Obituaries
Samuel LeRoy Love
Samuel LeRoy Love of Charlotte, passed away October 5, 2024, at the age of 64. Sam was born on February 13, 1960, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Norman and Phyllis (Scott) Love. He was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978, where he showcased his athleticism by playing football, tennis, and participating in swimming. Sam’s love for sports continued throughout his life, notably as an avid Spartan fan. He could always be found tailgating at Spartan Stadium, where his infectious enthusiasm brought people together.
After a fulfilling career at General Motors, Sam retired and channeled his passion into becoming a licensed builder. His work with the Charlotte Planning Commission displayed his deep commitment to the city he loved, reflecting his desire to give back to his community. Sam’s voice could often be heard announcing Charlotte’s football, baseball, and softball games.
A lover of the outdoors, Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing, always enthusiastic about sharing these moments with his children and grandchildren. Camping trips were events full of laughter and storytelling, as he relished the time spent with family and friends. His culinary skills were apparent to all who had the pleasure of tasting his dishes, as he loved to cook for those he cherished.
Sam’s woodworking skills were admirable, handcrafting many special pieces for his loved ones. These pieces will be treasured reminders of his skill, love, and dedication. Above all, Sam will be remembered as “everyone’s handyman,” always there to lend a helping hand. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Those who knew him could always count on his support, kindness, and willingness to go the extra mile.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Kelly (Koos) Love; children, Shalyne (Sean) Harris, Victorria (Joshua Snead) Chavez, Ashley Chavez-Ross, and Tiffaney Chavez; grandchildren, Cadence Harris, Felicity Harris, Bryce Ross, Cameron Ross, Dakota Ross, Sofia DeMasters, Lillyanna DeMasters, Mia Snead, Hayden McLean, and Landyn McLean; mother, Phyllis Love; sisters, LuAnn (Gary) Gloden and Joanie (Van Mollette) Love; sisters-in-law Kristy Koos-Volz and Kathy (Ron) Bristol; brother-in-law Kim (Paulette) Koos; special friends Karen and Jeff Beasley, Deb and Steve Shaughnessy, as well as several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman LeRoy Love and in-laws Merlin and Patricia (McConnell) Koos.
A visitation was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Tammy Jo Olney
Tammy Jo Olney, age 59, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Born on October 14, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, Tammy was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Alma (Peckham) Brooks. She grew up in Eaton Rapids, where she excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Tammy furthered her education at Davenport College, earning an associate degree in accounting.
On January 9, 1984, Tammy began her illustrious 40-year career at Farm Credit, starting as a related services secretary. Through her dedication and hard work, she rose to the position of senior loan accountant, retiring shortly before her passing on September 30, 2024.
In 1985, Tammy married her soulmate, Robert Olney, and together they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters. Following the heartbreaking loss of her youngest daughter, Veronica, to cancer, Tammy channeled her grief into action, organizing “relay” rummage sales to support the American Cancer Society. Over 15 years, with the help of family and friends, she raised nearly $30,000 in Veronica’s memory.
Tammy’s love of dance was evident throughout her life. Starting as a student at the age of three at Marceil’s School of Dance, she went on to teach tap and jazz at Lisa’s Island Dance Centre. She danced for 55 years, attended countless dance conventions, and helped run music for annual dance recitals, a true testament to her passion for the art.
In recent years, Tammy cherished spending time with her grandchildren, often visiting zoos and aquariums, and traveling across the country to cheer on her great-nephew at his college football games.
Tammy is preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Veronica Olney; brother, Tom Brooks; father, Thomas Brooks; and her in-laws, Thomas and Mable (Bursley) Olney.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Robert Olney; loving daughter, Brooke (James) Vredenburg; precious grandchildren, Veronica and Wilhelm Vredenburg; her dear mother, Alma Weber; and her “son from another mother,” Austyn Platte, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tammy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and generosity.
A memorial service to honor Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Robins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Friday, October 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Michigan, 25 Michigan St. NE #1200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in Tammy’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
William Arden Berry
William “Bill” Arden Berry of Albion, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in Marshall, MI, at the age of 83. Bill was born on June 20, 1941, in Addison, MI, the son of the late Arden and Doris (Tingley) Berry. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Lynn, and together they embarked on a journey that would span five decades, filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their partnership was a testament to their commitment to each other and their family. Bill was the owner of Mid-State Industrial for many years. His passion for the outdoors was evident through his love for hunting and fishing, which he shared with his lifelong friend Bud Morton. He also enjoyed working on and around the farm his whole life. Bill and his wife enjoyed summers at their home in Michigan and traveled each winter to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Berry; son, Mark (Brenda) Drummond, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Michelle Walker, Brittany (Ben) Durham, Sarah (Michael) Hubbard, Andrew (Jessica) Drummond, Blake Drummond, Paige Drummond, and Joshua Drummond; great grandchildren, Oliver and Theodore Hubbard; sister, Kay (James) Trosper as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arden and Doris Berry; children, Wendy Bradford and Kevin (Kelly) Drummond; grandson, Scott Drummond.
A funeral service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior and the evening before from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of William Arden Berry. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Christine Elizabeth Cowles
Christine Elizabeth Cowles, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Springport on September 27, 2024, at the age of 69. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 31, 1955, to Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley, Chris inherited many wonderful traits from both her parents.
Her father imparted to her a love of adventure, a passion for road trips, and a keen eye for discovering treasures in unexpected places. From her mother, Chris inherited the love of sewing and the ability to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. These qualities shaped her into a woman whose creativity, generosity, and joy enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Chris was a proud 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. One of her most treasured school memories was winning a dance contest with her brother Tim.
Chris’s professional journey began at MESSA in 1975, where her dedication and leadership skills saw her rise through the ranks to become a treasured manager. Along the way, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships with colleagues. She later became the co-owner of Rapids Tumble Finish and co-founded the Promise Breakers Club alongside her devoted husband, Loren, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. After a fulfilling career, Chris chose to retire and focus on what she cherished most: time spent with her family and friends.
A woman of many passions, Chris delighted in sharing her favorite books, documentaries, and television shows, while her love of music was a gift she passed on to her children. Her creativity found further expression in the countless hours she spent knitting and quilting, each piece lovingly crafted as a symbol of her devotion to family and friends.
Chris met the love of her life and best friend, Loren, through her sister Cathy and Cathy’s husband, Bud. Their marriage in 1983 marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and shared dreams. In May 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Betsy, and together with Loren’s sons, Brian and Tim, they created a close-knit family.
Chris’s memory lives on in the hearts of her children, Brian (Melissa) Cowles of Cincinnati, OH, Tim (Faiza) Cowles of Chicago, IL, and Betsy (Slater) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Luke, Nora, Mia, Alex, Holden, Esme, Wyeth, Dylan, and Vivianne. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley of Bellaire, Cathy (Bud) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Jim) Boice of Perry, Joseph (Pam) Ackley of Norton Shores, Robert (Annette) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, William Ackley of Eaton Rapids, and Mary (Scott) Patrick of Lansing, as well as her sister-in-law, Sue Ackley of Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Loren Cowles, in 2023; her parents, Carson and Phyllis Ackley; and her siblings, James Ackley, Richard Ackley, and Carol Clark.
Though she is no longer with us, Chris’s legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte on November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute of McLaren or McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care in Lansing. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Helen Margaret Boatman
Boatman, Helen Margaret, age 80, of Weidman, passed away September 3, 2024, at her home.
A Celebration of Helen’s life will take place at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Awareness, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Wounded Warriors. Envelopes will be available at Clark Family Funeral Chapel.
Helen was born on July 25, 1944, in Thompson, IA, the daughter of John Bernard Bergstad and Alice Elaine Dixon. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the class of 1963. Helen worked from many years as a forklift and press operator for Eaton Stamping Line and Tecumseh. She was an avid reader and loved collecting Native American Crafts.
Helen is survived by her son, Steven (Brenda) Boatman, Jr.; grandchildren, Michael, Bonita, Sheena, Brandon (Allison) and Teeah; great-grandchildren, Oakley, Makayla, Jordan, Emma, Remmington and Deisel; sisters, Sally (Robert) McConnell, Phyllis Carroll, Mary Ann Pfeiffer and Penny Bergstad; daughter-in-law, Tammy Boatman; special friends, Joel Newman and Penny Kinendall; brother-in-law, Bill Connor; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, sons, Kevin Boatman and Troy Boatman; brothers, Jon Bergstad, Kenneth Bergstad and Charles Johnson; and sisters, Jeanette Moore, Bonnie Connor, Kathy Pierce, Dolores Frank and Ruby Bergstad.
You may view Helen’s obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.