Obituaries
Mary Alice Rodriguez
Mary Alice Rodriguez, 91, of Grand Ledge and formerly Vermontville and Gun Lake, Michigan, died peacefully with her family by her side on May 10, 2025. Mary was born in Vermontville and spent most of her early life there, enjoying small town life and the simple things. John and Mary moved to Gun Lake and spent 34 years together there. She turned her small-town life toward three important things: family, cooking, and gardening. As a mother of four boys, she had to be very organized, keeping life at home and the books running very smoothly for Johnny’s Food Mart in Vermontville. She was a self-less, humble woman enjoying lots of outdoor activities like horseback riding, snowmobiling, and laying in the sun at Gun Lake reading her books. A fabulous cook, Mary enjoyed canning from her garden, so she always had homemade foods, and baking including glazed donuts, strawberry rhubarb pie, peanut butter fudge, homemade bread, and a red velvet cake that kept everyone coming back for more.
With her organization skills, Mary was a wonderful bookkeeper. She kept the books for the family store, Johnny’s Food Mart in Vermontville, as well as J&R Party Mart, International Lock and Seal, and also worked for H&R Block in Charlotte during her working career. She demonstrated her love through the quilts she made for her family and special friends, baked goods, and gardening.
Mary is survived by her husband of 72 years, John Rodriguez; children, Fred (Lela) Rodriguez, Randy (Lori) Rodriguez, Doug (Christi Escher) Rodriguez; and Greg (Dionna) Rodriguez; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Ava May (Tubbs) Kroger; and sister, Marilyn Halas.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, May 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial services are Tuesday, May 20, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Dan Beyer 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 Mary’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions Gun Lake Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jamie A. Tuckey
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jamie A. Tuckey, a beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend, who departed from this world on February 25, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on February 9, 1944, in Charlotte, Michigan, Jamie lived a life marked by dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jamie was the cherished son of Duane and Hester (Farrier) Tuckey, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and kindness. These values would guide him throughout his life and become the foundation upon which he would build his legacy.
His childhood was filled with many loving family gatherings with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins. Jamie graduated from Charlotte High School in 1962.
He was a proud soldier, serving briefly as a Green Beret in the Army Special Forces, where he demonstrated courage and commitment to his country.
After his military service, Jamie embarked on a career that would see him make significant contributions to the community. He led housing project developments and managed the physical renovation of the Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego, where his attention to detail and insistence on perfection were evident in every endeavor he undertook. He also played a vital role in the San Diego Surf Cup soccer tournament, helping to elevate the event and enhance its reputation.
Much more than his professional achievements, Jamie was known for his warm spirit and his ability to connect with others. He was an organized individual, always punctual, with a wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him. His hobbies and interests reflected his craftsmanship; just like his father, he was great with his hands and took pride in every project he completed.
Jamie is survived by his loving son, Jamie Tuckey II; his two grandchildren, Charley and Dylan Tuckey; his dear brother, David D. Tuckey; nephews, Curtis, Chris, David A.
Tuckey and Jim Haviland; Tuckey and Farrier cousins. Together, they will carry forward his memory and the values he imparted to them. Jamie’s life was a testament to the beauty of kindness, the importance of family, and the pursuit of excellence.
In his final years, Jamie battled Parkinson’s Disease with the same strength and determination that characterized his life. His eight-year journey with the disease was not easy, but he faced each challenge with grace and dignity, inspiring those around him to remain positive and hopeful.
Private funeral services will be held to honor Jamie’s life and legacy, one in California and one Charlotte, MI. Jamie will be buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Girard Twp., Coldwater, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Jamie to remember him through acts of kindness and service to others, reflecting the generous spirit he embodied throughout his life.
As we say goodbye to Jamie A. Tuckey, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten, living on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.
Aleene Mae Cook
Aleene Mae “Ellie” Cook, age 83, of Charlotte, passed away on May 11, 2025. She was born on April 7, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ella McDonald of Middleville, Michigan.
Aleene graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School in 1960. She moved to Charlotte in 1962, where she raised her family and was known around the neighborhood as “Mrs. C”. She was employed at B&W Schrader Agency and part-time at Char-Lanes.
After her sons were raised, she moved to Grand Rapids where she went to work for Old Kent Bank/Fifth Third Bank, and then for the State of Michigan. After retiring in 2008, she moved back to Charlotte.
Ellie enjoyed many activities, including camping, fishing, traveling, sewing, and spending time with family and friends. She was part of “Wrapped In Love Quilters”, which is a charity sewing group at the First Baptist Church (FBC) in Charlotte.
Aleene is survived by her sons; Todd (Carmen) Cook of Grayling and Bradley Cook of Charlotte; grandson, Andrew (Karli Maurer) Cook of Mulliken, granddaughter, Jennifer (Tyler) Smith of Charlotte; her “third son”, Tim (Dawn) Kepler of Charlotte; brother, Nelson (Louise) Replogle of Hastings; sister-in-law, Liz Cook of Milan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Aleene is preceded in death by her mother; daughter-in-law, Cheri Cook; and sister, Donna Kermeen.
Service was held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. with Paster Carmen Cook officiating. The family received friends starting at 2:00 p.m. prior to the memorial service.
If you wish to make a contribution in Ellie’s memory, please do so to “Wrapped In Love Quilters” of the Charlotte First Baptist Church.
To view Aleene’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.
Lola Irene Wilson
Lola Irene Wilson, age 88, died on Monday, April 28, 2024. Mrs. Wilson was born on February 3, 1937 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of the late Otto Marion Donley and Ruth (Althouse) Donley, and sister to Robert (Florence) Donley. Following graduation in 1954 from Charlotte High School, she entered Western Michigan College, now University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate in 1958. In the fall of 1958, she began her career teaching first grade at the old elementary school in Springfield, Michigan, a suburb of Battle Creek.
In 1960, she married Jim Wilson and returned to Charlotte where they established their home. When their first child was born in 1963, Mrs. Wilson became a stay-at-home mom, where she remained for twelve years. During that time, she became a volunteer for church, Nursery School, Camp Fire, Cub Scouts, 4-H, Parkview School, and supported Jim in his work with the Lions Club, all while caring for their two children.
In 1975, Mrs. Wilson was excited to be hired by Charlotte Public Schools as a first grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School where her children had attended. Her return to the classroom also meant her return to school to work on an advanced degree. Lola retired from teaching in 1999 after twenty-nine years in first grade.
Upon retirement, she returned to volunteering. She enjoyed working with the First Congregational Church, Parkview School, Delta Kappa Gamma, GFWC-Charlotte receiving the “Woman of Achievement” honor in 2012, and the Charlotte Alumni Association where she served as Historian. She enjoyed reading, gardening, stage plays and performances, family and friends, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her husband, James Wilson; children, Pamela (Lawrence) Lindemer of Rockford, MI, and Patrick Wilson of Cherry Valley, IL; two “above average” grandchildren, Hayley (Jacob) Walker and Jacob (Kaitlin) Lindemer; three “precious” great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert (Florence) Donley, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 106 Bostwick Street, Charlotte, Michigan. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at church. If desired, Mrs. Wilson requested memorial contributions to the Charlotte Community Library or the First Congregational Church UCC.
To view Mrs. Wilson’s obituary online or to leave your condolence to the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Steven Wesley Lewis
Steven Wesley Lewis, age 64, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Robert Donald Lewis and Shirley Francis (Schwab) Lewis. Steve grew up in Wyoming, Michigan, and graduated from Kellogsville High School. He obtained his associates degree from LCC and his accident reconstruction certification from MSU. He served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for Allegan, Cass, and finally landed in Calhoun County, where he spent most of his career. He retired due to health issues. Steve enjoyed trips to the U.P. and especially hanging out at the cabin at Buckeye Lake. He enjoyed thrift shopping and finding “treasures” for his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lewis, his mother, Shirley (Schwab) Lewis, and sister, Kathy Lewis.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly; daughters Alaina and Audrey Lewis; son, Steven Lewis; grandson Micah Sheridan; step-daughter Elizabeth (Westley) Rutherford; step-son Matthew (Jessica) Corliss; step-grandchildren whom he adored: Noelle and Brynlee Corliss, Owen, Gavin, and Emma Rutherford; and siblings Robert (Gloria) Lewis, Wayne (Cindy) Lewis, and Vicki (Rick) Krahn.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Springport Bible Church with Pastor Matt Rohde officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Steve’s memory to the Springport Bible Church 240 Mechanic Street, Springport, MI 49284.
To view Steve’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.