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Funeral Services:

Doris (Young) Thornton, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at home surrounded by those she loved. She was born October 6, 1930, at the family home in Sunfield, Michigan the daughter of Devilo and Letha (Guy) McDiarmid. Doris was a devoted Christian and member of the Assemblies of God her entire life. Her Bible reading was very important to her. She had read through the Bible seven times. In her spare-time she enjoyed playing cards, BINGO, horse racing, and watching the Detroit Tigers. Family was always the most important part of her life. She cherished each and every one of them in a special way.

Doris is survived by her children: Edward Young of Charlotte, Sandra (Bob) VanSplintern of Charlotte, Tommy Young of Charlotte, Ted Young of Charlotte, Larry Young of Charlotte; grandchildren: Sherrie (Shad) Golding, Jim Young, Chad (Tracey) VanSplintern, Aaron (Erin) VanSplintern, Stacey Young, Amy (Brian) Miller; numerous great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (David) Sunken and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Carl Young; second husband, Walter Thornton; and 11 siblings.

The family received friends during a time of visitation and sharing on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Doris’s memory to the charity of their choosing.
To view Doris’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

James (Jim) Lewis Young of Charlotte was reunited with his daughter Dana, on her second year of passing, Friday, August 30, 2024.

James (Jim) was born December 30, 1941, in Lansing to his parents Floyd and Leone (Pierce) Young. He graduated from Easten High School, then worked for Sparrow Hospital before being drafted into the Army during Vietnam, where he was trained as military corpsman. He married the love of his life Elaine (Hagerman) on April 3, 1965, and they lived near Fort Knox, KY during his time in the military. They moved home to Lansing to start a family, and he began a career with General Motors (GM) to which he retired after 30 years of service. During this time, Jim and Elaine welcomed their loving daughter Dana first in 1968, then two years, two months and two days later, they welcomed their loving son Mark in 1970.

Jim was loved for his intelligence, quick sense of humor, his mechanical ability to fix anything, and his devotion to family. He loved just being home, and fishing. He often kept a packed duffle bag on hand for his adventures north to Dana’s paradise, also known as the “the cottage”, in Ocqueoc, Michigan. He loved spending time there with Dana, her husband Dan, family, friends, or just simply by himself fishing the Ocqueoc River.

He was a loving, wonderful husband, father and grandpa! Leading us all by example to show what it means to be devoted to family; he was proud to see his children and grandchildren living their lives this way! He would always make us laugh and was happy to see that his granddaughters inherited the same quick wit from him. He showed us all what real love is! He will forever be remembered, loved and missed!

He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Leone, his brother Bill (Pat) Young, and his daughter Dana.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years Elaine, Son Mark (Amy), Granddaughters Olivia (Alex) and Elizabeth (Sebastian). His brother David (Anne), Sister Sue, and sister-in-law Daylene Sadler, many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his wonderful son-in-law Dan Clay and the incredible Clay Family; Thank you Dan for your continued help and support!

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jim’s memory to the charity of their choosing.

To view Jim’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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Funeral Services:

Shannon Denise (Miller) Saurbek, age 57, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan. She was born in Lansing on April 17, 1967, to Jack and Sharon Miller. Shannon attended Charlotte Public Schools and graduated from High School with the class of ’86. She married Mark Saurbek on October 10, 1998, in Vermontville. Shannon worked for over 15 years at Serenity Acres as a nurse aid caring for the elderly.

Shannon loved her family and cared deeply for them. Time spent at camping every summer at Double R Ranch was always an enjoyable and much anticipated time of year. We as a family cherish our memories of going tubing, kayaking, and then ending the day sitting around a bonfire together. She maintained a beautiful flower garden every year and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. We will miss her deeply, and although we know that life will go on, it won’t be the same without her.

Those surviving her are; her husband of 27 years, Mark; her children, Phillip (Danielle) Bowerman, Keith (Chrissy) Bowerman, Eric Saurbek, Heather (John) Wenzel; grandchildren, Hunter Bowerman, Madison Bowerman, Paisley Bowerman, Zach McGruther, Ella Saurbek, Ryan Saurbek, Blaze Capen, Tatum Capen, Oliver Wenzel; siblings, Randy Miller, Shane (Winnie) Miller, Darcy Powell; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Emery Powell; father, Jack Miller; stepfather, Robert Powell; and brother, Jeff Miller.

In keeping with Shannon’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Shannon’s memory to Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906.

To view Shannon’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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Funeral Services:

Florence Ann Lee, 82, of Holt, a strong-willed women and devoted mother and grandmother, died Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Lansing. Florence was born February 11, 1942, in Detroit, the daughter of Gerald and Georgia (Selman) Monteith. She worked nearly 20 years at Peckham in Charlotte and sold Avon and Watkins on and off throughout the years. Florence was a collector of jewelry, especially watches, and loved sipping coffee while watching her gameshows and talk shows. She enjoyed birdwatching and was especially fond of cardinals and hummingbirds, and she loved her country music. She and her husband, Orval, often enjoyed cruising the countryside together, back before GPS when they would simply drive for hours to get a cup of coffee or visit friends and family. Florence loved getting together for picnics and holidays. She was a loving friend to many. Florence will be forever remembered as an outgoing people person who devoted her life to her family and friends. She remained “full of life” right to the very end.

Florence is survived by her daughters, Jodi (Rex) VanGuilder and Sue Ann Lee; grandchildren, Matt Mclean, James Lee, Megan Lee, and Bryson Lee; great-grandchildren, Madison Mclean and Docota Portvliet; great-great-granddaughters, Mariana and Elena Garrett; beloved niece, Deborah Montieth; sister-in-law, Joyce Bogart-Lee; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends; and grand-dogs and cat, Myah, Loner, and Po Kitty. She was predeceased by her son, Jay Lee in 2021; brother, Gerald Joseph Monteith II; niece, Mary Ann Montieth; former husband and forever friend, Orval Howard Lee in 2001; and her dog, Buster.

Friends are encouraged to support Florence’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family in care of Jodi VanGuilder. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Jan Larry Morey, 83, of Charlotte, a man of the outdoors and deep love for his family, died peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Jan was born January 17, 1941, in Lansing, the son of Harold Carl and Lois Louise (Richmond) Morey. He attended Lansing Sexton High School before briefly working in heating and cooling followed by over 10 years at GM. He married the love of his life, Nancy Carol Brasseur on February 19, 1966, and the two soon started their family. Jan’s passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, led him to create his own company, Quality Spinners Manufacturing. He created his own lures and mass produced them, starting in the late 1980s until 2019. Many will remember Jan’s sense of humor. He was a friend to many, and a family man to the end. He loved camping and travelling, especially to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Jan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Morey; their children, Eric Morey and Susan (Aaron) Day; grandchildren, Tyler Chalender, Savanah Chalender, Liz (Michael) Haller, and Tyler Day; brother, Phil (Janice) Morey; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Jan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Lansing. 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 Jan’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 Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Judy Sharrell Barr, 83, of Olivet, MI, died peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024 in Charlotte. Judy was born April 17, 1941 in Charlotte, the daughter of LeRoy and Donis (Bowser) Barnett. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959 before starting her family. Judy worked 12 years as Clerk in the Eaton County Circuit Court before her retirement. Judy married Dale E. Barr on June 16, 1979 in Olivet, and the two moved north to Harrison, MI, in 1988, where Dale took the position as High School principal and Judy worked as a Teacher’s Aide. Throughout the years, Judy loved to crochet and to travel. She and Dale rarely missed their grandchildren’s school or sporting events. She was proud of her Native American Cherokee heritage. In 2007, Dale and Judy bought a place in Florida, and they enjoyed nearly 20 years of warm winters and making new and long-lasting friendships with their North Ft. Myers neighbors.

Judy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Dale Barr; their children, Trenton (Cheryl) Smith, Kermit Smith, Deborah Barr, and Dale (Debra) Barr, Jr.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Susan) Barnett; son-in-law, Jack Stults; daughter-in-law, Angel Whitman; nieces, nephews and extended family; sister-in-law, Sandy Barnett; close friends, Ron and Barb LeSeney, Chuck and Charlene Cilibraise, and Pat Foreman; many Florida friends; and her dog, Sophie. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Gary Barnett; daughter, Kim Stults; and son, Bret Barr.

Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral Services were at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Mike Fales officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 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 Judy’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 the Barr/Vandyke Principal Leadership Award or Creative Living One Adult Foster Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gerald Lynn Norris was born on December 22, 1946. He was then adopted by Kenneth and Phyllis (Pierce) Dixon on June 22, 1947, then named Darrell Lynn Dixon. Darrell passed on August 31, 2024, at the age of 77.
Darrell was a John Deere Two Cycle Club and Lansing Motorcycle Club member. He loved working on anything with a motor for family and friends. He was a quiet man but a humble friend. He was known to many as “Dummy”, and only known by that to some.

Darrell is survived by his wife Trini (Vogelheim) Dixon, son James Dixon, granddaughter Raegan, as well as many nieces, nephew, Godson, cousin, aunt and uncles.

Visitation was held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Funeral services were held Friday at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Family c/o Trini Dixon or Lansing Motorcycle Club, PO Box 15153 Lansing, MI 48901, in memory of Darrell “Dummy” Dixon.

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Funeral Services:

Charles Owen “Charlie” Klaiss, our fearless leader, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. He was born March 7, 1939, in Charlotte the son of Donald Owen and Ila Leona (Shumaker) Klaiss. Charlie was a man of many talents and the life of the party. He was always ready with a joke to lighten up any situation. Charlie started his career working as an electrician with his father and later started his own stage lighting business traveling throughout the world setting up concert lighting. He worked as Loretta Lynn’s production manager for many years and loved working together with her phenomenal team. Charlie especially loved the USO tours overseas. In his younger years, Charlie, loved the cowboy lifestyle. He rode bulls, roped, owned and trained horses, and could crack a bull whip like no other. Charlie was an active member of the Charlotte Fire Department his entire life and an ardent supporter of the Christmas Kiddies program. Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest and will always be remembered as a loving and devoted father and grandfather.
Charlie is survived by his children, Lee Harvey of Inverness, Florida, Brian Sheldon of Winder, Georgia, Kelly Wadsworth of Charlotte; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, Neil Klaiss.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Elaine Klaiss; grandson, Adam Sheldon; and sister-in-law, Leila Klaiss.
A celebration of Charlie’s life was held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday prior to the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlie’s memory to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department, 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Charlie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Christine “Chris” Ann Sumner, a woman that everyone adored, died on Monday, August 26, 2024. Chris 62, formerly of Potterville, was born on October 11, 1961, in St. Johns, the daughter of Dean Orweller and Betty Jean (Darling) Mays. She proudly served in the Army National Guard. On September 17, 1983, she married Brian Sumner and together they began their family until his passing in 1998. Over the years since his passing Chris was so proud of the way she raised her children and the support that her family gave her. Chris worked as a Para-Professional for Potterville Schools for 19 years. She was adored by the children and many she treated like her own grandchildren. Following her retirement in 2016 she moved up to Higgins Lake. During retirement she began working for Dean Transportation where she worked to this day. Hobbies that Chris enjoyed were traveling, especially trips to Sault Ste. Marie, playing boards games and cards, doing jigsaw puzzles, and afterwards gluing them together to hang on the wall, and above all being with her family that she adored. Many will remember Chris for always cracking a joke, helping others, and never complaining.

Chris is survived by her children, Brian (Iris) Sumner II, Amandajean Sumner, and Chelsey (Josh) Evans; nine grandchildren, Arianna, Teighan, Easton, Braxton, Karla, Emmett, Mario, Ian, and Bernardo; and several that she has claimed as her own; siblings, Dean (Jane Peterson) Orweller, Stuart Kalbrofsky, Arlan Orweller, Kevin (Lori) Orweller, Troy Orweller, and Allison Teves; brother-in-law, Mike (Aurora) Sumner; sister-in-law, Jayne Anderson; many nieces and nephews; dear friends, Sharon, and Sharon. She was predeceased by her husband, Brian; parents; mother and father-in-law, Bernard and Shirley Sumner; and step-dad, Charles Mays.

Friends are encouraged to support Chris’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from noon until 2:00 p.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 Chris’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 the National Kidney Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.