Obituaries
Kenneth James Armstrong
Kenneth James Armstrong, an easy-going man who always took life for what it was, died peacefully at his home on March 1, 2025. Kenneth, 72, of Charlotte was born June 7, 1952 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the son of James and Florence (Phillips) Armstrong. After graduation from high school, Ken worked for various grocery stores as a butcher, retiring in 2012 after over 40 years of meat-cutting. Ken married Tammy in 2013, adding to the enjoyment in his life along with his kids and grandkids. Ken was a kind, loving, caring, generous, selfless, and thoughtful man whose motto was, “It is what it is!” Ken loved M&M’s and even had a special dispenser at his home for them. He was a lifelong fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and in his final days enjoyed watching the team make a winning streak. He also loved time in the outdoors, especially at “The Camp” at Snows Lake in Fenwick, MI. Ken was incredibly proud of his two sons and all that they have accomplished in their lives.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Tammy; sons, James (Julie) Armstrong and David (Jody) Armstrong; stepchildren, Heather (Mike) Rodocker, James Keenan, and Annie Keenan; grandchildren, Alexxis Armstrong, Dallas Armstrong, James Carere, Tanner Armstrong, Aden Armstrong, Brennen Armstrong, Annelise Armstrong, and Keenan Rodocker; siblings, Penny (Bob) Micks, and Rob (Teen) Armstrong; he will also be missed by his nephews and favourite niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Bette Armstrong.
Friends are encouraged to support Kenneth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcasted so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ken’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 Harmony Cares Hospice Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Raymond Barlond
Raymond “Lover” Barlond, 61, of Charlotte, a gentle-spirited man full of compassion, died peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Raymond was born June 7, 1963, in Hastings, the son of Raymond Ardean and Barbara Jean (Stewart) Barlond. Early in his life, he lost his leg in a farming accident, an event that shaped both him and would guide his career. At age 19, Raymond started working as a technician for a prosthetic company. Soon after he earned his certification as a prosthetist, a calling for which he was deeply passionate. Raymond was known for his quality workmanship, creativity, and innovation in making prosthetics for hundreds of patients throughout his 40+ year career. He developed a deep relationship with each patient, many of whom loved Raymond for helping them walk again.
Raymond married the love of his life, Colleen Marie Green, on July 24, 1999, and the two seamlessly blended their families into one. Together they enjoyed riding Harley motorcycles and wrenching on Raymond’s many automobile restoration projects. Their nearly 26 years of marriage were full of happiness and love. Many will miss and remember Raymond for his big heart.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Colleen Barlond; his children, Rachael (Jerry) Hinton, Brooke (Brett) Williams, Trenton Barlond, and Brittany (Zachary) Dewindt; step-son, Nathan Buckner; 11 grandchildren, Gauge, Garrett, Aniston, Bailey, Adam, Makayla, Milana, Christian, Weston, Karrigan, and Owen; sisters, Penny (Chris) Brumm, Pamela Stine, and Patricia (Bill) Dennis; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Paula Barlond; brother-in-law, Dan Stine; nephews, Lance Brumm and Mike Dennis; and great-nephew, Brian Michael Wells.
Friends are encouraged to support Raymond’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Chris Brumm 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 Raymond’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 Limbs for Life at www.limbsforlife.org. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Alvah Batchelder
Ronald Alvah Batchelder, an avid NASCAR fan and inventor, was born February 8, 1941 as the first born son of Gertrude and Alvah Batchelder of Frankfort, Maine. Ronald died on March 1, 2025 at his winter home in Dade City, Florida at the age of 84. Ronald embodied a true sense of camaraderie and dependability. His unwavering loyalty to friends and family was evident in every act of kindness and his constant willingness to assist those in need. Ronald’s delightful stories and adventures are treasured memories for all who knew him.
Ron attended the Frankfort Grammar School in Frankfort Maine through the eighth grade and transferred to the Leroy H Smith High School in Winterport, Maine from which he graduated in 1959. He held high honors in both math and science throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Ronald dedicated 20 years of honorable service to the United States Air Force. His expertise in radar installation and maintenance took him to remarkable places, including a notable assignment on Shemya Island, Alaska, site of the COBRA DANE radar station, at the end of the Aleutians only 300 miles from Russia. After his military career, he continued his passion for engineering in Michigan, helping to design the Meijer Warehouse in Delta Township where he became known affectionately as “The Birdman” after enticing a bird to land on his hand to safely remove it from a warehouse.
Ronald’s zest for life extended beyond his professional achievements. An avid NASCAR fan, he found joy in the thrill of the race and was especially proud of his Jeff Gordon signed Monte Carlo. His competitive spirit shone brightly as he participated in the Senior Olympics, and he cherished the fellowship of the Potterville Michigan Masonic Lodge, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, both having been lifetime members in the Order of Masons in their hometown in Maine, and the Brookfield Order of the Eastern Star. Along with his other community involvement, Ron was also a former member of the Potterville Lion’s Club.
Ron is survived by his four daughters, Debra ( Ron) Kindal, Nancy Laurion, Sabrina (Jim) Mathay and Teresa (Chris) Hoffman; his three brothers, Kenneth (Marge) Batchelder, Edwin (Sharon) Batchelder, and Vaughn Batchelder; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, two nieces, two nephews, three stepchildren and their families.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Elnora Fay Carney (Polly) the mother of their four children; his second wife, Vicki and the mother of Ron’s three step sons; and his sister-in-law, Randee Batchelder.
Ron will be remembered for his sense of loyalty to friends and family, his willingness to assist and offer aid when, and if, needed, his sometimes hot but remorseful temper and his sense of camaraderie and dependability with friends, family and anyone showing him respect. He was, and will be, loved and missed
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family at visitation Tuesday Evening March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The public is also welcome to attend Ron’s funeral service Wednesday March 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
The funeral service 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 Ron’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church, Charlotte. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Ron’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Edward Carl Young
Edward Carl Young, fondly known as Ed, was born on August 13, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan. He passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Friday, February 28, 2025, at his daughter’s home. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967 and went on to have a fulfilling career at Fisher Body in Lansing where he worked for many years. Ed retired in 2001 and truly enjoyed his time spent in retirement.
Ed was known for his generous and kind personality. In his younger years he was affectionately known as Fast Eddie, because of his love for street racing muscle cars. He cherished spending time with his family and had a special love for children. His hobbies included collecting John Deere tractors, die cast cars, and muscle cars. He also enjoyed antiquing and going to garage sales, often uncovering hidden treasures along the way.
He is survived by his daughter, Sherrie Golding; son-in-law Shad; his son, James Young; his granddaughter, Kirstin and her husband Chris Wood; and his great-grandchildren Avery Wood, Case Wood, and Carter Wood. He is also survived by his siblings Sandy VanSplintern and her husband Bob, Tommy Young, Ted Young, Larry Young; and special friend and ex-wife, Marcia Young.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Doris Young-Thornton, and his great-grandson, Jaxson Wood.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ed’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Ed’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Chasetin Joe Ramsey-Caudill
Chasetin “Chaz” Joe Ramsey-Caudill, 34, of Lansing and previously Charlotte, a generous and giving woman, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Chaz was born February 28, 1990 in Charlotte, the daughter of Joe Ramsey II and Amie Caudill. With a deep love for all animals since childhood, she would frequently bring home stray animals and was always open to taking in animals in need. She turned her loved of animals into her business when she began a breeding program for Tarantula’s, which was beginning to show great promise. With a generous, giving, and curious spirit, Chaz was a friend to all, she made friends easily. Intelligent, playful, and funny, her contagious smile and laugh with a snort will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Chasetin is survived by her daughter, Angelinn Pelligrino, son, Angelo Pelligrino II; mother, Amie (Adam) Bockelman of Olivet; sister, Alleyna Bockelman of Charlotte; brother, Bradley Beard of Muskegon; and significant other, Her Macguyver of Lansing. She was predeceased by her father, Joe Allen Ramsey II; sister, Chelsea Beard; and uncle, Scott Slewert.
Friends are encouraged to share memories on Chasetin’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned at the Eaton Pub & Grille event room in Charlotte for family and friends to share memories and stories of Chaz. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.