Obituaries
Brenda Ackley
Brenda Anne Ackley, 62, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Brenda was born July 8, 1960, in Loda, Illinois, the daughter of James Richard and Kathryn Louise (Beard) Painter. She graduated from high school in 1979 from Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul, IL. Brenda worked as a factory worker, and later in adult foster care. She volunteered two years at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. She later earned an associate degree from KCC in 2002.
Brenda’s pride and joy was her daughter, Natalie Rachel Ackley. She devoted her life to the love and care of Natalie, volunteering countless hours with the Special Olympics from 2005 to 2018, as well as Adult Handicap programs. She was especially proud when Natalie graduated high school. In her spare time, Brenda loved to crochet, work with plastic crafts, make hats and to plant flowers in her garden. She loved her Betty Boop doll collection and decorations, as well as bowling, camping, and family reunions. Many will remember Brenda as a very kind, giving person, always willing to help others.
Brenda is survived by her daughter, Natalie; her siblings, Larry Rollins, Harry Rollins, Chris Painter, Estella White, and Mary Eaton; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her baby brother, James R. Painter, Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2002, at Celebration Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Medical Care Center Activity Fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Terry Baker
Terry Ray Baker, age 76, of Dimondale passed away on November 2, 2022. He was a professional engineer at Kater Engineering. Visitation will be Sunday, November 13, 3-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. at Sycamore Creek Church, Potterville. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Marsha Foster
Marsha Jean Foster, age 68, of Charlotte passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. She was born September 28, 1954, in Charlotte the daughter of Gordon and Bessie (Steward) Collier. On May 21, 1971, she married Kenneth Wayne Foster in Charlotte. Marsha was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Family meant absolutely everything to Marsha. She enjoyed crafting, traveling, playing BINGO, and spending time together with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Foster of Lansing; grandchildren: Adam (Mackenzie) Foster of Charlotte, Matt Berry of Lansing, Kevin Berry of Coldwater, Dustin (Amanda) Foster of Charlotte, Nicole Foster of Albion; nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Vern (Linda) Collier, Darlene (Jack) Collier, Duane (Jackie) Collier, Ed (Dixie) Collier, Clarence Collier, Darrell Collier; sister-in-law, Terry Collier; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marsha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; daughter, Amy Foster; sister, Doris Sherd; and brother, Gary Collier.
A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gresham United Methodist Church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marsha’s memory to the MITES “Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society” at www.mites.cc.
To view Marsha’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.
Mary Thomas
Mary Ann (Hudson) Thomas was born November 25, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Elmer and Iva (Norris) Hudson. She peacefully passed away at her home in Bellevue on Thursday, November 3, 2022, with her family by her side. Mary graduated from Holt High School with the Class of 1957. On June 8, 1957, just four days after her graduation from high school, she married James Royal Thomas. They were sealed on August 8, 1981, in the Salt Lake Temple. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family was very important to her and she cherished each and every one of them. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Mary is survived by her children: Karen (Richard) Shockley of Lansing, Linda (Martin) Allred of Troutville, VA, Robert Thomas of Bellevue, Debra Harmon, Rowland James; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James; daughter, Sarah Thomas; and brother, Harold Hudson.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Charlotte Branch with President Giacinto Lucci presiding. The family received friends one hour prior to the services at the church. A private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary’s memory to Siren/Eaton Shelter to be used to purchase bedding and children’s toys.
To view Mary’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.
Lynwood Benton
Lynwood George Benton (Pete), born September 20, 1935, died October 28, 2022. Pete passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends after a short illness. He was born in Vermontville, MI to Clyde and Dorothy Benton. He was a lifelong resident of Vermontville, MI, graduating from Vermontville High School in 1954 where he excelled as a three-sport athlete. He was a truckdriver for 42 years before retiring. Pete loved sports and was a diehard Spartan fan. Auction sales and restoring antiques was something he really enjoyed. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends and helping others, Pete never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by son, Pete Benton; parents, Clyde and Doris Benton; sister, Vivian Adsit
Survivors are wife, Doris of 64 years; daughter, Lynne Goris; son, Mark Benton (Pamela); sister, Roxanne Mull; grandchildren: Stacie Selden (Mike), Eric Goris (Jennifer), Tori Benton (Mathew), Brooke and Payton Benton, Allison Fuller (Collin), Sydney Potts (Bill); great grandchildren: Molli Selden, Kinsley Sweet, Jaxon Sweet, Lainey Fuller and Colt Fuller.
Respecting Pete’s wishes, there will be no service. A small memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.