Obituaries
Christine Elizabeth Cowles
Christine Elizabeth Cowles, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Springport on September 27, 2024, at the age of 69. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 31, 1955, to Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley, Chris inherited many wonderful traits from both her parents.
Her father imparted to her a love of adventure, a passion for road trips, and a keen eye for discovering treasures in unexpected places. From her mother, Chris inherited the love of sewing and the ability to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. These qualities shaped her into a woman whose creativity, generosity, and joy enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Chris was a proud 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. One of her most treasured school memories was winning a dance contest with her brother Tim.
Chris’s professional journey began at MESSA in 1975, where her dedication and leadership skills saw her rise through the ranks to become a treasured manager. Along the way, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships with colleagues. She later became the co-owner of Rapids Tumble Finish and co-founded the Promise Breakers Club alongside her devoted husband, Loren, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. After a fulfilling career, Chris chose to retire and focus on what she cherished most: time spent with her family and friends.
A woman of many passions, Chris delighted in sharing her favorite books, documentaries, and television shows, while her love of music was a gift she passed on to her children. Her creativity found further expression in the countless hours she spent knitting and quilting, each piece lovingly crafted as a symbol of her devotion to family and friends.
Chris met the love of her life and best friend, Loren, through her sister Cathy and Cathy’s husband, Bud. Their marriage in 1983 marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and shared dreams. In May 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Betsy, and together with Loren’s sons, Brian and Tim, they created a close-knit family.
Chris’s memory lives on in the hearts of her children, Brian (Melissa) Cowles of Cincinnati, OH, Tim (Faiza) Cowles of Chicago, IL, and Betsy (Slater) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Luke, Nora, Mia, Alex, Holden, Esme, Wyeth, Dylan, and Vivianne. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley of Bellaire, Cathy (Bud) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Jim) Boice of Perry, Joseph (Pam) Ackley of Norton Shores, Robert (Annette) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, William Ackley of Eaton Rapids, and Mary (Scott) Patrick of Lansing, as well as her sister-in-law, Sue Ackley of Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Loren Cowles, in 2023; her parents, Carson and Phyllis Ackley; and her siblings, James Ackley, Richard Ackley, and Carol Clark.
Though she is no longer with us, Chris’s legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte on November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute of McLaren or McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care in Lansing. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Helen Margaret Boatman
Boatman, Helen Margaret, age 80, of Weidman, passed away September 3, 2024, at her home.
A Celebration of Helen’s life will take place at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Awareness, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Wounded Warriors. Envelopes will be available at Clark Family Funeral Chapel.
Helen was born on July 25, 1944, in Thompson, IA, the daughter of John Bernard Bergstad and Alice Elaine Dixon. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the class of 1963. Helen worked from many years as a forklift and press operator for Eaton Stamping Line and Tecumseh. She was an avid reader and loved collecting Native American Crafts.
Helen is survived by her son, Steven (Brenda) Boatman, Jr.; grandchildren, Michael, Bonita, Sheena, Brandon (Allison) and Teeah; great-grandchildren, Oakley, Makayla, Jordan, Emma, Remmington and Deisel; sisters, Sally (Robert) McConnell, Phyllis Carroll, Mary Ann Pfeiffer and Penny Bergstad; daughter-in-law, Tammy Boatman; special friends, Joel Newman and Penny Kinendall; brother-in-law, Bill Connor; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, sons, Kevin Boatman and Troy Boatman; brothers, Jon Bergstad, Kenneth Bergstad and Charles Johnson; and sisters, Jeanette Moore, Bonnie Connor, Kathy Pierce, Dolores Frank and Ruby Bergstad.
You may view Helen’s obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun
Richard DeBaun, age 87, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 27, 2024. He was born April 9, 1937, in a farmhouse near Garrett, Indiana, to Raymond and Helen (Brown) DeBaun joining his twin siblings, Conrad and Jacqueline. In 1941, the family moved from Park County, Indiana, to Charlesworth, Michigan. A short time later, they moved to a 180-acre farm outside Olivet. Along with farming, they operated the DeBaun Dairy supplying milk locally. As a young teen, every morning prior to school, his mother drove the delivery van and Dick rode on the back delivering milk door to door. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1955. His father, as school board president, presented him his diploma. All through school Dick was a drummer in school bands and upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. Basic training was at Fort Leonardwood, MO. After completion he was sent to Fort Sheridan, IL as a member of the 5th Army Band, then he transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado, becoming a member of the 9th infantry division band. Dick completed his service with the Michigan National Guard in Charlotte.
Ilene DeBaun (Rice), age 83, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. She was born August 8th, 1941, at Gensterblum maternity home in Portland, Michigan to Elon and Ruth Rice (Lyon). At the tender age of 3 months, she went with her parents to deer camp in Lewiston, Atlanta area staying warm and cozy in a tent. At the age of 12 years old, she was able to hunt by herself after many years of shooting. Ilene and her family went hunting every season and would bring school assignments while away during hunting season. Pheasant hunting with her dad was one of her most memorable moments. She attended Moyer School through the 8th grade and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. After graduating High School, she started working as a secretary for a short period of time.
Shortly after… Richard & Ilene met…
On June 25, 1960, Richard DeBaun married Ilene Rice at the Congregational Church in Olivet. They purchased 80 acres south of Bellevue and raised their three children- Scott, Andrea, and Craig.
Dick played drums with many dance bands at Moose and Elk clubs, Narrow Lake Ballroom, and private parties. After the dance scene, Dick spent 12 years with the Stage Band for the theater productions by the Bellevue Village Players. After military service, he worked for a brief time at Minor Walton Elevator in Charlotte. He retired in 2000 after 42 years at Airway Manufacturing, holding various positions. The last position Dick held there was in research and development which included traveling with a buyer and rebuilding machines.
Ilene was a stay-at-home Mom for more than 20 years. She spent time cooking, canning, gardening (vegetables and flowers), hunting, skinning and cleaning deer and tending to the children. In 1980, Ilene began her career at Olivet College as Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director. She enjoyed being a support person for all coaches, staff, students and parents. In 1993 she was recognized for her work when she was presented with the John J. Shipherd award by the senior class for service to the students. She retired from Olivet College in 2004 after 24 years of service.
Dick and Ilene enjoyed traveling but spending time with family was most important. An old bread van was converted into their first motorhome for a trip to Colorado Springs with their three kids, all under 7 years of age. Later years found both sets of grandparents joining Dick and Ilene with their rigs for adventures in the Canadian Rockies and Nova Scotia. Later years found their kids and their youngsters joining in a far newer motorhome with Canada as a favorite destination. They also took several bus tours throughout the years. One treasured trip is when their kids honored them with a trip to Puerto Rico to celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Dick enjoyed videotaping his grandkids’ school and athletic programs, sometimes forgetting to turn the camera off. Often, you would also find Ilene behind her many cameras, sometimes snapping pictures at the most inconvenient times. A large vegetable garden was tended every year by the entire family for more than 50 years.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun celebrated their last wedding anniversary of 65 years on June 25, 2024.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun are survived by their children, son, Scott (Peggy Schnepp) DeBaun, daughter, Andrea (Ronnie Mutter) DeBaun-Mutter; grandchildren, Danielle McIntyre, Deven (Kelley Lehman) DeBaun, Craig (Kaitlin) Markwart, Nicole (Andrew) Fleming; great-grandchildren, Landon Markwart, Mason Markwart, Karmen McIntyre, Natalie Fleming; Richard’s sister, Jackie Marr and several extended family members. They were predeceased by their parents, Raymond & Helen DeBaun, Elon and Ruth Rice, Richard’s brother, Conrad DeBaun and their son, Craig DeBaun.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Cary Grant officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard and Ilene’s memory to the charity of their choice.
To view Richard and Ilene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Glen Lee Neal
Glen Lee Neal, 75, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio peacefully passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois to the late Roy and Hazel (Hill) Neal.
Glen is preceded in death by his parents; Roy and Hazel (Hill) Neal and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife Karen; daughters Patricia Rogers, Marsha Neal, Candace (Richard) Hatmacher, Nancy (Rick) Arford and son Mark (Leann) Neal; brother Mitchell (Diane) Neal; sister Judy (Craig) Crombar; grandchildren Devina (Ray) Hux, Sarah Murray, Amelia Hatmacher and Annalisa Hatmacher, Adam Sprang, Alyson (Matthew) Brown, Hailey Neal, Lauren Neal, Luke Neal; and 11 great grandchildren.
As he was inspired by his father-in-law, James Kocman, Glen recognized his gift in mid-life and began working with his hands. He enjoyed creating beautiful artwork through woodworking and restoring and making furniture. He spent his retirement years restoring a 150-year-old home that he and Karen lived in while in Charlotte, MI. He passed the love of woodworking down to his son, Mark, and grandson, Luke. Before being called into the ministry, he worked as a supervisor at a steel company in the Chicago area. Glen’s main dedication was in serving the Lord and serving others. He dedicated 27 years as a minister in the Church of the Nazarene in Gainesville, TX, Marquette, MI, Jackson, MI and Charlotte, MI. Glen truly served the Lord, and he guided so many hearts to the Lord. Glen’s love for the Lord was apparent in his dedication to his wife, Karen, for 45 years. Ephesians 5:25-27 “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it to make it belong to God. Christ used the word to make the church clean by washing it with water. He died so that he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty.” Oh, how Glen loved his bride and his family. Glen served the Lord and asked God to guide Him as a husband, father and grandfather. His trust and dedication to the Lord is one to be admired.
His family received friends Thursday, October 3 from 6:00-8:00 at Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Visitation was held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 10-11:00 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene, 1340 Crest Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Interment following at Glen Rest Memorial Estate.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Mable Elaine Olney
Mable Elaine Olney, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully at her home on September 25, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on May 19, 1934, in Chester Township, MI, Mable was the ninth of ten children to Evan and Vevia (Satterlee) Bursley. She grew up in Charlotte and graduated with the class of 1951.
After graduating from Charlotte High School, she worked over 9 years at Michigan Bell Telephone in Lansing pulling wires and doing maintenance on phones. Mable married the love of her life, Tom Olney, Sr., on April 30, 1954. Together, they built a life centered on family, farming, and a shared love of the outdoors. Mable was passionate about nature, spending much of her time hunting, fishing, golfing, and gardening. She especially enjoyed deer, turkey, and partridge hunting. One of her favorite places to visit was the family property between Cadillac and Lake City, where she made countless memories with her loved ones camping, fishing, and gathering around bonfires.
Mable was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents, Evan and Vevia; her granddaughter, Veronica Olney; and her siblings, Beatrice Fuller, Raymond Bursley, Bertie Steward, Donald Bursley, Maxine Fuguer, Betty Holland, Annabel Sheren, Ruth Olney, and William Bursley.
She is survived by her sons, Tom (Lisa) Olney and Rob (Tammy) Olney; grandchildren, Christopher (Stefanie) Olney, Tyler (Rachel) Olney, Travis (Adriana) Olney, and Brooke (James) Vredenburg; great-grandchildren, Kaelyn, Corbin, Sawyer, Henry, Connor, Ellie, Lillian, Veronica, Charlie, and Wilhelm; along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at Robins United Methodist Church, 6419 Bunker Highway, Eaton Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions in Mable’s honor may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Pawsibilities Animal Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Highway, Olivet, MI 49076. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.