Obituaries
Rosemary A. Cochrane
Rosemary A. Cochrane, a beacon of loving kindness and thoughtful grace, passed away surrounded by the warmth of her family in Charlotte, MI, on March 26, 2025. Born on July 17, 1925, in Lansing, MI, Rosemary laid down an enduring legacy of love, service, and dedication throughout her ninety-nine years.
A proud graduate of Sunfield High School in 1943, Rosemary’s work ethic was evident early on. Soon after, she became a valued employee in food service at Michigan State University. Her dedication to family called her back to the farm, where she embraced the role of a nurturing mother and a diligent farmer’s wife.
Rosemary’s community spirit shone through her active involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star #161. Beyond that, her enduring compassion led her to volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility Palliative Care, touching many lives with her unwavering support and gentle care.
Her memory will be cherished by her beloved grandchildren, Michael Dixon, Lynette (Christopher Johnson) Rider, and William (Colette) Frith; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; nephew Grant Lott; and great-nieces Maria (John) King and Shawnda Lott. Rosemary’s love story with her family is a testament to her beautiful heart, now carried forward by each generation.
Preceded in death by her parents Albert and Lera Lott, her loving husband Robert, daughter Sharen Frith, brother Albert H. Lott, and nephew Alan S. Lott. Rosemary’s legacy is one of enduring love, a legacy that will continue to flourish in the hearts of those she touched. Rosemary will be deeply missed yet eternally remembered as the embodiment of love and thoughtfulness that guided her through a well-lived life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with an OES service beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Freemire Cemetery, Sunfield. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be given in her name to Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation Elderly Home or Fernwood Christian (Youth) Camp. For those sending flowers, the family kindly request potted plants that can be cherished in her remembrance. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
Rene Valerie Van Neste
Rene Valeire Van Neste, a man who devoted his life to his family, and the Lord, died on Monday, March 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Rene, 81, of Charlotte, was born on January 3, 1944, in Albion, the son of Gerald and Celina (Martin) Van Neste. On December 14, 1968, Rene married Patricia Karpi and together they devoted their life to one another. Rene was a lifelong learner attending Michigan State University and later earning an Associate’s Degree after the family relocated to Florida. In his younger years Rene worked on the family potato and onion farm in Mulliken. He loved being able to work alongside his family on the farm. Rene was a caregiver, he cared for his parents when their health declined. He also cared for his wife for several years. Rene learned the skills needed to tend to Patricia’s needs in her final days. Most recently Rene worked at Meijer in Charlotte. He loved his work at Meijer because he was able to talk with customers. Rene worked at Meijer for 22 years before his retirement in 2022.
From his years of working on the family farm, Rene took on a passion for anything John Deere. He also enjoyed steam engines, being a civil war reenactor with his brothers, and trips to Nevada to hunt for the perfect rocks to tumble and turn into beautiful jewelry. Rene could also be found cruising around his yard on his zero turn. Above all Rene was strong in his faith. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, and a proud Knights of Columbus 4th degree member. Along with his wife, Patricia, they made sure their children were raised in a strong Catholic faith and tradition. However, once his grandchildren were born, they became his biggest passion.
Rene is survived by his children, Steven (Maureen) Van Neste, Lisa (Brad) Fears; grandchildren, Jeff, Mae, and Zachary; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; siblings, Germanie Suurs, Gerald Van Neste, and Roy Van Neste; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Rene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral mass was held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop 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 Rene’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. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert Earl Steiner
Robert “Bob” Earl Steiner, 96, of Charlotte, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Eaton Community Palliative Care. Bob, was born on May 18, 1928, the son of Albert and Opal (Penny) Steiner. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1947 and shortly after enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Korean War until his discharge in 1952. After his honorable discharge Bob began working for Fisher Body in the Upholstery Department for 30 years until his retirement in 1980. On May 4, 1962, Bob married Barbara MacKenzie and together they created many lasting memories unit her passing in 2011. After retirement Bob and Barbara lived in Honor, MI, and Florida. Before moving back to Charlotte to be by family. He was a lifelong Michigan Masons Potterville Lodge NO. 367. Hobbies that Bob enjoyed included, hunting, reading, Tigers Baseball, watching college basketball, watching western movies and games shows, working in his flower gardens and tending to his tomato plants. Above all Bob was proud that he was able to live independently for 14 years following the passing of his wife.
Bob is survived by his stepchildren, Michael (Angela) Scott, Debbie Richardson; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Warren; niece, Jodi Steiner; nephews, Mike Warren, Tom Warren; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; brother, Richard (Barbara) Steiner; niece, Karen Steiner; brother-in-law, Lynn Warren; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow
Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow, 78, of Charlotte, a loving mother and grandmother of deep Faith, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Dr. Rockafellow was born January 24, 1947 in Lake Odessa, the daughter of Gerald Leon and Rose Margaret (Cook) Augst. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965 and earned her Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Michael “Mick” J. Rockafellow on June 10, 1967 in Lake Odessa. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree at Indiana University as well as a Specialist in Reading from the University of Virginia. In 2002, she completed her Doctorate Degree from Michigan State University.
Dr. Rockafellow retired as an education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education in 2010. During her time as an educator she taught in K-12 systems in Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania; penal systems in Ohio and Virginia and higher education institutions in Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoyed travel and time in the outdoors, especially when accompanying Mick hunting and fishing. She was an avid reader and had a creative flair for painting. She and Mick were devout members of Grace Brethren Church. Bonnie lived her life as a testament to her unwavering Faith in Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, she carried His love in her heart and shared it abundantly with those around her. She walked in Faith, served with love, and embraced each day as a gift from the Lord.
Bonnie is survived by her children and their spouses, Andrew (Stephanie) Rockafellow of Charlotte, Daniel (Sarah) Rockafellow of Dimondale, Kristen (Jonathan) Jarvis of Hudsonville; three grandchildren, Claire Rockafellow, Autumn Rockafellow, and Chase Rockafellow; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Mick in 2017; brothers, Vaughn, Ernest and Owen Augst; sister, Geraldine Winsley; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bonnie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be held at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Potter officiating at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. just prior. Interment will take place in Woodland Memorial Park in Woodland, MI. 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 Bonnie’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’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger Lee Miller
Roger Lee Miller was born on Christmas day in 1942 to Floyd and Lydia (Thurovat) Miller. He graduated from Albion High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduation. He worked for many years at the Lansing State Journal and retired as Manager of the Plate Making Department. A talented woodworker, he was a perfectionist and commonly gifted his creations to friends and family. With a need for speed, he was an avid car person, and his 1953 yellow Ford short box pickup was often recognized at car shows. A huge sports fan, Roger did not miss many games of his favorite teams, The Tigers, The Lions, and The Spartans. He was also a sports dad, coaching baseball for his boys and countless others, and he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and challenging the refs on bad calls. Roger always spoke his mind and was independent and stubborn right up until the end of his life on March 29, 2025. He easily incorporated others into his extended family with his colorful banter and loved his people with all he had, as they did him.
Roger is survived by his children, Gregory (Maureen) Miller, Angela (Scott) Portt, six grandchildren, Stephanie, Joe, Brad, Madelyn, Patrick, and Abigail; four great-grandchildren, Macie, Presley, Parker, and Ava; siblings, Ron (Sylvia) Miller and Marie Bush. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Betsy); second wife, Elinor; son, Brent Miller; sister and brother-in-law, Pat (Ron) Elliot; and brother-in-law, Jack Bush.
Friends are encouraged to support Roger’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page, www.PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggest memorial contributions to Make-A-Wish foundation or Feed the Children charity. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.