and grandmother Dona Shifflette; grandparents Phil and Peggy Byington and grandfather Curtis Alexander.

A Celebration of Life for Barry and Desiree will be held at a later date in Vermontville.

The family has suggested memorial contributions to the family to be applied to the funeral expenses for Barry and Desiree. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Evelyn Lorraine Miller’s courageous spirit took flight in her sleep on Sunday, March 2, 2025. At 79 years young, she left behind a legacy of love and resilience. Born on January 6, 1946 to Wanda and Frank Czuczko of Detroit, Michigan, Evelyn’s life was a testament to her strength and determination. Former resident of Charlotte, Michigan and an active member of the senior community.

As the beloved wife of the late Michael Miller of Royal Oak, Michigan and loving mother to Debbie Macfarlane (Tim), Nicholas S Beller (Jennifer), and stepson Jason Miller. Evelyn’s family was her greatest joy. She was a cherished grandmother to Courtney and Lindsey Beller, Ashley Guenthardt, Tim and Destinee Macfarlane, and great grandmother to Annika and Koda. Evelyn is survived by her first husband, Stanley Beller.

Evelyn’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and adventure with a special place in her heart for Mickey Mouse. She had a passion for playing bingo with all of her friends. Despite battling health issues, Evelyn’s spirit remained unbroken, inspiring all who knew her.

In her final wishes, Evelyn asked that we remember her as a loving person, who always wanted to make people smile and happy, celebrate her life rather than mourn her passing. Let us honor her memory by embracing the love, kindness, and courage she embodied every day.

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Funeral Services:

Wilma Jean Bayles, 87, of Dimondale, died Saturday, March 8, 2025.  She was born April 5, 1937.  Private family services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Debra Suzanne Turner of Eaton Rapids passed away March 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Debra was born in Charlotte, MI on January 24, 1951, the daughter of Freeman and Luella (Root) Robinson. She was a graduate from Charlotte High School class of 1969. Debra was a secretary with the Eaton Rapids High School, retiring after 22 years of service. She loved playing all types of cards and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Family was the center most important thing in her life. She loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren.

Debra is survived by her daughters, Michele (Randy) Denman of Holt, Paige (Daniel) Emmons of Holt and step-daughter, Shantel (James) LoFiego of South Lyon; grandchildren, Emma Denman, Bailey LoFiego, Katie LoFiego, Foster Emmons; sister, Ginny Stuart of Holt; and her companion of 11 years, Stephen Shelden Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rexford Turner; brother, Timothy Robinson.

Graveside services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or Gift of Life, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Williams-Kasten, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Donald and Mildred (Ruehle) Davison. A proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1952, Jackie dedicated her life to hard work, family, and faith.

Throughout her career, Jackie worked at Eaton Stamping, the National Bank of Eaton Rapids, and served as Brookfield Township Clerk and Supervisor, all while managing a farm, a true testament to her dedication and work ethic. She was a devoted member of the Charlotte Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she made many dear friends and strengthened her faith.

Jackie had a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours farming, hunting, fishing, and gardening. She also had a passion for cooking and baking, winning the Eaton Rapids Bicentennial cake competition with her cherished hickory nut cake. An avid animal lover, Jackie especially adored horses. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City in 1987, where she took first place with her yearling filly.

Jackie will be remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her hardworking spirit and deep appreciation for nature made her truly one of a kind.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lyle Williams; her second husband, William Kasten; and her parents. She leaves behind a loving family: her children, Shari (Mike) Bambrick, Julie (Bruce) Brantley, and Thomas (Jamie) Williams; grandchildren, Sarah (Kevin) Lienhart, Matthew (Erica) Fowler, Nikki (Mark) Karazim, Thomas Bambrick, Jesse (Beth) Bambrick, and Eric (Kaylee) Brantley; great-grandchildren, Lydia and Lily Lienhart, Gabriella and Brooklyn Fowler, Abigail and Vaida Karazim, and Kendall and Blaine Brantley; sister, Joan Hyatt; brother, James (Jan) Squires; and many extended family members and dear friends.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family received friends on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charlotte Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses or Eaton Rapids Public Schools c/o Sheryl Lightner for the Hunting and Fishing Class.

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

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Funeral Services:

Myrna Lucille (Wolever) Smith, age 81, of Bellevue, Michigan died February 25, 2025 at her home.

Born in Hastings on March 20, 1943, Myrna is the daughter of George and Florice (Brooks) Wolever. She was raised in Vermontville and attended Maple Valley Schools, graduating in 1961. She married Jerry Lee Smith, Sr., on November 3, 1961 in Potterville and they were married for 63 years. Together they raised four wonderful children.

Myrna retired from Owens-Illinois in Charlotte. She enjoyed bowling and playing bingo. She was a beautiful homemaker and will be fondly remembered as a loving mother and grandmother.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Jerry Smith; children, Connie (Lannie) Ross, Larry (Linda) Smith, Jerry (Loretta) Smith, Jr., and Laurie (Calvin) Lindsay; grandchildren, Travis Ross, Trevor Ross, Betsy Larder, Bobbie Pojeta, Jason Pojeta, Chris Byerly, Ryan Smith, Ronnie Smith, Emma Morales, Renee Lindsay, and Andrew Lindsay; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Also surviving are her brother, Sherman (Wanetta) Wolever; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Elsie Wolever, Jo and Glen Sinclair, Karen and Keith McCullum, Fred and Donna Wright, and Pat Dickinson.

Preceding Myrna in death are her parents, Florice and George Wolever; parents-in-law, Ron and Betty Wright; brother, Lloyd Wolever; sisters, Zelpha Spidel and Lora Babcock; sister-in-law, Linda Dickinson; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Wright.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will take place in Gresham Cemetery.

The family extends a special thanks to Jodi Ward for her excellent care of “Grams.” She will be dearly missed.

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Funeral Services:

Mr. Michael McDonald, age 78 of, Nashville, MI passed away on January 31, 2025, at Clearstream Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hastings, MI.

Michael was born in Charlotte, MI, on October 09, 1946, a son of the late Carol and Clifton McDonald. 

He was raised in Vermontville, MI and attended Vermontville, Maple Valley schools. On October 11, 1963, Michael joined the United States Army, serving faithfully for three years before being honorably discharged in 1966. Upon returning home, Mike then began working at EW Bliss Company in Hastings, MI. Later becoming a journeymen machinist and retiring after 35 plus years with the company.

Mike enjoyed working and was a valuable member of the Nashville business community. In 1971, he opened a local tavern known as McDonalds Tavern later becoming “Outboard Inn”. Each day, Michael would work his 10-hour shift at Bliss, then would work the bar, and spend his evenings serving local patrons. If that wasn’t enough, he owned & operated a barber shop serving as the town’s barber for many years.  

Mike loved the Maple Valley community and believed in supporting local business. He never required a lot to make him happy: if he had his pickup truck, a hamburger and beer he was content! Over the years he and his family became very involved in several local events and supported many local sports teams.

One of his true passions was supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, and several other children’s charities. Mike received his auctioneers license and used that talent to raise money for these organizations.

He was married to Joyce (Miller) McDonald on November 11, 1971, in Indiana. Mike and Joyce made their home in the Nashville area where they raised their family together. In his spare time, Mike enjoyed spending time outdoors and enjoying the company of his dogs Smokey and Carmel. Mike also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new food and drinks.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife Joyce; his children Darren McDonald, (Crystal), Kevin (Beverly) Rost, Stephenie (Bill) Currier, Robert Rost; siblings Bob McDonald, Duane (Sandy) McDonald; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at the Nashville VFW Post 8260 with full military honors at 5 p.m. provided by the United States Army, and the American Legion Post 45 from Hastings, MI.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI.  Conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Highway. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.