Obituaries
Denny Joe Stahly
Denny Joe Stahly, 61, of Marshall, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at home, of Stiff Person Syndrome.
He was born on October 1, 1962, to Dewain Stahly and Margaret (Criner) Harvey in Goshen, Indiana.
Denny was a 1982 graduate of Coldwater High School. After high school, he headed to Denver Colorado to Auto Body school. On May 17, 1997, Denny married Susan “Sue” Scott at Family Bible Church in Marshall, Michigan and they moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Denny was a lifelong farmer along with being a Machinist, having worked at various companies in Bronson, Michigan, Indiana and Omaha, Nebraska. At the age of 45, Denny had to take a medical retirement due to Stiff Person Syndrome, but he was very determined to continue working around the house and especially on his own cars and tractor repairs (he had very strong hands and didn’t know his own strength). He attended Family Bible Church in Marshall, Michigan and welcomed the Stephen Ministries into their home. Denny’s passion was bass fishing, as he frequently entered many local bass tournaments. He also enjoyed deer hunting, being outdoors, building, and flying model airplanes and target shooting. Denny along with Susan relaxed by watching outdoor shows on television. Their favorite passion was fishing, going to antique tractor shows, going to air shows and museums, traveling to different Bass Pro Shops and several states.
Denny is survived by his loving spouse of 27 years Susan, his son; David Stahly of Jackson, Michigan; his mother; Margaret Harvey of Sturgis, Michigan, his brother; Donald Romine of Sturgis, Michigan, his twin-Brother; Benny Stahly of Sturgis, Michigan, his sister; Sherry (Mike) Stahly-Whitehorn of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and his half-brother; Thomas (Kim) Romine of Coldwater, Michigan; and his Aunt Ruth and Uncle Carl Stahly of Coldwater, Michigan. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by Father, Dewain Stahly and his sister, Joy Harvey.
Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Family Bible Church in Marshall, Michigan with Randy Swan officiating (with Stephen Ministries). A luncheon will immediately follow. Memorials are suggested to the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation (8621 Burdette Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817). Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US Hwy. 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Marvin Richard Cook
Marvin Richard Cook, a lifelong resident of Mulliken, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2024, in Lansing, MI, at the age of 65. Born on July 28, 1959, in Charlotte, MI, he was the son of the late Richard and Margaret (Stanislav) Cook.
Marvin graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1977, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), setting the foundation for his lifelong commitment to agriculture. After graduation, he devoted himself to farming, a vocation that was not just a job but a way of life for him. His days were spent tending to the land, with a special place in his heart for his beloved John Deere tractors. His ability to fix anything that was put in front of him earned him the reputation of being incredibly handy, a skill he took great pride in.
Marvin was also a member of the Portland First Baptist Church, and The Jug & Mug Club.
Marvin’s love for animals was evident to all who knew him. He had a gentle way with creatures of all kinds, and his farm was a haven not just for crops but for the animals he cared for with such tenderness. Working on tractors, especially those of his favored brand, was more than a hobby; it was a way for Marvin to connect with the land and the tools that helped shape it.
He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Loisann Rogowyi (Paul), and his brother, Steven Cook (Kathy). Marvin also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Jon Margules, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret (Stanislav) Cook, and his sister, Linda Margules.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the funeral home with a visitation one hour prior to the service; luncheon at the Grand Ledge Masonic Temple immediately following services; interment to be held 2:00 p.m. at Danby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Marvin Cook to the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Brenda Jo Farnham
Brenda Jo Farnham, a woman who always put her family first, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at her home. Brenda, 64, of Charlotte was born June 1, 1960 in Battle Creek to Larry Gene Farnham and Kazuko (Uno) Farnham. As an “Air Force Brat,” Brenda lived in many different places during her childhood. She graduated from Bellevue High School and pursued a career in accounting. During her time as an Accounting Clerk at Delta Dental, Brenda was nicknamed the “Delta Queen.” Following her retirement, Brenda returned to Delta Dental as a contractor until her great-grandson, Jett, was born.
One of Brenda’s greatest joys in life was being a fun grandma and spending time with her family. She cherished them all, especially her grandson Jacob, and great-grandson Jett. She was the caring matriarch of her family. She was always known as “The Lady In Charge” who loved giving instructions for any family gathering.
Brenda enjoyed gardening in her flower beds around her home and the vegetable patch outback. She also enjoyed fishing trips in summer on the water and winter on the ice. It wasn’t uncommon for her to out fish everybody else on any given day. Travel was always one of her favorite pastimes, whether it was sightseeing across the country, or riding ATV’s in northern Michigan. Her favorite destinations were anywhere with a sunny beach. Around the home Brenda enjoyed reading thriller novels, puzzles and cooking, especially salsa. Brenda always cooked for an Army. Sending home leftovers from any family gathering was so common that family and guests developed the habit of bringing their own to-go containers to the family dinners.
As a volunteer, Brenda became a strong advocate for Siren Shelter, gathering donations from throughout the staff and executives at Delta Dental which ranged from office equipment and supplies to office furniture and computers.
Brenda is survived by her husband, Steven Lake; daughter, Charity (Jason) Gravina; son, Andrew Lake; father, Larry Farnham; brother, Robert Farnham; grandson, Jacob (Millie) Gravina; and great-grandson, Jett Gravina. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kazuko Farnham.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Please join the family for visitation Sunday, September 15 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Brenda’s funeral services are Monday, September 16, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Ceresco Cemetery in Ceresco Michigan where she will be laid to rest next to her mother. 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 Brenda’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 Siren Shelter or Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Retta J. McNeil
Retta J. McNeil, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born March 5, 1939, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Jesse and Doris (Walker) Cundiff. She graduated from Dondero High School and went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She married Glenwood Dale McNeil in 1960. Retta had a special love for children her entire life and was an elementary school teacher and math consultant for Charlotte Public Schools for 31 years. She cherished her students and the relationships that were formed over the years. Retta and Glenwood raised and raced Standardbred horses for many years. She loved the horses, spending time with horse people, and the comradery of all those that worked together with them to make their racing a success.
Retta is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Glenwood; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Bruce Cundiff and Jesse Cundiff.
In keeping with Retta’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Retta’s memory to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Retta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
David Everett Hamilton
David Everett Hamilton of Onondaga, passed away September 2, 2024, at the age of 67. Dave was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on May 22, 1957, the son of Everette and Joan (Winters) Hamilton. He was an Eaton Rapids High School graduate. Dave was a Mechanic, he worked for University Olds for over 20 years and then went to work for Mead Brothers Excavating. He was an avid outdoorsman. Dave enjoyed camping, backpacking, hunting, exploring his property and riding dirt bikes. He was very intrigued by astronomy, even sending his daughter Kerri daily updates. Dave was a member of the NRA and enjoyed HAM radios. Most of all he loved his grandkids, and spending as much time with them as possible.
David is survived by his wife, Diane Hamilton of Onondaga; daughter, Kerri Jean (Nathan) Kulas of Albion; grandkids, Carter, Makenna and Kane Kulas; siblings, Jane (Ron) Moss, Carol Pilmore; sister-in-law, Jean Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim Hamilton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association in loving memory of David Everett Hamilton. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.