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Funeral Services:

Kathleen Dornan, 89, of Traverse City, joined her husband Victor Dornan in Heaven. He passed away in 2015.

Kathleen was born on September 15, 1935 to Gerald and Ina (Hoke) Shumaker in Vermontville. On June 14, 1952 she and Vic married, and they shared many wonderful times together.

For many years, Kathleen loved working in retail, first at Millikens and later at Pranges/Younkers.

She was a member of Living Hope Church in Traverse City. Her faith was always very important to her. She was passionate about her love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23, and it gave her great comfort in her final days.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patrice; and siblings, Bob Shumaker, Gerald “Junior” Shumaker, Elaine Harmon, and Carol Ann Landes. She was also preceded in death by her little dog, Sophie, whom she loved very much.

She is survived by her children: Michael (Paula) of Louisiana, Gregory (Carol) of North Carolina, Victoria (Bruce) Brown of Traverse City, and Susan (Michael) Stacey of Mississippi; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to Samaritans Purse. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with her family.

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Funeral Services:

Charles Edward Hadley, age 89, surrounded by his loving wife and children and the love of our Lord passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Charlotte, Michigan. We were blessed that close family and friends were able to say good-bye during the two days before he passed. He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Charles was born on September 17, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan to Daniel and Fern (Dorr) Hadley. He was the fourth child of six children. Charles married the love of his life, Beverly Jean Wright, on August 5, 1956, and they were married for 68 years and they had four loving children. Charles (Charlie) will be remembered for many things. Coming from meager beginnings, he began working as a produce manager at Maker’s IGA to learn the family skill of meat cutting. Charlie became the owner of his own corner store, the South End Grocery, in Charlotte, Michigan and at one time the Thriftway market in Mulliken. He taught his children and several young people the skill of responsibility and working with people. He also managed to purchase a farm and became a crop farmer and later owned a peat farm. Later in life he worked at General Motors for twenty years and retired. Charlie and Beverly moved to Zephyrhills, Florida where he learned to golf for the first time. They enjoyed being retired and returned to Michigan during the summers. He learned the love of fishing and hunting at an early age and it made him happy to share his knowledge and experiences with his children, grandchildren and many friends throughout his life.

Charles is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beverly Jean Hadley (Wright); four children Kim (Bud) Kruszka, Chuck (Tiva) Hadley, Sally (Rod) Magoon and Scott (Bonnie) Hadley. Charlie and Beverly have sixteen grandchildren, Charles (Chuckie) Edward Hadley III, Marshall Magoon, Jeremiah Hadley, Christopher (friend Tonya) Magoon, Jessica Hadley, Mitchell (Jen) Magoon, Tia (Ray) Armstrong, Ty (Brianna) Hadley, and Nikolaus (friend Eliza) Kruszka and Tim Lenhard, Samantha Dumond, Kaity Loveland, and Alex Cummings; thirteen great-grandchildren, Charles Edward Hadley IV, Olyvia Magoon, Annabelle Magoon, Brody Choinski, Harper Choinski, Maylee Hadley, Maddyn Hadley, Kollins Armstrong, Estin Hadley, Emily Lenhard, Maddie Armstrong, Noah Armstrong, and Ilitah Simmons; five great-great-grandchildren, Alaric, Malikye, Novaleigh, Delylah and Genicys, and children Sophia and Manoah.

He is also survived by his brother, David Hadley; sisters-in-law, Janet Bryner and Sally Buckley; brother-in-law, Richard Phelan; and many loved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Fern Hadley; brothers, Daniel Hadley, Clarence (Bill) Hadley; sisters, Barbara Corrigan and Carol (Dee-Dee) Phelan; sisters-in-law, Arlene Hadley, Joyce Hadley, Mary Hadley; and brothers-in-law, Chuck Corrigan, Roger Bryner, and Dick Buckley; and his three grandchildren, Charles (Chuckie) Hadley III, Jeremiah Hadley and Charles Edward Hadley IV.

He is also remembered by special friends, Robert and Diane Lake, Randy Grundstrom, and Steve (Ted) Dotts. Special thanks to cousins, Dick and Linda Balzer who tended to their care while in Florida.

Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2–5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25 at Pray Funeral Home with grandson, Ty Hadley, officiating. Interment will take place at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing with a luncheon to follow. 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 Charles’ 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 Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Larry Earl Walker, 81, a kind-hearted “strong man” of deep love for his family, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, November 21, 2024.  Larry was born November 17, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Earl and Leona (Smurr) Walker.  He graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of 1961 and shortly after married the love of his life, Roxanne Pruden on August 10, 1963.  He worked many years at GM, retiring in 1995, but farming was his lifelong passion, which he did right alongside his family until his retirement in 2002, when he slowed down only slightly.  Larry and Roxanne worked hard, but they played hard, too.

Every summer holiday weekend, they hosted a huge campout with friends and family at the park they worked hard on at the back of the farm.  Larry and his grandsons eventually even built a small log cabin shed on the property.  Larry’s grandchildren were his world.  He loved time spent with them, especially outdoors working, cane pole fishing, or on trips up North riding dirt bikes.  His grandkids will remember him as a soft-spoken “super grampa” who attended all their sporting events and made sure to make a big family dinner for them each and every Sunday.  No one left Larry and Rock’s house hungry.  Larry lived his life by the Golden Rule – “treat others as you would want to be treated.”

Larry is survived by his son, Chad (Carolyn) Walker; grandsons, Benjamin (Lindsey) Walker and Christopher (Alexa) Walker; seven great-grandchildren, Jetzen, Dawszen, Ellyszen, Boszen, Hutzen, River Roxanne, and Ember Lynn; and several nieces and nephews and extended family.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Roxanne; their daughter, Trina; and his sisters, Donna Johnson, Joyce Johnson, and Shirley Van Auken.

Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Hidden Creek Farms, 2181 E. Vermontville Hwy., Charlotte, MI.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice in lieu of flowers.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Daniel W. Bargy, 63, a generous man with a big heart, died unexpectedly at his home in Brighton on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.  Dan was born May 15, 1961, in Lansing, the son of Donald Wellington and Dorothy (Walker) Bargy.  He graduated from Potterville High School in 1979 before earning a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.  Dan started his career during his high school years working co-op for the State of Michigan Driver’s License Bureau.  His first full-time job with the Defense Department in Grand Rapids only briefly held his interest before he moved into internal auditing for several organizations throughout the years, including Michigan National Bank, Domino’s Pizza, American Community, Tecumseh Products, the Teamsters, and most recently the Detroit VA, where he retired from a few years ago.

Dan was a proud member of the Potterville Masonic Lodge and the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton.  He was an active member of his neighborhood and both the communities of Brighton and Potterville. Dan’s generous nature led him to constantly be looking out for others, whether it be bringing meals or offering thoughtful gifts or flowers to friends and family. He had a special place in his heart for cats. He housed several rescues throughout the years, took in his mother’s cat after she passed, and loved his three fur babies, Annabelle, Leah, and Freddie as if they were his children. Above all, Dan loved his family. Dan, also, had a love for collecting antiques and reselling them at his three antique mall locations.

Dan is survived by his sister, Debra (Terry) Shaver of Charlotte; niece April (Zachary) Dillinger of Charlotte; nephew, Andrew (Kaleigh) Shaver of Eaton Rapids; great-nieces and nephew, Abigail Dillinger of Charlotte, Noah, Clementine, and Terri-Anne Shaver of Eaton Rapids; his beloved cats; and a host of close friends and colleagues.  He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Dan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 3–5:00 p.m. and 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Brighton with Pastor Scott Phillips officiating. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Dan’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 Eaton County Humane Society or Michigan Humane – Livingston County. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Richard Carl Wood Jr., 68, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on November 21, 2024. Richard was born November 14, 1956.
A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.

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Funeral Services:

Clayton Jake Higelmire of Eaton Rapids, passed away November 11, 2024, at the age of 27 at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, MI. During the last two weeks of his life, Clayton was visited by several close family and friends who loved him dearly. Clayton was born in Charlotte, MI, August 12, 1997, the son of David D. and Melaine A. (Stone) Higelmire, Jr. On June 24, 2023, he married Breanna Barnes at his grandparents, Dave and Linda Higelmire’s home. Clayton graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and Olivet College. While in high school and college he wrestled and played football. His high school football team won the District Championship in 2014 and 2015. Clayton was a two time All State wrestler in high school and placed 2nd and 4th in the State. When he was at Olivet College, Clayton was the Freshman of the Year in 2017. In 2018 and 2019 he was a starter for Olivet College at the NCAA Regional Championships. After college, he worked for BBR Mobile Home Set-Up. Clayton (“Spanky”) had a big heart and would do anything for anybody. People loved him wherever he went. He was always looking out for people. Clayton loved talking to his Grandma Linda about the Bible and said she was the smartest person in the world and knows everything.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Breanna Higlemire; son, Beau David Higelmire; parents, Dave and Melaine Higelmire; grandparents, David and Linda Higelmire, Kathy and Melvin Stone; grandmother, Mabel Stone; brother, Thomas Higelmire; nephews Dalton and Reese, and in-laws, Chuck and Sue Barnes. He was preceded in death by his aunt, Kimmie (Higelmire) Sebastian; uncles, Charlie Knight, Denny Burton, Buck Sanders and cousin, Andrew Higelmire.

Clayton’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Tompkins Township Hall, 9999 Tompkins Rd., Rives Junction, MI 49277 with Pastor Matt Rhode officiating. A meal will immediately follow the service. The family has entrusted the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Clayton Jake Higelmire, 27, of Paris, Michigan passed away on November 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing, MI. He was born on August 12, 1997, to David D. and Melaine A. (Stone) Higelmire, Jr. in Charlotte, MI. On June 24, 2023, he married Breanna Barnes at his grandparents’ home.

Clayton graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and Olivet College. While in high school and college he wrestled and played football. His high school football team won the District Championship in 2014 and 2015. He was a two time All State wrestler in high school and placed 2nd and 4th in the State. When he was at Olivet College, Clayton was the Freshman of the Year in 2017. In 2018 and 2019 he was a starter for Olivet College at the NCAA Regional Championships. After college, he worked for BBR Mobile Home Set-Up. Clayton had a kind heart and was a hard worker. He was a proud Dad and husband to his son, Beau and wife, Breanna. He loved adventures and meeting new people.

Clayton is survived by his loving family, Breanna and son, Beau David Higelmire; parents, Dave and Melaine Higelmire; grandparents, David and Linda Higelmire, Kathy and Melvin Stone; grandmother, Mabel Stone; brother, Thomas Higelmire and in-laws, Chuck and Sue Barnes.

He was preceded in death by his aunt, Kimmie (Higelmire) Sebastian; uncles, Charlie Knight, Denny Burton, Buck Sanders and cousin, Andrew Higelmire.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 1:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Marshall, Michigan with Pastor Don Francis, officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Clayton’s wife and son, Breanna and Beau Higelmire. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit 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:

Shirley L. Mayne, 95, of Harlem, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Shirley was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved writing poetry, practicing yoga, gardening, crocheting, and baking. Known for her scrumptious peanut butter cookies and peanut butter pies, her kitchen was a haven of warmth and delicious aromas.

Affectionately known as “Grandma Shirley,” she found her greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley’s unwavering love for her family created cherished memories that will be treasured for generations.

In addition to her family, Shirley opened her heart and home to her bonus son, Robbie Ripkey, whom she lovingly cared for over many years. Her compassion and nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, numerous siblings and her precious fur baby, Pixie. She is survived by her three children: Michael (Amanda) Mayne, Linda (David Williams) Heath, and Karen (Richard) Williams; her sister, Bonnie (Richard) Gilmore; her grandchildren: Josh Heath, Jessica Quattlebaum, Aaron Heath, Daniel Mayne, Amber Carper, Leah Hubbard, and Keith Mayne; her great-grandchildren: Jacob, Dylan, Lorelai, Georgia, Harrison, Wilder, Max, Lyla, Harper, Caleb, Jordan, and Ashlynn; and her bonus son, Robbie Ripkey.

A private service will be held to honor Shirley’s life.

Shirley’s legacy of love, creativity, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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Funeral Services:

Laurel Dwight Mott, 82, passed away peacefully at his home, on the morning of November 12, 2024, with family by his side. He was born at his parent’s home, “just down the road”, on April 18, 1942, to Leslie Dwight and Wilma Olive (Oteney) Mott.

Laurel graduated in 1960 from Olivet High School where he met his sweetheart and lifelong love, Eleanor K. Sine. They were married on April 15, 1962. Devoted to raising their family and committed to growing their farm, they bought a house, “just up the road” from Laurel’s parents and it became a very loving family home where they lived their entire lives, happily married for nearly 58 years, until her unexpected passing in 2019. His grandson, Calen, then graciously moved his own family in with him and with loving devoted care from them and that of his daughter, Christine, Laurel was able to remain at home until he was reunited once again with his wife.

Laurel not only farmed but worked as a crane operator and retired from General Motors in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.
While his family was always his “why,” he spent countless hours pouring sweat equity and hard work into the family farm. At first helping alongside his father, and then taking over the operation, with the help from his devoted wife, they lovingly attended to their cattle, fields, and chores.

About 10 years after his retirement from General Motors, Laurel received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and as the cruel disease progressed, he quietly relinquished his farming responsibilities to his grandson, Calen, who shares his love of farming and nature.

Laurel truly enjoyed nature and animals and for many of his younger years, he was an avid hunter of fox, pheasant, and deer when the time allowed it.

While his time primarily revolved around work, be it at GM or the farm, he was always involved and interested in sports. He enjoyed the games immensely, whether it was playing, coaching, or watching. He was an outstanding athlete in high school and after he was married, continued to play for several seasons in men’s recreational softball and basketball leagues. For several years, he also coached his son’s baseball teams and his daughter’s summer softball teams. He and Eleanor were regulars for many years at all the Olivet Eagles games, especially when their children and grandsons played. They never missed a game if it was possible. They were longtime loud and proud fans of the MSU Spartans and Detroit Tigers and enjoyed cheering them on. Laurel also enjoyed listening to the Detroit Redwings on the radio and would often time his breaks around the games. He became very fond of the game of golf, enjoying many golf outings and the occasional card game gatherings with his friends, as well as their annual trips to Air Way Lodge.

Commitment to farm life didn’t leave much time for travel, but Laurel and Eleanor greatly enjoyed the trips they were able to take to Texas to spend time with their son and his family.

Laurel Dwight, named after his grandfather and father, was often called “Laurie” by his dad, “LD” by his wife, and known as “G Pa” by his family. It is truly a testament to the wonderful loving man he was, that five of his family members are named after him.

He was a hardworking, loving, kind, and generous man of great strength, character, and integrity and someone you could always count on. He was loved and admired by all who knew him and he will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed.

Laurel is survived by his children; Scott (Dawn) Mott of Allen, TX, and Christine (Rob) Bramer of Olivet, MI; eight grandchildren, Calen (Jessica) Bramer of Olivet, MI; Cameron (Erin) Bramer of Olivet, MI; Kiler Bramer of Olivet, MI; Jaclyn (Young) and Charlie Smith of Mckinney, TX; Macy (Young) and Chris Middleton of Prosper, TX; Caitlan (Young) and Jon Ropson of Aubrey, TX; Peyton Mott of McKinney, TX; Trevor (Campbell) Mott of Allen, TX; 16 great grandchildren, Lily and Laurelei Bramer, Blakely and Emersyn Bramer, Zaiden, Zavier, and Zilas Bramer, Triniti, Graci, Hope, and Abagail Smith; Prescott, Oliver, and Claire Middleton; Max and Nora Ropson; brother, Anthony J Mott and brother-in-law, Gerald Campbell; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Eleanor; his parents; and his siblings, Shirley Campbell and Richard Mott.

A memorial gathering will be held on December 15, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, MI 49076.

If you would like to make a donation in his memory, his family asks that you please consider donating to the Olivet Class of 1982 Scholarship Fund through the Marshall Community Foundation, 614 Homer Road, Marshall, MI 49068.

To view Laurel’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.