Obituaries
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.
Michael McCarty
Michael McCarty, age 77, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on May 7, 2025.
Mike was a man who lived life with purpose, warmth, and humor. He spent his career as a dedicated plumber with Local Union 333, where his craftsmanship and work ethic earned the respect of many. Beyond the job site, he made a lasting impact as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America, guiding young men with patience, wisdom, and a spirit of adventure.
Mike’s passions were as big as his heart. He had a love for growing an enormous amount of tomato plants in his garden, often turning his bounty into jars of home-canned goodness that would last through the winter. He loved to cook in quantities large enough to feed a small army, always ready to share a meal with family and friends. His culinary skills were legendary, especially when it came to his world-famous ribs, which he would proudly serve at his annual Memorial Day celebration, bringing everyone together with laughter and great food.
A lifelong cribbage enthusiast, Mike could often be found playing hours-long games with his brother John or his wife Suzie, whom he lovingly taught the game. He also spent many years as a hot air balloon chaser working as part of the crew always eager to help out and revel in the adventure of it all. Mike had a knack for finding the best breakfast spots and shared his discoveries with anyone lucky enough to join him.
He was also a man with style, a snazzy dresser for a big guy, he always made an impression with his sharp appearance. His creative side showed in his hobby of crafting unique walking sticks, each one a testament to his appreciation of nature and craftsmanship.
Mike’s storytelling was a gift, he could weave a tale with humor, warmth, and vivid detail that made everyone feel like they were part of the adventure. His stories were often filled with laughter and lessons, and he could keep a crowd entertained for hours.
Mike’s love of beagles was unwavering, and he always had at least one, if not many, by his side. He will be sorely missed by his pet beagle, Lucy. He also had a special fondness for Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Suzie and he would frequently load the truck, including Lucy, and head north on long weekend road trips.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne (Suzie) McCarty; his sister Dora Boody; his brothers Wayne McCarty, John McCarty (and wife Cindy); and special nephews Joe McCarty and Cyrus Prame; and many other nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, John L. McCarty and Dorothy A. McCarty (Clark).
Mike will be remembered for his generosity, his sense of humor, his loving spirit, and his ability to bring people together over a card game, a shared meal, or a road trip to a favorite diner.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local scouting organization or animal rescue in his honor.
To view Mike’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.
Jean Ann Warner
Jean Ann (“Juana”) Warner, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on May 12, 2025, one day after her 92nd birthday.
Juana was born in Lansing on May 11, 1933, to Carl and Helen Heinowski. She graduated from Resurrection High School in 1951 and went on to attend Michigan State Normal School, now Eastern Michigan University.
Juana married Robert Warner of Lansing in 1954. They moved to Eaton Rapids and enjoyed a 58-year marriage, raising five children and playing an active role in the community. Among many acts of service, Juana was a member of the Eaton Rapids School Board for more than a decade, and co-founded Humpty Dumpty Preschool on Kinneville Road with her dear friend, Judy Allswede.
She loved learning and creating. After taking Spanish classes, Jean became known as “Juana” to all who knew her well. Juana loved to travel and experience different cultures. She was an accomplished artist who created beautiful gardens, paintings, sculpture and pottery. In the mornings you would often find her strolling through her garden with her coffee, delighting in the daily changes that were unfolding.
Everyone who met Juana was captivated by her easy charm and quick smile. She enjoyed life, and made sure those around her did too.
Jean is survived by her son, Bruce Warner of Eaton Rapids; daughters, Carole (Oz) Warner of Portland, OR.; Patsy (Mark) Baker of Eaton Rapids; Meg (Stephen) Higham of Eaton Rapids; and grandchildren, Robert (Heather) Baker, Bailey (Jon) Kaletka and Kyla Warner. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Helen Heinowski; her husband Robert Warner; son, Mychal Warner; brothers, Bud and Tom Heinowski, and sister, Alice Wren Thomson.
Grateful thanks to everyone at Island City Assisted Living for taking such good care of Juana. She loved being part of the ICAL community.
Juana requested that no services be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Juana’s memory to Humpty Dumpty Preschool, P.O. Box 64, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 with Jean Warner in the memo line.
‘What is grief, if not love persevering?’
To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com