Obituaries
Alice Sartin LaDuke
Alice (Billye) Sartin LaDuke lived a full and happy life. Her native intelligence, strength and resilience sustained her through her 94+ years.
Born in Springdale, Arkansas in 1928, she was the last survivor of a family of eleven.
She moved to Lansing, Michigan after WWII and found a job at the local Walgreens where she met the man who changed her life, Bernie LaDuke. They fell in love, married in 1946, and moved into their first home, a remodeled garage, where they lived and raised their two children until the late 60s. During this time, she pinched pennies, cooked, sewed and raised their children, along with a few others. She was ambitious, energetic and imaginative, and Bernie adored her. She was always looking for new opportunities. In the 50s, it was constructing and operating a Tastee Freeze on land adjacent to their home. Afterward, she completed beauty school and Bernie added a shop to their home. She operated Billye’s Beauty Shop in Maple Grove until they decided to build in Potterville in the late 60s.
Together, they built their dream home on 10 acres on M100. Billye was next to Bernie all the way – hammering studs, hanging drywall and shingling the roof. They worked all day and after dinner went to work on the new house. They moved in 1968 and lived there happily until Bernie’s death in 2007. Billye continued to carry on until 2019 when declining health made it too difficult to remain.
They made a lifetime of memories and gave their children, Donna and Bernie Jr., unconditional love, support and wonderful childhoods. They grew up healthy, happy and productive adults, likely unaware how lucky they were to have parents who loved them and adored one another. The greatest gift a child can receive is a stable and loving home and Donna and Beanie had one.
Over the years, Billye ran the home while working various jobs including bank teller, pocket protector manufacturer, cosmetologist, artist and woodworker.
She and Bernie were true partners for over 61 years. After his retirement from Oldsmobile, they started a crafts business and worked together creating, constructing and decorating everything from ornaments to furniture. They were always happiest when busy and working together toward a shared goal. Over these years they also managed to take dance lessons, join square dance clubs, entertain at home and travel the US with a small house trailer or a camper on their pickup truck.
Bernie retired early and with both kids grown, they enjoyed almost 30 years together post retirement. After his death, she became an active member of the Eaton County Senior Center where she enjoyed playing Euchre and Cribbage.
In 2019, Billye moved to Tulsa to live near her daughter, independently, in a wonderful senior community where she once again reinvented herself. Leaving their home of 40 years was not easy, but she adapted to apartment living at Cedarhurst, loving the staff and surviving COVID and lockdowns.
She and Donna were always exceptionally close, but grew even more devoted through her remaining years. Bernie Jr. and his wife, Seidy, were tragically killed in a landslide in 2020 and Billye passed on May 6, 2023 in her Tulsa home.
Billye will be remembered for her great sense of humor, kind spirit, friendship and devotion to her family. Her life was full and long, she was much loved and will be missed.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna; three granddaughters: Star, Alicia and Blythe; five grandchildren and one great granddaughter; along with Maisie Jane, the best dog ever and much loved by her Granny. She also leaves many nieces and nephews and is especially grateful for the love and support of Dale and Diane LaDuke who were always there for her, always.
At her request, there will be no service, but she will once again be next to Bernie in mid-Michigan later this summer.
Marilyn Rose Beardslee
Marilyn Rose Beardslee passed on May 9, 2023, at home in Mesa, Arizona, after a short battle with cancer. Her husband Niles, son Tomas, and daughter Sandra were there to ease her into heaven.
Marilyn was born in Hillsdale County, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Niles Beardslee in Dimondale, Michigan on January 31, 1953. They were married over 70 years. They raised four children on their farm in Vermontville, Michigan: Steven Beardslee; Sandra (Griffith) and husband Rick, from Harrison, Michigan; Tomas and wife Sharon of Vernon, Arizona. Marilyn was preceeded in death by son, Tracy Beardslee of Roundup, Montana; her beloved brothers, Gerald ‘Jake’ Michael of Mesa, Arizona and Richard and Kenny Hicks of Dimondale, Michigan. Beth Kerwin is also a loved family member.
Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. Niles and Marilyn were a part of the ‘Bud’s Duds’ square dance group in the 1970’s and she made her own dresses for their events. They enjoyed traveling by auto and ocean cruises and stays at their lake home. Sewing, canning, gardening, needlework and much more were just a part of her many interests. Just recently Marilyn was teaching her niece, Anna Rowden, how to tat.
Her grandchildren where the light of her life, and her eyes would literally twinkle each and every time she would see them. Marilyn has 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
Cremation took place in Mesa, Arizona. Her wishes are to be interred in Montana alongside of son Tracy in the Bull Mountains. Upon Marilyn’s request, no service will take place at this time.
Angela Rene’ Crozier
Angela Rene’ Crozier, 52 of Charlotte, a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, surrounded by family. Angela was born May 14, 1970, in Charlotte, the daughter of Tina (Tim) Hart of Bellevue and Bill (Ann) Crozier of Charlotte. She is survived by her parents; sisters, Lisa (Russ) Green of Bellevue, and Laura (Mike) Fuller of Pleasant Lake; children, Derek Cuff, Christina Torre, and CJ (Bre) Torre, all of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zander, Mae, and Josiah; step-sister, Amy Schultz of Huron, OH; and her companion, Brian Burke of Charlotte. In addition to her biological family, Angela is also survived by numerous friends that she called her chosen family, and bonus kids that have become a significant part of her life over the years.
Angela loved to cook and always made everything from scratch. It was common for her to spend days making a meal for family and friends. You could taste the love in her food. She was the Charlotte Frontier Days Queen in 2004, helped coach CJO football from 2003-2007. Angela loved to travel and explore new places. A couple of her favorite and more recent trips were a month-long road trip with grandson Zander to hike West Glacier National Park in Montana the summer of 2020 and going to Ireland with her “travel buddy” Laurie in August of 2022. Angela worked as the Recruiting Manager for Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) in Okemos. She loved her career and the people she had the privilege of working with. Angela often said, “I have been blessed beyond measure to work for such an amazing organization with exceptional people.”
Angela left us far too soon, but often stated she believed her medical condition was “truly a blessing and gift from God. How many people leave this earth without any warning at all? God loved me and you enough to give us a heads up that this was coming. This allowed us time to prepare and gave me a chance to say goodbye to those closest to me. We will all leave this earth at some point, make sure your house is in order before you do! It is okay to be sad, it is not okay to stay sad. So, cry today, but remember – I am with the Father and waiting for you to join me. Make sure He knows your name!”
Friends are encouraged to support Angela’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Hull 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 Angela’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 Gift of Life Michigan. Angela’s family has requested that if you wish to purchase flowers to consider purple flowers because that was her favorite color. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sue E. Cleveland
Sue E. Cleveland, 81, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on May 8, 2023 at Medi Lodge in Marshall, Michigan.
She was born in Coldwater, Michigan to Stanley L. and Waunetta M. (Watson) Cleveland, but Sue spent most of her life in Bellevue, Michigan.
She spent most of her working life as a CNA, but her favorite work was on the farm.
Sue was a former member of the Battle Creek Eagles Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, especially slippers. Sue was an excellent cook and would always bring a dish to pass for everyone to share. She will be fondly remembered for her compassion and caring for homeless animals. Sue was loved by many friends and family, and she will be greatly missed.
Per her request, there will be no services and to have any remembrances be given to the Humane Society of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Sara Jane Jewell
Sara “Sally” Jane Jewell, a generous and kind woman, died peacefully on May 16, 2023 at the age of 82. Sally was born in Charlotte, MI on May 28, 1940 to Huey and Evelyn (Lawrence) Stall and lived her entire life in this community that she loved and devoted time to. In 1961 she married Floyd Jewell and together they raised two sons. As a dedicated wife and mother, Sally had a spirited personality with a quiet and calm presence, and many wonderful gifts she shared with her family, including the gift of music that she shared with her beloved granddaughters. She enjoyed golf, bowling, singing in the GFWC (General Federation Women’s Club) choir, and every opportunity she had to travel with her husband Floyd (finding casinos everywhere their adventures took them) until his passing in 2008. Dedicated to her community, Sally also spent much time volunteering for events at her church (Lawrence Avenue United Methodist), the HGB Gift Shop, and Mobile Meals helping with both scheduling and deliveries. After losing Floyd, she found enjoyment with a coffee group at Evelyn Bay coffee shop, and regular card game gatherings with her friends (which often included a good glass of wine).
Sally is survived by her sons, Timothy (Heather) Jewell, and Thomas (Nicole) Jewell; granddaughters, Lacy and Lauren; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd exactly 15 years to the day before her death; infant son, Gary Allen; brother, Murray Stall; and sister, Marilyn Turner.
Friends are encouraged to support Sally’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, May 19, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, May 20, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. A luncheon will follow the interment in the Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home. 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 Sally’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 Mobile Meals. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.