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Funeral Services:

Ronald Johnson, 75, passed away Friday, November 16, 2018 in his home in Okemos. He will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends. Ron will be remembered for his dark, witty sense of humor along with his dedication to his family. He was a musical genius (borderline fanatic) who never left home without his camera. A beloved brother, uncle, father and grandfather he was also a devoted animal lover whose kindness and gentle soul enriched all who knew him. 

Ron graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961. While attending MSU, he joined Phi Sigma Kappa and earned his B.A. in 1965. In 1967 he was drafted into the Naval Reserves at Great Lakes and served as Company Clerk 2nd Class Petty Officer until the Vietnam war ended. In 1976, he earned a Master of Public Administration degree from WMU, which led to a career working for the State as an Assistant Director in the Department of Social Services.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John (J.D.) and Sybil Johnson, along with numerous aunts, uncles and grandparents. 

Ron is survived by his sister, Janice Wiltshire of Charlotte; his sons Jeffrey Johnson Hall (Rebecca) of Charlotte, Chris Johnson (Rebecca) of Grand Rapids and daughter Rebecca Johnson (Ben) of Berkeley. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, please check dignitymemorial.com for updates.

Ron respectfully requests six Michigan State athletes as pallbearers so the Spartans can let him down one last time.

In lieu of flowers contributions be made to, AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) affew.org PO Box 177 Ludington 49431…Another would be his church…People’s Church 115 W. Loomis St. Ludington, or The Ludington Area Center for the Arts 107 S. Harrison, Ludington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at greastlansing.com for the Johnson family.

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Funeral Services:

Gary Lee Stults, 74, of Bellevue, a maintenance man who could fix or build anything, was taken from us by the only thing in his life he couldn’t fix on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born April 18, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Paul and Erma (Walters) Stults. Gary graduated from Charlotte High School. He retired after many years of service from Care-Free General Aluminum Products in Charlotte. Gary enjoyed hunting, working on cars in his shop, and demolition derby. He was a math genius and could figure out any formula or problem. He was a passionate family man, who was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne; children, Jeff (Carla) Stults of Lake Odessa, Jerry Bracy of Battle Creek, Laura (Russ) Crosslan of Bellevue, Vicki (Dominic) Stasi of Florida; grandchildren: Scott (Jessica) Stults, Brooke Bracy, Kerstin (Chris) Smith, Olivia Rushmore, RJ Crosslan, Jakob Crosslan, Jenna Stasi, Gauge Linn; great-grandchildren, Chyenne Stults, Scott Stults Jr., Madison Stults, Jaylinn Smith, Colton Smith, and a baby Smith due in May; siblings, Joan (Dave) Harris, Jean (Paul) Dodds, Ken Stults, Bob Stults; stepsister, Paula Wylie; stepbrothers, Craig Wylie and Mark Wylie; half-sister, Eileen Stults; and in-laws, Lyle and Shirley Royston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Melvin Royston; and sister-in-law, Diane Stults. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at Bosworth Cemetery. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Gary’s honor to the charity of their choice. 

To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Sterling Wood Treadwell, 98, died peacefully with his daughter by his side on November 15, 2018, in Sturgis.  It is fitting he should enter heaven on the first day of hunting season, and the day after his beloved wife would have celebrated her 99th birthday.

Sterling was born September 16, 1920 in Olivet, the second son of Leo Ray and Bertha Ophelia (Wood) Treadwell. As a boy, Sterling developed a deep-rooted connection to the family farm and a profound appreciation of nature. He grew up in a three-generation household, a house in which he lived nearly all of his life, rarely leaving. Sterling married Arlouene Marie Furu in 1938, and the two cared for his parents while raising their two children, Rosalie and Lawrence, on the homestead. Throughout the years, Sterling and Arlouene demonstrated to generations of their family the values of hard work, honesty, and love. Together they attended Lee Center United Methodist Church as faithful members, raised a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, enjoyed camping across the United States, and hosted countless family functions on their Centennial farm.  They were truly life partners and were married 66 years at the time of Arlouene’s death in 2004.

When he wasn’t listening to Straus Waltzes while plowing the fields with his John Deere, he worked full time in Charlotte at Wertz Implement. As a skilled tractor mechanic, he developed a reputation throughout the county for good service and was eventually elevated to Service Manager. After 25 years at Wertz, he retired in 1974 and dedicated the rest of his time to farming.  After his retirement, many farmers sought him out for his mechanical expertise. Sterling enjoyed hunting on the farm and was an avid reader.  He had a keenly sharp intellect, maintaining his quick wit and sense-of-humor right to the end.

Sterling is survived by his daughter, Rosalie (Leonard) Eishen of Sturgis; granddaughters, Lori (Joseph) Pray of Charlotte, and Robin (fiancé David Morris) Porter of Royal Oak and Sturgis, respectively; grandsons, Eric (Chandre) Eishen of Bronson, and Chad Treadwell of Claremont, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and two more expected soon; and niece, Gwen (David) Shoff of Lee Lake, Mich. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Arlouene Marie Treadwell; son, Lawrence Lee Treadwell; grandson, Lawrence Lee Treadwell II; and brother, Clifton Treadwell.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 19, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel officiating. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Lee Township.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Lee Center Methodist Church or Thurston Woods in Sturgis, where Sterling received excellent care in his final year. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sterling on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.  

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Funeral Services:

Barbara Jane Dahlem, 80, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Monday, November 19, 2018. She was born May 17, 1938 in Battle Creek, the daughter of David and Nora (Baker) Sumption. Barb graduated from Olivet High School on May 31, 1956. On June 1, 1956, she married the love of her life Charles L. Dahlem. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family. In her spare time Barb enjoyed bowling and tending to her roses. 

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles; children, Nolita (Darrell) Cameron of Columbia, Tenn., Carol (Marion) Schlyer of Bellevue, Darlene Hendrickson of Eaton Rapids, Neal (Alice) Dahlem of Olivet; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister, Viola Armstead.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and three sisters.

In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To view Barb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Thomas S. Vedder, 91, of Grand Blanc, formerly of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018. He was born January 3, 1927, in Avon Lake, Ohio, the son of Sherman and Wilma (Barrett) Vedder. Tom went on to honorably serve his country as a Radio Man Second Class in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return from the war he was hired as the Post Master in Olivet. One day Tom met a young lady that had come to Olivet to teach at the elementary school. Little did he realize that this beautiful girl would become his wife. On March 28, 1953, Tom married the love of his life Alberta J. Donnelly. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Both he and Alberta made many sacrifices throughout the years for their family. It was a priority of his to see to it that all of his children had the opportunity to attend and graduate from college. Tom loved nothing more than to be together with his entire family, especially during the holidays. They also enjoyed many wonderful times together at their cottage on Torch Lake. In Tom’s spare time he enjoyed UofM sports, NASCAR, trips to Vegas, and a good glass of champagne. He also served as a timer for the Olivet High School track team for over 10 years. Tom retired from Olivet Machine Tool Engineering Company after 30 years of service. 

Tom is survived by his children, Jim (Diane) Vedder of Grand Ledge, Steve (Lisa) Vedder of Grand Rapids, Michael (Lori) Vedder of Grand Blanc, Sandy (Brad) Boyer of Saline; grandchildren, Ian (Ashley Palenkas) Vedder, Kristin (Tony) Robinson, Kelsey Szpara, Breana (Daniel) Jackson, Madison Vedder; great-grandchildren, Josephine Szpara, Everlee Robinson, Ryland Vedder, Jameson Szpara, Elliott Jackson, Wesleigh Jackson; and siblings, Richard (Annette) Vedder, Jane Jones.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, in 1994; and sister, Phyllis Windiate, in 2018. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Olivet Congregational Church, with Rev. Jack Brown officiating. The family received friends on Friday, November 16, 2018, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery. 

Those desiring, may make contribution in Tom’s memory to the Fern Persons Elementary School Library Book Fair Fund, 4425 W. Butterfield Hwy., Olivet, MI  49076.

To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Shirley May Bartlett, a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, died Saturday, November 10, 2018. Shirley, 81, was born June 28, 1937 in Charlotte, to William “Hank” and Ethel (Akley) Bartlett. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1956, Shirley devoted her life to working to provide for her family. Shirley held numerous jobs over the years from being a cook, working at General Motors to most recently working at Carefree in Charlotte. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo, cooking — especially her fried chicken, crocheting, collecting knickknacks, and giving and receiving scratch off tickets. Family gatherings were a big part of Shirley’s life, she made everything special from decorating for the holidays to coordinating family picnics. Family was her everything.    

Shirley is survived by her loving family; children, Barbara (David) Bowser, Donna (Fred) Wright, Michael (Sharon) Wellman, and Holly Bartlett; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy (Duane) Winright and Carol (Dale) Garvie. 

Shirley was predeceased by her parents; granddaughter, Tabbitha; great-grandson, Layne; brothers, Henry, Everett and Roy Bartlett.    

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.  

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Funeral Services:

Yvonne Preston Kelley, a kind hearted, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018. Yvonne, 67, was born July 25, 1951 in Lansing, to Duane and Clara (Alberta) Ries. Yvonne was a 1969 graduate from Portland High School. Following graduation Yvonne went to work as a secretary in Abbot Hall at Michigan State University, retiring in 2008. August 1, 1981 Yvonne married her sweetheart Larry Kelley and together they created their legacy. Her hobbies included going to the casino, taking trips around the country, especially trips to Silver Lake each summer; mowing the lawn, crocheting, taking care of others, rooting for Michigan State, and making her famous Chex mix. Yvonne had a heart of gold, and devoted a lot of her life to helping others.     

Yvonne is survived by her loving family; husband of 37 years, Larry Kelley; children, AJ (Ali) Preston, Teri (John) Price, Amber (Marv) Argersinger; grandchildren, Jackson, Claire, Jessica, Sammi, Max, Kyla, Eli, Kalyn, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Deegan, Levi, Gage, Colton, Ashton, and Diesel; daughter in-law, Kelli Kelley; brother, Glenn (Denise) Ries; and special friend Nancy Harmon. 

Yvonne is predeceased by son, Kyle Kelley; parents; brother, Dan Ries; and husband, Dan Preston.  

A celebration of life was held Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, Eaton Siren Shelter or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Yvonne on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.  

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Funeral Services:

Robert E. Kimmel, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 8, 1939, in Charlotte the son of Harold and Velma (Leach) Kimmel. On February 18, 1962, he married the love of his life, Carolyn “Lynn” Lux. Bob cherished his family and loved being together. He retired after 34 years of service from Oldsmobile in Lansing. He was a life member and past president of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552. Bob also enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. 

Bob is survived by his children, Diana Lynn White of Charlotte, Terry (Maureen) Kimmel of Georgia; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Hanks, Jamie (Whitney) Kimmel, Joshua Webb, Zebulin White, Cody White; great grandchildren: Hunter Kimmel, Cason Hanks, Khloe Kimmel, Ethan Kimmel; sister, Mariann Nagle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lynn; brother, Larry Kimmel; and stepbrother, Ronnie Johnston.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Tomasa M. Velasquez passed away Saturday, November 10, 2018. Born December 21, 1938, the daughter of Virginia and Genaro Cantu, Tomasa is one of seven children. She was very proud to have graduated in the Top 10 of her Class of 1957. She then went on to gain her degree in nursing. Moving to Michigan in the mid-60s, she became entrenched in Michigan Health Services.

Being community minded, Tomasa, along with former Mayor Tony Benevides became extremely important in the development and growth of the Cristo Rey Community Medical Clinic, which continues to offer quality healthcare to the underprivileged, as well as serving Michigan migrant farm workers. She will be deeply missed as a champion for minority equality. 

Tomasa is survived by her four sons, Alonzo “Chacho” Gomez, Tommy Gomez, William “Badge” Velasquez, John “Pooky” Velasquez; ten grandchildren; and two sisters, Tedora Palomo and Rafaela Nygard. 

A celebration of Tomasa’s life will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center, located at 804 S. Cochran in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ernam Lloyd Royston, a beloved and humble farmer and friend of many, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2018. Ernam, 90, entered this world on January 28, 1928 in Charlotte, one of five children born to Lester and Leeta (Parr) Royston. His entire life was spent in Charlotte, graduating from Charlotte High School in 1946, and in school he was active in FFA and the band, playing baritone and French horn.  He also played violin and various other instruments. On September 20, 1947 he married Virginia Holley, and together they raised three children on the family farm. Farming was what Ernam enjoyed most, as a favorite poem stated, “I’m just a farmer, plain and simple. Not of royal birth, but rather a worker of the earth.  I know not of riches, but rather of patches on my britches.” He also worked at Eaton Intermediate Schools in maintenance for 15 years, and as a substitute rural postal carrier, but a farmer all his life.

A man of faith and lifelong member of the Crossroads United Brethren Church, Ernam enjoyed being active on the board, properties team, many church activities, and belonging to the Men’s Brotherhood. Always working behind the scene, Ernam preferred doing things without being noticed, out of the goodness of his heart and never for any thanks or recognition. His daughters lovingly recognize and remember him as a great father, and a quiet, patient, even-tempered, kind and compassionate man who was best known for his honesty and integrity in all that he did.

Ernam is survived by his daughters, Silver (Marv) Spitzley and Dawn (Dan) Hoffman; grandchildren, Autumn (Gary) Teeple, Nathan (Sarah) Spitzley, Cassondra (Casey) King, and Jason (Melissa) Hulsebos; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Lewie) Young; and sisters-in-law, Jean Royston and Carol Holley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Ernam was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia in 2011; son, Ronald Royston; great-grandson, Ethan Teeple; sisters, Anna Mae Conley and Elaine Gray; brother, Vernon Royston. 

The family would like to thank Ernam’s extended family: his home health care providers as well as the nurses, CNAs, and entire staff that became his extended family for the last six years at Eaton Gardens.

Friends are encouraged to celebrate the life and support the family of Ernam Royston at visitation and funeral services. 

Funeral services are Saturday, November 17, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. James Kendall officiating. Visitation was Friday, November 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution be made to Crossroads United Brethren Church or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ernam on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.