Obituaries
Diane Sue Baum
Diane Sue Baum, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on October 18, 1947, in Charlotte, Michigan. Diane’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven from love, kindness, and a deep concern for others.
Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1965, Diane would go on to proudly work at numerous jobs throughout the community. She owned and operated the Dusty Rose Boutique in Charlotte, where her flair for fashion and her genuine warmth welcomed all who entered. Her boutique was not just a store; it was a sanctuary where friendships blossomed and where her kindness left a lasting impression on every customer. Diane had the remarkable ability to make people feel valued and understood, a true testament to her compassionate spirit.
Beyond her career, Diane was a passionate collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, finding joy in the history and nostalgia behind each piece. Diane was also a magnificent cook, making every holiday meal feel like a cherished event. Christmas, in particular, held a special place in her heart, where she created a warm atmosphere brimming with love, laughter, and delicious feasts for her family.
Diane had an undeniable talent for sewing, crafting beautiful garments that displayed her creativity and skill. Her interests extended to jewelry, where she reveled in the beauty of various pieces, each with its own story to tell. Shopping was another joy for Diane, where she always found the perfect gift to share with loved ones, embodying her thoughtful nature.
Family was at the core of Diane’s being. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Their laughter and smiles were the highlights of her days, and she took great pride in being a doting grandmother. One of her favorite traditions was her weekly evening dinners with her granddaughter Malorie—precious time filled with heartfelt conversation, laughter, and love. Diane also loved spending time at the family cabin near Higgins Lake, where the beauty of nature mirrored the warmth that surrounded her.
Diane is survived by her husband Jerry; sons, Michael (Cheri) Kiplinger, Darren (Cassandra) Kiplinger; step-sons, Todd (Shanda) Baum, Troy Baum; grandchildren, Michael “Mickey” Kiplinger, Kyle Kiplinger, Lane Kiplinger, Malorie Kiplinger; five great-grandchildren; sister, Toni (Steve) Wildern, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Elaine Johnson; father, Gordon “Gordie” Johnson; and special aunt, Donna Johnson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Diane’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at www.shrinerschildrens.org.
Phillip Laverne Hebenstreit
Phillip Laverne Hebenstreit, age 72, of Olivet, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born December 25, 1952, in Battle Creek the son of Clarence and Martha (Pierce) Hebenstreit. Phil went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1972. On August 29, 1981, he married Deanna Lynn Griffin in Charlotte. Phil enjoyed many things in life but his family was of the utmost importance to him. He enjoyed working with his hands and was always working on one project or the next. Phil could often be found working in his yard. But when he was not busy at home or work, he would be out hunting for his next treasure at local yard sales or Goodwill. Playing games was an enjoyable pastime for him and his family. Skip bo, Solitaire, and Yahtzee were a few of his favorites.
Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deanna; children, Cristina (Tony) Owens, Mathew (Sarah) Hebenstreit, Aaron Hebenstreit, Nathan Hebenstreit, Phillip Hebenstreit, Kristy (Scott) Huber, Kari (Chris) Aleman; grandchildren, Rebekah, Bethanie, Noah, Patricia, Emilie, Gracie, Faith; brother, Clarence “Butch” (Rebecca) Hebenstreit; sister, Peggy (Roger) Canterbury; sister-in-law, Iris Hebenstreit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hebenstreit; mother and step-father, Martha and Mayn Cortright; and siblings, Sam Hebenstreit, Sally Moscoso, and Mike Hebenstreit.
The family received friends for a time of visitation on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring to make contributions in Phil’s memory may do so to the charity of their choice.
To view Phil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jack A. Wells
Jack A. Wells (Jaws), 74, of Vermontville, MI passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born on July 20, 1950 to Kennth and Marianna (Russell) Wells. He enlisted into the Army at the age of 17 in 1967 serving in Germany and Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1970. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Dorleen A. (Richardson), they had two children and many years together until her passing in December of 2022.
He worked many different jobs finally landing at Citizens Elevator, upon retiring he enjoyed times with his wife, family, and dog Stinker. He loved tending his yard. He was grumpy, loving, and always hardworking man and very proud of serving his country, and quietly loving all around him. He was also very proud of his family.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Janell (Wells) Smith; Son, Russell Wells; granddaughter, Karlee Wells; great granddaughter, Emelia Martinez; brother, Dennis (Donna) Wells; sister, Joyce Bristol; and sister-in-law, Patricia Wells.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parent-in-laws; brother, David Wells; brother-in-law, Jerry Bristol; and his favorite niece, Julie Parish.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be given to the family or your local VFW Post.
Memorial services will be held on July 21, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, with a dinner following at 4 p.m. at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St., Battle Creek, MI 49014.
Marion Ellis Taylor
We are saddened to share with you the passing of Marion Ellis Taylor, 87, most recently of Charlotte, Michigan. Marion was an employee of American One Credit Union of Jackson at the time of his retirement. Prior to that, he was the President of State Employees Credit Union.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Grace (Farrand) Taylor Wichert (Ernie) and Rowatt Stewart Taylor; his eldest brother, Paul Taylor; his eldest sister, Pauline Taylor Weide Parsons (Melvin Weide) Richard Parsons; his brother, Malcolm; niece, Rebecca Potter; great nephew, Stewart Tiffany; brother and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Elaine Taylor; brother, Dean Taylor (Maxie); sister and brother-in law, Grace (Taylor) Sanderson and Richard Sanderson; and first wife Marilyn Leona (Moffet) Taylor.
Marion has left behind his son, Mark Taylor (Mark Benjamin) and daughter, Melisia Taylor. Marion also leaves behind his current wife, Linda Kay (Hunt) Taylor; stepsons, Jamie Medler (Mary), Garret Medler (Cheryl), and Zachary Medler (Brandy); seven granddaughters; one grandson; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Evelyn (Malcolm) Taylor; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leif and Carol Carlson, Susan and Larry Weismiller, and Jeff and Kollen Hunt; along with his numerous nieces and nephews.
Marion, born in Lakeview in 1938, grew up on a farm in Blanchard and spent part of his youth in Greenville where he graduated from high school. He graduated from Ferris State Institute in 1960 with a degree in Accounting and Administration. He loved a good card game and along with his siblings, could be found in a heated competition.
Marion was enlisted in the National Guard from 1961-1967 and loved being an MP with the 46th Military Police Company with the Provost Marshall Division. His credit union involvement began in 1965 when he started working at State Employees Credit Union. Marion’s credit union participation expanded to membership on the Lansing Chapter of Credit Union’s Executive Committee; he held various positions in the Michigan Credit Union League; additional positions with the Credit Union National Association, the Central Credit Union of Michigan Board of Directors, and the Association of State Employees Credit Unions. Marion also devoted time to his community by serving on the Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals, and The Beekman Center Shelter Workshop. In his free time, he enjoyed snowmobiling and boating, hunting and being at his cottage. In addition, Marion adored cruises with his wife Linda.
Marion received several calls and visits from friends and former colleagues recently and for that, was very thankful for the caring shown.
Friends are encouraged to support Marion’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Marion’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 American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Michael O’Reilly Colegrove
Michael “Mike” O’Reilly Colegrove, of Charlotte, MI, died June 30, 2025 at the tender age of 35. Mike was the son of David and Donna Colegrove, a 2008 graduate of Charlotte High School, and a very loving young man that would do anything for people he cared about. Mike loved everything basketball, whether it was watching or playing, and he played for over ten years as a member of his Special Olympics basketball team. He also enjoyed drawing, going to the races with his dad, watching all kinds of sports (especially when his nieces or nephews were playing), and road trips with his family. He was especially proud of being able to help on Mission Trips through First Baptist Church.
Mike is survived by his parents, David and Donna Colegrove; siblings, Sally (Tim) Steward, Melissa Perry, Rick (Jennifer) Colegrove, Faith Colegrove, Darien Colegrove, Brandon (Jenn) Colegrove, Karissa Colegrove; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends are encouraged to support Mike’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, July 7, 12 noon – 2:00 p.m. with Funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Ryan Manning 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 Mike’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 Area 8 Special Olympics. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.