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Funeral Services:

Sarah Juhola lived a full and vibrant life until her passing on Monday, July 6, 2026. She was 37 years old.

Sarah was born on August 16, 1988, in Missoula, Montana, to Lynn and Paul Juhola. In 1998, her family moved to Olivet, Michigan, where she quickly became involved in basketball, volleyball, track, and band. Whether on the court, the field, or performing with her classmates, Sarah was known as a fierce competitor whose determination and spirit inspired those around her.

Throughout her years in Olivet and later while attending Ferris State University, Sarah formed countless lifelong friendships. She treasured the people in her life and carried with her a deep love for her family and friends, along with many cherished memories shared together.

At Ferris State University, Sarah earned two bachelor’s degrees – one in Nuclear Medicine Technology and another in Health Care Systems Administration. Her commitment to excellence was recognized by her inclusion on the Ferris State Dean’s List, and she went on to build a career in which she excelled through her intelligence, compassion, and dedication to caring for others.

Sarah possessed a heart as big as her smile – a smile that could brighten any room. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and loved, and her warmth left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

As we remember Sarah, it is important that the beauty, joy, and radiance of her life define her legacy – not the circumstances of her passing. She will be remembered for the kindness she shared, the love she gave so freely, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

She will be deeply missed by her parents, Lynn and Paul Juhola; her sisters, Carly (Josh Kennedy) Juhola and Brook Juhola; her nephews, Fabek Kennedy and Ariston Kennedy; her niece, Bexley; and many extended family members, dear friends, classmates, and colleagues who were blessed to know and love her.

Friends are encouraged to support Sarah’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life Visitation was held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice in honor of Sarah. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Pat John Ray, age 93, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. Pat was born on January 30, 1933, in Lansing, Michigan, to Clifford D. Ray and Mable (Swindlehurst) Ray.

He grew up with a strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life. As a dedicated tradesman, Pat worked hard to provide for his family and took great pride in his career. He was master plumber with VA Local 333 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union from 1966 to 1974 and was a lifetime member of the Plumbers Trades.

Pat proudly served his country in the United States Army with the 7th Cavalry Regiment from March 17, 1953, until March 16, 1955. His service was a source of pride throughout his life. Above all else, family was most important to him.

On December 19, 1959, Pat married the love of his life, Rosalee. Together they shared more than 66 years of marriage and built a life centered on love, family, and commitment as they raised their son, Auther Lee.

Pat enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially gardening, hunting, and fishing. He also loved a good game of cribbage and was a lifetime member of the American Cribbage Congress (ACC), where he enjoyed both the competition and the friendships the game brought him. Pat believed in giving back to his community and volunteered with the Union Hall Christmas parties for Wards of the State and helped with the VFW Senior Breakfasts, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Above all, Pat will be remembered as a hardworking, dependable, and kind man whose quiet strength and unwavering devotion to his family touched the lives of those who knew him. One of his most favorite activities was to gather family together

Pat is survived by his many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalee; son, Auther Lee Ray; his parents, Clifford and Mable Ray; his sisters, Virginia (Howard) Rhodabeck and Hester (Verne)Root; and his brothers, Ronald (Gearaldine) Ray and Earnest (Christine) Ray.

Friends are encouraged to support Pat’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family service will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton Area Senior Center, Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Todd Gibson, 53, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on July 17, 2026. 

Todd was born on March 14, 1973, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Tom and Martha Gibson. He grew up alongside his sister, Amanda, with many fond childhood memories at Fish Lake. 

Todd proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During his service, he built a career as a meteorologist and oceanographer and traveled extensively around the world. 

Following his military retirement, Todd went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He was most recently employed at Newmind Group in Kalamazoo, where he was a respected leader and colleague. 

Todd married Betsy McCue Gibson on October 31, 2020. He was a devoted father to his children, Alyssa (Tyler) Gibson, Jonathan (Jax) Gibson, and Genevieve (Jeff) Mori, and a loving grandfather to Bryn, Monroe, and Halle. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, kayaking, live music, and spending time outdoors, and was known among family and friends for his humor, warmth, and generosity. 

Todd is survived by his wife, Betsy; his children, Alyssa (Tyler) Gibson, Jonathan (Jax) Gibson, and Genevieve (Jeff) Mori; his grandchildren, Bryn, Monroe, and Halle; his parents, Tom and Martha Gibson; his sister, Amanda Carr; and his nephew, Joe Carr. 

Military Funeral Honors will be held on Thursday, July 30, at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery. 

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The funeral home may be reached at (269) 375-2900.

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Funeral Services:

Marjory Ann (Meyers) Rairigh of Vermontville went home to her Creator early on Wednesday June 10, 2026 at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, Michigan. She was born at home April 29,1934 in Woodbury to Gaylia (Klahn) and Floyd Meyers.

Marge attended Woodland School graduating in 1952. After graduation she worked in Lansing for the State of Michigan using her skills of typing and shorthand. She also worked in the hat shop at Knapps downtown.

On February 28, 1953 she married Vivian Charles Rairigh. They celebrated 66 years of marriage before his passing on March 3, 2019. Marge was an excellent homemaker and wonderful mother to their four children. 

After her children were all in school, she worked in the office at E. W. Bliss, and as a para-pro at Woodland Jr. High School. When her mother could no longer drive after a stroke, Marge took over her Avon route. She became the “Avon Lady” to many customers around the Woodland and Lake Odessa area continuing the tradition. She earned many Mrs. Albee awards for being a top selling representative.

Marge enjoyed cooking and baking, sewing and knitting. She was a 4-H leader for sewing in the Sunfield area. In her youth she enjoyed coloring books and when grown-up coloring books came out, she started coloring again. She also become an unrelenting jigsaw puzzle solver.

Marge was a devout Christian and lived her faith daily. She taught herself to play the piano and began playing at the Woodland United Methodist Church where she was a long-time member. She learned to play the organ and played there for 40 years. She led junior choir and taught Sunday School. She also served in many offices of the United Methodist Women, with a passion for women and children of the world. In later years she was a member of Vermontville UMC and then Nashville UMC.

In addition to playing piano, Marge was a wonderful singer. She sang in the church choir for many years. She was also a charter member of the Lakewood Area Choral Society, a member for nearly 25 years where she sang alto and then tenor before retiring. She was awarded Emeritus Status after her retirement. She enjoyed singing with both of her daughters and a son-in-law who were also members of LACS.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents and her step-father, Charles Brooks. She was preceded death by her husband, by her son Randall C. Rairigh in 2014 and son-in-law Harry Wallin in 2025. Also preceded in death by her siblings: Mary (Bill) McHenry, Marshall Meyers and Marlin Meyers.

She is survived by her daughter Elnora Wallin and her children Drew (Rachael) Sayer, Craig (Erika) Sayer, and Barry (Nahwal) Sayer: by Randy’s wife (Sue) Rairigh, and their children, Ranell (Michael) Conner, Mearl (Tracy) Rairigh, Devin (Danielle) Rairigh, Tamara Houle Hurst, and Tracy HouleThompson; by son, Dallas Rairigh and his son, Quentin (Katelyn) Rairigh; by daughter, Nola (Mark) Payne and their children, Dani (Beth J., Nick G.) Payne and Tyler (Julie) Payne; plus 23 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

Also surviving are Marge’s brother, Ken Brooks and sisters-in-law Madeline Meyers and Margaret Meyers. Plus, many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Marge’s life will be held on Sunday, July 26 at Nashville United Methodist Church in Nashville, Michigan. Visitation starting at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m. Her ashes will be interred with Vivian’s at the Woodland Memorial Park in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lakewood Area Choral Society or Eaton Community Palliative Care.

The family was served by Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, Michigan. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Anne Marie Burns-Howe was born March 9, 1961 and died July 21, 2026.

Visitation is Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

The Funeral Service is 11 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Grand Ledge.

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Funeral Services:

Diane Elizabeth Dunn, of Eaton Rapids passed away July 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Diane was born in Dearborn, Michigan on September 21, 1943, the daughter of Carroll and Freda (Clubbe) Rowley. She lived a life of endless kindness, creativity and curiosity. 

After moving to Troy with her own family, Diane devoted herself to her children as Brownie leader and Cub Scout den mother and spent countless hours at dance lessons and recitals. She enjoyed many of the band concerts, track meets, soccer and softball games, fairs, and various activities of her children and grandchildren. She loved music, sang in the church choir in her youth, and spent years as a pianist at her church in Troy. Later, she served as director of the Flushing Singers and accompanied the quartet she lovingly referred to as “The Boys.”

Diane enjoyed drawing, painting, flower gardening and other artistic pursuits. She found peace and joy in long walks and sitting by any body of water. Always inquisitive, she never met a back road she wouldn’t take or a new adventure she wouldn’t embrace, even crewing a hot-air-balloon team for a time. For years, Diane was in service to her church as secretary, and then to patients as receptionist and bookkeeper at a chiropractic office. After moving to Belton, Missouri, she volunteered at the farmer’s market and the local historical society. Whatever her pursuit, it was always the people and relationships that she cherished. Diane was independent and strong-willed, yet genuinely kind and giving of herself. She will be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known and loved her for her generous spirit, sweet smile, and gentle heart. 

Diane is survived by her long-time companion, Richard Walter; children, Adam (Linda) Dunn, Alison (Marco) Rossi, Glenn A. (Cheryl) Dunn; grandchildren, Mary Linda (Robert) Palmer, Addison (Chandra) Dunn, Julianne Dunn, Carina Rossi, Justin Usrey, Jonathon Dunn; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Phyllis Lupescu, Gail (Ernesto) Ruiz; former husband, Glenn S. (Carol) Dunn. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Rowley; sister, Jean Pawlaczyk. 

Memorial Services will be held on August 15, 2026, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Additional details will be shared at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. 

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Girl Scouts in loving memory of Diane Elizabeth Dunn. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Harry Christopher Zenker of Onondaga, passed away July 19, 2026, at the age of 66. Chris was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 24, 1959, the son of Bruce and Edna (Wetmore) Zenker.

When he was young, Chris’s family moved many times. He went to school in Stockbridge, Leslie, Springport, and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School. Chris started working on farms at the age of 14, usually working for dairy farms.

He enlisted in the Michigan National Guard in December of 1977. Chris spent six years in Albion Battery B with his brother Pat and brother-in-law Jeff. He transferred to 119 Service Battery, Lansing for two years, while there he went to Honduras with his unit.

In 1980, Chris met his wife, Leslie, at Edru Roller Rink in Holt, Michigan. They skated together and stayed together. They were married July 11, 1981, at Onondaga Community Church. They spent 45 wonderful years together.

Chris worked many places. The first was Vern Losey and Son Farm Equipment, he worked there for about seven years. It was one of his favorite jobs and where he developed his love of Oliver Tractors and he enjoyed talking with all the farmers.

Over the years he worked in Jackson, Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Leslie and Potterville. Chris ran a small goat farm at home for seven years. He worked for the City of Potterville Department of Public Works for several years. This was his last and most favorite position. Chris did general maintenance, was a certified diesel mechanic, and had lots of experience fixing things.

In 2003, he received a kidney transplant. Chris had been on dialysis for about two years due to poly-cystic kidney disease. The transplant worked well until Covid hit him in 2020. Since then, he had needed dialysis. That caused many other heart and lung issues.

Since he was not working, he developed an interest in panning for gold, YouTube videos about gold prospecting and panning, hot rods and vehicle recoveries, watching and feeding birds and spending time on the most wonderful porch.

Chris is survived by his wife, Leslie Zenker of Onondaga; children, CJ Zenker, Joshua (Mary Bandfield) Zenker, and his 10-year-old Airedale, Recon; siblings, Tom (Cindy) Zenker, Patrick (Cathy) Zenker; sister-in-law, Donna Zenker; brother-in-law, Jeff Hughey; all the 4-H kids, spouses and children and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mike Zenker, Becky Hughey, Doug Zenker.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. 

Interment will follow the service in Tompkins Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Harry Christopher Zenker. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

William Thomas Schmidt of Eaton Rapids passed away with family by his side on July 11, 2026, at the age of 89. 

Tom proudly served with the US Navy for four years. He was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Lions Club and the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. Tom was a Mechanical Engineer certified in heating and cooling. 

Tom was also quite the athlete. Every sport that he played he played with vigor and was very accomplished. He excelled in fast pitch softball touring all around the country as a ‘ringer’ but often filled his later years with racquetball, golf and bowling. He had the voice of an angel sharing his singing passion with his church and the community and belonging to several gospel quartets. Tom was a larger-than-life humble man living his faith by giving so much of himself as a servant of the Lord.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Tony) McDaniel of Eaton Rapids; son, David (Liz) Schmidt of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Austin McDaniel, Madison McDaniel, Brayden McDaniel, Gracyn McDaniel, Nick Wild, Stephen (Bekah) Schmidt, Sarah (Joshua) Taylor, John Michael (Amanda) Schmidt, Jared (Maddie) Schmidt, Landon Schmidt, Caleb Schmidt; numerous nieces and nephews and significant other, Mary Jo Brimmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce in 2021; daughter, Deborah Arnold; granddaughter, Brittney Whitaker; sisters, Betty June Bragg and Sally Jo Beals.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Jack Lloyd DeFord, 95, of Charlotte, a man known for always doing the right thing and for his unwavering devotion to his family, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by those he loved. Jack was born on August 4, 1930, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Leonard and Martha (Davis) DeFord.

He graduated from J.W. Sexton High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. Jack dedicated 31 years to shaping young minds as a high school teacher, inspiring students in Government, History, Economics, Journalism, and Publications. Throughout his career he taught in the Ionia, Comstock, and Lansing school districts, spending the final 24 years at Lansing Eastern High School before retiring in 1986.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. During the summers, he worked in security for Oldsmobile from 1967 until 1993. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Jack possessed an incredible knowledge of military aircraft and especially enjoyed sharing that passion with others. He was a member of Cross & Cockade International, the Society of World War I Aero Historians, the Society of World War II Aviation Historians, and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He also generously volunteered for many years at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. His love of history extended beyond aviation as he served as a docent at both the Michigan History Museum and Potter Park Zoo.

On July 18, 1999, Jack married Beverly (Frey) McDonald, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Beverly often said she knew Jack was “the one” because he loved cats just as much as she did. Together they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, creating adventures wherever they went. They also shared a passion for gardening, with both earning the distinction of Master Gardener.

Jack’s love of racing was something he happily shared with his sons. Whether cheering at IndyCar or NASCAR events or traveling across Michigan to watch his son’s modified racing team compete, he was always their biggest supporter. As the proud owner of the team, Jack treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family at the racetrack.

A devoted Michigan State football and basketball fan, Jack rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Spartans. However, when The Michigan Wolverines faced Ohio State, his hometown roots took over, and he proudly supported the Buckeyes. Above all, Jack devoted his life to the Lord. He was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte, where he was honored to be the congregation’s oldest member.

Jack is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Dane (Grace) DeFord, Jon (Shelly) DeFord, Gregory McDonald, and Annette (David) Stanesa; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his beloved Peace Lutheran Brothers and Sisters. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jack Stevens; and his parents. 

Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow with full military honors at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Peace Lutheran Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Frankie LaFae (Bowles) Johnson of Potterville, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 8, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1938, in Brookfield (Township), Michigan. She grew up in the Eaton Rapids area and graduated from Olivet High School in 1956. She attended Owosso Bible college, where she met and later married the love of her life, Lewis Johnson, on May 10, 1958, in Eaton Rapids. They were married for 67 years until his death on April 12, 2026.

Frankie worked on their family farm on Bellevue highway growing up and later became the office manager at the Potterville Elevator, working alongside her parents and husband for over 40 years. She loved the business aspects of the job, but her greater love was interacting with the farming community, which ultimately became part of her extended family. Whether it was just talking and listening to them, making a piece of toast or getting a cup of coffee, she enjoyed the people part of the job.

For her entire life she was active in her church. As a young girl she would ride the bus with her dad and pick up the children to come to Sunday School. She sang in the choir with her whole family. Church was always the highlight of her week and was incredibly important to her. She served in the Eaton Rapids Pilgrim Holiness Church, Trinity Wesleyan Church, Lansing South Church of the Nazarene, and later South Life Church. Over the years she has done everything from cooking meals, to washing dishes, running errands or cleaning the church.

With ministry being so important to both Frankie and Lewis, they found great joy in serving in other ways outside of their local church. One area was serving as part of the support team for  the Collingsworth Family for over 20 years. They loved traveling with them when they could, meeting the people and working at their merchandise table. Another area they enjoyed was serving at the Renewanation Christian Camp and Conference Center in Pikeville, Tennessee. They did anything they could do to support this ministry and were very excited to see the growth of the Kingdom through both ministries.

For Frankie, family was of the utmost importance to her. Whether it was all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, or her dear family in Tennessee where her southern roots began, to her extended family through long-time friendships. If you ever asked her was the most important areas of her life, it was first serving God, but right behind that, it was all about the ““family” as She defined it. 

She is survived by her three sons, Paul (Michelle) of Clinton Township, Frank (Terri) of Hillsboro, Kansas, and Wayne (Deanna) of Clinton Township; her grandchildren, Rachel (Tyler), Mary, Isaac (Lindsay), Amanda (Jerel), Annaliese, and Andrew (Honor – fiancé); and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Smart, sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson, along with many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in death by her parents, Frank and Dorothy Bowles, her husband Lewis, and her brother-in-law David Smart.

Friends are encouraged to support Frankie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. at South Church in Lansing. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 9:30 until 11 a.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 Frankie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to South Life Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.