Obituaries
Denise Lynn McConnell
Denise Lynn McConnell, 51, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in Lansing. Denise was born January 3, 1973, in Charlotte, the daughter of James Augustus and Patricia Ann (Fuller) DuBois. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1992 and married her life-long love, Dale Patrick McConnell on August 28, 1998. Dale and Denise raised 5 children together, and several grand-dogs and grand-cat. Denise loved to host cookouts for her family and friends, and enjoyed her time baking and preparing meals. She was a passionate and vocal fan of sports, especially her boy, Patrick Mahomes of the KC Chiefs and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. She also enjoyed Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. She worked most recently at Lynn Products for 5 years. All who knew Denise will miss her sassy but friendly nature, her ability to genuinely tell it like it is, and her love for family.
Denise is survived by her husband of nearly 26 years, Dale McConnell; daughter, Mayme (Keng) Lee; sons, Joseph (Sara) Rodriguez, Austin (Abby) Rodriguez, and Erik (Kaitlyn) McConnell; grandchildren, Brody, Harper, Owen, Sophia, Myles, Cole, Braylon, Evelynn, Delilah and Alec; and her sister, Cynthia Keith. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kelly Ann McConnell and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Denise’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., 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 Denise’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 St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lucia R. Menk
Lucia R. Menk of Wesley Chapel, Florida (formerly Charlotte, Michigan), age 83, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Lucia was born December 13, 1940, in Lawa-an, Samar, Philippines the daughter of Fernando and Francisca Ramasasa Padua. In 1968 she moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1971. Her hobbies included sewing and gardening.
Surviving is her husband, Albert C Menk Jr.; son, Eric C. Menk; daughter, Michele F. (Menk) Kim; and grandchildren, Alexa Menk, Sebastian Menk and Grace Kim. Lucia was preceded in death by her parents and twin sons.
A private graveside service will be held at her final resting place, Gates Mills North Cemetery.
Phyllis Ann Watson
Phyllis Ann (Sheldon) Watson, age 74, of Springport passed away in her home under the loving care of her family and hospice on Wednesday July 17, 2024. She was born in Marshall, MI on November 13, 1949, one of 12 children born to Albert and Jessie (Clark) Sheldon. She is the last surviving of that family as her parents and all her siblings have preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her infant son, Ted Allen Wireman.
Phyllis was an incredibly fun, loving, selfless, strong woman who always put other’s needs before her own and she was always working, doing something. She cherished her family, especially her kids and grandkids and was an amazing cook; her family treasures memories of the incredible homemade, from scratch dishes she made over the years. She was always ready and willing to feed anyone who came around. Christmas was Phyllis’s favorite holiday. She used it as an opportunity to shower everyone with gifts that mirrored her love and her home was the gathering spot for Christmas Eve with many memories made, especially of her homemade Christmas cookies. Even though she was a collector of things, she kept those things well organized. She loved coloring and throughout her whole life, she adored her weiner dogs, having so many to love throughout the years. Phyllis was also a woman who lovingly spoke her mind and the people around her respected and loved her for it. Trips to Paw Paw to visit her “people” was always a highlight for Phyllis as well. What can you say about a person in a few words who was just so amazing? She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Keith whom she was united in marriage to on April 6, 2001 in Toledo, Ohio; her children: Doug (Cassie) Wireman, Scott (Natacia) Wireman, Kristie (Ryan) Hisler; grandchildren: Josh Bowles, Lindsey Wireman, Samantha Wireman, Kelsie Wireman, Dylan Wireman, Austin Wireman, Autumn Wireman, David Becker, Kaydence Becker, Nathan (Aurora) Powers, Nicolas Powers, Jase McNair; great-grandchildren: Lily, Cooper, Oliver, Ella, Max, Adonis, special niece and best friend, Ann Wireman, first husband and father of her children, Robert Wireman and so many extended family and friends.
Phyllis’s family celebrated her life on Friday, July 26, 2024, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of her service at 1 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI. She will be laid to rest in Rice Creek Cemetery following.
To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com
Melvin LeRoy Midlam
Melvin LeRoy Midlam, 64, of rural Olivet, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. Melvin was born on November 5, 1959, in Marshall, MI, to Earl Richard and Hazel Mae (Cushman) Midlam. At an early age, Melvin developed an unquenchable thirst for learning. He attended Striped School and Olivet Schools, and later graduated from Western Michigan University with an Electrical Engineering Degree. Melvin helped his senior parents on the three-generation family farm, while starting a business raising organic, grass-fed beef. Melvin developed an insatiable quest to share current root-cause healing research learned through his own health challenges. A favorite beef customer was a Buddhist priest. Many Amish people would spend hours at auctions talking with Melvin, sometimes inviting him to their Amish farm. Throughout his life, Melvin yearned to see people focus on true inner happiness. Known as “The Einstein of Partello,” Melvin was a “Jack of all trades.” He was an inventor, problem solver, educator, researcher, mechanic, welder, electrical engineer, and most importantly, an empathetic listener. His family includes seven brothers and sisters: the late Brenda (Alan) Young of Olivet, Richard (Mary) Midlam of Olivet, Ken (Linda) Midlam of Rogers, AR, Dale Midlam of Olivet, Sheila (Tim) McConnel of Maurice, IA, Marcia Midlam of Indiana, Lisa Midlam (Paula Boehler) of Vancouver, WA, and Linda Young of Olivet; former sisters-in-law Trina Walton of Florida, Becky Midlam of Arkansas; 14 nephews and nieces, several great and great-great nephews and nieces; and very dear friends Carmen Ripley and her son Garrette. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Melvin’s family and friends will greatly miss his inventive and problem-solving mind, his generous soul that was willing to give his last nickel to another, and a spirit known for listening and accepting with unconditional love.
The family invites you to visit with them at Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N, Marshall, Michigan, on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for visitation and Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A celebration of life service and time of sharing at 2:00 p.m. with a meal at 3:00 p.m. and a procession line up at 4:00 p.m. to Interment at Rice Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please read: Melvin was passionate (including on his last day) about a simple yet breakthrough cancer treatment. Exciting news: This century-old small molecule (the pure form, PV-10 made from rose bengal) will be used in a soon-to-be-started cancer trial for the anticipated first human approval. Donations to this small company cancer trial and Midlam-family-directed research may be sent to: Mr P’s Foundation C/O Healthcare Horizons, 800 S. Gay St. Suite 1600, Knoxville, TN 37919. Melvin’s own health challenges sparked enthusiasm to help other people with their health challenges leading him to research this cancer treatment since 2014. The treatment is a safe, non-toxic, non-invasive, synergistic, affordable breakthrough that can be delivered via oral, IV, nasal, topical and or tumoral injection. For more info: https://ww,provectusbio.com/news/press-releases/
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services.
Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Vance R. Cheeseman
Vance R Cheeseman, a man who was devoted to his family and faith, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Vance, 95, of Vermontville, was born on May 23, 1929, in Kalamo Twp., the son of William and Bertha (Goodwin-Becraft) Cheeseman. After his father suffered a heart attack when Vance was 13, he took over running the family farm. This was a dream for Vance because he had always wanted to be a farmer. At the age of 19 after an extended illness, he had to stop farming. While he was sick his aunt gave him a radio and after listening to programs like the Grand Ole Opry and Louisiana Hayride, he realized his true passion was playing the steel guitar. Vance was well known by local musicians and came to the attention of several famous country music stars from Nashville, who wanted him to join their studio bands. In 1956 Vance married the love of his life, Nancy Blackburn, and together they started a family. Vance used his knowledge from toying around on the farm as a kid to build his own pedal steel guitar by hand. At the time, Gibson had interest in his design, but were not willing to pay him. From an early age Vance devoted his life to his faith. He was a founding member of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Charlotte. He was actively involved in the design and purchase of the Kingdom Hall on VanLieu St. Vance was proud that in his late 90s he was fully independent and was able to still tend to his yard and take care of his property.
Vance is survived by his daughter, Penny (Ronald) Carrero; granddaughter, Lyndi Carrero; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; his parents, William and Bertha Cheeseman; and numerous siblings and extended family members.
Friends are encouraged to support Vance’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Interment will be at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery in Vermontville. The family will be having a Celebration of Life for Vance at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Charlotte at 40 N. Chester Road on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with Elder Jeff Teachout officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the local congregation in person or at donate.jw.org
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.