Obituaries
Joe Earl Cribley
Joe Earl Cribley of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the age of 86. Joe was born on December 31, 1939, in Potterville, Michigan, the son of Emanuel and Irene (Merrill) Cribley. He was raised in Eaton Rapids, where he attended local schools.
Joe began his working career at Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids and later went on to work for General Motors at the Fisher Body plant, where he remained until his retirement in 1996.
Joe had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and fast cars. He owned numerous muscle cars, which he kept in showroom condition and often spoke fondly of, especially those he regretted selling. He also competed in motorcycle drag racing, riding his bike known as “Snorten Morton,” and earned the nickname “The Flying Frenchman.” In his younger years, Joe was a familiar face at Bouts Motorcycle Shop in Eaton Rapids. He was an avid NASCAR fan and took pride in owning the first 409 in Eaton Rapids. Joe was also an enthusiastic collector of firearms.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Doris Cribley, Richard Cribley, Charles (Normajean) Cribley, Bill Cribley, Louise Babcock, Betty Adkins, and Clarabelle Scutt; and his nephew, Rex Scutt.
Joe is survived by his children, Penny Cribley, Jodie (Roger) Kellogg, and Timothy Cribley; his grandchildren, Shawn Kellogg, Kristy (Gavin) Kelsey, Amanda Hawkins, and Brandi Lee; and his great-grandchildren, Kiera, Bella, Guinever, Travis, Cloe, and Carson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., with a meal to follow the service. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
William Bush Botti
William Bush Botti of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully, April 12, 2026, at the age of 83. Bill was born in Sussex, NJ, December 2, 1942, the son of Benjamin and Charlotte (Bush) Botti. He worked as a Forestry Management Director for 30 years before retiring in 1998. As a forestry consultant businessman, he would help others sell their lumber by connecting them with lumber buyers.
Bill was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and was affectionately known as “Uncle Bill” at the Wood Methodist Camp. He was also a member of the Eaton Rapids Lions Club serving as a four-time past president. Bill was a very talented base fiddler and could be heard playing with the 3rd person band for many years. His hobbies included sketching and canoeing. In Bill’s spare time, he and his wife, Alice, owned and operated the Clinton Trail Tree Farm from 1984-2025.
Bill is survived by his wife, Alice Botti; children, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Jason) Cassar, Benjamin (Michelle) Botti; grandchildren, Heather (Sean) Cervantes, Danielle (Bryant) Galbreath, Benjamin Blake (Olivia) Botti, Stephen Botti, Matthew (Hailey) Botti, Mikayla (Christian) Howard, Mackenzie Cassar; great grandchildren, Ona Mae, Benjamin, Colton, Chloe, Spencer, Hudson; brother, Benjamin B. Botti; sisters, Angela Falstrom and Kimberly Eaton. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Stephen.
A Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St Eaton Rapids. Visitation will take place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Lions Club or the Michigan Forest Association, 2310 Science Pkwy, Okemos MI 48864. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website at www.millsfuneral.com.
Ronald Arthur Bullen
Ronald Arthur Bullen of Eaton Rapids passed away April 9, 2026, at the age of 84. Ron was born in Mason, Michigan on August 14, 1941, the son of Wayne and June (Zickgraf) Bullen. He was known by those closest to him as a dependable man with a practical mind, a generous spirit and a gift for telling a good story. Ron carried himself with quiet pride and found satisfaction in a life built on family, faith and honest labor.
He graduated from Mason High School with the class of 1961, and he went on to serve his country as a diesel mechanic in the Army. His mechanical skills and strong work ethic remained with him throughout his life. After his time in the service, he became an Electrician and was a member of IBEW Local 665 from 1967-2003. His years of work reflected the same dedication and reliability that defined so many other parts of his life.
Ron had a lifelong love of working with his hands. He enjoyed mowing, fixing things and working on anything that needed attention. He loved tools and took great pride in using them well. He was especially proud of the tractors he owned, restored and maintained himself. His ability to repair and restore his own equipment was a reflection of both his skill and patience. He appreciated the satisfaction that came from doing a job right and he found joy in the simple accomplishment of making something work again.
He was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and the All Color Antique Tractor Club. These associations were important to him and reflected his interest in community, fellowship and shared purpose.
Ron especially treasured time with his family. He enjoyed camping trips in Pentwater, where memories were made and traditions were shared. He liked to travel with his wife and valued the experiences they had together along the way. He also enjoyed deer hunting with his son Eric when Eric was younger, and those times remained meaningful to him. Ron was very proud of his son Bryant, who attended and graduated from Michigan State University, and he spoke of that pride with genuine admiration.
He loved to tell stories, and those stories helped others remember his humor, his experiences and the many chapters of his life.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Rosalind Bullen of Eaton Rapids; children, Eric Bullen of Mason, Jennifer (Edward) Huston of Holt, Bryant (Nicole) Bullen of Lake Orion; grandchildren, Kaylee Vickers, Jacob Huston, Sophie Huston, Riley Huston, Mason Bullen, Mila Bullen; siblings Wayne Van (Mary) Bullen, Aileen (Joe) Kreft. He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Keara Bullen.
Funeral Services were 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Heart and Hands Food Pantry, 8287 E. Spicerville Hwy, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Interment will take place in North Aurelius Cemetery. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Cheyenne Alisha Thomas
Cheyenne Alisha Thomas of Eaton Rapids passed away April 8, 2026, at the age of 43. Cheyenne was born in Albion, Michigan, July 25, 1982, the daughter of Karry and Debbie (Adams) Clemons. She was a 2000 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School.
Cheyenne attended and was baptized at the Pentecostals of Williamston Church. Her hobbies included coloring and sketching. She loved her friends and the times they shared together. Cheyenne deeply loved her children, which were the center of her world.
She is survived by her children, Colton Clemons of Dimondale, Caden Thomas of Eaton Rapids, Christian Thomas of Mason, Cashton McKenzie of Dimondale; brothers, Shane Clemons, Chase Clemons; sister, Courtney (Aaron) Jolly. Cheyenne was preceded in death by her parents.
A Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation will take place the hour before services. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with expenses. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Charles “Chuck” Clayton See, age 57, passed away on April 05, 2026, at the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing. Chuck was born on June 25, 1968, in Farmington, Michigan, to parents Lyle and Judy K. (Shilling) See. Chuck had a very strong work ethic and worked in construction for over 30 years.
Chuck was a very sweet soul and quality time was something he held very dear. He loved hanging out with friends and family. He was known for being polite and a chatterbox, but those attributes helped him never know a stranger and make friends everywhere he went. He was also known for always having a smile on his face and giving wonderful hugs. Chuck had a soft spot for animals, particularly cats and dogs. He had a very detailed memory, which helped him both remember funny stories and store historical facts of all kinds. When he wasn’t building and flying his model rockets, he could be found hunting deer and fishing. He enjoyed his rock ‘n roll and found peace in the sounds of daily life.
Chuck is preceded in death by his mother, Judy See, his wife, Sarah Tackett-See, and his best friend, Eddie Shumaker.
He is survived by his father, Lyle See, his children, Lyle Hampton, William See, Cody See, his siblings, Melissa Webb, Ken (Nicole) See, Joani See, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Lee Center Cemetery on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to care for the See family in their time of need.
Lewis Nathan Johnson
Lewis Nathan Johnson, 87, of Potterville, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at home on April 12, 2026. He was born on April 1, 1939, and grew up in Flushing, Michigan. He graduated from Owosso Bible College and joined the United States Marine Corps, serving his country faithfully for six years. He married the love of his life, Frankie Bowles, on May 10, 1958, in Eaton Rapids. They were married for 67 years.
Lewie was the operations manager at the Potterville grain elevator for 40-plus years, eventually retiring. He loved traveling and serving with the Collingsworth family, with whom he and Frankie volunteered with for over 20 years. He also found great joy in serving alongside Frankie at Manderley Christian Camp & Conference Center in Pikeville, Tennessee, and at South Life Church in Lansing.
Lewie was a walking testimony and example of a life changed and saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. He lived out his faith and served the Lord faithfully.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Frankie of Potterville; his three sons, Paul (Michelle) of Clinton Township, Frank (Terri) of Hillsboro, Kansas, and Wayne (Deanna) of Clinton Township; his grandchildren, Rachel (Tyler), Mary, Isaac (Lindsay), Amanda (Jerel), Annaliese, and Andrew; and nine great-grandchildren, with one on the way. He is also survived by many loving cousins; sister-in-law Ruth Johnson; his honorary family, Phil and Kim Collingsworth and their children and grandchildren; and many friends and family at South Life Church. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Donna Johnson, and his brother Michael.
A viewing and funeral service will be held at South Life Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr, Lansing, MI 48917. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to South Life Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Larry C. Holcomb
Dr. Larry C. Holcomb, age 87, of Olivet, Michigan, went to live with his heavenly Father April 4, 2026. He was born April 14, 1938 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the sixth of seventh children of Clifford and Bertha (Wrate) Holcomb.
As a young boy the family moved to the country in Olivet where he learned to love all of nature. Larry graduated in 1956 from Olivet High School as senior class president and member of the Future Farmers of America. He started his college education at Olivet College graduating in 1960 and continued his studies at Michigan State University, earning a Ph.D. in 1963. He taught at universities in Ohio and Nebraska (where he became a cornhusker fan watching them win the national championship) before he took a position with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on the Quealea Project studying grain eating birds in East Africa while stationed in Somalia.
Dr. Holcomb worked for the State of Michigan as the head of the Toxic Substance Control Commission at the time chemicals were found in the feed supply for dairy cattle. After leaving the state position he started his own businesses, Holcomb Environmental, focusing on indoor air particulates measurements and Evergreen Acres Christmas tree farm. Throughout his career, Dr. Holcomb published numerous research articles regarding wildlife and environmental issues.
Dr. Larry Holcomb met his wife, Jerrilyn (Jodon), in Battle Creek and were married August, 1958. Together they raised five children: Allen, Paul, Suzanne, Trish and Jacqueline. While Larry took on different positions the family moved to Ohio, Nebraska and Somalia. They settled back home in Olivet, Michigan in 1977. Larry and Jerrilyn were happily married for 67 years. They enjoyed traveling around the world together and visited every continent, except Antarctica.
Dr. Holcomb was an avid outdoorsman, environment conservationist and certified wildlife biologist. He was a passionate hunter traveling the world for various hunts. He recorded his hunting tales in his published book “For Love of the Outdoors,” where he chronicled his hunts qualifying him for Pope and Young records.
Larry was always working on bettering his land for wildlife conservation and wildlife habitat including putting land in conservation easements. He was often at wildlife conservation banquets and wild game dinners or telling tales of his adventures out of doors. He taught his children and grandchildren how to hunt and fish and to clean up at least 10 pieces of trash from a campground leaving it cleaner than when they arrived. Larry had a love for dogs and always had a hunting dog from a beagle to German shorthairs.
Dr. Larry Holcomb was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Bertha Holcomb, his five sisters: Inez, Florence, Dorothy, Clarabell, Rosemary, and his brother Ralph. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jerrilyn Holcomb, his five children L. Allen (Chris) Holcomb, Paul (Sara) Holcomb, Suzanne Birgy, Trish Harris (Cary Mannaberg), Jacqueline (Brian) Elizalde, his 10 grandchildren Sam Birgy, Ryan (Amber) Holcomb, Claudia Birgy, Brandon (Reanna) Elizalde, Dani (Maddy) Harris, Alexis Elizalde (Collin Ritsema), Alex (Annelise) Holcomb, Quintan Harris (Kate Tomson), Elise Holcomb and Brianna Elizalde (Sean Alexander) as well as great grandchildren Edie, Trevor, Hazel, Maeve, Davey, Iris, Isla and Logan, with two more coming soon.
Memorial services will be held at Family Bible Church in Marshall, Michigan on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9: a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Family Bible Church Building Fund or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy 27 N Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Valerie Gjukis-Houghton
Valerie Gjukis-Houghton, born October 31, 1950, died April 1, 2026.
Val was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend who touched many lives. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her creativity and kind nature.
The full obituary is available at Betzlerlifestory.com for those who wish to read more about her life and share a memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bellevue Conservation Club on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Lane Jeffrey Arthur Collier
Lane Jeffrey Arthur Collier, just 18 months old, passed away far too soon, leaving behind a lifetime of love in the brief but beautiful time he was here. A Miracle Baby, Lane was born on October 15, 2024, in Lansing, the son of Charles and Tara (Shumaker) Collier. Lane was a bright and radiant little boy whose presence could light up any room. His personality was truly unforgettable, bubbly and full of joy, angelic in his innocence, with just the right touch of spice that made everyone smile. He was a happy, energetic child who was always on the move, exploring the world around him with curiosity and excitement.
Though his time on earth was short, Lane made a profound impact on all who knew and loved him. His laughter was contagious, his spirit was vibrant, and his love was pure. He brought endless joy to his family and will always be remembered for the happiness he shared so freely. Lane enjoyed playing with his trucks, trains, his toy farm, riding in his remote controlled Jeep, shooting hoops, listening to the windchimes, and tending to the chickens daily with his little bucket.
Lane is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his family, whose hearts he filled completely. His memory will live on in every smile, every moment of joy, and every cherished memory they hold close.
Though we wish we had more time, we are grateful for every second we were given with sweet Lane. He will remain our precious angel, forever in our hearts.
Lane is survived by his parents, Charles and Tara; sister, Olivia Grace Collier; grandparents, Daneen Shumaker, Debra (Pancho) Smith, Jeff Jack, and Dent Collier; uncles, Travis (Lexie) Shumaker and Jason (Kari) Collier; aunt, Tammy (Doug) Smith; great-grandparents, Janice (Barry Baba) Finn and Barbara Rondeau; cousins, Adalynn, Tucker, Macey, Hunter, Kaycee, and Grady; and numerous extended family members. He was predeceased by his Grampy, Jeffrey Shumaker; and great-grandparents, Arthur and Lavon Lowry.
Friends are encouraged to support Lane’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Hogle officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 11 a.m. until noon. 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 Lanes’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William A. Cooper
William A. Cooper, 80, of Charlotte, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away April 11, 2026. William was born May 16, 1945, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Hugh F. and Almary E. (Root) Cooper. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1968, attaining the rank of E3.
Following his service, he built a strong and steady work ethic throughout his career, retiring from A.E. Hoover, Pinkerton Security at General Motors, Meijer where he worked as a supervisor, and Eaton County Transportation Authority (EATRAN) where he served as a bus driver. On August 1, 1970, Bill married Martha, and together they built a life centered on love and family, raising their son, Andrew.
Bill enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards, or pursuing his interest in firearms. As his health declined, he found comfort in quieter pastimes such as word puzzles and watching television. He was a proud member of the VFW, a former member of the American Legion, and Eagles, and he cherished the camaraderie those organizations provided. Bill also loved to travel, especially to destinations near the water. Above all, family was at the heart of Bill’s life, and the time he spent with them brought him his greatest joy.
William is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha; son, Andrew (Michelle) Cooper; two granddaughters, Macie Kay (Karter) Whitsel and Ellie Nicole Cooper; great-grandson, Huddson; and brothers-in-law, Bill Groleau and Roger McDonald; and numerous nephews, nieces, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his sisters, Nancy McDonald and Linda Groleau; his brothers, Richard Cooper and Robert Cooper; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support William’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 William’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or the American Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.