Obituaries
Maryellen Dudley
1929 brought Maryellen (Koch) Dudley into the world in Bellevue, Ohio, the only child of Virgie Mae (Nicely) and Merlin Koch. As a child, she was a student of song and dance and performed around the community. Her father died when she was twelve. She then lived on her grandmother’s farm with her mother.
As a cheerleader she met her future husband, Gene, the jock. Maryellen attended Michigan State University where she joined the Alpha Phi sorority, studied languages, and was a radio host.
Maryellen and Gene married in 1949, and lived in Dayton, Ohio. In 1957, they moved their family to Charlotte, Michigan. While she lovingly devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, Maryellen also enjoyed many activities and hobbies; knitting, sewing, playing bridge, golfing, dancing, and singing. She served as president of the Altar Society at St. Mary Church. She and Laurel Pray fundraised door-to-door to get St. Mary School built. Women’s Club activities included Senior Tea’s, Choir, and Mobile Meals.
After retirement, Maryellen and Gene moved to Coldwater Lake, later moving to Sarasota, Florida, then Maryellen moved to Cumming, Georgia, where her death occurred at the Villas of Canterfield.
Maryellen is survived by their children, Thais Dudley (Dennis) Mishler, Doug (Mary) Dudley, Laurie Dudley, Julie Dudley (Denny) Wilson; eight grandchildren, Joel (Judy) Mishler, Mara (Jason) Braegelmann, Michael Mishler, Kaitlin (Tommy) Curtin, Sean (Margaret) Dudley, Brendan Dudley, Jake (Kaitlyn) Wilson, Jenna Wilson; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; step-father, Paul Roberts; and her husband, Eugene.
Friends are encouraged to support Maryellen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held Monday October 6, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will conclude with guests joining in a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 8:45 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI with Rev. Father Dwight Ezop celebrating. Visitation will also be held at the church just prior to the mass from 10-11:00 a.m. 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 Maryellen’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 Maple Hill Cemetery, 801 Tully Brown Drive in Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dennis Joel Barnett
Dennis Joel Barnett, was born on February 15, 1953, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of LeRoy and Donis (Bowser) Barnett. After a life rich with love and dedication, he passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on September 18, 2025, in his hometown.
Dennis devoted 37 years of his career to General Motors in Lansing, where his commitment and work ethic earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike. He was proud to have graduated from Charlotte High School in 1971. On July 7, 1972, he married Susan Carol Harvey at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte.
Known for his selfless nature, Dennis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and provider, whose proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly his family and the cherished moments they shared. He took immense joy in spending time with his loved ones, especially his children and grandchildren, who brought him limitless happiness. An avid sports fan, Dennis held Michigan State University football season tickets for 40 years, demonstrating his unwavering support for his team and his vibrant spirit.
Beyond sports, he enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including exploring nature, hunting, and taking scenic drives in the countryside. His cabin in Onaway was a special retreat for him and his family, allowing him to connect with the beauty of the outdoors. Classic rock music filled his life, echoing the rhythm of his adventures, while his dogs provided loyal companionship and joy.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; children, Rheagan (Chris) Anderson, Derek (Lindsay) Barnett, Cassandra (Eugene) Suh; grandchildren, Jonathan Barnett, Max Anderson, Elliott Suh, Colin Anderson, Rory Suh, Natalie Barnett, Simon Dennis Suh; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Barnett; sister, Judy Barr; niece, Lindsay Nakfoor; and sister-in-law, Linda Harvey.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dennis’s memory to the American Kidney Association.
To view Dennis’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.
Shirley Elaine (Zima) Melvin
Shirley Elaine (Zima) Melvin, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and sister, Margaret. Shirley, 77, of Albion, was born on July 14, 1948, in Charlotte, the daughter of Albert and Pauline (Michalski) Zima. Family meant the world to Shirley, and she enjoyed every holiday get-together and family gathering. She was known as the family photographer, and capturing countless family memories that the family will cherish forever. In 1983, Shirley married George Melvin and together have spent the last 42 years creating cherished memories at their residence on Prairie Lake. Shirley proudly worked for Owens Brockway for 42 years before her retirement in 2010. She enjoyed fishing, doing yard work, cleaning, cooking, going to garage sales, and most importantly spoiling her beloved cats. Above all her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.
Shirley is survived by her husband, George; step-children, Travis Melvin and Melissa Bolton; step-grandchildren, Wyatt and Morgan; sisters, Carolyn Zima and Margaret Johnson; brothers-in-law, Guy (Tracey) Melvin, Jeff Flynn, and Scott Melvin; nieces, Stacey (Larry) Lingenfelter, Kelly Flynn, Kayla Flynn, Kristen Cheedie, Brooke Melvin, and Taryn Melvin; nephews, Aaron (Jeoannie) Johnson, William Todd (Buffy) Burford, and Race Melvin; seven great-nieces; four great-nephews; cousins, Jim Michalski, Kathleen Black, Rick (Audrey) Michalski, and Vicki (Randy) Williams; and special friends, Paul and Betty Vroman. She was predeceased by her parents; mother-in-law, Adrianne Flynn; and father-in-law, George Melvin.
The family would like to thank the Oaklawn Hospice nurses and aids for their exceptional care for Shirley.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the mass from 10–11:00 a.m. With interment to follow at West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Shirley’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 St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rest in Peace Shirley.
Nancy Joanne Fox
Nancy Joanne Fox of Eaton Rapids, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Nancy was born on May 25, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Archie and Louise (Beashore) Fox. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and then went on to attend Michigan State University. Nancy worked for the State of Michigan for many years before her retirement. She was very social and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite hobbies was playing Bridge.
Nancy is survived by her nephew, John B. Fox; nieces, Kellie (Jack) Patton, Ceresa (James) Justus-Lee, Michele (Scott) Miller, Wendy (Brian) Rogers, Amy Norris; sister, Kathy Sage of Canada; sister-in-law, Gloria Fox; brother-in-law, Gordon Dill; 14 great nieces and nephews as well as many great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Norris, Mary Dill; brother, John D. Fox.
A private family burial was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township, Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Leonard LeRoy Gyles
Leonard LeRoy Gyles of Holt, passed away September 10, 2025, at the age of 104. Leonard was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan, on July 24, 1921, the son of Fred and Elsie (Behling) Gyles. Leonard grew up to serve his country with bravery and distinction as a member of the United States Army during World War II, notably engaging in the historical Battle of the Bulge. For his service Leonard was awarded, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European African-Middle East Campaign (with Bronze Star) WWII Victory Medal. Following his military service, Leonard cultivated a fulfilling career as a master barber, a position he held with pride until his retirement. He was an active participant in the First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Leonard was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #70 F & AM of Mason, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 8 and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association. An avid golfer, Leonard found tranquility and camaraderie on the greens.
He is survived by his children, Marilyn Stenberg of Pleasant Lake, Marlene (Michael) Osborn of Okemos, Lamont Gyles of Mason; devoted companion, Betty Fogle; Betty’s children, Gerry (Brent) Grinold, Clare (Janette) Everett, Clarice (Paul) Hamlin, Marcia Everett and Barb Woolard, Marie (Ralph) LaLonde;13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Marie Gyles; siblings, Leo Gyles, Bill Gyles, Margaret Hinkley, Dorothy Thomas, Lloyd Gyles; son, Leon Gyles; son-in-law, Jack Stenberg; daughter-in-law, Linda Gyles.
A Memorial Service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 Washington Rd., Holt, MI 48842. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Military Heritage Museum, 311 N. Wisner St, Jackson MI 49202. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Nancy Jean Jecks
Nancy Jean Jecks of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the age of 80.
Nancy was born on August 6, 1945, in Charlotte, MI. She attended school there through the 11th grade before graduating with the Sexton High School Class of 1963.
She was admired for her strong work ethic and meticulous nature. Nancy dedicated 31 years to General Motors in payroll and workers’ compensation insurance before spending another eight years running her own business, Bucket and Broom, where she contracted to do final cleanups of new construction homes. Even away from work, Nancy poured her energy into maintaining a spotless home, a well-tended lawn, and a beautifully kept garden.
In her younger years, Nancy learned to fly alongside her father and cherished the time they spent together in the air. She was also an avid golfer, playing in leagues at both Centennial Acres and Eldorado Golf Course. Nancy had a deep love for animals, especially panda bears, and treasured the companionship of her grand dogs. She and her husband, Tom, enjoyed wintering in Paso Robles, CA, where she enjoyed visiting vineyards, taking in the ocean views, and strolling the beaches in search of sea glass.
Nancy is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Thomas Jecks; her sons, Archie Jecks and Mark (Debbie McCreary) Whitlock; grandchildren, Nina Whitlock and Mitchell Whitlock; brothers, Mike Lord and Terry Lord; along with numerous extended family members and cherished friends.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Eaton County Humane Society or the American Cancer Fund. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Rae Marie Warner
Rae Marie Warner (Parish), a much-loved mother of six children, age 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully at home on September 14, 2025, leaving a void her family will never be able to fill.
Rae Marie enjoyed cheering on her grandkids and great-grandkids from the sidelines. If she could not be at every sporting event in person, she was calling and texting every five minutes for an update. She never missed a moment. Sundays were for the Detroit Lions, and she looked forward to the banter and back-and-forth with her boys. She loved to knit, boy, did she love to knit. She would show up one week with ten pairs of slippers and still arrive the next with ten more, “just in case.”
In her younger years, before becoming a grandmother and an armchair quarterback with opinions on everything from football to family get-togethers, she was known for her voice. If you knew Rae, you knew her voice, a voice that gave you goosebumps and made you forget all your troubles. And just like she did so many times here on Earth, today she sings with the angels.
Rae Marie is survived by her children: three sons, Michael, Matthew, and Mitchell (Sara) Parish; and two daughters, Stacie Veit and Shannon Parish; eleven grandchildren, Kellie, Kurtis, Gerhard, Samantha, Katie, Tony, Kristy, Danny, Myles, Scotty, and Molly; nine great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bob Warner. They will all miss her deeply.
She is now reunited with her beloved daughter, Kellie Jo Parish; her sister, Kay Warner; her brothers, Larry and Danny Warner; and her parents, George and Maxine Warner.
There will be a celebration of life memorial and lunch on September 27, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at the Eaton Rapids Senior Center, 201 Grand Street, Eaton Rapids.
Debra G. Etheridge
Debra G. Etheridge, age 70 of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 1, 1955, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Ted and Evelyn (Henderson) Marshall.
Debra cherished her family above all else, a testament to the love she instilled in their lives. She is survived by her daughter, Tiffany (Ross) Mumma; and her four beloved grandchildren, Brittney (AJ) Bowen, Brooke (Austin) Clements, Emily (Cary Hudson) Mumma, and Elizabeth Mumma. Additionally, she leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren who will remember her affectionate spirit. Debra is also survived by her sisters, Sindi Marshall, Tammy (Gary) Bower, Lisa Marshall, and Beth (Tim) Massengale; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carrie Etheridge; her son, Joshua Meacham; her sister, Lori Henry; her brother, Teddy Marshall; and her niece, Maggie Marshall.
Throughout her life, Debra found joy in various hobbies including playing card games, creating and decorating miniature dollhouses, and engaging in arts and crafts such as scrapbooking and painting ceramics. Her creativity and passion enriched her life and the lives of those around her.
Debra’s Celebration of Life will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, located at 206 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, Michigan. Visitation will take place on September 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m.
Debra G. Etheridge will be dearly missed by her family and friends, and her memory will forever remain in their hearts.
To view Debra’s obituary online or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Daniel Barton Geyer
Mr. Daniel (Danny) Barton Geyer, 59, of Charlotte, unexpectedly passed away in his home on September 6, 2025.
Danny was born in Muskegon, Michigan, July 18, 1966 to Barton and Patsy (Foreman) Geyer. In 1984, Danny graduated from Holt High School and then furthered his education in computer science. In 1994, he successfully completed Teen Challenge, admitting that his life was forever changed and that he had given his life to Jesus Christ. This is a testament he carried for the remainder of his life.
Danny made it his personal mission to make sure every person in his reach was wearing a smile. He had the uncanny ability to turn even the most ridiculous and difficult situations into treasured family memories.
He was completely in love with his family. He was never happier than when he was hamming it up with the Foremans. Whether it be in the middle of winter at Christmas parties, or in the middle of summer, soaking in the pool, he had a blast. More recently, he was excited to add his Geyer siblings to his shenanigans! He was so proud of that re-connection. It was a chance to share his love with even more of his cherished family.
While he loved cutting it up with his cousins, his true calling was much closer to home. Not only was he his mother’s child, but he was also her best friend. Never has there been a son that loved his mother more. They were partners in crime; two peas in a pod. No get-together was complete without Aunt Pat and Cousin Danny! There was never a dull moment to be had when those two were present.
Danny was preceded in death by his father, Barton Geyer; his uncles, Jack Foreman, Herbert “Herby” Geyer, Gilbert “Gil” Geyer; aunts, Betty (Foreman) Booher, Gloria (Geyer) Wood; cousins, Jody Mac Foreman, Matthew Zoll.
He is survived by his mother, Patsy; uncles, Mac Foreman (Diane), Bennett “Ben” Geyer; aunt, Susan Steffen (Jack Foreman); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Danny’s love of life, his beautiful sense of humor, his passion for laughter and fun will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends alike.
Kevin Joslyn Beachnaw
Kevin Joslyn Beachnaw, of Charlotte, MI, passed away at the age of 70 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Sparrow Hospital in Charlotte. He was born on August 28, 1955, at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia, to Donald and Donna (Sutton) Beachnaw.
Kevin was raised in a large military family as one of six children. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School. Kevin spent his life working with his hands and took immense pride in his craftsmanship as a carpenter and tradesman. He was an avid outdoorsman and spent every moment he could in a deer stand or with a fishing pole in hand. The woods and the water were his sanctuary.
His sense of humor was unmatched, and he saw every stranger as a potential friend who just had not heard one of his jokes yet. His generous spirit and love for people left a lasting impression on everyone he met. While he had many passions, his greatest love was for his family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Lucas Beachnaw, who was KIA in Afghanistan in 2010. Kevin was also preceded in death by his parents, Donald Beachnaw and Donna Sutton; and his siblings, Dennis Beachnaw, Craig Beachnaw, Kelly Beachnaw, and Holli Hamill.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Yvette; daughter, Jamie (Ronnie) Bourquin; son, Thomas Beachnaw; stepsons, Chad and Brent McPhall; sister, Shaun (Joseph) Ancona; his eight grandchildren, Tyler, Emma, Corbin, Gaige, Brock, Carson, Lillian, and Grady; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Kevin will be remembered for his laughter, his stories, and the deep love he held for the outdoors. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and love for his family and friends.
Kevin’s family will be hosting a Life Celebration at a later date.