Obituaries
Elizabeth Ann Vandecar
Elizabeth Ann Vandecar
Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Vandecar of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 72. Born in Ingham County, Michigan, on August 28, 1952, Liz was a graduate of the Mason High School Class of 1971. She married her high school sweetheart, Ken Vandecar, on February 18, 1972, in Mason. Liz had a deep love for animals, often taking in those in need. Throughout her life, she provided a safe place for many cats, dogs, goats, chickens, and even a mule that needed a new home. Her love of nature extended to rock hunting along the shores of Lake Huron, where she found peace and joy in collecting pudding stones and listening to the waves. She also enjoyed trips to her little wooded getaway in Harrison. Gardening was another of Liz’s great passions. She and Ken maintained a large fruit and vegetable garden every season. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, being particularly known for her homemade jams, jellies, and canned vegetables from her large garden. Liz’s green thumb also extended to her vast flower gardens and house plants. Liz is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ken Vandecar; daughter Nicole (Kevin) Spica and their children Kennedy and Sofia of Eaton Rapids; son Douglas Vandecar and his daughter Karlie of Howard City; son Matthew (Kristin) Vandecar and their children Brantley, Noah, and Everly of Potterville; as well as her cherished dogs, Coco, Abby, and Dixie. In accordance with Liz’s wishes, no services will be held.
Mark Gene Wellman
Mark Gene Wellman, “Pop’em”, age 61, of Oscoda and formerly Charlotte, MI, died peacefully with his family by his side on July 24, 2025. Mark was born on August 27, 1963 to Burleigh Sr. and Virginia (Nisse) Wellman in Charlotte, and he grew up there and was a 1981 graduate of Charlotte High School. Mark wasn’t a talker, he was a do-er with a big generous heart for giving and a fearless attitude which helped him get things done, fulfilling lots of dreams for his family and living life to its fullest. Working over 28 years in the roofing business with local #70 union, he was a journeyman roofer and worked on many large projects for companies including the Chrysler and GM plants, working several years for National Roofing. A fun-loving and thoughtful man, Mark enjoyed fishing, family camping trips, road trips to just about anywhere, and watching University of Michigan sports as well as Detroit Lions and Tigers (if he wasn’t watching the games, he was listening to them on the radio everywhere he went). His radio was always blaring rock music or sports, he could be heard pulling in the driveway when he got home. Family were Mark’s pride and joy, he enjoyed every moment when his daughter’s got married, when his grandchildren were born, and every opportunity he could spend with them. With an extreme love of nature, Mark loved being outdoors and sunset was his favorite time of day.
His family will fondly remember him each day with the vibrant colors of sunset, just like Mark’s vibrant life and love for them. Mark is survived by his wife of 33 years, Angela; daughters, Destiny (Brandon) Qualls and Layla (Christian) Kerry; grandchildren (aka The Babies), Camdyn, Sebastian, and Charlotte Kerry and Kempson Qualls; and his brothers, Burleigh Jr. Wellman and Mike Wellman. He was predeceased by his parents; and daughter, Chelsey in 1989.
Friends are encouraged to support Mark’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 1, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, August 2, 1:00 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Laura Cooper 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 Mark’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.
Larry Horace Carter
Larry passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born to Paul Alden Carter and Marie Georgia (Love) Carter in Charlotte, Michigan, on December 7, 1943, Larry was the youngest of six children.
For many years Larry served the Charlotte Public Schools as a dedicated staff member until retirement.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman who found peace in nature, while hunting and fishing with his friends and his son Gabe. His love of hunting included, deer, rabbits, squirrels and ducks. He was never without his loyal labrador retriever, Kizzie. And enjoyed raising and showing rabbits and pigeons since his youth. He lived for the simple meaningful moments including building and repairing things and finding joy in rock hunting.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Diana (Buhs) Carter; children, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Carter-Brand, and Lyndsay Carter. His grandchildren brought much pride and joy into his life, Olivia (Garrett) Falk, Rhys Carter, Evan Brand, Avery Brand, Rhylyn Carter, and Jaxon Carter, and they will remember him as their cute little grandpa with a big smile. He also leaves behind his sister, Emogene Washburn; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Paul Carter Jr., Joyce Liston, Delores Moist, and Nona Mix; as well as his mother-in-law and father-in-law Marion and Mary Buhs.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of life with family will be at a later date.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Larry’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.NeptuneSociety.com.
Margaret Mary Dietrich
Margaret Mary Dietrich passed away on July 23, 2025, at her home in the presence of her beloved family. She was born on June 26, 1939, in Saginaw, Michigan to Zephaniah and Elise (Bolt) Graham. Margaret married the love of her life, Richard Dietrich Sr. on August 24, 1963, in Saginaw. Their love for one another was strong and unbreakable and they were looking forward to celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary in a few short weeks.
Margaret graduated from St. Andrew’s Catholic School, and her educational journey laid the foundation for her commitment to loving and supporting the children she worked with. Margaret dedicated 29 years of her life to the Charlotte Public Schools as a para pro in the special education department, where she found great joy in helping others. Over the years, Margaret enjoyed traveling with her husband, Richard, to Florida and cherished spending time at their family cottage in Fremont.
Family was everything to Margaret. She was a proud mother to her three children, Richard (Tina) Dietrich Jr., Michael (Michonne) Dietrich, and Laura Dietrich-Rand. Her heart swelled with love for her grandchildren: Nicholas Rand, Benjamin Rand, Richard Dietrich III, Greta Dietrich, and Evelyn Dietrich, as well as her three great-grandchildren whom she adored.
Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Richard Sr.; her children; her grandchildren; and her siblings, James Graham, Carolyn (Carnie) Graham, and Barbara Franz. She was preceded in death by her parents, Zephaniah and Elise (Bolt) Graham.
Margaret’s legacy will live on through the many lives she touched in her work and the deep bonds she fostered within her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, dedication, and the warmth she brought to all her relationships.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions in Margaret’s memory may be made to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Margaret’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.
Constance Joanne Carpenter
Constance Joanne “Connie” Carpenter, age 89, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan in Lansing. She was born on July 12, 1936, in Charlotte, the daughter of Harold and Marguarite (Hubert) Keeny. On September 4, 1954, she married the love of her life Peter Ben Carpenter. Together her and Pete owned and operated Connie’s Beauty Studio on South Cochran Avenue in Charlotte. Connie thoroughly enjoyed her time spent bowling. She was a member of the National Bowling Association and was inducted into the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Hall of Fame. She always had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Connie enjoyed cooking and writing poetry in her spare-time. Above all else she adored her family and loved spending time together whenever possible.
Connie is survived by her daughters: Debra (Skip) Williamson, Anne Carpenter, Stacy Fry; grandchildren, Aaron Carpenter, Jessica (Saul Flores) Doty, Erik (Casey) Briggs, Ian Doty; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Phillip (Nancy) Keeny; sister, Janet (Darrell) Schultz; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete; brother, Kevin Keeny; granddaughter, Jennifer Wolf; grandson, Tyler Briggs; and great-grandson, Dodge Carpenter.
In keeping with Connie’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Connie’s memory to American Cancer Society or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
To view Connie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.