Obituaries
Kathy Isham
Kathy L. Isham, age 69, of Potterville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, February 5, 2023. She was born September 23, 1953, in Lansing the daughter of William and Valez (Howard) Foley. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School. Kathy was a tremendous cook and candy maker. Her family was always eagerly awaiting her next culinary creation. She also worked countless hours in her garden. Her bountiful harvests were always properly preserved and canned for all to enjoy thorough the remainder of the year. Kathy was known for her unique sense of humor and it brought everyone together for many cherished memories.
Kathy is survived by her partner and best friend, Dan Clark; children: Raymond (Nicole) Ridge of Howell, Jason Ridge of Potterville, Danielle Clark of Potterville; grandchildren: Sean Ridge, Hollie Ridge, Tristan Ridge, Kayla Salek; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Kathy’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org.
To view Kathy’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.
Max W. Sampsel
Max W. Sampsel, a devoted family man, died on Monday February 6, 2023. Max 74, of Charlotte, was born on December 25, 1948, at the family home in Charlotte, the son of Lloyd and Viola (Hall) Sampsel. In 1966 Max married Nancy Woodbury and together they started their life. He worked as a machinist for Masterbuilt Products in Olivet where he retired in 2011. He loved anything with an engine; working on cars, riding motorcycles, and 4x4ing on the sand dunes and trails in Grayling. His other hobbies were deer hunting, camping, and helping anyone in need. His biggest enjoyment in life was his family especially his grandchildren.
Max is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; children, Anna (Luke) Hanson, Barbara (Mark) Wenger, Chad (Cheryl Norris) Sampsel; grandchildren, Ashley (Brian) Storh, Harry Osenbaugh Jr., Destiny (Slaid) Mead, Luke Hanson Jr., Bethany Williams, Sarah (Devaine Cowles) Wenger, Brandie (Andrew) Belen, Joshua (Amber Burhans) Wenger, Nathaniel Wenger, Brandon Sampsel, Raymond Sampsel, Brook, Britany, Dominik Sampsel, Jonah Proctor, Eddie Proctor, Maura Sampsel, Brianna Sampsel; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Lacey, Hanna, Wayne, Landan, Peyton, Kenny, Eddy, Trevor, Karlee, Malorie, Tyler, Denver, Paisley, Archer, Harper, Bentley, Shanell, Brandon Jr., and Arimina; siblings, Dennis (Sue) Lea, Pat Hynes, and Sue Thompson; cousins, Kathy Yeomans, and David Enquist. He was predeceased by his parents; infant grandson, Elijah Sampsel; and infant great-grandson, Brennin.
Friends are encouraged to support Max’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for the Spring of 2023. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Carl William McKiddie
Carl William McKiddie passed away at home Sunday, January 1, 2023. He was born in Sault Ste Marie on May 27, 1944 to William and Mary (Burt) McKiddie. He served in the United States Navy from 1963 to 1967. On September 10, 1983 he married Teresa Arrington.
Carl was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his granddaughters. He enjoyed attending the girls’ numerous sporting events over the years. He was a participating member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 3552, the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 2565 and the American Legion Post 0042.
Carl is survived by his wife of 39 years, Teresa McKiddie; daughter, Mandy Toney; granddaughters McKenna, McKayla and MacKenzie Toney; mother-in-law, Barbara Arrington; and sisters, Shirley (John) Stites, Jeanette (Larry) Brown, Dorothy (Ken) Kavanaugh, and Lori (Mike) Lane.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Steven Earl Bowles
Steven Earl Bowles, a very talented mechanic that trained many others, died peacefully on February 8, 2023, at his home in Charlotte. Born in Lansing, Michigan on July 25, 1954, to Raymon and Betty (Evans) Bowles, he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1972, and later earned his Associate Degree from LCC. He worked for AE Hoover from 1976 to 1991, and then Spartan Motors from 1991 until his retirement, but because of his knowledge and talent Spartan Motors called him back after retirement to train others. A Ham Radio enthusiast, he loved talking to others from very long distances away and engaged in healthy competitions among other radio enthusiasts for the longest distance reached and the most people they talked to. His handle was KF8HA. Among his other hobbies and interests, Steven enjoyed fishing (especially fly fishing), playing music with his band at the old skating rink in Charlotte, bowling with his wives Cynthia and Sally in local leagues and just for fun. Steve could fix almost anything, and his friends and family enjoyed his great smile, quick wit, and sense of humor.
Steve will be missed by his children, Christina Gatica, Justin Bowles; daughter-in-law, Celena Bowles; grandchildren, Zane and Bella; and siblings, David Bowles and Patricia Bowles. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cynthia (Canfield) Bowles; second wife, Sally (Royston) Bowles; infant son, Terry Bowles; son, Johnathon Bowles; grandson, Briar; brother, Mike Bowles; and sister, Prudence Dingman.
Friends are encouraged to support Steven’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, February 15, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with a Memorial Service immediately following at 7:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ezekial Pauls
Ezekial (Zack) E. Pauls, age 27, of Seymour, MO (formerly of Charlotte, MI) died on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at his residence.
Zack was born on May 19, 1995, the son of Melody and the late Benjamin Pauls. He was raised in Eaton Rapids for a short time and then Charlotte, and attended Charlotte Public Schools, graduating in 2014. Zack was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned Eagle Scout status. He received a varsity letter for football. He was an avid tabletop gamer and earned the wood-worker of the year award.
Zack was a unique and kind man. His heart filled to the brim with love, empathy, justice, and the need to make everyone smile. Every time he made any of us laugh, Zack did it with everything he had – as with all things he did in life. His creative mind, gentle soul, and urge to push everyone to be their best selves – these were just a few of the wonderful qualities that were Zack. Describing him doesn’t seem to do justice to how truly wonderful he was. He deserved to grow, to do everything he could to better the world for his fellow man, as well as sharing his beautiful creations and his truly amazing thoughts. He loved and was loved by so many. Wherever he is, I know he is smiling and mastering his battle strategies. Keep our battle brother in your thoughts. “Each new day is a victory.” “May humanity unite to right the tyranny of chaos.”
Zack is survived by his mother, Melody Pauls; sister, Anne Marie Pauls and brother-in-law, Alex Esch; grandparents, Roy and Penny Therrien, Judy Pauls, and Molly Harmon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Pauls; and his grandfathers, Jeffery Harmon and Harlen Pauls.
A Memorial will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. in the lower half of the VFW Post 2406 facility, located at 695 Lansing Road, Charlotte.