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Marjorie Stevens

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Funeral Services:

Marjorie Stevens, age 97, of Welaka, Florida, and formerly of Marshall and Olivet, died Monday, October 12, 2020.
Mrs. Stevens was born on January 1, 1923 in Convis Township to Will and Ethel Grace (Frye) Rundle. She was a lifelong resident of this area and was a graduate of Marshall High School, class of 1940. She continued her education, receiving a master’s degree in library science from Western Michigan University. On March 1, 1940, she married Paul Andrew Stevens in Lee Township. The couple enjoyed 31 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on February 17, 1971. For many years, Marjorie was employed by the Olivet College as a librarian, ultimately serving as Director of Libraries. She retired at age 65 and took a position with the Michigan Department of Corrections. She retired again at age 75.
Following her retirement, Marjorie enjoyed fifteen years of wintering in Welaka, Florida. She made Welaka her permanent home in 2019.
She is remembered by her family as a generous and loving mother and grandmother. Marjorie was the Matriarch for five generations of family. She was a firm believer in higher education and made it possible for many to attend college.
She is survived by children, Lorraine Stevens of Olivet, Norman (Denise) Stevens of Bellevue, Clare Stevens of Springport, Janice (Larry) Mahan of Vermontville, Sandra (Tom-deceased) Adams of Welaka, Florida, Lynn (Saundra) Stevens of Olivet and Ronald Stevens of Vermontville; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Grace Rundle; her husband, Paul Andrew Stevens; sons, Garry (Jane) Stevens, and Maynard (Debbie) Stevens; brothers, John Howard Rundle, Alba Earl Rundle and two brothers in infancy.
A graveside service to celebrate the gift of her life was held Thursday, October 22, 2020 at the Lee Center Cemetery, with Pastor Jim Gysel of the Lee Center United Methodist Church officiating.
To honor Marjorie’s lifelong love of reading, friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the Marshall District Library. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.
Local funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Kempf Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N. Marshall, Michigan 49068. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit kempffuneralhome.com.

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Dianne Piepkow

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Dianne Piepkow, 72, of Olivet died unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2020 in Lansing, Mich. Dianne was born on the Fourth of July in 1948 to Alton and Kathryn (Rogers) Hodgman in Charlotte. She graduated in 1966 from Olivet Community Schools, where she met her future husband Paul Piepkow. They were married in Olivet on June 17, 1967. They made their home on the family farm in Olivet where they raised their two daughters, Angela and Lori.
Dianne was a vibrant member of her community even though she worked full time for the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission for 40 years, until her retirement in 2008 as a Department Analyst. She was an active member of Lee Center United Methodist Church, holding the position of Treasurer for the church for 40 years. In her personal time Dianne loved to trace her family’s genealogy. She would always enjoy the challenge of discovering their connections with people throughout the country. Scrapbooking and photography were two of her creative hobbies. She loved capturing moments of everyday life and travel in photos and then arranging those in meaningful scrapbooks that told the story of her experiences. She and Paul enjoyed travel, most notably celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Jamaica with their entire family. They travelled throughout the Caribbean and in Italy, where Dianne was known to fall behind as she photo documented the adventures. The gardens surrounding her home were also a source of pride as she would care for and enjoyed the many flowers and foliage that she nursed there. On the day before she was stricken and rushed to the hospital, she and Paul had planted new tulip bulbs that she looked forward to seeing sprout next spring. Her family will witness their growth next spring with bittersweet memories.
Many will remember Dianne as the rock of her family, and an amazing listener. She immediately became one’s best friend upon meeting her. She always maintained a comforting warm home and would welcome all visitors with her elegance and class. Her animated personality and stories will be cherished and missed by many. Above all, Dianne loved her family, especially her grandchildren who affectionately called her Mimi.
Dianne is survived by her husband Paul Piepkow, their two daughters Angela (Jesse) Worden of Mason, and Lori (Chris) Schrader of Charlotte; grandchildren, Payton, Baileigh, Kaycie, Christian “Buck”Schrader, and Alyssa and Conner Worden. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Phyllis Collins, and her brother Roger Hodgman.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Rev. Jim Gysel officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lee Center United Methodist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dianne on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Shirley F. Kill

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Shirley Frances Kill, a devoted and loving matriarch of her large family, died October 19, 2020. Shirley, 84 of Olivet and formerly Charlotte, was born January 24, 1936 in Carson City, Mich. to Floyd and Ruth (Ward) Burger, one of twelve children. Shirley married Alfred Kill in 1953 and they had a large family of their own, filled with great food and lots of quality family time. Shirley was a strong woman, stubborn, but also the best mother that would do anything for her family.
Shirley worked her entire life as a cook, and she was a prep cook at Eaton Place Restaurant in Charlotte for 20 years until, she finally decided to let others do the cooking when she turned 80 years old. A talented seamstress as well, Shirley loved making blankets for all of her grandchildren, as well as knitting, listening to country music, dancing, puzzle books, and watching the game show network. Shirley also loved going to the casino, and it’s rumored that she always won at slots.
Shirley is survived by her children, Sharon (Ed) Lettermore, Penny (Roy) Therrien, John (Gari) Kill, Jeff (Trudy) Kill, Martin (Connie) Kill, Amy (Pat) Gardner, Steve (Lisa) Kill, and Lisa Meyers; 41 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; and siblings, Nancy Prathier, Larry Burger, Elaine Arntz, Vickie Griffey, Edward Burger, Dutch Scharaswak, Mark Gardner, and Doug Burger. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred in 2003; sisters, Ellen Davis and Bonnie Miller; brother, Kenny Burger; and her parents.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 22 at the Pray Funeral Home Garden in Charlotte.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Duane Paul Harris

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Duane Paul Harris, 78 of Olivet, Michigan passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at his family home after a long battle with multiple health issues. Duane was born March 12, 1942, in Charlotte, Michigan the son of Clifford James and Dora Pearl (Robbins) Harris. Duane graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1961. On February 11, 1961, he married the love of his life, Roberta Gallihugh. Duane and his family looked forward to their yearly camping trips which took them all over the United States. He had a passion for computers and CB radios. Duane also loved his motorcycles and was the Past President of the GWRRA. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, card games, and computer games. Duane loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren. In 1995 he retired from General Motors in Lansing.
He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta; three sons: MSgt, USAF RET. Larry and Marla (DeKorte) Harris of Clarksville, Tenn.; ENC (SW) USN RET. David & Cindy (Hayward) Harris of Marshall, Mich.; and Todd and Kimberly (Kniebbe) Harris of Battle Creek, Mich.; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings: Leon Harris, Gary (Lydia) Harris, Loretta Woods, Neal (Mickey) Harris, Dianna (Timothy) Skidmore; and many nieces and nephews.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service was held on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet with Pastor Jeff Renard officiating. Those desiring, may make contributions in Duane’s memory to the American Cancer Society. To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Cathy E. A. Berney

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Cathy Elizabeth Anne Berney of Dimondale, passed away October 15, 2020 at the age of 63. Cathy was born in Baltimore, Md., October 17, 1956, the daughter of John and Jessie (Houston) Young. She was employed by the MSU Large Animal Clinical Center within the Veterinarian College for 27 years, and was devoted to her family, especially her two sons. After retiring from MSU, Cathy volunteered for Meals on Wheels in Dimondale and worked in Precinct A in Dimondale for the elections. She loved animals, opening her heart and home to horses, dogs and cats, was an excellent cook and baker extraordinaire.
Cathy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Michael Berney; sons, Peter (Ashley) Berney of Sunfield and John Berney of Dimondale. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Young.
Memorial services will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Eaton County Meals on Wheels Program or the Windsor Township Library. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Stacy Lee VanTyle

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Stacy Lee VanTyle, age 42 of Charlotte, died on October 7, 2020. Stacy was employed by Johnson Lumber as a saw mill operator. Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Kathryn L. Painter

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Kathyrn Louise Painter, age 86 of Charlotte – formerly of Urbana, Ill. – died October 5, 2020. Kathryn was employed as a factory worker. Funeral services were held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home Garden. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Clarence Elliston

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Clarence “Butch” Elliston, of Charlotte, passed away on October 13, 2020, at the age of 75. He was born on September 15, 1945, the son of Richard Elliston and Florence (Corwin) Elliston.
Butch was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in both Vietnam and Germany. That’s where he acquired his skill and love of cooking. However, anything to do with fishing was really his passion. He also loyally followed his Detroit Tigers and Lions, as difficult as that was at times. He was a true MSU fan as well.
On March 26, 2002, Butch married his sweetheart, Judy Elliston. Together they ran their business, Pick a Song Karaoke and D.J. Service. They treasured the many memories and good friends they made during this time.
Butch is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his daughters: Sandy Lam, Amanda (Chuck) Davis; stepdaughters: Trina (Dave) Clark, Tammy (Jeff) Hall; stepson, Tim Haney; grandchildren: Erin Davis, Emily Hall, Ellaina (Kevin Pung) Hall, Hannah Clark, Olivia (Jake Simmons) Clark, Matt Clark, Isabelle Clark, Alex Hernandez, Rene Hernandez; honorary grandson, Nick Doty; great grandson, Benjamin Doty; sister, Dorothy Pifer; sister-in-law, Irene Elliston; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Glen Wagner, Myrtie Munchbach, Kathryn Munchbach, Richard Elliston, and son-in-law, David Lam.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The wearing of masks and social distancing will be required.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Butch’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Butch’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Ronald Richard “Dick” and Cherie Jeannine “C.J.” Clark

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Ronald Richard “Dick” and Cherie Jeannine “C.J.” Clark both left this earthly home free of illness and assured of no more pain in heaven. Ron was born January 2, 1939 and passed September 25, 2020 in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. He was born to Hazel (Grindol) Dowler and Donald A. Clark in Lansing, Michigan and was a 1957 graduate of Charlotte High School. He worked 18 years for Goodyear as a master mechanic before retiring after 19 years from the State of Michigan, Department of State, Bureau of Automotive Regulation as a Regulatory Agent. Cherie was born July 20, 1949 and passed on July 24, 2018 in Thayer, Missouri. She was born to Raymond and Ruth (Siebert) Conklin in Lansing, Michigan and was a 1967 graduate of Everett High School. C.J. was a published author of poems and fictional stories. They were married on June 15, 1983, starting their life together in Perry, Michigan. Upon Ron’s retirement they moved to Britt, Iowa, New Castle, Wyoming, and then settled in Hardy, Arkansas.
They are survived by his sons, Rodney (DeAnna) Clark and Ronald (the late Jill) Clark, his daughter, Marsha Clark, all of Charlotte, Michigan and their daughter, Marisa Clark of Cherokee Village, Arkansas; grandchildren, Douglas Clark, Christopher Best, Aaron and Ryan Clark, Kimberly Bosworth, Tiffney (Lee) Vickers; great granddaughters, Kate Bosworth, Abigail and Flora Vickers; his brother, Jock Clark; her brother, Keith Conklin; many uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions can be made in Ron’s name, “Ronald R. Clark”, c/o Centennial Bank, 1927 Hwy. 62/412, Highland, AR 72542.

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James E. Rieben

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James E. Rieben, age 70, of Swanton, was welcomed into heaven Thursday evening, October 8, 2020 by his wife Barbara who passed away just two weeks earlier. Jim was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey to the late Earl Rieben and Ruby (Lanham) Mingin on October 17, 1949. Following in his parents’ footsteps he started working at Owens Illinois in Charlotte, Michigan right out of high school in the warehouse. Jim and Barb married in 1970 and had their only child, Tina Jo, in 1974. In 1977 his job with OI led him and his family to Upstate New York, where he worked the next 21 years. In 1998 Jim and Barb relocated to Toledo, and he finished out the remainder of his 44 years with the company.
In his younger years you could find him either on a boat, water skiing or snow skiing. Jim loved NASCAR and was known for his one-liner jokes. He loved to watch movies, TV and listening to music as loud as the surround sound would go. Most of all, Jim was dedicated to family and supporting his grandchildren. He cherished watching his grandchildren show their projects at the Fulton County Fair. Jim’s true paradise was the time he spent being a snowbird with Barb in Florida.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Tina Jo (Alex) Tedrow of Wauseon; step-mother, Ann Rieben; grandchildren, Jolyssa M. (Garrett Cass) Tedrow, Ashlynn R. Tedrow and McCoy J. Tedrow; brothers, Paul Rieben, Kenny Rieben, Janet (Louie) Forte, Dave (Laura) Rieben; along with many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife Barbara, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Donald Rieben as a toddler and Arthur Rieben.
Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 State Highway 109 in Delta; where a memorial service honoring Jim’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Inurnment for both Barb and Jim will follow at Zion Cemetery in Wauseon. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, those attending are asked to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a facial mask and observe six-foot distancing when possible. Pastor Maryann Reimund will be officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at barnesfuneralchapel.com.

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