Obituaries
Doris C. Pacelli
Doris C. Pacelli, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Venice, Florida at the age of 92.
Doris was born in Chicago on April 7, 1934, to John and Barbara Gutsmiedl. She attended St. Michael’s Church and School in Chicago along with her siblings. She went on to attend the Chicago Art Institute and won several awards for her artistic achievements.
Doris married William M. Pacelli on October 4, 1952. Their marriage was a happy and enduring partnership that lasted more than 60 years until Bill passed away in 2015.
Doris was a devoted wife and mother who did her own canning, sewing and cooking. She was passionate about the arts and developed skills in stained glass art, painting, and acting. She was an integral part of “The Silver Foxes” “Social Security Scandals” and the “Venice Little Theater” groups and entertained locals for more than a decade. Her “Vitameatavegamin” skit is remembered by all. Doris volunteered for “Little Sisters” organization and worked as a Tribunal Secretary for the Diocese in Lansing for 14 years after her youngest children were in school.
Doris was also known for her enjoyment of nature, especially flowers and birds. She was friendly to all she met and always wore a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by her loving family.
Doris is survived by her six daughters, Doris Mary Pacelli (Crews), Patricia Ann (Sims) Pacelli, Marcia Jean (Griffes), Cynthia Sue (Weber), Jeanne Elisabeth (Pankow), and Christina Marie (Moronell); her brother John F. Gutsmiedl, his wife Ellen and their children Janet, Barbara and John III; 15 Grandchildren: Daniel W Guild, Carey Ann Sims, Jamie L. Sims, William M. Griffes, Katherine R. Griffes, Emily D. Griffes (Floury), Timothy J. Griffes, Michael J. Davis, Jeffrey L. Davis, Carter W. Pankow, Lillian P. Pankow, Erin A. Moronell, Dana C. Moronell, Mark W. Moronell, and Gwen C. Moronell. 14 Great grandchildren: Julia I. Sims, Logan V. Guild, Easton D. Griffes, Callie A. Griffes, Montgomery W. Griffes, Charlotte D. Griffes, Roman D. Griffes, Brixton L. Davis, Oliver J. Davis, Noah M. Davis, Anthony M. Fulger, Thomas J. Fulger, Oliver A. Floury, and Greyson J. Floury.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara, and her husband Bill. Her legacy continues through the communities she enriched, and her family who carries her memory forward.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. with interment at Rosehill Cemetery following the Mass. Brief visitation was held in the church vestibule prior to the Mass. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Vern R. Norton
Vern R. Norton, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 5, 1936, to Rueben and Martha Norton.
He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. On December 30, 1960, he married the love of his life, Patricia Shilling, and together they built a life centered on family and hard work.
He is survived by his three daughters: Teresa (Pete) Cassel of Mecosta, Wendy (Kurt) McHenry of Bellevue, and Jackie (Patrick) Pennington of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He spent much of his life in the area he called home and was known for his strong work ethic. Over the years, he worked at Air-Way, B&H, Tevilo, and Master-Bilt, where he retired in 1998. In retirement, he stayed active working at Fun Services and Binder Park Zoo as a tram driver.
He had a deep love for simple pleasures – mowing the lawn, playing euchre and other card games, planting flowers, and most of all, being around people. He was known for his sense of humor and loved joking with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patricia; siblings Leo, Neil, Bob, Sara, Iva, and Dorothy; his half-brother Rolland; and his cherished dog, Lucy.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, W2850 WI-28, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.
Bruce Wendell Masters
Bruce Wendell Masters, a quietly perceptive man with a dry sense of humor, died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 83.
Bruce was born on September 3, 1942, to Lysle and Zella (Kelly) Masters, in Charlotte, and grew up on Pearl Street. Bruce graduated from Charlotte High School in 1960. He was a hard worker, a virtue he instilled in his sons. He worked 23 years at Aluminum Extrusions, in Charlotte, and thereafter as a foreman and later plant manager at Keiper Recaro (later Atwood Automotive), in Battle Creek, and at Paradigm Products, also in Battle Creek.
Bruce enjoyed fishing (including on fly-in trips to Canada over the years with his brother, friends and son), traveling, birdwatching, reading, tending to his immaculate lawn, looking after his grandchildren and generally spending time with his family and his dog, Teddy. He was very proud of his family, including his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will remember his wit, his attendance (often coaching, always cheering) at all their games, the hours he spent tutoring them on their times tables and geometry homework and on how to build a deck, fix a car and clean a fish. He was impressively, unshowily competent at many things (including anything mechanical), but, most memorably, at being a dad.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane; sons, Bruce (Amanda) Masters, Chris (Candace) Masters and Brett (John White) Masters; grandchildren, Ali (Henrique) Siqueira, Coleton Masters, Caleb Masters, Jacob Masters, Darton (Chelsea) Jones and Shay (Casey) Beck; great grandchildren, Sam Beck and Ridge Beck; and brothers, Philip (Marilyn) Masters, Gordon (Ronn Blodgett) Masters and Rick Masters.
A memorial lunch and celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at First Lutheran Church, in Charlotte, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1 p.m. All friends and acquaintances are encouraged to attend the event and to share any memories on Bruce’s tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey Peter Sylvester
Jeffrey (Jeff) Peter Sylvester, 69, of Olivet, a kind and gentle soul known for his lifelong devotion to music and learning, passed away April 16, 2026. Jeffrey was born February 26, 1957 in Evanston, Illinois, to Robert Peter and Audrey (Vecella) Sylvester.
After graduating from Kearsarge Regional High School in New Hampshire, Jeff trained as a classical guitarist and studied at the International Cello Centre in Edrom, Scotland (now known as the Edrom Casals Centre). A gifted musician, Jeff had a remarkable ear and could play nearly any instrument, often performing classical pieces entirely from memory.
Upon returning to the United States, Jeff studied at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. From there he continued his studies at New England College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism, always guided by a deep curiosity about the world. Jeffrey worked for New England College, and later, Olivet College.
In his younger years, he traveled throughout Europe, busking on guitar and sharing his music with passersby. Jeff then spent two summers working as a “Pelican” on Star Island (Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire), serving as music director in his second year. More recently, he brought that same joy to others by performing at senior living communities, where his music was warmly received.
Jeffrey was an accomplished writer, contributing to various publications throughout his life. He had a lifelong love of learning, with a particular fascination for physics and literature. He combined those interests in what he called “the theory of everything.” He especially enjoyed the works of Tony Hillerman, whose stories of the American Southwest inspired Jeffrey to travel there in 2015.
He found peace and happiness in nature, hiking in the woods in every season. Whether through music, writing, or quiet time outdoors, Jeffrey approached life with thoughtfulness and resilience, continuing to move forward despite the challenges of chronic illness.
Above all, Jeffrey will be remembered as one of the nicest people one could ever meet. His family and friends all loved to remember his sense of humor and will miss his quirky view on life. Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Cea) Noyes; son, Ethan Sylvester; mother, Audrey Sylvester; sister, Suzanne Sylvester; and niece, Zephyr Sylvester. He was predeceased by his father, Peter Sylvester.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeffrey’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Gathering will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Edrom Casals Centre, 58 Prince Edward Road, Tweedmouth, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 2EX UK. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Julia Ann Epstein
Julia Ann Epstein left this world on Friday, 3 April 2026 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after a brief illness. She was 84. She was born on 13 April 1941 at Brooklyn, New York, the eldest daughter of David Gertler (1903-1982) and Ruth Teiber (1911-1997).
Julia was educated in public schools at Brooklyn and Queens, including Andrew Jackson High School (1957) in Cambria Heights, Queens. She attended Syracuse University from which she earned a BA in 1961. The highlight of her college career was a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, which she spoke of throughout her adult life. She later earned a master’s degree in Computer Science at Michigan State University in the mid 1980s.
Julia married Joel Jacob Epstein (1937-2023) on 26 August 1962 at Hempstead, New York. Together they had two children: Roy Michael Epstein and Victoria Ann Epstein.
Julia started her work life as a social worker in New York City. She lived in Parsippany, New Jersey. Her first child, Roy was born in Livingston, New Jersey. In 1968, she and her husband and son relocated to Olivet, Michigan, a small college town in south central Michigan.
There she took courses at The University of Olivet (formally Olivet College), got her teaching certificate and began her 28 year-long teaching career as a fourth and fifth grade teacher in the Olivet School system. Julia had a passion for teaching that went well beyond expectations. She did meticulous prep work and was always the last one in her classroom after school each day. She was known and remembered by her students for doing a play each spring. Plays included “The Wizard of Oz,” “Tom Saywer,” and “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.”
Julia was a passionate patron of the arts. She loved theater, musicals, foreign films, and museums. She could easily spend an entire day in a museum and disliked the idea of missing any exhibits. She was an avid reader and some of her favorite books included “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Poisonwood Bible,” “Bel Canto,” “Cutting For Stone,” “Miss Morgans’ Book Brigade,” “A Doll’s House,” and “Corner of Bitter and Sweet.”
She traveled extensively throughout her life and was fascinated with other cultures and ways of life that were different from hers. She loved all word games and anything that challenged her mind. She was constantly learning and thrived on knowledge. She lived every moment to its fullest and often talked about how precious time was and how every moment was worthy.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joel J Epstein. She is survived by her son Roy Epstein of Olivet, Michigan, by her daughter Victoria A Epstein and her husband Matt Wilcox of Portland, Oregon, and by her sister Frances Parisi of Levittown, New York. She is further survived by her nephew Alan David Fass (Nicole) of Merrimack, New Hampshire and niece Allyson Dugger-Fass (Lonnie) of Bellmore, New York.
A celebration of Julia’s life will be held at a later date in Michigan to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, Julia would be pleased if contributions were made to two of her favorite. Send donations to: Friends of the Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813 or The Hollywood Art and Culture Center, Hollywood, Florida. Donations can be made at this link: https://artandculturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donations.
Christopher Ryan Cummings
Christopher Ryan Cummings, 47, of Charlotte, Michigan, a man known for his love for his family passed away tragically, after a short battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer, on April 2, 2026. He was surrounded and comforted by his family at the time of his passing.
Christopher was born to Dean Thomas and Patricia Ann (Day) Cummings on January 15, 1979 in Lansing, Michigan during the great blizzard of 1978/79. By the time he was a year old, he was half the size of his mother and bright blond headed with a wicked smile and as wild as the storm he was born under.
Over the years it became clear Chris was a fierce friend, one whom you could call for pretty much anything. Chris was generally ready to help fix a car, dig a trench, mow a lawn, or right a wrong all day, any day. He loved his various jobs over the years from lumber to construction, landscape to auto mechanic. However, his proudest accomplishment was from a job that didn’t even pay – being part of the CJO organization. Chris loved coaching basketball and football and did it for years, season after season. Being part of those teams and groups of people, watching the kids he coached grow and succeed gave him so much joy. It is something he felt was an honor.
Chris married the love of his life Allison Kay Bertram on November 14, 2017. Together, they built a life centered on love, hard work and raising their 3 children, Lhiannan Kae, Aiden Christopher and Kain Dean Thomas, who were at the heart of everything he did.
Also at the heart of everything he did was the Michigan Wolverines – GO BLUE! He was known to also enjoy a nice round of golf with some good company or a drink at the bonfire. Even falling asleep in his hammock to a cool breeze was considered a good day. Chris loved the simple things, Family, Friends, Love.
Christopher is survived by his wife, Allison Kay; children, Lhiannan Kae (Rudy Colbry) McConnell, Aiden Christopher (Chloe Calton) Cummings and Kain Dean Thomas Cummings; parents, Marc and Patricia Ann Smith; siblings, Chelsea Afton (Justin) Buchholz, Brent Thomas (Brittany) Cummings, and Adam Joseph (Alissa) Smith; nieces, Ellie, Morgan and Blaire; nephews, Weslee and Wheeler. With special mention to his granddaughter Harlee Kae Colbry to whom he is Papa and she was the apple of his eye. He is preceded in death by his father, Dean Thomas Cummings, and infant sister, Lindsey Rae Cummings.
Friends are encouraged to support Chris’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Burial will take place in West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Chris’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a fund that is to be established for Chris’ son, Kain’s education, in care of Allison Cummings. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Scott Carl Tobias
Scott Carl Tobias, 63, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on April 7, 2026. He was born on September 30, 1962, in Lansing, Michigan, to Lloyd Lee and Joyce Ellen (Sevenski) Tobias.
Scott was truly a jack of all trades, known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He built a career in plumbing, where his skill and determination led him to the role of Supervisor after many years of hard work. More than anything, Scott took pride in providing for and caring for those he loved.
Scott met the love of his life, Lynn, at a softball game, and the two quickly fell in love. They shared many wonderful years of marriage filled with laughter, loyalty, and companionship.
He will be remembered for his quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor. Scott was a devoted sports fan who loved golf, softball, and bowling, and he had a special passion for NASCAR. He faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys and Florida State.
Music was another joy in his life, with tastes ranging from Elvis Presley to Nickelback to country legends like Toby Keith and Johnny Cash. He was especially known for his “golf playlist,” a carefully chosen set of songs that, no matter what, had to be played every time he hit the course with his brother Tim.
Scott had a love for classic Western movies and the idea of the cowboy way of life. He also had a deep appreciation for vintage and classic cars and enjoyed working on them whenever he could. A devoted animal lover, Scott had a special place in his heart for dogs.
Though he was not overly affectionate, Scott showed his love in steadfast and meaningful ways – through acts of service, quiet devotion, and always being there when someone needed a helping hand. Whether it was fixing a car, pet sitting, or lending his time and skills, he never hesitated to help others. He was also known for the special nicknames he gave to those he loved, each one a reflection of his unique bond with them.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Cords and Lloyd Tobias, and his son, Jason Pompey.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Lynn Tobias; his children, Scotty Tobias, Jonna Tobias, Matthew Tobias, Dustin Tobias, and Tina (Joshua) Gillespie; his daughter-in-law, Erica Pompey; his siblings, Steve Tobias, Tim Tobias, and Larry Cords II; his stepfather, Larry Cords Sr; his many grandchildren; his beloved nieces and nephews; his cherished dogs, Samuel and Peanutty Tobias; as well as his granddogs, grandkitties, and many dear friends.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to care for the Tobias family during this time.
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.