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Funeral Services:

Brady Eugene Pritchard, a young man with big dreams and aspirations, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 17, 2023. Brady, 22, of Marshall, was born on December 4, 2001, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of David and Cynthia (Anzaldua) Pritchard. He was a graduate of Olivet High School class of 2020. After graduation he began working alongside his mother at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation. Most recently he worked at the Target Distribution Plant. Many will remember Brady for his upbeat and always positive attitude. His biggest passion in life was making others around him happy. Hobbies that he enjoyed were working out, playing just about any sport, trips to the casino, sports betting, rapping, hanging out with his friends, and cheering on Michigan State and the Detroit Lions.

Brady is survived by his parents, David and Cynthia; siblings, Tyler and Harley Pritchard; grandparents, Abel and Lisa Anzaldua, and Penny Burt; great-grandmother, Marion Pelto; aunts, Christina (Clint) Litzenberg, Alisha (Tom Potter) Pritchard, and Faith Childress; uncle, Jose (Wendy) Anzaldua; close friends, Collid Pelfrey, and Logan Williams; and girlfriend, Tiffany Carhuayo; family dog, Fat Boy.

He was predeceased by his uncle, Adam Burt “Uncle Animal”; and great-uncle, Roy Fuller.

Friends are encouraged to support Brady’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.

Funeral services were Friday, December 22, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation took place just prior to the service. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Brady’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Laurie Ann Place, 81, of Marshall passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, December 11, 2023 at her residence.

Laurie was born January 28th, 1942, in Detroit to her parents, Raymond and Mabel (Reavis) Hamm.

In 1955, Raymond and Mabel Hamm, owners of Air-Way Manufacturing in Romeo, Michigan, moved the company to Olivet, Michigan. Laurie finished her schooling at Olivet High School, graduating in 1960.

On October 20th, 1961, Laurie married Phillip Neil Place at Olivet Congregational Church. The happy couple spent 50 years adventuring the world together, before Philips passing in 2012. The couple spent not only their down time together but their working hours as well. They became co-owners of Air-Way Manufacturing in 1988 with Laurie being the corporate secretary. While taking care of the family business the Places also raised a family of their own. Laurie loved cooking and planning family events for her three children, Kari, Mark, and Scott. Olivet truly became her hometown.

Laurie spent a lot of her life giving to others and helping the Olivet community. As a young girl she enjoyed horseback riding and also became a trail guide. As an adult she volunteered at Olivet Adult Education. Laurie was truly a planner, always finding a way to celebrate those around her. Laurie was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Michigan and continued to attend services their as long as she was able.
When not on the go Laurie was found reading or traveling with her beloved Phillip. On her travels Laurie would collect shells, while Phillip collected stones.

We remember Laurie as a loving and kind woman, who would welcome all her community to gather. She will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. In death she is returned to the loving arms of her husband, Phillip. Also, reuniting with her parents, and her brothers Gerald R Hamm and Larry P Hamm. Laurie is survived by her daughter Kari Place of Charlotte, Michigan; her sons, Mark (Kellie) Place of Olivet, Michigan and Scott (Nora) Place of Olivet, Michigan; her 5 grandchildren, Jerrod Sedler of Charlotte, Michigan, Brock (Adrienne) Pook of Marshall, Michigan, Garret (Alyssa)Place of Olivet, Michigan, Zachery (Sarah) Place of Marshall, Michigan and Mac (Taylor Martinez) Place of Lansing, Michigan; her great grandchildren, Harper, Phillip, Madeline and Luca; and her brother, Ronald (Dee)Hamm of Marshall, Michigan.

Visitation for Laurie will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068 with the memorial service to follow at 3:00 at the funeral home. Rev. David Moran officiating.

Burial will take place at a later date at Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Childrens research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105) or to Christ Lutheran Church (440 West Dr. N Marshall, Michigan 49068).

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Funeral Services:

Martha Helen “Peggy” Perry, age 95, of Olivet, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, December 16, 2023. She was born January 7, 1928, at the family home in Redmond Twp., Cross Village, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence and Emma (Kleinfelt) Bargy. The family moved to Walton Township in 1940. Peggy graduated from Olivet High School in 1946. After graduating Peggy worked for Michigan Bell Telephone before she married Vinton Perry in 1948. After they were married, she went to work for Airway Manufacturing in Olivet as a receptionist and retired after 23 faithful years of service. She was a life member of the Bellevue/Olivet Order of the Eastern Star and member of the Eaton Area Senior Center. Peggy also volunteered for many years reading to children at Fern Persons Elementary School and worked as a demo lady at Feldpausch in Bellevue. In her spare-time she enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, and spending time with her loving family.

Peggy is survived by her children, David (Sheryl) Perry of Marshall, Donald (Rose) Perry of Bellevue, Denise (Don) Cummings of Olivet; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vinton; siblings, Earl Bargy, Don Bargy, Betty Masters, and Ruth Gierzak.

Funeral services was held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Fisher officiating. The family received friends on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial took place at Olivet Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Peggy’s memory to Eaton County Meals on Wheels 1045 Independence Blvd., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Peggy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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Funeral Services:

Scott Emery Ball, 40, passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Colorado surrounded by loved ones on December 6, 2023. Services will be held on December 29 at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.

Scott was born on March 4, 1983 in Marshall, Michigan the son of Dana Ball. He was raised in the surrounding Olivet area where he attended Olivet Community Schools, graduating in 2002. He was married to Rebecca Zamidio Hamilton Ball on June 15, 2006 in Tucson, Arizona. He participated in soccer, track, and wrestling at Olivet High Schools, a member of Boy Scout Troops #647 Olivet.

Scott is survived by Mother, Dana Ball; Grandmother, Loretta Ball; Uncles: Phillip Ball, Ronald Ball, Timothy Ball; Special cousins: Mary Mogg, Teri Boland, and numerous cousins; Wife, Rebecca, of 17 ½ years; Daughters: Genevieve, Magnolia, Luella.

Scott has battled Malignant Liver Melanoma for four years.

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Funeral Services:

Judith Irene Zomerman of Potterville, passed away December 19, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on July 16, 1940, the daughter of Reo and Viola (Kornmeyer) Sheren. Judith and her husband loved travelling, camping in particular. They travelled all over the United States with their travel trailer, in the years of travelling, they managed to make it to all the states in the Continental US. Judith was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family. She was an excellent cook and loved reading in her spare time.

Judith is survived by her loving husband, Willem Zomerman; children, Joan (Bryan) Richard of Charlotte, Edd (Andee) Zomerman of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Courtney (Steve) Guthrie of Kentwood, Alex Bailey of Lansing, Emma Zomerman of Anaheim, CA, Annika Zomerman of Orlando, FL; great grandchildren, Aiden and Addisyn Guthrie of Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Duane Sheren, Jerry Sheren and Richard Sheren.

Per Judith’s wishes, a private family service will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel in Grand Ledge. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Concepcion “Connie” Elida Arnold, age 70 of Charlotte, passed away on December 13, 2023, in Lansing. She was born on December 8, 1953, in Bexar, Texas, the daughter of Gabriel and Martha (Martinez) Lozano. Connie and her husband, Keith Arnold, raised their family on the farm in rural Charlotte. She retired from the State of Michigan after many years of faithful service where she served as a mail clerk. Connie was a member of the New Hope Community Church and always had a heart full of love for others. She volunteered at the Helping Hands Food Pantry. She enjoyed many special times with her friends from church as they studied the Bible together. Connie was a tremendous cook and will long be remembered for her amazing, homemade meals. Most of all, she loved and adored her family, she spoiled her grandchildren, and she will be missed deeply.

Connie is survived by her children; Keith (Diedra) Arnold of Massachusetts, Kyle Arnold of Haslett, Brianna Arnold of Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Jonny, Gabriel, and Mae; siblings, Judy Lozano, Vivian (Russ) Brown, Gabe Lozano; many nieces; nephews; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith H. Arnold; son, Cody Arnold; sisters, Martha Lozano and Diane Klinesmith.
In keeping with Connie’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Connie’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Connie’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:

Venice C. Martin, age 94, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was born February 7, 1929, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carson and Eva (Rawson) Parr. Venice went on to graduate from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1946. Soon after graduation she married Jackson L. Martin. Venice loved cooking and preparing wonderful meals for her family. She also enjoyed doing seamstress work and the beauty in nature. Venice also taught Sunday school for many years at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. She will be dearly missed by her precious family and many friends.

Venice is survived by her children, Sandra (David) Gilding of Charlotte, Jeffrey Martin of Cadillac; grandchildren, Scott Gilding, Matt (Tracie) Gilding, Ryan (Katie) Gilding, Jesse (Sara) Gilding, Autumn Rand; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Nona Osborne; sister-in-law, Sharon Parr, brother-in-law, Mike Kehres; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Doris Martin; husband, Jack; daughter, Stephanie Rand; siblings, Wayne (Marion) Parr, Jean (Wayne) Davis, Shirley (Bruce) Bryan, Dick Parr, Sharon Bayes, and Linda Garrison-Kehres.

The family received friends for a time of visitation on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make contributions in Venice’s memory to Shriners International. www.shrinersinternational.org
To view Venice’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Duane Richard Martin of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 88. Duane was born January 28, 1935. He was a foster child living in numerous places in Eaton Rapids, including, the Miller Farms, the VFW National Home for Children, and many thanks for the following people for taking him in as well: Luman and Luella Klink, Charlie Campbell and Herbert Gates, Sr. Being a father was an important role for him and it was one that he took on lovingly full time while farming his land. Duane worked for the Lansing School District as a painter and was a Maintenance Director at the Dimondale Nursing Center for many years. He was a member of Robbins United Methodist Church, the Eaton Rapids Chapter FFA, was the leader of the 4-H Club Borderline Wonders, a 4-H softball coach that went all the way to the State Finals, member of the American and Michigan Corriedale Sheep Breeders Association holding many officer positions, the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association, was the 1993 Premier Sheep Breeder at the Michigan State Fair, and a wool buyer. He spent winters in Zephyrhills and loved restoring tractors.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Martin; daughters, Kim (Steven) Koth of South Haven, MI, Teresa (Robert) Wallo of Gregory, MI; grandchildren, Joshua (Angela) Salow-Leatherberry, Gregory Wallo, Stacy (Craig) Rehmann, Michelle (Travis) Pietsch, Eric Robert Duane (Julie) Leatherberry; great grandchildren, Ethan, Hendrix, Kayden, Jemma, Kenley, Emily, Annabelle, and Jillian; finally, his dog, Ginny, who was his best friend. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Timothy Edward Salow and several siblings.

Memorial services were held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartwood Schools, 625 Hagadorn Rd, Mason, MI 48854. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Paul Duane Adleman, a resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on March 21, 1935, Duane was the fourth child of Emery and Winnie (Taylor) Adleman and spent his formative years in Big Rapids, MI, graduating from high school in the class of 1952 and went on to receive his bachelor’s in accounting from Ferris State University.

Duane proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. On June 22, 1957, he married the love of his life, Joyce (Knoop) Adleman, and together they raised three beautiful children.

Throughout his career, Duane worked as a purchasing manager for several manufacturers, including Capitol Plastics, Dart Container, Spartan Motors, and Melling Corporation. In his retirement, he found joy in delivering paint and driving for Sparrow Hospital. Duane was a devoted homebody who cherished moments spent playing cards, board games, and passionately supporting the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his children, Kathy (Dennis) Desgrange, Tim (Sue) Adleman, Ron (Barb) Adleman; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Adleman; his brothers, Art, and Floyd Adleman; his sister, Dolly Lile; and his grandson, Creig Adleman.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at the funeral home starting at 10:00 a.m. A remembrance luncheon hosted by the family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Duane. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Merle Leroy Rochester of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 86. Merle was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on August 11, 1937, the son of Arlo and Alice (Paquette) Rochester. He proudly served with the US Army for two years while stationed in Germany.

Merle worked for General Motors for 30 years and not a day more, before retiring in 1986. He was also a lifetime farmer taking over his family farm. Merle enjoyed bowling and chasing around grandkids whenever he got the chance.

Merle is survived by his wife, Daisy Rochester of Eaton Rapids; children, Kathi (Barry) Hardin of Haslett, Jeffrey (Carol) Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Larry (Lori) Chesebro of Muskegon, Charles Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Gary (Lindsey) Chesebro of Stanwood, Christine (Todd) Garrison of Eaton Rapids; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marilynn Ward; second wife, Linda Potter; grandson, Jeffrey Rochester Jr; siblings, Robert Rochester, Eloise Bainbridge, Loreen Bertram, Wilson Rochester.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in loving memory of Merle Leroy Rochester. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.