Obituaries
Bryan A. Zanola
Bryan Anthony Zanola, age 31 from Olivet passed away on January 26, 2022. Bryan was a line worker with General Motors. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
Marie E. Gee
Marie Ellen Gee, age 96, from Charlotte, passed away on January 29, 2022. She worked as a Claims processor Auto Owners Insurance. Service date: to be announced and service location: Deepdale Memorial Park. Arrangements being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
Wesley J. Colling
Wesley Jay Colling, age 64 from Charlotte formerly of Bay City passed away on January 31, 2022. Wesley worked in Automotive Body Repair at General Motors. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
James M. Horn, Sr.
James M. Horn Sr., age 69, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2022, at Sparrow Eaton Hospital. He was born April 18, 1952, in Warfield, Kentucky, the son of Milton and Myrtle (Maynard) Horn. Jim loved his entire family but was especially fond of his grandchildren. He was a jack of all trades and could do almost anything he set his mind to. He enjoyed working in his garden and spending time fishing on the many lakes and waterways of Michigan. Jim also had an affinity for Harley Davidson motorcycles and worked as a mechanic fixing them up.
Jim is survived by his children: Samantha (Jason) Croy of Charlotte, James Jr. (Amy) Horn of Western, Nebraska, Bettie (Donald) Szybicki of Beatrice, Nebraska; grandchildren: Brenden, Kaleb, Nicole, Elizabeth, Caiman, Jakob, Naomi, Tylar; and sister, Debi Gaudreau.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy; and sisters, Bonnie and Peggy.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
To view Jim’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.
Carole Boulton
In Loving Memory of Beloved Wife, Sister, Mother and Grandmother
Carole was born December 13, 1943, in Detroit Michigan to Arthur W and Ethel Carstens. On January 27, 2022 Carole passed away peacefully at Age 78 years, 1 month, 14 days after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Carole was predeceased by her Father and Mother Arthur and Ethel Carstens and Granddaughter Kate Elizabeth Boulton.
Carole is survived by Husband John B Boulton, Sister Kay Janet Carstens, Children son Matthew (Tammy), daughter Elizabeth (Jamie Peters), son Michael (Laura), daughter Sarah-Sally, daughter Lisa, son Jonathan (India), son Christopher, daughter Hannah, son Rane, daughter Maggie, son Joshua and Grandchildren Madison, Drew, Emma, Jane, Jack, Sarah, Thomas, Austin, Aiden, Henry and Chase
As children Carole and her older sister Kay Janet Carstens excelled in school at Flint and Eaton Rapids Michigan and both attended Michigan State University. Carole participated in 4H with her Brown Swiss Cow named Brownie whom she adored and won Grand Champion Ribbons with at the Eaton Rapids County 4H Fair. Carole expressed many times to family and friends her pride for having won awards but sadly and quite amusingly it is only after her death we have learned from her best childhood friend Jane Sprague she could not share keepsakes from this memory because her cow had eaten the ribbons.
While attending Michigan State University Carole met and married husband John Berry Boulton at St. Dunstan’s Chapel in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. After the ceremony, the newlyweds moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1964 where her husband John became a Music Professor at The University of Kansas. Over the next 20 years Carole and John’s non-traditional family grew through domestic and international adoptions with a total of 11 children.
Carole was admired for her ability to raise, nurture and instill good character and values in her children. Carole cherished classical music and was a music student and teacher for most of her life. At the age of 50, after years of playing flute she took on the challenge of learning cello which she mastered and enjoyed playing in various chamber ensembles and in the Topeka Symphony. She was an avid supporter of many arts programs locally and throughout the State of Kansas.
Carole loved nature and enjoyed gardening and proudly displayed flower arrangements and prepared meals from her own gardens. She also enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, camping and included the whole family in her outdoor adventures. Carole filled her home with books and music and her children’s closets with secondhand clothes from Animal Crackers her new and used clothing store in Lawrence for 20+ years.
Carole and her husband John have been long-time members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence. UUCL Congregation members have shared stories of Carole’s compassionate, nurturing and generous ways with our family, and we appreciate their sentiments. She was gracious and her receptions after UUCL Sunday concerts were often the highlight as she was a wonderful cook and baker. Carole was also an active participant with Master Food Volunteers of Lawrence for years.
Alzheimer’s disease stole memories and abilities and we have been saying goodbye to our wife, mother, and grandmother we loved slowly for years, and with her passing we can now say our final farewell. Carole had limitless energy and limitless love for her family, friends and pets, and we will cherish the memories that she has given us all. She will be forever missed.
A memorial bench and tree will be dedicated in memory of Carole Diana Boulton at a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Lawrence, Kansas Rotary Arboretum at 3:00 p.m. Sunday April 24, 2022.
Thelma J. Newsome
Thelma Jean (Bryant) Newsome of Springport formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 31, 2022, at the age of 82. Thelma was born in Martin, KY, June 11, 1939, one of 13 children, born to Benjamin Harrison “Chick” and Betty (Little) Bryant. In her younger years, she cleaned houses and babysat for her brother’s children. She later went on to work for Houston Farms and Heifetz Pickle Factory. She married the love of her life, Estill, who was also the most handsome man in Floyd Co., KY. She enjoyed her flowers, reading the newspaper, going out to eat, researching genealogy, visiting relatives back home in KY, shopping and “cemetery hopping.”
Thelma is survived by her children, Linda (Dean) Mikkelson, Cindy Hansen, Darrell (Catherine) Newsome, Gloria Newsome, Crystal (Corey) Church; grandchildren, Reatha (Matthew) Gates, Derek (Terina) Rockafellow, Tabitha (Ryan Clark) Rockafellow, Traci (Justice Boire) Newsome, Jeffrey (Beth) Newsome, Jared (Stephanie) Hansen, Hadley (Derrick) Weller; great grandchildren, Tesla, Allison, Mattison, Reanna, and Justin Gates, Aisha Furgala, Lorelie Newsome, Zayden Lindahl; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estill Newsome; daughters, Debbie Coffelt and Barbara Newsome; 12 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be 11 am Saturday February 5, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids with visitation taking place on Friday from 6-8 pm and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Munger Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice of charity. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Angela Michelle Pickett
Angela Michelle Pickett, of Charlotte, known to all as Angie, slipped from earth to her heavenly home on January 23, 2022, at the age of 44. Angie was the much-loved daughter of Penny (Van Skike) Pickett and Garth David (deceased) and Mike Pickett.
Born October 30, 1977, Angie lived a full life: Special Olympics (ten different sports), work (21 years at Subway) and adventure (bus tours and vacations). She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1997, and from The Learning Center in 2003. Angie also participated in the Adult Handicap Program for 28 years.
Angie loved her family, the color purple, her teammates, her cats, and her American Girl dolls. She traveled to Chicago, New York, Minnesota, and on the internet to purchase 29 dolls which she lovingly cared for—they were her “girls.” Angie never met a stranger. She had a beautiful smile that she shared freely, leaving handprints on the hearts of friends of all ages. To know Angie was to love Angie.
Angie is survived by her mother, Penny; close aunt and uncle, Brynda Filkins of Charlotte and Nathan Van Skike of Vermontville; many other special aunts, uncles and cousins; honorary brother, Martin Fabrik; her father, Mike Pickett and his daughter, Chelsea; grandmother, Patricia Van Skike. She was predeceased by Garth David, aunt, Gretchen Van Skike-Campbell, boyfriend, Mike Malerba, and grandfather, Bryan Van Skike.
Visitation with the family will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, on Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial service for Angie will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Avenue, Charlotte, on Friday, February 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial gifts, if desired, may be made to the Charlotte Community Library in Angie’s name. Angie was a beautiful soul, given by God, who made the world brighter just by being here.
Marianna June Wells
Marianna June Wells, age 95, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. She was born June 25, 1926, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the daughter of Erving and Mary (Plowfield) Russell. Marianna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, doing puzzles, and reading. Marianna was a devoted member of New Hope Community Church in Charlotte.
Marianna is survived by her children: Dennis (Donna) Wells of Oklahoma, Joyce Bristol of Vermontville, David (Pat) Wells of Charlotte, Jack (Dorleen) Wells of Vermontville; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; and sister Barb (Richard) Gellasch of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth in 2009; sisters: Maxine Baker, Ruth Schnoover; brothers: J. Lee Russell, Willis Russell; granddaughter, Julie Parish; and son-in-law, Jerry Bristol.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11 a.m.. at the New Hope Church, 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will take place starting at 10 A.M. at the church.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Marianne’s memory to the New Hope Community Church 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Marianna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr.
Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. 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 Kevin’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 the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Pamela Jean Weaver
Pamela Jean Weaver, 68 of Olivet, a caring lady with a beautiful smile, died at home surrounded by her loving family on January 20, 2022. Born Pamela Jean Rittenour on September 28, 1953, in Midland, she grew up and graduated from High School there in 1971. She went on to get her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Michigan State University, and went to work for the State of Michigan as a food inspector for 32 years. In September of 1978 she married Karl Amos Weaver and became a proud and strict, but fair mother to their three sons. Always gracious, Pam loved the Lord and sharing this love as a Sunday School teacher, member of the church choir, and a member of the State Christian Nurture Board for over 30 years.
Always with love and a giving spirit, Pam would help anyone in need, it made her happy to serve others and be an example of God’s love. Some of the activities she enjoyed include camping, NASCAR (working 19 years at the MIS race), fostering pets until they could find their “furever” homes (many of which stayed with Pam and Karl), and collecting everything with cow/moose on it. She was very proud of her family and their accomplishments and enjoyed being a grandmother more than anything.
Her smile and her jokes will be dearly missed by her family. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Karl; sons, Karl (Melissa Ann), Robbie (Amanda), and Timothy James (Heidi); grandchildren, Theodore, Lilly, and Alex; and sister, Anne (Tom) O’Brian; and many four-legged fur babies. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Pam’s family want to thank their many friends and family members for their outpouring of support over the last few weeks and invite them to attend services or share memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, January 29, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Sunday, January 30, 2022, 1:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Olivet, with Pastor Garry Fisher 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 Pam’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Eaton Area Humane Society, Heartland Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.