Obituaries
Robert Ronald West
Robert Ronald West, age: 75, from Charlotte, Michigan passed away on August 15, 2024. A service was held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Rozena Kathleen Tennant
Rozena “Rose” Kathleen Tennant, a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, died just shy of her 80th birthday on Saturday, July 13, 2024. Rose, 79, of Eaton Rapids, was born on July 29, 1944, in Stockbridge the daughter of Harry and Helen (Lutz) Hoffman. In 1971 Rose married Ernest David Tennant and together they created many lasting memories until his passing in 2022. Others knew Rose for her hospitality, she loved cooking and baking and giving her treats to others around the neighborhood. Rose turned back to her German Heritage every Christmas and made the best German Christmas cookies. She kept a very neat and tidy home extending to her flowerbeds, as there were never weeds to be found. Family meant the world to Rose. As a family there were the trips around the country, camping trips, supporting her boys with scouts, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rose is survived by her son, Troy Tennant; stepson, Kyle (LeAnn) Tennant; grandchildren, Alexis (Russell) Pliley, Ryan (Maisie) Tennant, Stephan Tennant, and Connor Tennant; five great-grandchildren; brother, Clifford (Christine) Hoffman; and dear friend, Sally Boehlke. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Ernest; son, Tim Tennant; sister, Mary Kill; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Rozena’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10-11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Rose’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Oaklawn Hospice or the Faith Assembly of God. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Shirley Gennevieve Gilbert
Shirley Gennevieve Gilbert, age 94, of Dimondale, Michigan, passed away on August 9, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan. Shirley was born on February 21, 1930, the daughter of Merle and Flossie Eitniear, who have preceded her in death. She graduated from Dimondale High School and the Lansing Community College LPN Nursing Program. She loved caring for others as an LPN throughout the 1960s. Shirley married Henry Gilbert, and they enjoyed over 40 years of marriage before his passing in 1994. She was an active volunteer for RSVP – Retired and Senior Volunteer Program with AmeriCorps. Shirley loved to knit and crochet and has donated well over 300 scarves and dishcloths.
Along with her parents and husband, Shirley is preceded in death by her brothers: Robert, Wayne, Jake, and Ted, and her infant sister, Janelee. She is survived by her children, Sue Osborn (Tom Denman) and George (Frances) Gilbert; grandchildren: Chad (Brittany) Osborn, Nathan Osborn, Stacy Davis, and Kelly (Jim) Skaryd; and seven great-grandchildren. Shirley is also survived by her sister, Ann (Wayne) Vahs, and special friends, Cindy and Jackie.
A special thank you to her great-grandson, Matthew Osborn, for helping with her care for three years in addition to the many “granny nights” we shared.
Per Shirley’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Darrell Glenn Wertz
Darrell “Darry” Glenn Wertz, 87, of Charlotte, a natural-born people person and story teller, died on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 in Charlotte. Darry was born February 8, 1937, the son of Duane and Martha (Welch) Wertz. He graduated from Charlotte High School before honorably serving in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he worked briefly at Oldsmobile before launching a lifelong adventure as an entrepreneur. Throughout the years, Darry owned local businesses including DJ’s Party Store in Charlotte, the D&D Village Bar in Bellevue and the Roadrunner Bar in Vermontville. He worked over 60 years in the family business, D.E. Wertz John Deere in Charlotte and Devereaux, MI.
Many will remember Darry for his need for speed. He was a State Champion snowmobile racer in the 1970s, and an avid motorcycle racer. He travelled the state with his turbocharged motorcycle, putting to shame other racing bikes and breaking a few bones in the process. In later years, he enjoyed time up North at the family cabin in Crystal Valley with his son, Van, where they enjoyed countless Jeep rides through the sand dunes. He was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club, and a friend to many.
Darry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dolores “Dee” Wertz; son, Van (Mary) Wertz; daughter-in-law, Julie Wertz; four grandchildren, Trevor (Tracey) Wertz, Zane (Lynn) Wertz, Spencer (Sarah) Wertz, and Dalton Wertz; four great-grandchildren, Jaelan Wertz, Brody Wertz, Silas Wertz, and Hazen Wertz; sister, Angie Earl; sister-in-law, Linda Wertz; and several nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his sons, Shane Wertz and Wade Wertz; grandson, Kory Wertz; stepsons, Ronald and Richard Bartlett; siblings, Donny Wertz, Dennis Wertz, and Marcia Dewey; and brother-in-law, Fred Earl.
Friends are encouraged to support Darry’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial gathering will be held at noon on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Darry’s Party Barn. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Virginia Tobias
Virginia Tobias, age 90 of, Nashville, MI. went to be with her Lord on August 7, 2024.
Virginia was born in Battle Creek, MI, on June 27, 1934, a daughter of the late Irene and Harry Potter.
She was raised in the Bellevue area and attended local schools graduating from Bellevue High School in 1953.
After finishing her education Virginia was married to Mr. Stanley Parr, and the couple had 4 children. In 1959 Virginia & Stanley purchased their farm in Bellevue where they raised livestock and crop farmed. For 32 years she worked tirelessly making their house a home. She was a true Matriarch. Their marriage ended in 1981.
In 1982, Virginia embarked on a new career path as a legal secretary for the Department of Corrections in Ionia. She worked faithfully for over 10 years before retiring in 1992.
In 1983, Virginia was married to Mr. Richard Tobias, and the couple made their home together in Nashville for 41 years. Ginny loved her flower gardens, birds, and everything nature. Her cinnamon rolls were well known in Nashville, especially with everyone at Hometown lumber, where she would take them over just because. She was a lifelong member of the Bellevue Baptist Church and loved her church family very much.
Virginia is survived by her four children, daughters Debby (Ken) Burkett, Kathy Newton, Cindy (Brad) Halsey, her son David (Lori) Parr, her much loved sister Carolyn Case, along with her stepchildren Aaron, Dan and Ben (BJ) Tobias. She has 12 Grandchildren, Lisa, Kenny Mark, Diana, Adam, Lucas, Storm, Emily, Mindy, Callee, Forrest, Kady and Kim, and 31 great grandchildren. Her cherished pets, Polly and Scooter who were always by her side. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Tobias, her brother Harry Potter, and her husband Stanley Parr who passed away in 2016.
Funeral service was held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at The First Baptist Church, in Bellevue MI, located at 122 S. Main Street, Bellevue MI 49021. The family received visitors on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from at The First Baptist Church in Bellevue, MI.
Interment will take place privately.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.