Obituaries
Laura Joy Harris
Laura Joy Harris (Chupp), 61, of Charlotte, MI went home to the Lord on June 14, 2025. Laura was born in Battle Creek, MI to Howard R. and Barbara (Wanger) Chupp. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, and cousin. A graduate of Bellevue High School in 1982, Laura was always very social and enjoyed working with the public. As a bartender at CharLanes bowling alley for over 19 years and later worked at Family Dollar in Eaton Rapids as Manager/Assistant Manager, she made many friends and enjoyed the social aspect of her jobs. Everything Laura did, whether it was family gatherings, cook-outs with friends, baking, gardening and canning different fruits and vegetables, she did it with a heart of gold and was always finding ways to help others. She loved to collect nick-nacks, cross stitch, bowl, and spend time outdoors (especially at the family log cabin in Onaway). Her grandkids meant the world to Laura, she loved spending lots of time with them.
Laura is survived by her husband of 25 years, Peter Harris; children, Robert Graham, Tiffany (Jeff) Graham, Jennifer Graham; grandkids, Preston, Barbara, Ivan, Brogain, and Andy; great-grandkids Arieelynn, Paisley, and Kendall; sisters, Lucy (Larry) Potter, Patti (Bill) Blanchard, Gail (Tom) Robinson; mother-in-law, Joan Harris; brothers-in-law, Al (Kelly) Harris and Rocky White; and many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephes; and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard R. and Barbara Chupp; sister, Terry Wilford; brother, Howard (Chip) Chupp; father-in-law, David Harris; and sister-in-law, Tammy White.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Laura’s family by attending services or sharing memories of her on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be Friday, June 27, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Paulette Kay DePue
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Paulette Kay DePue, who left us on February 19, 2025, at the age of 79.
She was born on June 10, 1946, in Albion, Michigan. Paulette was a woman of strength, independence, and a big, loving heart. She had a vibrant personality and a deep capacity for caring and touching the lives of many throughout her life.
She was known for her extraordinary warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled in her children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Paulette devoted her life to her family, nurturing us with her kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor. Whether through her home-cooked meals, her comforting words, or the way she made you feel truly seen, she had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome and loved.
Paulette is survived by her daughters, Robin (Robert) Osenbaugh, Billie Joe (Ritchie) Powers; son, Robert (Sandy) Wehr; several grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dee “Terry” DePue; son, Steven Wehr.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 28 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Kalamo Township Hall, 8960 Spore Street, Vermontville, Michigan.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
To view Paulette’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.
Patrick Stephan Smith
Patrick “Pat” Stephan Smith, 66, of Charlotte, passed away on May 21, 2025 at his home. He was born on October 20, 1958 to Roger E. and Etta M. (Johnson) Smith in Charlotte, MI.
Pat was a hard worker, he worked as a sign man, and he was a truck driver for 20 years. He was always working on something, whether it was a truck engine or welding/fabricating something. Pat was very organized, and he tried to take good care of himself, he worked out and he ate healthy. He was a really good brother, and he loved his Momma and Dad and his animals.
Pat is survived by his brother and sisters, Roger (Lorie) Smith, Janet Riffe, Cheryl (Alan) Vercher, Betty (Trevor) Dillon, Teresa (William) Howe; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; long time fiancé, Wanda “Lee” Webb; and brother-in-law, George Thomas Riffe II.
Visitation was held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. at Bellevue Christian Church, 734 W. Capital Ave., Bellevue, MI 49021 the funeral started at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Danesh Manik officiating.
Burial will take place in Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society-Fight Pancreatic Cancer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
Thomas Ray Garrison
Thomas Ray Garrison, born on April 15, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly while fishing on June 8, 2025, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. He was a dedicated family man, adored by his loved ones, and well-known for his meticulous nature, always ensuring that everything was in its proper place. Throughout his life, Tom expressed a profound love for his family and friends and was always striving to ensure everyone was well cared for.
Tom was a proud member of the Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120 and the Potterville Masonic Lodge #367, engaging in his community and upholding the values of brotherhood and charity. His interests took him outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, caring for his quarter horses, and spending quality time with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Joyce Garrison; his beloved wife, Joyce Garrison; his daughters, Kelly Wells and Kerry Kyes; and his brothers, Chuck Garrison and Jeff Garrison.
Tom is survived by his children, Scott (Suzi) Kyes of DeWitt, Tonya Keith of North Carolina, Jeff (Darcie) Kyes of Baraga, Chris (Lynn) Garrison of Eaton Rapids, and Elizabeth (Jon) Feise of Elsie; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Donald Wells of Utica; brother, Jim Garrison of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Despite his passing, Thomas’s legacy of love and diligence will continue to resonate with all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home located at 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813 on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A private family burial will take place.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tom’s memory to the Potterville Masonic Lodge #367 4925 Royston Road, Potterville, MI 48876.
To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Bonita Louise DeLong
Bonita “Bonnie” Louise DeLong of Eaton Rapids, peacefully passed away June 13, 2025, at the age of 83. Bonnie was a graduate of Waterford High School and married to the love of her life. Bonnie and Don were married for 63 years. She worked as a florist for Alice’s Greenhouse in Eaton Rapids and Leslie Floral in Leslie. She spent her time as a Girl Scout leader, athletic booster member, seamstress, and cab driver to her three children. She loved to fish, camp, knit, crochet, play cards, and travel. Her wonderful neighbors were more like family. Bonnie and Don wintered at Sleepy Hollow Park in Zephyrhills, FL for over 20 years, sparking friendships along the way.
Bonnie is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Barb) DeLong of Eaton Rapids, Laura (Scott) Church of Rossford, OH, Michael (Laura) DeLong of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Amanda (Rob) Dubois, Heather (Brandon Williams) DeLong, Ainslie (Allen) Mathews, Brittany (Christopher) McKinnon, Dustin (Stephanie) Dean, Sierra (Chris Segura) Church, Cody (Mable Henrick) Church, Joshua (Georggia) DeLong, Kyle (Chelsie) DeLong; 21 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Johnson; and step-father, Bob (Jean) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Johnson; father, Harold (Deloris) Fuchs; husband, Donald DeLong Jr.; brother, Ronald (Pat) Fuchs.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Eaton Rapids Sports Boosters, 800 State St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center, 8601 Houston Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, or online at www.wildsidemi.wordpress.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.