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Kathleen Ann Brooks of Winthrop, Arkansas, passed away August 7, 2023, at the age of 77. Kathleen was born in Albion, MI on March 30, 1946, the daughter of Charles “Bud” and Frances (Adams) Sebastian. She worked at Eaton Stamping before moving to Arkansas, where she would earn her nursing degree in 1985. Kathleen worked as a nurse at De Queen Hospital and was a dedicated nurse for many years as well as a caregiver for many of her family members. She was a member of the Springport Ladies Auxiliary 6056 for 55 years, enjoyed bowling, listening to music, and singing. Kathleen was very outgoing and knew everyone, you could always find her at a local bar or restaurant socializing.

She is survived by her siblings, Tom (Marlene) Sebastian of Springport, Charles “Buddy” (Debra) Sebastian of Albion, Linda Fuller of Eaton Rapids; sisters-in-law, Tina Sebastian of Springport, Louise (Dicky) Rogers of Texas; brother-in-law, Gerald Brooks of Arkansas; stepsons, Greg Brooks of Arkansas, Guy Brooks of Arkansas; stepdaughters, Gretta (Kelly) Harris of Arkansas, Gayla (Kirby) Irvan of Arkansas; close family friends, Jill Tiner and Brianna Nichols of Arkansas, as well as several nieces and nephews. Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, T. L. Brooks in 2015; brother, Bill Sebastian; infant son, John Smith.

Services will be held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on August 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Medical Care Facility or Springport Ladies Auxiliary 6056 in loving memory of Kathleen Ann Brooks. 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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Eleanor A. Lacasse, age 77, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan passed away on July 26, 2023. Services honoring her life will be held, weather permitting, on August 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Church of God, An International Association, located at 7868 Old M-78 (Lansing Road) in East Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

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Norman David Cascaddan passed away on August 3, 2023, after a brief illness at the age of 66. Norman was born on June 21, 1957, in Clare, MI. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Teasil (Dunkle) Cascaddan, along with his sister Ruby, brother Richard, and sister-in-law Gale.

He graduated from Evertt High School in Lansing, Michigan, with the class of 1976. Throughout his life, Norman enjoyed golfing and playing video games. In 1998, Norman married his best friend, Trudy Rolfe, and together they raised four children over 25 years. Norman worked in various industries including G.M, Dedos, and Dowding before retiring from Alro Steel.

Norman will be dearly missed by his wife, Trudy Jo (Rolfe-Comer-Stoken) Cascaddan; his children: Emily (Travis) Wright, Jason Comer, Josh (Jesse) Comer, and Jessica (Jason Hicks) Comer; and his grandchildren: Ryan Comer, Colin Comer, Sophie Comer, and Cassandra Comer. Norman is also survived by siblings: Ruth (Dale) Laplow, Judy (Jim) Laplow, and Jean (Craig) Thomas.

Memorial services celebrating Norman’s life are being decided at this time. Should you wish to make a donation, please choose your favorite pet rescue organization on Norman’s behalf. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.

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Wilma “Jean” Priesman, an excellent baker that loved to share her delicious baked goods with others, died August 7, 2023 in Charlotte at the age of 92. Jean was born March 6, 1931 in Charlotte to Theron and Ora Mae (Burdick) Griffin. As a younger woman, she loved to garden and cook and often used the delicious fruits she would collect in her baked goods. She was well known for her apple and blueberry pies, and she loved to share them with her family and her neighbors. Jean was very particular about several things, especially her appearance and making sure her clothes always coordinated beautifully. She worked for Charlotte Public Schools as a Secretary for the Community Education Coordinator, Eldred Toutant. After retiring from the schools, she became a rural mail carrier for several years. Jean was a happy person, a fabulous cook, and a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Terri Craft, Debbie (Phil) Fisher, and Trudy (Rod) Lea; step-children, Bill, Dan, and Rick Priesman; seven grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister, Marilyn (Roger) Grove; and her caregiver, Allison Westbrook that the family loved and appreciated so very much because she always treated Jean like family. She was predeceased by her husband, Doug Schultz in 2002; second husband, Dick Priesman in 2003; son, Randy Schultz in 2007; and granddaughter, Billie Jo Day in 2022.

Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, August 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon with a Memorial Service immediately following at 12 noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The service 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 Jean’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 Health and Rehab Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

William (“Bill”) John Powell, born January 1, 1940 was taken into the arms of his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2023. In his earthly death he is now reunited with his loving and faithful parents, Wilbur Edward Powell and Margaret Elizabeth Binder, who adopted him when he was eight years old and who preceded him in death.

Bill graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. He lived 50 years in Jackson before moving to Charlotte, MI where he lived for the past 26 years in the company of his beloved partner, Debbie LaPaugh. In his younger years Bill was very active in sports including baseball, basketball, and football. He spent 20 years as a Michigan high school and college referee. More recently he also enjoyed playing on senior leagues for golf and bowling in Charlotte.

Bill is also survived by his two daughters, Denise Powell Montebello and Jennifer Powell Ramsay, both of West Michigan; children from his first marriage to Karen Darby; grandchildren, Emily Montebello and Michael Montebello, both of England, Natalie Ramsay and Reid Ramsay, both of West Michigan; his first great-grandchild, Solomon Montebello (8 months) of England; his sister, Judy Lightheart Lester of California; stepsons Jeremiah LaPaugh of Elwell and Andy (Jennifer) LaPaugh of Olivet; and step-grandchildren Linkin, Lyla and Kamden LaPaugh of Olivet. He also leaves behind his two precious German Shepherds, Dakota and Ellie, who brought him much joy, purpose and comfort each day.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by all of his family and friends as a man of great humor and energy, always pushing himself physically to do more. After living with chronic pain for years, he is free at last to rejoice in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ without affliction and in the fullness of His glory, Hallelujah! In his final days he repeatedly sang this hymn:
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love Lord, I’m coming home.

Cremation has taken place and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jackson will be decided at a later date.

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Evelyn Jane Rigelman, age 96, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. Arrangements are entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. The full obituary will be published later and may be viewed at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Stephen Scott “Weezer” Halsey, age 78 of Vermontville, MI passed away August 3, 2023, at Clearstream Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Hastings, MI.

Steve was born in Charlotte, MI August 19, 1944, the son of Elmer and Rena (Scott) Halsey. He grew up in Chester Township, the youngest of five, with brothers Stanley “Bub”, David “Hap”, and Charles Halsey and sister Rebecca Halsey Saylor. He graduated from Charlotte High School. Following graduation Steve joined the Army National Guard and trained as a culinary cook for four years.

Steve worked for D.E. Wertz & Co., AE Hoover, ran an antique photo booth with his wife Jane in the 80’s, and also restored antique furniture. Eventually Steve worked for and retired from Spartan Motors, and enjoyed woodworking on the side, in which he was very talented.

Steve was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3552, The American Legion Post #42, The Charlotte Moose #2565 and was a member of Inward Man Fellowship in Delton, MI.

Steve enjoyed going to bluegrass festivals where he would help run euchre tournaments. He was known for cooking the best grilled chicken; homemade deep-fried onion rings, french fries and potato chips; and some of the best fried fish to be found.

He enjoyed mushroom hunting with family and friends, camping, fishing, playing euchre and pinochle, watching Nascar and listening to bluegrass music.

Steve remained close friends with his Hyatt brothers and sisters, longtime friends Barb and the late Gary Bruce, and Jerry and Vicky Morse, all of whom were like family, and the little fur animal that won over his heart he fondly dubbed “Porter Wagtail”.

Steve is survived by his daughters, Christina Williams, Dede (Shawn) Roggow, Melissa “Mysi” Cantrell; his current wife, Gail Marie Halsey; stepchildren, Chuck Warren and Crystal Hoffman; grandchildren, Amy Strickland, Cody Williams, Jenna and Maycee Roggow, Anthony Warren, Kalin, Cameron and Blair Hulsebos; great-grandchildren, Cassie and Elizabeth Strickland; and many special nieces and nephews.

Per Steve’s wishes, cremation has taken place and his final resting place will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI alongside his late wife Loretta “Jane” Hyatt Halsey, with whom he shared 28 years before her passing. He was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte, MI on Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to The Family of Stephen Halsey.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Nashville, MI 49073. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Lucille Naomi Crim, age 95, of Olivet passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. She was born July 29, 1928, in McMinnville, Tennessee, the daughter of Hebron and Ruth (Simons) Lance. On December 20, 1947, she married RD Crim. Lucille loved gardening and spent countless hours working diligently to reap a bountiful harvest. She loved her family with a deep devotion and always saw to it that they were well cared for.

Lucille is survived by her sons, Robert Crim of Olivet, Paul (Penny) Crim of Bellevue; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Faye Mays of Manchester, Tennessee; and brother, Lonnie (Debbie) Lance of Lebanon, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, RD.

A graveside service was held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Olivet Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Lucille’s memory to Harmony Cares Hospice.

To view Lucille’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.

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Doloras Jean Harris – Miss Christmas – died surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 21, 2023, at her residence in Charlotte. Doloras, 86, was born on June 1, 1937, in Wheelwright, KY, the daughter of Vittorio and Angelina (Mundy) Rossi. At the age of 17 she married the love of her life, Troy Harris, and the couple created lasting memories until his passing in 1999. She worked for Aluminum Extrusions for 28 years. There she was a proud Union Committee Member, where she was able to voice her concerns for fellow co-workers. Doloras later worked at Wal-Mart. She will be remembered for her ability to give the days until Christmas, her love for Elvis Presley, being the biggest UK basketball fan in Michigan, and for her love in taking care of others. Doloras also enjoyed fishing, crocheting, taking family trips to Kentucky to visit family members, and being with her grandchildren. Above all her biggest passion in life was her family. Her family’s last words to her were, “we loved that Granny,” as this was a saying that was always exchanged in goodbye.

Doloras is survived by her children, Teresa Uhl, Angela (Joseph) Russell, Victor Harris, and Mark Harris; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Vena (Otis) Newsome. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Troy; children, Jodi Ann Harris and Sylvester Harris; grandchildren, Curtis Harris, Troy Harris, and Thomas Austin; great-grandchildren, Kayla and Kyle Barnett; siblings, Mary Ellen Nance, Anna Gibson, Victoria Martin, and Joe Rossi; and son-in-law, Spike Uhl.

Friends are encouraged to support Doloras’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and funeral service was Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Byron “Bud” Hicks, 96, of Marshall, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Bud was born in Battle Creek on December 14, 1926, to Walter and Ila Hicks. Bud married the love of his life, Judy Bauman on October 6, 1951. They enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage.

Bud is survived by Judy; his daughter, Lonnie (Monte) Starkweather; granddaughters, Kellie (Brad) Janousek and Jessie (Kevin) McClelland; and two very special great grandsons, Ryder and Hayden McClelland. He is also survived by extended family members and so many wonderful friends.

As a child of the depression, Bud’s upbringing was humble. Much of his childhood was spent with his loving grandparents and with cousins on the Hicks family farm in Pennfield. There was not a time in Bud’s 96 years that he wasn’t dreaming about or fixing a car. The car bug really bit when at 13 years old, Bud bought a third interest in a Model T for $6. By the age of 14, he had purchased his second car, a Ford Model A. Bud’s calling wasn’t to higher education, but to work. He worked at various service stations prior to getting a job at Battle Creek Autobody. At the age of 17, Bud enlisted in the Navy. As a member of the Sea Bees, he spent time in Guam decommissioning vessels and playing a lot of cards. Upon his return from the Navy, he continued working in body shops. By the age of 24, he had purchased Lakeview Body Shop. Bud was always a hard worker and an artist in “leading” car bodies. Judy and Bud met through Bill, her older brother. They were married in 1951. Their family grew with the addition of Ted and Lonnie. The Hicks family could be found camping and entertaining friends by the pool. Bud could always be found in the middle of a game – cards, shuffleboard, pool and bocce. In the early 70’s, Bud help start the Autobody Repair program at the Calhoun County Vocational Center. It was here he taught many young men about body repair, but more importantly, work ethic. By the late 70’s, Bud had given up the body shop business to work full time at antique auto restoration. Bud and Judy were members of the Battle Creek Car Club, Buick Club of America, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club and ’53-54 Skylark Club. Buicks were Bud’s favorites as they were “over built” and good road cars. He always said he collected Buicks because he couldn’t afford Duesenbergs. Bud and Judy took many road trips and tours over the years, often including their granddaughters on the ride. When Bud “retired” at the age of 85, he spent more time fishing, playing cards and traveling to Florida. He especially loved playing games with Ryder and Hayden.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Barbara Barney; brother-in-law, Ray Barney; and his sons, Theodore “Ted” Hicks in 1969 and Daniel Hicks in 1957.

Visitation was held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Richard Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, and funeral services were held at the funeral home on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. Interment followed at Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield with a gathering of friends and family immediately after. Family, friends, and cars have always been at the center of Bud’s world. The family asked that attendees drive their old cars to the visitation or funeral service in his memory.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or The Gilmore Car Museum Garage Works Program (to educate high school students on automobile restoration).

The family is in the care of Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 703 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015; Phone: 269-962-5191; www. henryfuneralhome.org.