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Kathleen Anne Rathbun


Kathleen Anne (Lyons) Rathbun, 95, of Charlotte, passed away on February 5, 2025, after a short illness. She was born in rural Cornell, Illinois in 1929. Kathleen married Joseph L. Rathbun of Chenoa, Illinois in 1954, and over the years they lived in Streator, Illinois and Toledo, Ohio before finally moving to Charlotte in 1968.

Kathleen is survived by her sons, Joe, of Lansing; and Mike and Dan of Charlotte; her brothers, Owen and Harold Lyons of Pontiac, Illinois; her sister-in-law, Betty Winterland of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Joe L.; her sister, Frances and brothers, Eugene and Louis; and her parents, Theresa and Edward Lyons.

Kathleen earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Illinois State Normal University and worked as a home economics teacher, for the Illinois state extension service as a youth advisor, and as a hospital dietician before starting her family. She was active in the St. Mary’s Altar Society, Charlotte Women’s Club, and for many years was an election official and delivered mobile meals with her “forever friend,” Bobbie Kane. Kathleen loved music, playing piano, organ, violin, and the trombone in the INSU marching band. She came from a musical family; her grandmother played harp at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and her mother was a music teacher and church organist. When her mother passed away the day before Mother’s Day in 1945, Kathleen was asked to take over as the church organist. When she played the Requiem Mass and sang, in Latin, she was given a stipend of $1. Kathleen also loved cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, walking in Bennett Park with Joe L., watching the backyard bird feeders, and most of all her family, which she often called her “greatest accomplishment.”

Friends are encouraged to support Kathleen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home on Sunday, February 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a recitation of the rosary. A second visitation will be held at St. Mary Church in Charlotte on Monday, February 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Mark Martin officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Mary school or the St. Mary-St. Ann parish. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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David Thomas Harold Frentress


David Thomas Harold Frentress, 43, of Kalamazoo, a man of the outdoors and beloved son, brother and uncle, died on Friday, January 31, 2025, in Kalamazoo. David was born August 28th, 1981, the son of David and Brenda (Warden) Frentress in Lansing, MI. Growing up, David enjoyed fishing, especially fly fishing on the family’s lake lot. The family holds many fond memories of time around the bonfire with David, telling stories and enjoying nature. David graduated from Olivet High School in 2000, where he was a gifted athlete on the football and wrestling teams. He went on to attend Western Michigan University and worked in various positions throughout the Kalamazoo area. David was a die-hard Lions fan and loved watching the games with his friends and family. Although David didn’t have his own children, he adored his nieces and nephews. Above all else, David was a kindhearted person who always meant well and cared deeply for others. He will truly be missed and live in our hearts forever.

David is survived by his parents, Dave and Brenda Frentress; sister, Suzzette Camburn of Battle Creek; brothers, Jason (Anna) Frentress of Sweden, Darren (Rebecca) Frentress of Bellevue and Joseph (Marie) Frentress of Nevada; nieces and nephews, Willow, Sage, Lane, Luke, Hannah, Savanna, Zachery and Sebastian; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by paternal and maternal grandparents and brother-in-law Ron Curtis.

Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial gathering was held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a brief memorial at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Don Francis officiating at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Cheryl Lee Sage


Cheryl Lee Sage, age 79, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was born July 26, 1945, in Lansing, the daughter of Gerald and Bette (Convis) Emede. Cheryl graduated form Charlotte High School with the Class of 1963. In her younger years she loved spending time riding and racing motorcycles. The Chevy Corvette was always Cheryl’s favorite car. She owned 8 different Corvette’s throughout the years. She also enjoyed frequenting the beach where she could soak in the sun. Cherly had a heart for cats and was affectionately known as the “Crazy Cat Lady”. Family was everything to Cheryl and she cherished spending time with those she loved most. Cheryl retired after over 30 years of faithful service from Michigan State University. She will be deeply missed by her family and countless friends.

Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Natalie (Paul) Petermann of Charlotte; granddaughter, Saige Petermann; brothers, Bill (Julie) Emede, Jim (Denise) Emede; sister-in-law, Linda Emede; aunt, Sharon Emede; Jeff (Jacque) Sage; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Emede; sister, Susan Hendrick; nephew, James John Emede; and husband, Wayne Wilbur.

n keeping with Cheryl’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Those desiring may make contributions in Cheryl’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 2411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910.

To view Cheryl’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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Jeannie Kay Sherwood


Jeannie Kay Sherwood peacefully passed away following a seven-year battle of T-Cell Lymphoma surrounded by her loving family on January 30, 2025, in North Port, Florida. Born on May 21, 1952, in Kalamazoo, MI, Jeannie’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and dedication.

A proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School’s class of 1970, Jeannie furthered her education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Her commitment to helping others led her to a fulfilling career in nursing, which she passionately pursued for over three decades. Jeannie’s compassionate spirit touched the lives of countless individuals, providing comfort and care when they needed it most.

Jeannie’s love story with her devoted husband, Randy Sherwood, spanned 35 beautiful years. Their partnership was a source of strength and joy, not only to them but also to all who knew them. Together, they raised their daughters, Leslie (Kevin) Klimchak and Andrea (Cody) Hussey, and celebrated the milestones of their grandchildren: John “J” Pastras, Cruz and Max Hussey. Jeannie’s role as a grandmother extended to her step-grandchildren, Bethany, Allison, and Ryan Klimchak, who will forever cherish the warmth and wisdom she imparted.

Family was the cornerstone of Jeannie’s life, and she shared a special bond with her sister-in-law, Renee (J.D.) Ward; sister, Jeannette Pomeroy; and brothers, Frank “Bill” Ward III and Tom (Paula) Ward, as well as her best friend of 39 years Sue (Kremen) Bosworth. Her loving presence will be profoundly missed by her several nieces and nephews. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary (Culver) Ward II, and her beloved daughter, Andrea Hussey.

Jeannie’s zest for life extended well beyond her professional and family commitments, her hobbies reflected her appreciation for the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. She found solace and joy in her garden, often spending hours nurturing her plants and flowers. Reading was another of Jeannie’s passions, providing her with endless knowledge and escapism. While wintering in North Port,FL Jeannie attended Living Waters Lutheran Church in Port Charlotte where she was recently baptized. The Florida sun allowed her to bask in the warmth while recharging her spirit. Jeannie’s love for the water was evident in her fondness for boating and sailing, activities that brought her immense happiness.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on June 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Jeannie Sherwood to the Capital Area Humane Society or Corso Care Hospice. For online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com

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Larry Junior Anderson


Larry Junior Anderson, a humble and caring man and friend to all, died February 4, 2025, at the age of 81. Larry was born in Charlotte on January 26, 1944, to Lewis “Curly” Anderson and Maxine McCallum. Larry had a gift of being able to relate to everyone, so easily that he made friends everywhere he went, and always remembered all the birthdays, anniversaries and special events in his friends’ and family’s lives. Some of the things he really enjoyed were pheasant hunting as a younger man; shooting pool (winning many trophies over the years); playing games with his kids and grandkids; fast cars; and helping others. His wife Donna was Larry’s true love, they were companions that truly enjoyed each other’s company and never had unkind words for one another.

Larry is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Mary), Lanae, Joni, Todd, Chad and Troy (Angie) Anderson; 15 grandchildren, Sierra (Clifford) Malloy, Haily Kuehn (John Michael Moore), Skyler (Karmen) Anderson, Hana (Dillon) Wedley, Peyton (Simon) Clark, Brooke (Chase DiSano) Anderson, Treven Anderson, Ellee Anderson, Adisen Anderson, Hayden Anderson, Blake (Brittany) Anderson, Brecken Anderson, Jace Anderson, Kayla Elders, and Amber Elders; 19 great-grandchildren, Kylee, Haily, Aubree, and Adalee Malloy; Ella, Layla and Harper Moore; Lulu Anderson; Bentley, Stetson, Paisley, and Maverick Clark; Emberlee and Ridge DiSanto; Myles Brabant; Mac, Charlie and River Anderson; and Mathias Anderson; brother, Charles (Judy) Anderson; brother-in-law, Dennis Moore, and sister-in-law, Nancy Paniccia-Bumgarner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Marie Anderson in 2007; father, Lewis “Curly” Anderson; mother, Maxine Callahan; stepfather, Peter Callahan; brothers, Lonnie, Stuart, and Eddie Anderson; sister, Yvonne Moore; granddaughter, Kayla Jo Anderson; and grandson, Gage Anderson.

Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, February 10, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Tuesday, February 11, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Larry’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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