Obituaries
Barbara Alice Wells
Barbara Alice Wells, age 72, was born on November 21, 1952, in Charlotte, Michigan to Thomas and Agnes (Smith) Mills. She passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025 at her favorite time 4:20, surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was a remarkable individual whose strong spirit and caring nature left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Throughout her life, Barbara was known for her unwavering work ethic. A “tough as nails” worker, she dedicated herself to several manufacturing factories in Charlotte, with her favorite job being at Charlotte Art Glass, where she skillfully built stained glass windows. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her generosity. Barbara was a very giving lady, often making food and blankets that she lovingly gifted to her co-workers on their birthdays or other special occasions.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Barbara was a loving mother and a second mom to her children’s friends. She had a knack for nurturing those around her, setting boundaries with care while showering them with affection. Barbara was beloved for her straightforwardness; she felt free to express her thoughts openly, which endeared her to many. She was a loyal and hardworking mother who always placed her family’s needs before her own.
Barbara leaves behind a loving family, including her children Lisa and Kraig Bowen, Charlotte, MI; Tom and DeeAdra Wells, Greenwood, MO; Kitty and Bobby Butler, Bunker Hill, IL; and Krissy and John Hamilton, Edwardsville, IL. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and cherished her two great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. Barbara is also survived by her sisters Vicki Ball and Jacque and Jeff Sage, along with her brother, Randy and Carla Mills.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Gary Wells, in 2024; her sister Dianna Webb; and her brothers Donny Mills, Douglas Mills and her loving dog Lucy.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at the Charlotte Eagles Club on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This gathering invites friends and loved ones to come together, share stories, and celebrate the beautiful life Barbara lived.
Those desiring to make contributions in Barbara’s memory may do so by donating to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48910.
To view Barbara’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.
Nancy Lee Manning
Nancy Lee Manning, born on March 21, 1933, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on April 13, 2025, in Potterville, Michigan. She lived a life that was a testament to her faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, serving as a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Nancy graduated in 1950 from Union High School in Grand Rapids. She married Gordon Manning on February 26, 1954, and remained faithfully married to him for over 60 years, until his death in 2014. Her nurturing heart and unwavering dedication were evident in her role as a teacher for the Preschool Sunday School Class at Calvary Baptist Church, a service she and Gordon were proud to provide for many years. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a valued member of Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte, having also been active in Highland Hills Baptist Church in Grand Rapids and Northeastern Baptist Church in Kalamazoo.
Outside of her family and faith, Nancy engaged in numerous hobbies that brought her joy. She enjoyed sewing and knitting, finding solace in poetry, as well as crafting and painting. These artistic endeavors reflected her vibrant personality and her desire to share beauty with those around her.
Nancy leaves behind a beloved family. She is survived by her sons, Mark (Susan) Manning and Ryan (Beverly) Manning. Her legacy will continue through her grandchildren Gabe (Jami) Evans, Emily (Cody) VanPelt, Erika (Derik) Rickerd, Mike (Kelly) Manning, Matt (Carlin) Manning, and Mara Manning, as well as her thirteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews who will carry her memory in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Josephine (DeJong) VanDyke; husband, Gordon Manning; her sister, Evelyn (Garth) Mann; her brother, Melvin (Bette) VanDyke; and her great-grandson, Leo Vannoni.
Funeral services were held on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. all at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Nancy’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Nancy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Cherie Sue Ells
Cherie Sue Ells, born on August 12, 1963, in Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on April 9, 2025, in Charlotte, Michigan. Cherie graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981 and carried with her an outgoing personality that brightened the lives of those around her.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Jason E. Ells, and cherished time spent with her family. Cherie had a love for gathering around a campfire with family and friends, where stories were shared and laughter echoed into the night. She enjoyed singing karaoke, belting out classic tunes, and was a devoted fan of classic rock music. Cherie also had a penchant for game shows and delighted in the challenge of crossword puzzles.
Cherie is survived by her son Jason E. Ells, her brothers Bruce (Coetta) Davis, as well as Mark (Kathryn) Davis. She leaves behind several nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
Cherie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Maurine Clark.
In keeping with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Those desiring may make contributions to the family.
To view Cherie’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.
Marlene Ann Smith
Marlene Ann Smith, 90 of Charlotte, MI, a kind, sweet, caring woman that loved Jesus, went to be with her Lord on April 10, 2025. Marlene was born January 30, 1935 in Findlay, OH to Marion and Lucille (Coon) Boyd. Marlene spent the last 9 ½ years at Eaton County Health and Rehab Services where her competitive spirit showed through BINGO and was loved by all the staff there. Some of the things that Marlene loved to do over the years include crocheting, collecting coins, sewing (including doing some seamstress work), completing puzzles alongside her son, Mike, bird watching (Blue Jays in particular) and collecting beanie babies. Marlene was also a great typist. Her favorite animals were always cats, with many beloved pets over the years.
Marlene is survived by her son, Michael Smith; grandchildren, Robert Smith, Carson (Jessica) Smith, and Kirsten (Matthew) Vandegriff; two great-grandchildren, Ezekiel and Alexander; siblings, Diana Slate and Burdette Boyd; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; her parents; and siblings, Jan Lyman and Carol Philbin.
Friends are encouraged to support Marlene’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, April 17, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor James Couter officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Shirley Moran Connelly
Shirley Moran Connelly, of Eaton Rapids and formerly of Hubbard Lake, was reunited with her beloved husband of 60 years, William Connelly, on Monday, April 7, 2025. She passed away at the age of 88.
Shirley was born on July 6, 1936, in Ketchikan, Alaska, the second child of Raymond and Lenora (Atkinson) Moran. At just 14 years old, she and her brother Tom made the journey by train from Alaska to Eaton Rapids, where they took residence at the VFW National Home.
She worked for nine years at Eaton Stamping but spent the majority of her career working alongside her husband, helping make, fit, and customize orthotics for those in need.
Shirley had a deep love for life and a gift for connecting with people, she made friends wherever she went. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who took great pride in caring for her family and home. A talented cook and avid canner, Shirley also had a lifelong passion for music and enjoyed singing in the church choir at the VFW National Home.
Shirley loved animals and doted on her pets. She lovingly crafted afghans for her children and grandchildren and enjoyed crocheting. Shirley was a collector at heart and especially enjoyed treasure hunting with her husband. A loyal Detroit Tigers fan, she rarely missed a game.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William Connelly; her parents; sons, Timothy Colgan and Nicholas Connelly; brothers, Raymond “Don” Moran and Tom Moran; and sister, Arlene Moran.
She is survived by her daughters, Cherie (Glen) Gilbert and Cathy Harrington; grandchildren, Heidi (Jon) Heinl, Paul Gilbert, Kyle Harrington, Chad Harrington, Evan Harrington, T.J. (Katie) Colgan, and Andrew Colgan; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a meal to follow the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or AIDShealth.org in Shirley’s memory.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.