Obituaries
Chasetin Joe Ramsey-Caudill
Chasetin “Chaz” Joe Ramsey-Caudill, 34, of Lansing and previously Charlotte, a generous and giving woman, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Chaz was born February 28, 1990 in Charlotte, the daughter of Joe Ramsey II and Amie Caudill. With a deep love for all animals since childhood, she would frequently bring home stray animals and was always open to taking in animals in need. She turned her loved of animals into her business when she began a breeding program for Tarantula’s, which was beginning to show great promise. With a generous, giving, and curious spirit, Chaz was a friend to all, she made friends easily. Intelligent, playful, and funny, her contagious smile and laugh with a snort will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Chasetin is survived by her daughter, Angelinn Pelligrino, son, Angelo Pelligrino II; mother, Amie (Adam) Bockelman of Olivet; sister, Alleyna Bockelman of Charlotte; brother, Bradley Beard of Muskegon; and significant other, Her Macguyver of Lansing. She was predeceased by her father, Joe Allen Ramsey II; sister, Chelsea Beard; and uncle, Scott Slewert.
Friends are encouraged to share memories on Chasetin’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned at the Eaton Pub & Grille event room in Charlotte for family and friends to share memories and stories of Chaz. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sherman Edde Ellard
Sherman Edde “Ed” Ellard, 77, of Charlotte, a true American patriot, veteran and family man, died Monday, February 24, 2025 in Lansing. Ed was born July 29, 1947 in Kalamazoo, the son of Bert Dexter and Imogene Lorraine (Schaiffer) Ellard. He graduated from Delton High School in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Ed wanted to serve his country in a time of need just as his father had done during the Second World War. He proudly served two tours in-country during the Vietnam War, a three-year period that would influence the rest of Ed’s life. During his service, he was awarded both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned home and married the love of his life, Mona Joan Monica on June 7, 1969, and the two settled in Grand Blanc, MI.
Ed earned a degree in Quality from Western Michigan University and went on to assist several organizations throughout his career, including General Motors. Over his 30 year career, he held 15 jobs, all in Quality Control. Ed and Mona moved to Charlotte, MI in 1981, where they would raise their two children and become active members of First Baptist Church and an integral part of the Charlotte community. Ed was instrumental in the Charlotte High School Vietnam Round Table, and helped the group bring the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Charlotte, a project which helped give him peace from his wartime experiences.
Ed grieved after Mona’s death in 2023. He found his independence with the help of his family, all of whom now deeply grieve his loss. Mona and Ed will both be remembered for their devotion to Faith, Family and Country.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Courtney (Scott) Quinn of Olivet; son, Kyle (Sharlene) Ellard of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, McKenna (Lindsey) Quinn and Conner Quinn; brothers, Danney Ellard of Delton and Roger (Connie) Ellard of Alabama; and copious nieces, nephews and family friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mona Ellard; two brothers, Bert Dexter Ellard, Jr. and Terry Ellard; sister-in-law, Carol Ellard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ed’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. 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 Ed’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 VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Judith Ann LaPoint
Judith Ann LaPoint, age 74, passed away peacefully at home in Bellevue, Michigan, on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on July 4, 1950, in Pontiac, Michigan. She embarked on her educational journey at Brandon High School in Ortonville, from which she graduated in 1968. Judy continued her pursuit of knowledge, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Olivet College.
Throughout her life, Judy was a beacon of kindness and compassion, adored by her family and cherished by those who knew her. She had a genuine spirit and always loved spending time with her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Her nurturing nature extended beyond her immediate family; she was known for her warm heart and welcoming demeanor.
Judy had a passion for gardening, which not only beautified her surroundings but also pro-vided her with a sense of peace and fulfillment. Additionally, she enjoyed traveling to Mexi-co, where she created lasting memories filled with joy and adventure.
Judy will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Daniel LaPoint Jr. and his wife Peggy of Bellevue; her daughter, Mindi Reynolds and her husband Doug of Olivet; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings, Mike Reed and his wife Barb of Orton-ville, Pat Potvin and her husband Mike of Ortonville, and Janet Huhta and her husband Cliff of Ortonville.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Wilma Reed; her brother, Steve Reed; and her significant other, Farley.
In keeping with Judy’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
To view Judy’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.
Donna Marie Cole
.Donna Marie Cole, age 86, went to join her Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at her home in Olivet, Michigan. Donna was born May 11, 1938, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Donald and Phyllis Strachan. She graduated from Barnard High School in South Dakota with the class of 1956.
Donna worked as a hostess in a restaurant in Rapid City, South Dakota, where she met her husband, Lyle Cole. They were married on March 11, 1960.
Donna had several jobs in life, always serving people. Her last employment was a manager of a 130-unit apartment complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she worked for 35 years. She retired in 2004 and moved to Olivet with her husband.
Donna loved people, traveling, camping, art, and her bird, Joe. Most of all, she loved her family and her Lord. Donna was a church member at Ainger Bible Church for several years and then moved to Celebration Church and was an active member.
She is survived by her loving husband, Lyle; daughters, Jacqueline Cole-Osterberg and hus-band Anthony of Grand Rapids; Catherine Wohlin of Tucson, Arizona; Roberta Wadlington and husband Rev. Alan of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Anthony, Benjamin, Joan, Mark, Toree, Faith, Rose, Lauren, and Jordan; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Phyllis Strachan; sister, Barabara Williamson; brothers, Robert Strachan and Thomas Strachan.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at Celebration Church, 4012 Marshall Rd., Charlotte, MI, 48813, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, Donna wished for donations to be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.
To view Donna’s obituary inline 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.
Archie Vernon Wallace
Archie Vernon Wallace of Vermontville, a compassionate man who found good in all people, died February 22, 2025 at the age of 84. Archie was born July 9, 1940 in Marion, MI to William and Violet (Brown) Wallace. Archie loved to study his family history and genealogy. Also an avid reader, some of his favorite materials were Christian reference books and the Bible, but not just one Bible, he had a dozen Bibles in different versions and languages that he read all the time. In his younger years, he was a sonar operator in the Navy, and was a journeyman welder, working for various companies and eventually retiring from D & S Machinery in Hastings. Also a very giving man, Archie supported many charitable organizations and volunteered with Special Olympics to support his son’s adult handicap program, as well as his bowling team.
Archie is survived by his son, William Charles Wallace; nephew, Thomas Purcell; and former wife, Sheila Wyskowski. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Bessie Purcell, and niece, Carol Brazel.
Friends are encouraged to support Archie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon with funeral services following at 12:00 noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton RESA Adult Handicap Program. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.