Obituaries
Michelle Marie Edwards
Michelle Marie Edwards, 46, of Bellevue, went to be with her Lord on July 24, 2024, at Bronson Battle Creek, Battle Creek MI. She was born on May 14, 1978, to Thomas M. and Jane M. (Osman) Edwards in Marshall, MI. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1996.
She was a member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet. Michelle was involved in baton twirling when she was younger, competing with her teammates in National and local competitions, while also performing in parades in different communities around Michigan. She enjoyed making latch hook rugs, walking around Bellevue visiting friends, going to sporting events at the high school, and playing Dominos on the weekends with her friends. She was a big Dale Earnhardt fan. Michelle really enjoyed hanging out with her friends.
Michelle is survived by her parents; brother, Steven (Keri Cole) Edwards of Battle Creek; special niece, Madison Cole and special friend, Nancee Ludwick.
Visitation was held Monday, July 29, 2024, at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Rd., Olivet, MI 49076. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Faith Assembly of God, Olivet, Michigan, with Pastor Todd Mclane, officiating.
The burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Memorials are suggested to the Hydrocephalus Association, https://www.hydroassoc.org/ or Colon Cancer Research Prevention Fund, https://colorectalcancer.org/. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
Carrie Belle Putnam Marks
Carrie Belle Putnam Marks, 60, of Dimondale, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Carrie was born on May 29, 1964, in Albion, MI the daughter of Frank and Glodia (Powers) Putnam. She was the first-born child and the apple of their eye. Eventually she had a baby brother who was a part of her life for 15 short months before his passing. Carrie had two children, Jessica and Jeremy, but due to life choices they were raised and adopted by other families. She never stopped loving her children. Carrie enjoyed doing word searches and walking.
Carrie is survived by her children, Jessica and Jeremy; her grandchildren; and several cousins and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings, William Guy; Rhonda Sue, and Paul Allen; and several aunts and uncles.
Friends are encouraged to support Carrie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Her family is planning a private graveside service at Clarence Township Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Pamela Lorraine Dennis
Pamela Lorraine Dennis who was loved by everyone that she met, died on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Pamela 65, of Charlotte, was born on August 16, 1958, in Lansing, MI the daughter of Erwin and Lorraine (Strong) Dennis. She graduated from Lansing Sexton High School and began working. Over the years she worked for Michigan National Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo in Arizona, and most recently Walmart in Arizona and Charlotte once she moved back home. Pamela enjoyed working in her flower beds and making new friends. Above all her biggest love in life was her dog, Cinnamon.
Pamela is survived by her brothers, Ken Powelson and Karl (Ninta) Powelson. She was predeceased by her husband, Merlin “Butch” Dennis, and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Pamela’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Yvonne Evelyn VanDenDriessche
Yvonne Evelyn VanDenDriessche of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at home July 26, 2024, at the age of 85. Yvonne was born in Battle Creek, MI, June 6, 1939, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Johnson) Mayberry. Her parents owned and operated the R and R Snack Bar in Battle Creek, which is where Yvonne started working in the restaurant business before ending up at Bob Evans for over 20 years. Yvonne loved to bake and work on puzzles. Her favorites were Soduko, crossword puzzles and her card table always had a challenging puzzle on it. She was very proud of the fact that when her daughters were young, she went back to school to graduate and earn her diploma. After her husband Joseph’s death in 2012, she remained close with his family which she made her own.
Yvonne is survived by her daughters, Amy (Mike) Chandler of Harlem, GA, Anne (Alan) Grayson of Southfield, MI, Cheryl (Jim) Barch of Crystal Lake, IL, Carrie James of Eaton Rapids, MI; sons, Michael (Alice) Walker of McMillan, MI, Mike Higgs of Twin Lakes, MI;16 grandchildren; special grandchildren, Camiel and Carter; 16 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 36 years, Joseph; son, Danny Adams; grandson, Danny Higgs; brother, Robert Mayberry.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with visitation the hour before the service. Burial took place in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made the American Lung Association, 26555 Evergreen Rd Suite 540, Southfield, MI 48076. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Van J. Bush
Van J. Bush, 72, of Au Gres, MI, formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 28, 1952, in Eaton Rapids, MI, Van was the son of Don and Doreen (VanDeusen) Bush.
Van grew up in Eaton Rapids, graduating from high school in the class of 1970. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Agriculture. After graduation, Van started a career with General Motors, dedicating his expertise to the skilled trades until his retirement in 2004.
In retirement, Van moved to Au Gres, where he fully embraced his love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking care of his lawn and garden. An avid outdoorsman, Van made numerous trips to northern Michigan and Canada for camping, hiking, and canoeing. He was also passionate about racing and sports, particularly MSU football. In his younger years, he was actively involved with the pit crews at Spartan Speedway and Onondaga Speedway for sprint car races.
Van was a dedicated community member, participating in the Future Farmers of America, the Boy Scouts, and coaching in the Eaton Rapids Youth Football program. Known for his outgoing and social nature, Van could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a deep love for cars and motorcycles, owning several Corvette models over the years.
Van is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brad Bush. He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Bush; children, Luke (Karin) Bush, Alana (Brian) Krull, and Gieselle (Scott) Staub; grandchildren, Ethan, Jake, and Hayden Bush, Donovan and Riley Krull, Owen, Ainsley, and Aubrey Staub; sister, Ranae (John) Phillips; brother, Doug (Lois) Bush; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 29, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in memory of Van. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.