Obituaries
Shirley Hazel Halsey
Shirley Hazel Halsey, age 101, of Charlotte passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Sunday, January 15, 2023. She was born June 27, 1921, at the family home on Mulliken Road the daughter of Donald and Retah (Hicks) Satterly. Shirley graduated from Charlotte High School in 1939. Soon after graduating she married Floyd A. Halsey. Shirley was a homemaker in the truest sense of the word. She was a wonderful seamstress, cook, and canner. She always saw to it that her family was well cared for. Shirley and Floyd enjoyed their yearly camping trips up north. She was a devoted life-long member of the Gresham United Methodist Church.
Shirley is survived by her children, Gary (Lou) Halsey of Clarksdale, MS, Sheila Draper of Charlotte, Sharon (Harlan) Young of Charlotte, Larry (Judy) Halsey of Charlotte; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd; two brothers; and son-in-law, Larry Draper.
A graveside service was held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Gresham Cemetery with Pastor Dave Burnett officiating.
Those desiring may make contributions in Shirley’s memory to the family.
To view Shirley’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.
Glenn David Voorhorst
Glenn David Voorhorst went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 14, 2023. “Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day, declare His glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised!” I Chronicles 16:23-25. Glenn was born September 3, 1938, in Overisel, Michigan, the son of John and Delia (Brink) Voorhorst. He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1957 and joined the family business, the Overisel Feed Mill and Lumber Yard. Glenn and his brothers also delivered feed and produce throughout the region. He met his sweetheart in a carrot patch on a West Michigan farm while picking up a load of carrots. Johanna Renooij was visiting from the Netherlands on a six-month visa. Glenn made a point to return to this farm as often as possible until Johanna returned home. Soon after, he went abroad to visit her, and they decided to marry. On May 22, 1964, they were wed. About this time Glenn also took over the trucking business from his brothers. Because his runs often took him to the Ralston Purina plant in Lansing, they settled in Charlotte in 1970. In 1971, they joined First Baptist Church of Charlotte where they have enjoyed fellowship for many years. Glenn will be missed in many ways but particularly his faithful prayers, listening ear, wisdom, sense of humor, and Godly example, especially to his children and grandchildren. Though significantly bodily impaired in 2008 by a severe stroke, his mind remained sharp, and he continued to pray, read, learn, and encourage others, while trusting that God still had a purpose for him. Glenn was most thankful for the Lord’s mercy to him in being a child of God.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 58 years, Johanna “Jo” Voorhorst; daughter, Susan (Steven) Roskos of East Lansing; son, Paul (Cara) Voorhorst of Larimore, ND; grandchildren, Sarah Grace (Drew) Hayward, Josiah Roskos, Anna Roskos, Hope Roskos, Kaitlyn Voorhorst, Rachel Voorhorst, Morgan Voorhorst, and Abigail Voorhorst; sisters, Florence Martin of Chico, CA and Barbara Hartgerink of South Haven, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Nancy Voorhorst; and his brothers, Dale Voorhorst and Lloyd Voorhorst.
Friends are encouraged to support Glenn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. 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 Glen’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 First Baptist Church of Charlotte or Samaritan’s Purse. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ray William Smith
Ray William Smith, a beloved lifelong resident of Charlotte, passed away on December 10, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing due to complications from diabetes. Ray was born December 22, 1956 to Beverly Ann (Catron) Smith of Charlotte and Lester William Smith of Eagle, both of whom have preceded Ray in death.
Ray graduated from Charlotte High School Class of 1975 where he played varsity football and basketball. He mentored several kids in sports through the Charlotte Summer Recreation Program and at YMCA Camp Sloan in New York State. Ray enjoyed golfing with his many lifelong friends in area tournaments for many worthwhile causes and traveling Michigan and other states just to play different courses. Ray also enjoyed fishing with friends and family on inland lakes and Lake Michigan. Ray worked at the Charlotte Chair Factory, AE Hoover, Ace Hardware, and finally Meijer Warehouse in Lansing from which he retired. He was a former member of the Charlotte Optimist Club and a current member of the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 and was always actively involved in their fundraising efforts.
Ray is survived by his sister, Lynn Ann (Smith) Zimmerman; brother-in-law, Mark Zimmerman; nephews, Andrew (Sarah) Zimmerman of Omaha, Nebraska, and William (Candice) Zimmerman of Adrian, Michigan; niece, Melissa Zimmerman (Jonathan) Timm of Tecumseh, Michigan; four great-nephews and one great-niece.
A celebration of life is planned for the spring – his favorite time of year for fishing and golfing. The family wishes to thank their neighbors, friends and family for their help with Ray’s trials and tribulations with diabetes.
Carolyn Jean Clark
Carolyn Jean Clark of Eaton Rapids, was carried by the arms of angels and entered into Heaven, January 11, 2023, at the age of 63. Carolyn was born in Lansing, MI, May 16, 1959, the daughter of Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley. She was a 1977 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. Carolyn worked at Sparrow Hospital as a Medical Assistant, attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church, was an amazing cook and baker and a very loving and caring homemaker. Carolyn was such a fun grandma who loved spoiling her grandchildren and made sure her children had some of their favorite homemade meals on special occasions. She will forever be remembered for her huge dimples, great smile, and the faith she carried in her heart which she shared with everyone.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Steve Clark; daughters, Emily (Jeff) Kaylor, Amy Clark, Melissa (Justin Shroyer) Clark; grandchildren, Sloane and Harper Shroyer, Isaac Clark, Madison Dutcher and Mason Clark; siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley, Chris (Loren) Cowles, Cathy (Bud) Cowles, Janice (Jim) Boice, Joseph (Pam) Ackley, Robert (Annette) Ackley, William Ackley, Mary (Scott) Patrick; sister-in-law, Sue Ackley; numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James and Richard Ackley; niece, Carol Lynn Cowles.
A Memorial Mass was held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Church, 807 St. Mary’s Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48837, with a Rosary prayed at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities or to the church. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
James “Jim” Pfister
James “Jim” Pfister, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Friday, January 13, 2023. He was born on June 12, 1932, son of the late Herman and Regina Pfister.
Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dorothy (Dibean); sister Andrea Wellman of Oregon, Ohio; daughter Karen (Charles) Osborne of Potterville, stepson Sean (Susan) Corbin of Byron Center; grandchildren Erika (Ralph) Reagan of Dewitt, Sara (Nic) Fowler of Eaton Rapids, Cecilia (Justice) Price of Grand Rapids and Sam (Taylor) Corbin of Grand Rapids; great grandchildren Audrey, Mason, Max and Nora Reagan, and Melanie, Keira, and Shane Fowler, along with many extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his dear wife Margaret (Connor), daughter Deborah Pfister, grandson Chad Osborne, sister Nancy Jakubiak, and countless other loved ones, including his beloved Black Labrador, Mindy.
As a child, Jim moved to Detroit from Ohio and had fond memories of taking the train downtown to work. After high school he attended Wayne State University for a solitary semester, deciding that college just wasn’t for him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, boating, hunting, and fly-fishing. Jim was drafted into the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Germany where he competed in downhill skiing for the Army. Following his service, Jim made a career in sales. He owned Sportland Inc., which was located in the Knapps Capital Avenue Department Store, later he managed the Lansing Mall Knapps. He was charismatic and friendly to everyone that he encountered. If you had a minute to spare, he would regale you with many a story or two. After retiring from sales, he went to work for John E. Green Company in Lansing as a truck driver and expeditor, delivering parts and equipment to jobsites. He was a loved member of every team he was a part of.
In 1963, Jim married Margaret (d. 1994) and became a devoted father to Deborah and Karen. After living in Lansing, they moved their family to the farm in Potterville. It was there, where he would reside for 50+ years. The farm was Jim’s pride and joy. It was a place filled with wonderful memories and moments that are cherished still to this day by the entire family. In 2001, Jim married Dorothy. Together they enjoyed traveling with their RV to destinations all around the US and on their anniversary every year they would road trip up north to the Silent Sport Lodge B&B. During Jim’s final years, Dorothy was a devoted partner and caretaker, her love of her husband apparent to all.
From early on in his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. As a collector of firearms, Jim was well-versed in shooting sports. He was a member of the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Lansing and if he wasn’t at home, you knew you could find him at the “club,” enjoying a round of sporting clays, or having a cup of coffee with his friends while telling many of his famed stories.
The family is in the care of Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. There will be a private service.
There will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. to honor Jim. The celebration will be held at Tony M’s Restaurant at 3420 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48917.
Jim was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Jim’s memory (www.micasl.org).