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Stella Burnette Montgomery, 89, a woman of devout Faith and dedication to family, died peacefully at home with Jeff and Karen by her side on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Stella was born July 30, 1934, in Detroit, the daughter of Amos Jasper and Martha Ellen (Walker) Morgan. Stella married the love of her life, John Angus Montgomery on November 15, 1952, and the two happily raised two sons. Stella served 27 years as secretary to the Board of Education in Charlotte. Throughout the years, John and Stella enjoyed annual summer family camping trips, golfing, a memorable trip along Route 66 to California, and wintering in Orlando, FL. They were both devout Baptists, and Stella was an active bible student, Sunday school teacher for over 20 years, and instrumental in the Leader of Life Group. She volunteered in missionary work for 10 winters in Florida, and throughout her life gave away countless Bibles. Stella will be remembered as a true servant of the Lord, and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and friend.

Stella is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Karen) Montgomery of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jordan Montgomery, BreAnna (Justin) Bray, and Johnathan (Juli) Montgomery; 3 great-grandchildren, Asher, Maggie, and Lydia; sister, Joan Morgan; and her nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, John Montgomery; son, Robert Montgomery; sister, Emma Gilbreath; brother, Ronald Morgan; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Stella’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Peter Kroll officiating. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 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 Stella’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 First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Melvin Duane Lilly, 77, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully April 20, 2024, surrounded by family.  He was born on June 19, 1946, in Lansing, the son of Harry and G. Esther (Warner) Lilly.  Duane graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1964. While in high school, he was actively involved in FFA where he served as the reporter, and in his senior year, the chapter’s Vice President.

At a young age, he held down two jobs, working at Barker Building of Mulliken during the day and General Motors in the evening.  Duane was a lifelong farmer and a 38-year General Motors Machinist at Fisher Body Lansing.  His real passion was farming, but he loved everything about nature, hunting, looking for mushrooms, and even cutting wood.  When he wasn’t outside you would find him in the barn tinkering on a project, manufacturing a part, or making repairs on fellow farmers’ equipment.

Duane was known for having a soft spot for the farm kittens, creating nicknames for family members, and socializing with anyone who happened to stop by.  On any given day, you might find him out on a crop tour around the neighborhood driving well below the speed limit or at an auction looking for a bargain.  He enjoyed finding deals whether it be at an auction, local garage sale, or out pawn shopping with his sons-in-law looking for any kind of bargain.  While most would have classified his special roadside finds as junk, he was reluctant to get rid of items that could be used for a future project.  Duane was sentimental, hard-working, willing to help others at the drop of a hat, and truly valued relationships with friends and family.

Duane is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Roth); “The Kids”, Chanda (Lilly) and Todd Aves, Lorinda and Jim Frederick, Russell and Erika Bierschbach; grandchildren, Chloe, Claire, Megan Sue, Virginia Kate, James Brian, Christian, Julia, Chloe; brother, Doug Lilly; and his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darwin; infant sister, and nephew, Rob.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family received friends on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Duane’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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Martin (Mart) Rachilla, 80, of Charlotte, went to be with his Lord on December 12, 2023.

Mart was a naturally talented man, there was nothing he could not fix or create. From bringing junk cars back to original glory, to carving a masterpiece out of a hunk of wood. His carvings amazed, even master carvers, and won many awards for their realistic details.

Mart was an avid hunter and fisherman, and let none of his catch go to waste, making jewelry and creating art out of ‘throwaway’ pieces of bone, teeth, and hide.

He recently started racing lawn tractors on weekends, and had just perfected his racer to winning status.
Mart will be greatly missed.

Mart is survived by his wife, Sharon; Sons: Marty (Jill) Rachilla, Brinton (Dawn) Rachilla; Stepchildren: Rick Ells, Valerie Ells, and Tara (Jim) Geller. Along with 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held on May 11 at Chester Gospel church at 2 p.m., Pastor Dennis Weeks presiding.

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Shirley Ann Couzens, a true woman of God, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Shirley 85 was born on August 27, 1938, in Jolley Springs, TN the daughter of Robert and Gracey (Stephens) Thomas. She was a 1956 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. Shirley worked at the MSU 4-H Youth Programs Office retiring in 1982. On September 10, 1982, Shirley married Donald B. Couzens and together they spent the next 41 years creating lasting memories. Her two sons, Mark, and Michael brought so much joy to her life, and she was so proud of all their accomplishments. She was a devoted member of the New Hope Community Church.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Donald; sons, Mark Alan (Sheri) Sleep, and Michael Roy (Claire) Sleep; stepdaughter, Teri Lynn (Pat) McNea; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Brianne, David, Jeff, Nichole, Nic, Jack, and Brooke; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, William (Margaret) Thomas, Mary (Harvey) Moore, Robert “Buck” (Betty) Thomas, Wanda (Jim) Bott, Emma (Lex) Chumley, and Halbert (Jewel) Thomas.

Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Victor Williams officiating at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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James “Jimmy” Lee Carroll, a man that from birth was dealt many lifelong challenges but was able to overcome so much. Jimmy, 62, of Kalamazoo was born on February 23, 1962, the son of Leo and Margaret (Pennington) Carroll. He was born three months premature and from birth was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, doctors told his parents that he would not live to his fifth birthday. Jimmy lived his entire life non-verbally, but was able to communicate with his eyes and facial expressions. Even with the challenges that he faced he was always happy and smiling. During his younger years Jimmy was an artist and loved making paintings with the use of his mouth. He was also able to operate a computer and his wheelchair by his mouth. Jimmy was also known as being a collector of pens. It is believed that he has collected a pen from every doctor’s office/business that he has visited throughout his lifetime. For 20 plus years Jimmy took part in different case studies at Western Michigan University to help better understand Cerebral Palsy. He also loved going out and about with his caregivers. Even if it was just a quick trip to the coffee shop, it made his day. Jimmy’s sisters believed that if Jimmy could speak, he would have said how he was proud of his ability to communicate non-verbally in a verbal world. They also stated that for the first time in his life he can now do something that he has never done, walking alongside his parents in heaven. Jimmy beat the odds, touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Jeanette (Doug) Aspinall, Jackie (Duane) Collier, and Julie (David) Brooks; several nieces and nephews; and his loving care that he received from his family at Community Living Options Home on Chelten Ave. in Kalamazoo. He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Jimmy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family graveside service will be held at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Keith E. Bazaire, of Parrish, Florida., formerly Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on July 31, 1938 in Isabella County, the son of Henry and Wilma Bazaire. Keith grew up in Barryton, Michigan, and along with his 3 siblings, helped his parents run and maintain the family farm, which instilled in him a work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life.   Keith lived a long and fulfilling life with his wife of 64 years, Connie (Carter) by his side, they were married on June 24, 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan.  After graduating from Barryton High School in 1956, Keith went on to study Chemical Engineering, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from Michigan State.  He would later attend Ohio State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, and shortly thereafter, Keith began his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, as a Plastics Engineer.

A new professional opportunity was presented to Keith in 1968, when his father-in-law, Theo Carter (of Charlotte) asked Keith to join him in the retail grocery company that he founded, known as Carter’s IGA.  Keith accepted Theo’s offer, and the two, along with trusted and loyal associates, would begin building a successful chain of grocery stores in the Mid-Michigan area.  Upon Theo’s retirement in 1980, Keith would reside over the company as the President and CEO for the next 20 years, ultimately guiding the company to a 21 retail store operation throughout the State of Michigan.  Keith served on several Board of Directors positions over the years, which included Oven Fresh Bakery in Grand Rapids, Michigan Grocers Association, and Independent Bank. Keith also served as the President of the Charlotte School Board, 1981.

After three decades of service and guidance, Keith retired from Carter’s, Inc. in 1999.

Keith and Connie enjoyed many years of traveling with their life-long friends, Larry and Sonnie Cody of Charlotte. Keith and Larry both earned their private pilot licenses in 1988, and would later purchase a Cherokee Piper airplane together, which they used to fly around the State of Michigan and beyond attending summer and fall festivals, trips to Mackinac Island, etc.  Keith, Connie, and the Cody’s would discover, and fall in love with a spot on the island of Maui, Hawaii, that they returned to on vacation for many years.  Over the years, friendships were made on the Island, and Maui always held a special place in Keith’s heart.

Later in life, Keith would grow a passion for gardening and landscaping, and would spend countless hours planting and maintaining his butterfly garden, and tropical flowering plants at his home in Florida.

Keith always cared deeply about his family, friends, neighbors, and his community.  He will be missed beyond measure, and the memories he created will forever be cherished.

Keith is survived by his wife Connie; son’s Jeffrey, Kevin, and Michael (Erron Sparks); grandchildren, Allison (Bill) Bazaire, Carter (Lincy) Bazaire, Ty (Kristin) Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller; great grandchild, Hazel; sister, Jeanette (Lance) Natsch; brother, Gary (Beverly) Bazaire.

Keith was preceded in death by his father, Henry; mother, Wilma; father-in-law, Theo Carter; mother-in-law, Atha Carter; and brother, Bill.

Family and friends are encouraged to support Keith’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan, Summer 2024.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Anne Barstow of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 27, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born on February 2, 1932, in Galesburg, IL, the daughter of Herman and Zelda (George) Holscher. She married Merle Barstow in 1949. They moved from Galesburg, IL, to Angola, IN, then to Eaton Rapids.

Anne was a loving wife and mother, as well as an artist, who enjoyed painting as a hobby. She also had a 25-year career at Dart Container Corporation, where she was the Director of the company’s Commercial Art Department.

She enjoyed her family above all and had many close friends. Her home was warm and welcoming, and there was not a person that could not fall in love with Anne. She was the kindest of people.

Preceding her in death is her husband of 53 years, Merle and her daughter, Diana, and her brother Herman Joseph Holscher.
Anne is survived by her daughters and sons, Susan (Bill) Taylor, Jane Barstow-Boettcher, Nancy Barstow, James Barstow, Daniel (Stacie) Barstow, Ben (Dawn) Barstow, and Matthew Barstow.

Anne was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Country Acres and Hospice of Lansing for the wonderful care given to Anne during her stay there.

Friends are encouraged to support Anne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing at www.hospiceoflansing.org. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gregory James Carroll, a fun-loving man with a giant heart, died April 28, 2024, at the age of 51. Greg was born November 2, 1972, in Lansing to Robert and Kathy (Kendall) Carroll. Greg graduated from Everett High School in 1990 and went on to have many adventures that led him around the world. Bowling was one of his favorite activities, and he was very skilled at it, bowling many perfect 300 games. Greg was also a lawn perfectionist and truly enjoyed his time on the lawn mower, as well as planting flowers, bushes, and other yard work that made his home a beautiful piece of art, a little bit of heaven on earth. His family described Greg as coming out of his shell when he met Staci, the woman who became his wife in 2021. They spent 7 years together with many adventures like MSU tailgating, traveling, attending concerts, kayaking, and many other activities with family and friends before he proposed with the help of a tennis ball and their loving dog Stafford. With a quick wit, Greg always had a joke to tell whether it was a dad joke, a good joke, or dirty joke, and he had an infectious smile and laugh that he generously shared with those around him. A caring father, kind and generous friend, Greg was never a stranger for long and his presence will be deeply missed.

Greg is survived by his wife, Staci; sons, Nicholas Carroll and Devin (Samantha) Carroll; grandchildren, Christopher and Myles Carroll and his first granddaughter that is due any day; mother, Kathy (Carroll) Halligan; sister, Heather Trentadue; mother-in-law, Teresa (Eric) Oswald; father-in-law, Mark (Shirley) Sanders; sisters-in-law, Nicole (Robert) Helcher, and Danielle (David) VanGuilder; and niece and nephew Austin and Averie VanGuilder. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Lee Carroll.

Friends are encouraged to support Greg’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 2, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Daniel O’Brien Sowles officiating. 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 Greg’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family or to Pray Funeral Home to help with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Richard I. Sherrell, age 64, of Onondaga, Michigan, passed away on April 26, 2024. Richard was born on October 25, 1959, the son of Bobby and Mary Sherrell. There are no services planned at this time. Memorial contributions can be directed to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/PO Box 503, Leslie MI 49251. 517-878-6600.

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Robert Lynn McCreery of Eaton Rapids passed away April 29, 2024, at the age of 76. Bob was born in Jackson, Michigan, October 1, 1947, the son of Maurice “Mac” and Thelma (Shoemaker) McCreery. He graduated from Jackson High School, attended the University of Arizona, finishing up his education and graduating from Michigan State University. Bob was the owner of Michigan Wholesalers Inc., which he took over from his father. He was a very active member of the Jackson Host Lions Club. Bob loved sports, especially MSU Hockey and was an avid Eaton Rapids Soccer Club supporter. He enjoyed watching the animals in his yard and even had some rabbits join him on the porch. Bob was a very good golfer playing with his son, this year taking 2nd in the league. His sons were the center of his world. Spending time with them was his purpose in life and he was so proud of them.

Bob is survived by his sons, Conner (Brittany) McCreery of Waterloo, IA, Jacob (Madison Azelton) McCreery of Eaton Rapids; sister-in-law, Kathi (Rob) Horwath; cousin, Shelley Deatrick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Thelma McCreery; wife, Beverly Jo McCreery in 2015; father and mother-in-law, Frank and Margaret Kirchen.

Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel Monday from 6-8 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Clubs International Foundation or the Beverly Jo McCreery Education Fund in loving memory of Robert Lynn McCreery. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.