Obituaries
Larry Lee Masters
Larry Lee Masters, age 70, of Charlotte passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 16, 1952, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte, the son of Robert and Doris (Lynd) Masters. Larry graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1970. On June 26, 1971, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Sue Rockwell. Larry adored his wife and family and cherished spending time together with them. He was a soft-spoken man. He had a huge heart and was always generous with whatever he had. Since he was a child, Larry had an affinity for muscle cars. Larry also enjoyed weightlifting in his younger years. He worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for 30 years before retiring in 2000.
Larry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen; children: Patricia (Douglas) Cain of Daytona, Florida, Laura (Paul) Brown of Howell, Eric Masters of Charlotte; and granddaughter, Kristin (Tyler Crumrine) Hydon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Shirley Rinckey, and David Masters; and numerous aunts and uncles.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Bosworth Cemetery at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Larry’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Larry’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.
Delores Emma Carleton
Delores “Nork” Emma Carleton, age 87, passed away in her home peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
She was born on November 1, 1935, on her family farm in Convis Township to Frank and Emma (Jones) Masters. In her younger years, she spent a lot of time with her mother and father on the farm. She was the youngest of seven children, having one sister and five brothers. Delores went to the country school until 8th grade and later graduated from Olivet High School in 1954. She then later found the love of her life, Ken Carleton and they were married on August 8, 1955. After high school, she worked at IGA grocery store until 1956. She later worked at State Farm for 13 years as a lead key punch operator. In between she became a stay-at-home mom until her kids were all in school. She then worked at Olivet Community Schools for 22 years and retired in 1999. Delores was such a smart, hardworking, passionate wife, mother, and grandmother.
Delores bowled on the Moose League with her husband, Ken, every other Saturday night and later bowled with her daughters on the Women’s League. She enjoyed gardening, reading, dancing, playing piano, putting puzzles together, drawing, playing card games, and being with her kids and grandkids. She also had much love for her animals.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children, Ken “Randy” (Dawn) Carleton of Olivet, Karen (Trevor Greenman) Lewallen of Tekonsha, and Kevin (Heidi) Carleton of Shelbyville, Indiana; six grandchildren Christie, Erin, Nicholas, Haley, Blake, and Baylee; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, and daughter Karla Carleton.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068 with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. Burial took place at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Michigan.
Memorials are suggested to the Calhoun County Human Society, 165 Union St. S., Battle Creek, Michigan 49014.
Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Jean M. Appelman
Jean M. Appelman went to be with the Lord March 9, 2023, peacefully, with family by her side.
Jean was born on July 21, 1935, to Noice and Irene (Calkins) Bartholomew in Charlotte. She graduated from Vermontville High School in 1953. After graduation she married Raymond Hickey. She became a homemaker and together she and Raymond raised their children. In 1983 Jean married Michael Appelman.
Jean worked at the International Seal & Lock in Hastings, Barry County Medical Care Facility, Barry Eaton District Health Department and Nashville Locker.
Mike and Jean loved to travel, going to Australia, New Zealand, England, Alaska, Hawaii, Jamaica, Texas and Mexico and spent many winters in Florida where she loved to shop garage sales, play cards and hang out with friends. Cross stitching and putting puzzles together were also favorite pastimes for Jean.
She is survived by her children, Deb (Jerry) Kemp, Don (Karen) Hickey, Sue (David) Fassett-Musser, Carol (Dale) Simon, and Jamie (Mark) Hess; sister-in-law Betty Appelman; and special nieces Melinda Appelman and Diana Bennett. Jean is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Michael; son, Patrick Appelman; brothers, Dale (Bev) Bartholomew, Lloyd (Kate) Bartholomew, Carl (Betty) Bartholomew; and sister Ruth Ann.
Our family wishes to extend a special thank you to their wonderful caregiver Mary Ann Mead and Spectrum Hospital Hospice of Grand Rapids, who took excellent care of our parents.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Marilyn Joanne McPherson
Marilyn Joanne (Willis) McPherson, age 86, of Eaton Rapids, MI and Leesburg, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Marilyn was born in Decker, MI on October 21, 1936. She graduated from Marlette High School and continued on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Marilyn was married to Lloyd (Mac) McPherson on July 11, 1959, they were married 63 years.
Marilyn worked as an educator teaching grades kindergarten through 6th for over 30 years. She enjoyed playing cards, bowling, sewing, baking, and anything to do with family and friends. Marilyn loved the game of golf, playing, competing, and even coaching throughout her life. She was also actively involved in Eastern Star, Jobes Daughters, president and member of women’s golf groups which participated in numerous fundraisers supporting women’s health at Waterman Hospital, Leesburg, FL. With Marilyn’s efforts the group raised more than $20,000 throughout her years.
Marilyn is survived by Lloyd (Mac) McPherson, Chandra (David) Cataline, David (Linda) McPherson; grandchildren: Tyler Cataline, Katie Cataline, Leslie (Brian) Hoskins, Danny (Elise) Hignite; great-grandchildren: Ireland Cataline, Zachary Hoskins, Alice Hoskins and Bowen McCully; nieces and nephews, Ron and Melinda; and other special extended family and friends.
The funeral service will be held in the spring of 2023.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to local charities of your choice in Marilyn’s name.
Linda Kay Bennett
Linda Kay Bennett of Leslie passed away March 12, 2023, at the age of 67. Linda was born in Concord (Jackson) on January 2, 1956, the daughter of Floyd Lee Engle and Zelma Mae (Miller) Norment. She had a love for the outdoors especially when she was getting her hands dirty in her flower beds. She enjoyed listening to her albums and watching baby monkey videos. Most of all she loved being around her family, laughing and having a good time, spoiling her youngest grandson, Bryce, and watching her dog, Tank, play outside.
Linda is survived by her daughter, Hannah (Steve Miller) Pierce of Charlotte; grandchildren, Taylor Johnson, Marissa (Brandon) Hunter, Logan Smith, Kolton Pierce, Bryce Miller; great-grandchildren, Annabeth, Liam and Wrenley; sisters, Bonnie Sue (Steve) Norment-Anderson, Pamela Norment, Bobbie Jo Jacobs; father of her children, Zestill “Zak” (Diana) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Zelma; stepfather, Henry “Hank” Norment; daughter, Jody Lee Johnson; sister, Karen Nobach.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 17th at 11 a.m., at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Memorial contribution may be made to the donor’s choice of charity. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.