Obituaries
James Tew
James “Jim” Vincent Tew, 82 of Hopkins, Michigan, passed away Monday, November 28, 2022, following a valiant fight against leukemia. Born in Battle Creek, Michigan on March 15, 1940, he was the son of the late Shirley Vincent and Opal Lucinda (Varin) Tew. Jim grew up in Bellevue, Michigan and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing all sports, especially baseball, both vocal and instrumental music, and hunting and fishing, which he pursued for many years. Jim took his basic training in San Antonio, Texas for the Air National Guard and fulfilled his six-year commitment during a more peaceful time. After the service, he went on to attend Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1966 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Primary employment commitments were at Engineering Castings Inc., Marshall, Michigan; Rockwell International, Allegan, Michigan; and Bosch Corporation, St. Joseph, Michigan. He retired in 2002. Jim married his true love, Bertha M. Bayha, on December 5, 1964, and together were blessed with three children which they both took great pride in raising. People always felt comfortable around Jim, probably because he had a wonderful knack of making them feel special and that what they said mattered. His quick wit and great sense of humor made him fun to be around and making things “fun” and helping others, especially family members, was a special gift he nurtured. Being creative, Jim created events like the “Tew Olympics” which was enjoyed by family and friends all summer. Even though he battled leukemia, Jim did all in his power to remain positive and live out his life with love and joy.
Also surviving are his children: James and Wendy Tew of Hopkins, Jennifer and Liam Salisbury of Plainwell, and Jonathan and Debra Tew of Hopkins; grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved so much and was proud of are: James, Jessica (Ridge), Jordan, Megan (Jeff), Kelsey (Joe), Allie, Anthony, Nathan, Joshua, Kamdyn, Graysen, Korrah, Rylynn and Theo; and his sister, Sharon Coltson.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Albert; sister, Ellen; and granddaughter, Emilee.
A Memorial Visitation for Jim will be held on December 27, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Hopkins United Methodist Hall on Maple Street in Hopkins. The family invites all to come and share your memories and stories of Jim. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
Frances DeBar
Frances Ruth Fletcher DeBar, known to family and friends as Fran or Frannie, passed away peacefully in her home in Lakeside, California on November 15, 2022 after several months of compassionate care from her oldest son Michael and Hospice. Fran is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Bernice Fletcher; sister, Donis (Monor); and brother, Douglas. She is survived by her sons, whom she loved unconditionally: Michael, Robin (Rob), William, and Baron; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Fran was born in Charlotte, Michigan and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1952. She loved God’s creatures, especially horses, and as a young girl she enjoyed caring for her own horse named Silver, who she called her best friend. In 1981, she moved to the San Diego area where she lived out her remaining years. There, she worked as a real estate receptionist until retiring in 2007. She was a huge fan of NASCAR and rooted on her favorite driver from the San Diego area, Jimmy Johnson.
Although there will not be a funeral service per her request, Fran will join her parents and siblings at their final resting place, Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. A celebration of her life will be planned for the spring of 2023 with details to be determined.
Valdean Jaquette
Valdean Delores Jaquette, age 89, of Charlotte passed away Sunday, November 27, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. She was born February 14, 1933, in Charlotte the daughter of Dorr and Addie (Root) Parr. Valdean graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1950. On June 11, 1950, just a month after her graduation, she married Robert Jaquette. Valdean was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored each and every member of her family. Valdean was a magnificent cook and gracious hostess. She enjoyed entertaining and serving beautifully prepared meals to all of her guests. Her love of cooking was passed on to her family and is still creating lasting memories for many today. Valdean loved traveling with Robert and their many friends and her grandchildren were also beneficiaries of grandma and grandpa’s love of travel. One of their favorite places to visit was Pokagon State Park in Indiana. In later years she looked forward to her ladies’ card group gatherings where they played Hand and Foot. Valdean was a devoted Christian and was active in church her entire life.
Valdean is survived by her children: Deanne (Bruce) Davis of Charlotte, Sharon (Stephen) Arnold of Canadian Lakes, David Jaquette of Charlotte, Marlene (Larry) Linn of Decaturville, TN, Maria (Jack) Beam of Charlotte, John (Donna) Jaquette of Crandall, TX, Tim (Lisa) Jaquette of Bellevue; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; sister, Linda Brown; brother, Jerry (Eileen) Parr; sister-in-law, Ruth Perry; special friend, Sherri Wilbur; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and sister, Shirley (Cecil) Hayter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, December 2, 2022, at 11 a.m. at City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial took place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Valdean’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To view Valdean’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Marguerite Burkhead
Marguerite Louise (Green) Burkhead passed away peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida on November 26, 2022. God blessed her with 88 years. Marguerite was born on July 16, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Fordyce and Edna (Schwan) Green. She spent her growing up years in Charlotte, Michigan, helping her Daddy in the family-owned grocery and meat market, “Green’s Market” on North Cochran Avenue. Marguerite attended Charlotte Public Schools, graduating with the class of ’52. After graduation, she attended college at Michigan State University. On June 16, 1956, Marguerite was joined in marriage to M Douglas Burkhead at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. After marrying into the Burkhead family, she then became a longtime partner and a supporter of operations and success of the Burkhead Funeral Home.
Marguerite was a very active lady around town! Even though she was busy raising a family, helping at the funeral home, and supporting her husband, Doug who was a longtime member of the Charlotte Fire Department, she still found time for others. Marguerite was a member of the GFWC, Charlotte Country Club, and Evening Belles. She served as president of the Nursery School, of Mobile Meals, and was extremely active in both. Marguerite was a very talented piano and organ player. She put those God-given talents to good use and blessed countless souls as she played uplifting hymns for many years at the St. John’s Episcopal Church.
In later years, Doug and Marguerite moved away from Charlotte, relocating near Traverse City. Winters were spent in sunny and warm Fort Myers, Florida. Even though these were beautiful locations, their hometown always held a special place in her heart. Marguerite’s love and interest in Charlotte never waned and she would visit often with her friends and family back home. She always found a way to read the weekly County Journal from cover to cover to keep up on the latest news.
Many other things could be said about this amazing lady. She was a terrific seamstress and loved to sew. Marguerite was a gourmet cook in the fullest sense of the word. She was an avid gardener. She and Doug lived very full lives! Whether they were bowling, boating, camping, skiing, snowmobiling, or taking trips in their motorhome, they enjoyed doing those things together. Marguerite’s family was paramount to her. No one ever had to wonder whether or not Mom loved them. And while she will be deeply missed, knowing that she is home with the Lord is a tremendous comfort, even during this time of sorrow and grief.
Marguerite is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, M Douglas; daughters, Sabrina (Kurt Feikert) Burkhead of Traverse City, MI, Lizabeth (Michael Schaefer) Riebow of Traverse City, MI, Danielle (Kevin) Kenworthy of Fort Myers, Florida; son-in-law, Barry Riebow; grandchildren, Spencer (Ashley) Riebow, Taylor (Alex) Favreau, Kailee Kenworthy, Kasside Kenworthy, Keaton Kenworthy; great grandchildren, Lucy Riebow, Etta Favreau; brother, Charley (Leann) Green of Charlotte; sister, Susan Carpenter of Whitehall; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Marguerite’s life will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Minister Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon, December 4, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. on Monday, prior to the Celebration of Life. Interment will take place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marguerite’s memory to the First Congregational Church UCC, 106 S. Bostwick St, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Marguerite’s obituary online or to leave your condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Janis Clinkscale
Janis Marie Clinkscale of Eaton Rapids passed away November 20, 2022, at the age of 80. She was born in Lansing, MI on January 4, 1942, the daughter of Max and Jeannetta (Luke) Shively. Janis worked as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Governor George Romney’s Secretary, and later was a passionate homemaker. She loved to garden and shared that love with her children. Janis was a generous woman, eager to share with all who had a need; “The only thing that matters is what you do for Jesus.” She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids.
Janis is survived by her children: Donna (Kevin) Rich of Charlotte, Laura (Steven) Frayre of Lansing, Trixie (John) Tanner of Eaton Rapids, Kendra (Robby) Axline of Lansing, Belinda Hoppes of San Antonio, and Michael Hoppes of San Antonio; stepsons, Karl (Doris) Hoppes of San Antonio and Edward Hoppes of Olivet; 19 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ronna (Wade) Chipman of Ionia, Judith Hall of Okemos, and Susan (Bryan) Danby of Portland; and her beloved parrot, Daisy. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Wiltse; parents; and foster brother, George Darling.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at the Church of the Nazarene in Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Visitation also took place Friday, December 2, 2022, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made to Love a Child, PO Box 60063, Fort Myers, FL 33913. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave condolences, please visit our website, millsfuneral.com.