Obituaries
Linda Sue Steele
Linda Sue Steele, of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 29, 2025, at the age of 76. Linda was born in Jackson, MI, September 12, 1948, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Howe) Dryer. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Linda worked for Green Bay Packaging, formerly Heifetz Pickle Factory, retiring in 1992 after 14 years and Meijer for 14 more years as a stocker. Linda loved her travels throughout Michigan and going to casinos. Her favorite role in her retired years was being a grandmother and taking care of her grandchildren. It was a role that gave her great joy. Linda also loved baking for her family and friends.
Linda is survived by her children, Teresa Laudenslager of Eaton Rapids, Wayne (Kristin) Parsons of Bellevue, Tina (Brian) Barrett of Eaton Rapids, Valerie (Tim) Pancost of Charlotte, Todd (Nicole) Steele of Lansing, Allen “AJ” (Missy) Steele of Eaton Rapids, Kimberly (Scott) Felice of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; siblings, Melvin Dryer, Shirley (Gayle) Parsons, Martha (Tom) Schwalbe and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; son-in-law, Eric Laudenslager; three sisters; seven brothers; mother and father-in-law, William and Mary Steele.
Memorial Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on April 19, 2025, at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club, 4483 Freeman Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 29777 Telegraph Rd., Suite 1451, Southfield, MI 48034. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Judy Kay Gardner
Judy Kay Gardner, a woman who loved in such a big way that bellies were never empty, and hearts were always full, passed away March 21, 2025. Judy, 79, of Vermontville was born October 22, 1945 on the K-Bar Ranch in Hominy, OK to Thomas Ernest Marcum and Agatha Marie (Upton) Marcum. A cherished member of the First Congregational Church of Vermontville and the Eastern Star, Judy dedicated her life to bringing people together, ensuring everyone felt welcome and loved.
A loyal school bus driver for the Maple Valley School District, Judy was more than just a chauffeur to the children; she was a friendly face and a comforting supportive figure. Her compassionate and responsible nature made a lasting impact on students and parents alike. Following her retirement in 2000, Judy recognized the profound importance of helping those in need and devoted her time to making sure no one went hungry as a volunteer at the Vermontville Food Bank. Additionally, Judy was an honorary member of the Maple Valley FFA and volunteered her time as an FFA Chaperone at State Conventions. Her efforts embodied the true spirit of generosity and community support.
A woman of many talents, Judy was known for her love of sewing quilts and costumes, crocheting personalized gifts for family—especially for newborns—and created the beloved home, “A Hallmark House,” a gathering place where family came together during the holidays. In 1992, Judy conceptualized and sewed an entire ensemble for Christine’s Miss Rodeo America pageant. Judy’s creativity extended to community events as well. She designed costumes and parade floats for her grandkids at the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival, showcasing her artistic flair and bringing joy to those who attended. In her spare time, Judy enjoyed bowling and fishing with friends and embarking on road trips to rodeos. Judy was an avid gardener who grew vegetables and zinnias in the garden on her beloved farm. She enjoyed the birds, especially the finches and mourning doves she attracted. Judy embraced all of life’s adventures with enthusiasm.
Family was the heart of everything Judy did. She diligently raised her children to be good community members and instilled the same values in her grandchildren. She organized gatherings with an overabundance of food—18 courses worth—and lovingly baked birthday cakes and holiday cinnamon rolls for her children and grandchildren. Watching volleyball and football games with her grandkids were among her cherished moments, further highlighting her supportive spirit.
Judy is survived by her loving husband, Douglas Gardner; her children, Christine (Eric) Terpening, Gordie Gardner, and Dennis (Kathy) Gardner; her grandchildren, Josey (Bernie) Smith, Marcum (Avianna Jackson) Terpening, Chelsey (Dane) Saylor, Chase Gardner, Dillon Terpening, and Jessie Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, Gage Saylor, Raelyn Saylor, and Bernie Smith. She is also remembered by her sister, Anna Lou Hansbarger. Judy was preceded in death by her brothers Joseph Marcum and Jim Marcum, and her sister Laquita Valdick.
Judy’s legacy of kindness, bravery, and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. As we remember her life, let us honor her memory by embracing one another with the same warmth and generosity she shared with the world.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A procession to Woodlawn Cemetery will follow funeral services. 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 Judy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Maple Valley FFA. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Richard Perkins
Ronald Richard Perkins was a huge sports enthusiast and celebrated his final homerun as he crossed over into Heaven on March 20, 2025. Born in Battle Creek, MI on July 11, 1943 to Jack and Wilma (Nelson) Perkins, Ronald graduated from high school and went to work soon after at General Motors and remained there for 30 years until his retirement in 2000. In April of 1967 Ron married Audrey Langs and the two became inseparable, enjoying many years of special times riding motorcycles to almost every state in the continental US including Alaska, and trips through Canada. They enjoyed raising their Shetland Sheepdogs, wintering in Florida, and time spent with friends and family. He was a member of Chapter R Goldwings, and Mid-Michigan Riders FMCA Knights of the Highway.
Quiet and introverted, yet very strong-willed, Ron enjoyed a good laugh. Sports could always be found on the TV in their home, whether it was Detroit Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, or MSU Spartans. Ron was a hard worker, not only on the job, but with his other activities as well. A talented woodworker, he made furniture, jewelry boxes, and all the cabinetry in their kitchen. Also, he loved to golf and take photographs.
A dog-lover, Ron and his wife raised Shelties and volunteered with Pet Therapy at Sparrow Hospital, enjoying when his dog Buddy could help children smile. The one special night for relaxation with the family was always Sunday enjoying a huge bowl of popcorn and Schwann’s ice cream.
Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey; children, Kathy Davis and Tim (Jo-Anne) Perkins; grandchildren, Heather (Chit) Win and Lee Derrick; great-grandchildren, Norah Win, Miriam Win, and another baby on the way; and sister, Gail (Bill) Spooner. In his immediate family he was predeceased by his mother and father; and his sisters, Nancy VanNocker and Diane Metzmaker.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 26, 12:30-2:00 p.m. with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Immediately following the service, interment will take place at Needmore Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sharon Marie Smith
Sharon Marie Smith, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. She was born on February 25, 1944, in Pickford, Michigan. An accomplished individual, she graduated Salutatorian from Pickford High School, setting a standard of excellence that she maintained throughout her life.
Together with her husband, Thomas Smith Sr., Sharon co-owned and operated Smith’s Body Shop in Olivet, where her dedication to her work was apparent to all who crossed her path.
Sharon was also an avid outdoorswoman, with passions that included hunting, cutting wood, gardening, and nurturing her flowers. She found joy in feeding the birds and cherished the time spent outdoors. Her greatest delight came from being with her family, and she made countless memories alongside them, which they will forever treasure.
Sharon is survived by her son, Thomas and Diane (Palmer) Smith Jr. of Gaylord, Michigan; her daughter, Kari and Billy Moss Jr. of Olivet, Michigan; her grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Stevens, Christopher (Jamie) Brundage, Leighanna (Kayle) Harrington, and Kaleb Smith; her great-grandchildren, Sophia Harrington, Emma Harrington, Samantha Harrington, Carmen Harrington, Cooper Brundage, Truen Brundage, and Ezra Stevens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Matilda Huyck, her husband, Thomas Smith Sr., and her sister, Gwendolyn Huyck.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte and Hospice of Lansing for the loving care they provided Sharon.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan.
Those desiring may make contributions in Sharon’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910 or Sensations Memory Care, 511 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Sharon’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.
Steven Jay Frayre
Steven “Steve” Jay Frayre who spent a lifetime photographing races, crossed the finish line into Heaven on March 26, 2025. Born in Lansing, MI on August 21, 1964 to Roger and Marilyn (Dargitz) Frayre, Steve grew up loving racing and started taking pictures at sprint car races when he was only 19 years old. With a real talent for capturing the perfect race moments, Steve had several shots that were used as covers for national magazines.
Steve met his wife in their high school psychology class, and they were married at the age of 20. A kind, loving family man and devoted Christian, he was always trying to make others feel better, especially with a good joke. Always in search of fun adventures, he enjoyed playing guitar (and collecting them), golfing, waterskiing, and time spent at their family cottage in Barryton. He worked in the restaurant business, with his last job as a manager at Olive Garden until he suffered a stroke and could not work any longer.
Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura; children, Cheryl (Rory) McCaslin-Frayre and Victoria Frayre; granddaughters, Layla, Bailey, and Anna; mother, Marilyn Frayre; siblings, Danny (Linda) Frayre and Liz Frayre; cousin, Bart (Harunna) Faulkner; and nephews, Ashly (Kammy) Frayre, and their children, Carson and Brody; and Matthew Frayre and his children, Camden, Preston, and Jameson. He was predeceased by his father, Roger Frayre; and aunts, Darlene and Diane.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, March 29, 1-2:00 p.m. with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor James Haldane officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.