Obituaries
Mary Kidder
On December 18, 2022, Mary Ellen (Hall) Kidder passed away peacefully at age 86. As a mother and housewife, she raised three children with Don, her husband of 63 years on their family farm. She loved cooking, craft work and being with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Donald; daughter, Jodi; son, James; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, John.
Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 where visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place, Rev. Cary Grant officiating.
The family respectfully requests no flowers. If desired, please feel free to contribute in Mary’s memory, to the charity of your choice. And you may visit http://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to send the family condolences.
Pamela Blakney
Pamela Ann Blakney, an easy-going lovable person, died on Monday, December 19, 2022. Pamela, 66, of Vermontville was born September 5, 1956, in Brookfield, PA, the daughter of William and Athena (Sedaris) Jones. On February 14, 1975, at the age of 18 Pamela married the love of her life, Donald Blakney, and created lasting memories together. She devoted her working career to the Eaton County Courthouse, where she held many positions over the years, most prominently as a deputy clerk in the County Clerk office. When Pamela wasn’t working, she enjoyed trips to the casino, shopping adventures, crocheting, working in her flower gardens, and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren.
Pamela is survived by her husband of 47 years, Donald Sr.; daughter, Carrie Blakney; grandchildren, Dylan, Kayla, Jayden, Brennan, and Soliana; siblings, Nick (Fran) Jones, Jeff Jones, Greg (Sally) Jones, Chris (Lynn) Jones, and Marty (Amy) Jones; and brother-in-law, Tom Emery. She was predeceased by her parents; son, Donnie Blakney; and sister, Barbara Emery.
Friends are encouraged to support Pamela’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Pamela for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Willa Mae White
Willa Mae White, age 93 of Olivet, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior on Saturday, December 17, 2022. She was born July 27, 1929, in Battle Creek. Willa was a devoted wife and mother. She loved her family and enjoyed spending many special times together. She also had a love for animals and counted her many dogs as if they too were members of the family. Willa enjoyed staying connected with her many special friends and family members on the phone. She was also quite fond of her animal programs on the TV and listening to Big Band music. Willa always looked forward to her weekly trips to Mary’s Hair Care in Olivet to get her hair done but more importantly find out all the latest scoop around town. In her younger years she served as a volunteer at Lila Hospital in Battle Creek.
Willa is survived by her son, Donald (Nikki Ayers) White of Olivet; cousin, Anna Harris of Battle Creek; second cousin, Jim Harris of Battle Creek; and grandsons: Curtis and Logan Ayers.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Donald in 2012.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Willa’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Willa’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Flora B. Alwood
On December 17, 2022, Alzheimer’s disease claimed another life. Flora (Flo) B. Alwood (Snow) will be remembered for her kindness and compassion.
She had a fierce love of her family whether we were being lovable or not. She was known for her generosity of time, baked goods and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas. There was always an extra place at her table. Thousands of cookies were baked over the years and handed out to help brighten a day.
Flora was the middle child in a family of eight children and grew up without indoor plumbing or having new clothes. This likely fueled her love of shopping and gift giving. She often dealt with life’s challenges with a sense of humor, and she loved to laugh – whether it was at another frozen birthday cake, the antics of a pet or grandchild or someone acting like a fool – she saw a lot of humor in the world. She loved children and animals and was happiest being of service to others.
Flo is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard (Dick); daughter, Cindie (Sarah Schreiber); sons, Marty (Tina) and Russ (Tracey); grandsons, Patric and Nathaniel; one sister, Joyce Favero; a brother, Sam Snow; and many friends.
Flora and Dick were devoted members of the Delton Moose Lodge and spent hours cooking, hosting events and providing much needed services to the children and families of the Delton community. Flo will be remembered most for her unwavering support of her family, her willingness to jump in and help wherever and whenever it was needed and being a good friend.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Delton Moose Lodge.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr.
Chad Wayne Lewis, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022.
Chad was born on November 14, 1943, to Lawrence and Norma Helen Lewis in Harlan County, Kentucky. On January 19, 1962, he and Judy Kay Cornett, along with their parents, crossed Black Mountain from Harlan to Sneedville, Tennessee and were married by Reverend Amos Presley, an uncle of the late Elvis Presley. They moved to Michigan the next day in hopes of building a new life away from the coal mines. He and Judy had their first child, Helen Gail, in 1964 followed by Chad Jr. in 1967, and Mary Evelyn in 1973. Chad began his career at Corning Glass Works in Albion and, subsequently, Owen-Illinois Glass in the maintenance department. As evidence of his work ethic, Chad attended Lansing Community College where he earned his electrician license, all while working full-time in maintenance, being an involved father and husband, and building their new house in Springport in 1976. He retired as an industrial journeyman electrician after more than 40 years with O-I in Charlotte.
Chad spent most of his time in retirement with his best friend, Judy. After 31 years of marriage, they separated but remained great friends and companions. They often took day trips together, gardened, enjoyed Chinese food, and never passed by a Goodwill store without stopping. Chad particularly enjoyed holidays and family gatherings, where he would always comment on the great food and how it made him happy to have his family all together. In his words, “Judy is the best cook in this world” and “it sure is nice to have all the family together, wouldn’t ya say, Jude?”
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Henry. He is survived by two brothers, Larry Lewis and Jerry (Denise) Lewis; his ex-wife, Judy; daughter, Helen (Mick) Collier; son, Chad (Sue) Lewis, Jr.; daughter, Mary (Don) Cesco; seven grandchildren: Dave (Kendra) Leib, Chris (Jessica) Bouvier, Courtney (Kirk Underwood) Lewis, Jana (Calvin) Powell, John (Ashley) Lewis, Josh Cesco, and eleven great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Chad’s wishes, a private memorial service for the family will take place at a later date.