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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.

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Funeral Services:

Sue Marie Trimble, 87,  joined her beloved and trusted God on February 5, 2026. She passed peacefully at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, surrounded by her loving family.

Sue was born on March 28, 1938, in Charlotte, Michigan, one of four daughters of Harold and Lucille (Dowker) Smith. Sue grew up in Charlotte, Michigan, where her family owned a laundry business that she often helped operate. She attended Central Michigan University, where she met the love of her life, Richard Gale “Dick” Trimble. The two wed on August 31, 1957, in Charlotte, and began their life together in married housing. As Dick cooked for a local restaurant, Sue worked alongside him as a waitress while they pursued degrees in education. Their family grew to “The Trimble Five” in the years that followed, with each daughter bringing them more pride, adventure and laughter.

In their years together, Sue and Dick lived in Mt. Clemens, Carson City, and Alma, Michigan, before retiring to Harrison. They shared a love of camping, traveling, playing euchre, pontoon boat rides, and spending quiet time together on the deck of their idyllic home, “The Cabin.” Family was always at the center of their lives, and they rarely missed an opportunity to support their grandchildren, from soccer fields to hockey rinks, all over the country. Their inspiring love and partnership cast beautiful ripples farther than they even realized. Dick survives her.

Sue received both her Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Education from Central Michigan University. She touched countless lives during her teaching career, first as an elementary school teacher, then as a middle school English teacher, and finally adult education at Davenport University, all in Alma, Michigan. She worked 36 years before retiring in 1994. Sue was known for her care, encouragement, and lasting impact on her students, who often adoringly approached her long after they’d been in her classroom. She also enjoyed reading, book club, and TOPS, where she formed meaningful friendships to add to the many long standing relationships from every community she called home.

Sue had an exceptional sense of humor and a spunky personality, and she was kind, faithful, empathetic, a great listener, a loyal friend, and always fashionable. Every conversation with her left its participants lighter, brighter and better, and she demonstrated a true love for God through her warm-heartedness and nurturing of others. She blessed so many with the joy born from her steadfast faith. Sue Marie Trimble was truly one in a million, and she will be deeply missed.

As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jerri Scurfield (Bob), Kathy Trimble-Middleton, and Judy Trimble (Dan Widner); her grandchildren, Brad Scurfield (Mackenzie), Nate Scurfield (Maddie), Hallie Widner (Macky Scott), Grace Middleton (partner Jordan), Regan Widner (fiancé Tyler), and Tommy Middleton (partner Abby); and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Juliette, and Gale Scurfield. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, treasured friends, (Both new and lifelong), and beloved grand-dog Ralph.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Janie Tharp, Helen Snedeker (Jack), and Sally VanderPloeg.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Venue, 501 N. McEwan St., Clare, Michigan, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1 until 4 p.m. with Words of Comfort at 2:00 PM by Reverend Kathy Snedeker.

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Sue’s name, please donate to a charity of your choice.

All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored that the Trimble family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences may be shared with the family at wswfh.com.

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Funeral Services:

Michael Wesley Kempf Sr., a man who was set in his ways but loved his family deeply, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026. Michael, 83, of Charlotte, was born on February 21, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Richard and Evelyn (Johnson) Kempf.

Following his graduation from J.W. Sexton High School in 1961, Michael married the love of his life, Rose Marie Mesler. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage, building a lifetime of cherished memories until Rose’s passing in 2005.

Michael dedicated 31 years of service to General Motors before retiring in 1992. Retirement gave him more time to enjoy the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. He loved being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or tending to his yard. Keeping his lawns meticulously mowed was one of his greatest joys, and he took tremendous pride in maintaining them.

Nothing brightened Michael’s day like spending time with his grandchildren. They brought him immeasurable joy and could always put a smile on his face. He also had a deep love for animals and shared his home with numerous beloved dogs and cats throughout the years. Another favorite pastime was visiting the casino – a hobby his family often joked he enjoyed a little too much – but one that always brought him excitement and entertainment.

Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Michelle) Kempf Jr.; daughter-in-law, Jill Kempf; son-in-law, John Moore; grandchildren, Michael (Karissa York) Kempf III, Jayce (Angelica) Kempf, Jerrod (Kayla) Kempf, Shelby (Sydney) Moore, John Michael (Haily) Moore, Heather (Sean) Yancey, Mindy, Derrick, and Brandon Kempf; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda Bartlett, Carol Kempf, Randall (Elly) Kempf, and Connie Dwyer; and numerous extended family members.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rose; son, Ronald Kempf; daughter, Roxann Moore; sister, Nancy Schlosser; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Suzan Kay “Sue” Kader of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the age of 70.

Sue was born on December 11, 1955, to Alvin and Kay (Smith) Kader. She was raised in Bellevue, where she graduated with the Bellevue High School Class of 1973. Following high school, she continued her education at Kellogg Community College, earning her Associate Degree.

Sue dedicated many years of her career to Eaton Corporation in Marshall before later retiring from Post in Battle Creek. She approached life with enthusiasm, never passing up an opportunity to gather with family and friends. A true social butterfly, Sue enjoyed attending concerts, spending time at local events, and making lasting memories with those she loved.

Music and dancing brought her great joy, and she could often be found curled up with a good book or tending to her beautiful flower gardens. Sue’s warmth, laughter, and genuine love for others will be deeply missed.

Sue is survived by her children, Ashlen (Jessica) Blythe, Kelly (Jackie) Blythe, and Doyle (Colleen) Blythe; her cherished grandchildren, David and Kaylin Blythe, Wyatt and Turk Blythe, and Trevor and Tyler Blythe; her siblings, Karen Affolder, Jeanie (Jim) Leonard, Michael Kader, and Amy Outman; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Sue’s life will be held at a later date at Bellevue Christian Church. Please check Skinner Funeral Home’s website for updated service details.

To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Russell Arnold Moffitt of Eaton Rapids passed away July 9, 2026, at the age of 86. Russell was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on November 21, 1939, the son of Russell and Lillian (McGilvra) Moffitt. He worked for General Motors, retiring in 1993 after 34 years of dedicated service.

Russell loved nature, animals and watching the deer. He was a good neighbor, always lending a hand whenever he could. Russell liked to do yard work, tend to his flower beds and go fishing whenever he got the chance.

Russell is survived by his children, Russell (Shelli) Moffitt, Dennis (Sharon Ruggles) Moffitt, Rhonda (Gary Marx) Lovoll, Tiffany (Joshua Sowders) Reckinger; grandchildren, Jillane (Jake) Moffitt, Molly (TJ) Sanders, Jordan Moffitt, Lauren (Andrew) Moffitt; one great grandson; sisters, Deanna Aldaffer, Carol (Earl) Jones, Roberta Felkey. He was preceded by his parents; ex-wife, Ruth Ann Moffitt.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Interment will follow the service in Rosehill Cemetery. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Cynthia Sue Hogan of Eaton Rapids passed away July 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Cindy was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on June 11, 1947, the daughter of Harold and Dorothy (Austin) Hogan. She was a dedicated Nurse for many years. Cindy worked for Eaton Rapids Medical Center, retiring after 25 years of service, then went on to work for St. Lawrence Hospital for 20 more years. She also worked as an EMT and was a member of the Eaton Rapids Fire Department. Cindy was a gifted quilter. She made many beautiful custom quilts over the years. Cindy and her daughter, Susan, started Custom Quilts in 1992 working out of Susan’s basement for 10 years. In 2008, they grew enough to open Custom Quilts Quilt Shop in Haslett, MI. She remained an active owner until her husband’s sickness and death. She enjoyed camping in Sault Ste. Marie and sitting and watching the ships.

Cindy is survived by her children, Susan Myers, Thomas (Michelle) Milbourn; stepchildren, Diane, Laura, Kim, Jim, Lynn; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; best friend, Donna Ruggiano.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Mills; brother, Ray Hogan; grandson, James Milbourn; son-in-law, William “Bill” Myers.

Funeral Services were held at 11 am Wednesday July 15, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation was Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society in loving memory of Cynthia Hogan.

To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Arthur David Montgomery, born to Kenneth Shirley Montgomery and Eva May Montgomery on March 26, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away on November 2, 2025, on Maui, Hawaii.

Arthur was raised one of six children. His father died when he was an infant, and he left school early to help support the family. Soon after leaving school, Arthur served in the United States Marine Corps, of which he remained deeply proud throughout his life.

After returning home, he met the love of his life, Carlyne Ann Sevenski. They married in August 1961 and shared over 50 years of devotion. Together, they raised two children, Mark and Amber.

Arthur spent the majority of his working years at the Lansing Drop Forge, where he served as a foreman known for his consistency, strong work ethic, and steady leadership. Outside of work, he enjoyed tending to an abundant and well-loved garden (particularly proud of his blueberry bushes and rhubarb plants), woodworking, a sip or three of whiskey, and smoking cigarillos.

Introverted by nature and “strong-willed” by choice, Arthur enjoyed the company of others, in small doses, especially if the time together included food, playing cards, or deer hunting.

Arthur is survived by his daughter Amber (Marty) Alexander; grandsons Brandon Montgomery, Cody (Gladys) Montgomery, David Alexander, and Casey Alexander; great-grandson Jameson Montgomery; daughter-in-law Andrea Montgomery; sister Sharon (Tomie) Day; sister-in-law Delores Sevenski; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Carlyne Ann Montgomery; his beloved son, Mark Matthew Montgomery; his brothers Kenneth Montgomery and Orrie Montgomery; and his sisters Shirley Reed and Merilyn Billips.

There will be a service for Arthur in Michigan on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Oakwood Cemetery 8985-8999 E. Spicerville Highway, Eaton Rapids, Michigan at 11 a.m. As Arthur wished, he and his wife Carlyn will be buried together in Eaton Rapids.