Obituaries
Gary Frank Saylor
Gary Frank Saylor, age 69, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Gary was born on July 10, 1953, in Lansing, Michigan, to Jack and Lenora (Anson) Saylor. On June 2, 1972, he was married to Audrey “Penny” Sebastian in Springport, Michigan. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer.
Gary was a hard-working man. He worked at Spartan Motors as a mechanic for almost 30 years. He loved to play as hard as he worked! During the off-work hours in summer and on weekends, you would find him driving either his motorcycle, quad, or boat. Or else, he just may be participating in some other outdoor sport which he enjoyed. Gary loved to hunt and fish. He took meticulous care of his yard. Gary was an animal lover to the core. His dogs and cats never lacked for affection! Above all though, Gary loved his family. His wife, children, and grandkids knew that they meant the world to him and that he would go to the ends of the earth for them. Life must go on, but it simply won’t be the same without him.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Audrey “Penny”; children, Chad (Brandi) Saylor of Eaton Rapids, Jamie (Mike) Stenberg of Charlotte, Brandon Saylor of Charlotte; two very special nephews, Christopher (Stacey) Caruthers of Hastings, and Brian (Pam) Caruthers of Charlotte; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren; sister, Jody (Kent) Laubhan of Claremore, OK; uncle, Roger (Cheryl) Saylor of Holt; and many friends and co-workers.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Sharon Worden.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Brian Caruthers officiating at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Betty V. Fletcher
Betty V. Fletcher, 83, of Charlotte, MI (formerly, of Rimersburg, PA), passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Eaton Community Palliative Care.
She was born April 11, 1939, in Rimersburg, the daughter of Wilbur L. and Alberta R. (Miller) Seybert.
Betty lived in the Rimersburg area all her life until moving to Michigan in 2009. She worked in food service for many years as a cook and baker and was known for making many delicious meals and desserts for her family and friends. Betty was a member of Rimersburg First United Methodist Church and also belonged to the Red Hat Society and Alive Health Club.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Cynthia K. Jones; and husband, Larry, of Charlotte, MI; grandchildren, Shane Risher of Clarion, and Craig Jones and wife, Jennifer of Charlotte, MI; brothers, Howard E. Seybert and wife, Sylvia, of Hermitage, PA, and John W. Seybert, of Farrell, PA; sister, Sharon K. Wilson and husband, Tom, of Rimersburg; sister-in-law, Joanne Seybert; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, John C. Fletcher, whom she married November 30, 1973, and who died May 15, 2002; son, Michael Craig, who died July 20, 1979; and brothers, Wilbur L. Seybert, Jr., and Donald P. Seybert.
Services were held on Friday, January 13, 2023, at Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 758 Main St., Rimersburg, PA with Rev. Brock Beveridge officiating.
Interment is in Rimersburg Cemetery, Rimersburg, PA.
Contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to Rimersburg First United Methodist Church, 399 Main St., Rimersburg, PA 16248.
Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.
For anyone wishing to send an online condolence to Betty’s family please visit, www.bauerfuneral.com.
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.