Obituaries
Leona Charlene Canfield
Leona Charlene Canfield, age 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024. She was born December 3, 1947, in Battle Creek the daughter of Robert and Reva (Swick) Pierce. Leona was raised on the family farm near Nashville, Michigan. Her growing up years were very precious to her and she cherished the many memories that were made. On the farm Leona had many responsibilities that helped her to become a hardworking woman. Leona always had a great love for horses that began in her childhood. It all started with riding the family milk cow to the barn when it was time to begin chores. This passion for riding grew and once she began riding her horse she never stopped. As life progressed and her family began to grow, Leona took great pride in her three boys. She loved spending time together and their family camping trips contained many precious memories. Leona earned her associate’s degree in accounting while working full time and raising three rambunctious boys. She was also an avid rock collector. There was never a rock to big to load up in the car and take home. She also enjoyed riding her motorcycle whenever possible.
Leona is survived by her sons, John (Diane) Boughton of Yelm, Washington, Scott (Amanda) Canfield of Eaton Rapids; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Vickey) Pierce, Roy (Sheila) Pierce, Sharon (Irving) Smith, Patricia “Trish” Ellis; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Russ” Widhalm; and son, Troy Canfield.
A celebration of Leona’s life was held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the family home located at 11136 Griffith Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Those desiring may make contributions in Leona’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Road, Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48911.
To view Leona’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.
Lee Anne Cross-Gutierrez
Lee Anne Cross-Gutierrez, a woman that devoted her life to the Lord, died surrounded by her family on Friday, August 2, 2024. Lee 69, was born on February 24, 1955, in Lansing, the daughter of Theo and Barbara (Ball) Cross. She was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1974. Later she studied Art at Lansing Community College. On her birthday in 1989 she married the love of her life Joseph Gutierrez, and together they spent the next 35 years creating lasting memories. Lee worked at Aluminum Extrusion, where she made several lifelong friendships that she kept in contact with today. After their closing she began working in child care. As a young girl she loved trips to her grandfather’s farm, where she would go on horseback rides and tractor rides. Most recently she loved being outside and enjoying nature, anything art, oil paintings, drawing, trips to museums, reading, summer picnics with her AE co-workers, and most importantly she loved being surrounded by her family. Lee was a devoted member of St Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, where she volunteered with the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry.
Lee is survived by her loving husband, Joseph; children, Autumn (Jonathan) Murphy and Michael Gutierrez; 3 grandchildren, Eliza, Emilia, and Ethan; siblings, Steve (Brenda) Cross, Theo Jayne Cross, and Bryan (Joni) Cross; nieces and nephews, Derek, Karla, Rachel, Brittany, Eric, Theo Jayne, Jeffrey, and Harvey; dear friends, Sally Haush and Danielle Linquist; childhood friends, Mary Shook and Ronda. She was predeceased by her parents, Theo and Barbara Cross; and several aunts and uncles.
Friends are encouraged to support Lee’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, August 11, 2024, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. An interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI.
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 Lee’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 St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Davine Yvonne Cochran
Davine Yvonne Cochran, happiest when busy cleaning, passed away peacefully in her home on August 4, 2024. Davine, 85, was born to David and Audrey (Lynxwiler) Kelley on June 6, 1939 in Sikeston, MO. On August 31, 1956, Davine married Roy Cochran and the two began a family and raising their four children together. Her family and friends were a central part of her life memories of which the family all cherish today. Always active, Davine enjoyed working and fixing things up the way she liked them to be. A writer, she could often be found penning music to a song or playing songs on her guitar. She was also an avid reader with the thoughtfulness of once her book collection got too large, she donated her books to the public library for others to enjoy. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. You could count on finding her with a vacuum, a dust rag, washing dishes, windows, or a paint brush in hand re-painting a room white to freshen it up. It is believed that Davine would paint anything and everything white. Somehow, she made us all comfortable at home even though it was always spotless. With Davine it was never hard to guess what she was thinking in her very straightforward and to the point communication style. Davine was very meticulous about her flower gardens. Above all her biggest enjoyment in life was her family.
Davine is survived by her children, Terry (Kevin) Besey, Sherry (Gary) Burditt, Thomas (Mitzi) Cochran, and Anthony “Andy” (Misti) Cochran; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; siblings, Thomas (Betty) Kelley, Bonnie (Charles) Monan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Cochran; granddaughter, Esthony Cochran; sister, Paula Kelley; brother and sister-in-law, David (Jan) Kelley; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Davine’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Toby Teague officiating. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Community Library. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marjorie Lorraine Fuller-Heisler
Marjorie Lorraine Fuller-Heisler, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 7, 2024. She was born May 18, 1931, in Lee Township, Calhoun County, Michigan to Clifford and S. Maybell (Wythe) Fuller. Marge graduated from Walton Township Unit School in 1949. On October 8, 1950, she married Cecil Heisler Jr., at her family’s home between Olivet and Marshall. Together they raised five children, Cathy, Susan, Douglas, David, and Carol. Marge worked the majority of her career as a secretary at Fern Persons Elementary School. Throughout the years Marge and Cecil loved to travel. They visited numerous places across the United States and Canada. Although she enjoyed many things throughout her life her family was always what brought her the most joy.
Marge is survived by her children, Susan Fitchett, David (JoEllen) Heisler, Carol (Jeff) Swint; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, LeAnn and Charley Green; daughter-in-law, Judy Heisler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Cecil; son, Douglas Heisler; daughter, Catherine Nichols; and brother, Gerald (Lenore) Fuller.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marge’s honor to Sparrow Hospice or Trenton Schrontz Playground.
To view Marge’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Thelma Louise Mayhew
Thelma Louise Mayhew, age 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was born February 25, 1938, in Anna, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Myrtle McLane. At the age of 4 years, the family moved to Eaton County where she attended Olivet schools. Growing up on the family farm was special to Thelma with fond memories of playing in the barn with her sister Jewel. She also enjoyed baton twirling in her younger years and continued this with the Olivet High School Marching Band. On December 18, 1955, Thelma married James Allen Mayhew and together they raised three daughters. The pride and joy of Thelma’s life was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was always concerned about the needs of others before her own. Thelma enjoyed her working years as a bank teller and hobbies including sewing, collecting glassware, and scrapbooking. The family has many special memories enjoying the home on Duck Lake. James and Thelma spent their retirement years in Clearwater, Florida. The loss of Thelma will be keenly felt by her family and friends.
Thelma is survived by her daughters, Dawn Marie Mayhew of Rockford Michigan, Teresa Louise Mathis of Cleveland, Ohio, Rachelle Lee Mayhew of Grayling, Michigan; grandchildren, Brooke Geddie, Cody McMichael, Martha Holben, Stuart Holben, Cameron Mathis, Bryton Mathis, Kimberlin Mayhew; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Jewel Converse, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Myrtle McLane; husband, James Mayhew, and six older siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery. Following the burial a luncheon will be held at Camp Frances 1501 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Those desiring may make contributions in Thelma’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
To view Thelma’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com