Obituaries
Lawrence Edward Cole
Lawrence Edward Cole, a hard-working provider for his family, died on December 18, 2022. Larry, 90, of Dimondale was born May 15, 1932, in Detroit to Edward and Dora (LeBlanc) Cole. Larry grew up in Detroit, near the Tiger Stadium/Briggs Field, where as a child he would always watch the Tigers play. Larry had a love of cars. He bought and fixed-up numerous autos resulting in a constant parade of them passing through the family’s driveway. Larry had to grow up fast as a teenager, becoming the caretaker of his family. Larry was proud to serve his country in the US Army as a military police officer. Career wise, he was a self-employed carpenter until 1964 during which he built their first home in Holt. After leaving the construction business he became a tool and die shipping and receiving manager at Oloffson Corp. retiring as a foreman.
Despite being a homebody, Larry was always present at family gatherings. He was an avid card player, and conversations often went on for hours before going home. One time, Larry’s family even convinced him to take a motorhome trip out west to the Rose Bowl. At home, Larry was always friendly and ready to feed anyone who stopped by for a visit. In his spare time, Larry could be found working on house projects to improve their home. You always knew you could find Larry on Sundays at 3 o’clock enjoying dinner with his family. Above all he was absolutely dedicated to his wife Shirley, of 63 years, standing by her and taking care of her as she battled Alzheimer’s. Larry was a Tiger baseball and Detroit Lions football fan. In fact, his last smile came after the Lion’s win on Sunday shortly before he died.
Larry is survived by his sons, Mike (Diane) and Keith Cole, and daughter Karen Berry; grandchildren, Ben (Ashleigh) and Brian (Dayna) Berry; great grandchildren, Cole and Camryn Berry; and sister, Nancy Walker. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; son-in-law, Rick Berry; and brother, Jimmy Ronowski.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 24 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family will receive visitors from Noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Following the services, the family will adjourn to the Forty Et Eight Chateau, 2949 S. Waverly Hwy., Lansing, MI. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cherish Cook
Cherish Lynn (Smith) Cook, age 53, of Charlotte passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born March 5, 1969, in Charlotte where she spent most of her life. Cheri graduated from Charlotte High School in 1987. On May 21, 1988, she married Bradley Cook of Charlotte, and together they raised two great children, Andrew and Jennifer.
Cheri enjoyed road trips to the lakeshores, rock hunting, and color tours in the fall. For her it was all about being with family no matter what they did. She treated the many kids in her life as though they were her own, including relatives and friends of her children. Whether they needed a hug or a kick in the butt, she always treated them like family.
Cheri is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Bradley Cook; son Andrew Cook, daughter Jennifer (Tyler Smith) Cook; mother-in-law, Aleene Cook; sisters by heart, Suzalyn Nelson and Darlene Cowling; as well as many brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cheri was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Wanita and Arthur Clark; grandmother, Hazel Miller; and brother, Jim Griffith.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home for family and friends to visit and share stories.
To view Cherish’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Richard Wesley Krebs
The world lost a light when Richard “Dick” Wesley Krebs took the last step of his earthly journey on January 6, 2023 at the age of 98. Richard was born the first of four sons to Cecil and Anna (Nelson) Krebs on June 8, 1924. Growing up on the family farm near Woodbury, Michigan, he began his farming career plowing behind a team of horses, the orneriest he would remind listeners, as his younger brothers always got the tamer pair. This childhood experience likely explains his attachment to tractors. He used many but swore by Allis Chalmers. These years were formative for Richard. For the remainder of his life, he could recite the name and use of about every piece of old farming equipment and usually had a story to go along with it.
Richard answered his country’s call during WWII. He served in the Army in the Philippines. After his honorable discharge, Richard returned home and attended Cleveland Bible College. It was there that he met Mary Helen Winn. Richard disregarded advice to reconsider his attachment to Mary Helen due to her weak heart. It was the best gamble that a non-gambling man ever made. They were wed on June 3, 1949, raised five children together, and enjoyed 61 joyful years of life together.
Richard and Mary Helen moved their family to Charlotte, Michigan in 1964 to run the Eaton County Farm until its closure. Thereafter, Richard took up a career in real estate until his retirement. For the rest of his life, drives around the county with Richard were accompanied by observations of “Sold that house, that one too—twice!”. He also served as a volunteer fireman for Charlotte for eleven years. He was a faithful man of God and was always active in his local church.
Mary Helen passed away after a lengthy illness in 2010. Two years later, Richard married Shirley (Elkins) Betts of Eaton Rapids. They enjoyed time with family, friends and neighbors, traveling, especially their trips to Shipshewana, and just being together.
All who crossed paths with Richard could not help but be struck by his eternally sunny disposition and infectious laugh. He was truly a man who had never met a stranger. Friends and family will remember his mischievous smile that often preceded a practical joke or friendly teasing. We also remember him as a model of devotion, as daily, he faithfully attended to Mary Helen at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. There, he was always ready to offer a helping hand and friendly ear to the facility’s other residents. Even in Richard’s last days, after becoming the patient himself, he brought a smile to those he worked with and to those who worked with him.
Richard is survived by his wife, Shirley Betts-Krebs, and four of his children with Mary Helen: Barbara (Ted) Scofield of Livingston, Montana; Nancy (Dan) Pick of Cedar City, Utah; Amy (Garth) Banks of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Becky (Frank) Balluff of Charlotte, Michigan. He was a cherished Grandfather to fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He also greatly enjoyed his relationships with Shirley’s three children, Bob, Betsee, and Mark and their extended families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Ross, Irving, and Gaylord, his wife Mary Helen, son, Ron and daughter-in-law, Darlene, and grandson, Rich Krebs.
Godspeed, Richard. You are so loved and so missed.
A celebration of life service is planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory can be made to Eaton County Healing and Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte, or the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan.
Ray Lawrence
Ray Lawrence of Charlotte, Michigan, departed his life on earth on January 10, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. His life on earth began November 18, 1934, in Miami, Florida. Ray and his three siblings were born to parents who moved frequently, living in thirteen different cities during his childhood. He attended college in Arkansas and dedicated his life to the ministry. His commitment to youth developed in college and continued as he moved west to Arizona with his former wife, Betty. Ray was instrumental in establishing the Little League program in Kingman, Arizona before moving to Charlotte, Michigan. Many of you will remember Ray’s involvement in youth sports having seen him referee basketball, baseball, and football games in mid-Michigan. Ray took great joy in working and maintaining a small farm. You probably saw Ray work the garden stand on M-50 over the years. Ray loved this farm and the interaction it brought with the people in the Charlotte community. He loved his life to the fullest and brought much joy to his children and family.
Ray is survived by his wife, Martha (Sederlund); his seven children, Susan (Jay) Chan of Kingman, AZ, Sharon Lawrence of Loveland, CO, Stephen (Danna) Lawrence of Phoenix, AZ, Scott Lawrence of Kingman, AZ, Sheila (Greg) Morley of Spokane, WA, Liz (Peter) Simons of Gilbert, AZ, and Brian (Sunita) Rowe of Gilbert, AZ. Ray was blessed with nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren who were a big part of his life.
Ray was preceded in death by his three siblings, one sister- in-law, and one brother-in-law.
Special thanks to Sparrow Medical and Hospice for their amazing care and compassion over the years, and many thanks to the friends and neighbors who helped support us over the years.
A memorial service will be in Ray’s honor will be held at a later date.
To view Ray’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.
Janice May Milbourn
Janice May (Horton) Milbourn of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 5, 2023, at the age of 78. Jan was born in Flint, MI, May 12, 1944, the daughter of Donald and Rebecca (Mead) Horton. She retired from the Holt School District as an administrator in charge of attendance and discipline, retiring her hat in 2000 after 30 years. Jan attended the First United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She loved crafting, her flower garden, golfing, reading and absolutely loved being with her entire family. Jan was a very kind and giving lady that treated people, especially her family with great love and respect. She will be sorely missed by so many.
Jan is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Troy) Tucker of Holt, Kimberly (Monte) Gleason of AL, Kelly (Todd Bradley) Ballor of Eaton Rapids, Traci (Brian) Gearhart of Eaton Rapids; son, Mark (Holly) Milbourn of Holt; grandchildren, Jessica (Larry), Rebecca (Robert), Samantha (Nick), Chelsea (Cody), Alexandria, Emeleigh (Kelso), Zackary (Chrissy), Matthew, Cooper and Carson; great grandchildren, ReShelle, Raymin , Madison, Mackenzie, Robbie, Larry, Dominic, Aalayah, Georgie Kate, Riley Jo, Macki Nicole, Casey, and baby Ross; brother, Bruce (Mary Eva) Horton of MO. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Herbert Milbourn; brother, Keith Horton and her dog, Sophia Sue.
Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, Make a Wish Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.