Obituaries
Joan Marie Morris
Joan Marie Morris, a woman that loved her family deeply, died on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Joan, 95, of Charlotte, was born on June 30, 1930, in Jackson, Michigan.
On November 25, 1950, Joan married Carl Morris and together they spent the next 73 years creating many last memories until his passing in 2024. Hobbies that Joan enjoyed included anything outdoors from gardening, fishing, vacationing with family, fishing, sitting by the campfire, and tending to her chickens. She proudly claimed that she was raised as a city gal but became a country gal. Joan also enjoyed cooking and sewing
For 30 years she proudly served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, where she built lasting relationships. Above all her proudest accomplishment in life was her children.
Joan is survived by her children, Brenda Morris, Randy Morris, Tim Morris, and David (Loretta) Morris; grandchildren, Amanda Morris, Stacie (Jessie) Morris, and Andrew Morris; great-grandchildren, Braden, Noah, Hayden, Ashton, Rylie, and Austin; sister, Lynda Hayes; and brothers-in-law, Richard Olcott and Gary Middaugh. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl; parents, Lewis and Fern (Marshall) Hayes; brothers, Kenneth (Susan) Bennett and Ronald (Rebecca) Hayes; sisters, Nancy Olcott and Lynn Middaugh.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation was just prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m., with interment at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Joan’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone).
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Meals on Wheels or the Gresham United Methodist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Margo Sue Whalen
Margo Sue Whalen, 66, of Charlotte, a woman who was dedicated to her work, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at her residence. Margo was born on May 11, 1959, the daughter of Galen and Mary Alice (Briggs) Tibbett. Following graduating from Charlotte High School, Margo obtained an Associate’s Degree from Lansing Community College. Her working career led her to work as an Administrative Assistant for Michigan National Bank, Lansing Community College where she retired from in 2023, and most recently for Peckham Industries.
On October 20, 1998, Margo married John Whalen, and together they spent the next 27 years creating lasting memories. Traveling was a big part of Margo’s life, she wasn’t always fond of the idea but once she reached the destination, she enjoyed herself. Her summers were spent at the family lake house at Houghton Lake. Margo was a woman that loved vibrant colors, this love shows in her love for quilting, the colors within her house, and most recently in her love for painting barn quilts. Other hobbies that Margo enjoyed included doing puzzles, reading, watching cooking shows, eating saltwater taffy, sipping on a diet Coke, and rides on the motorcycle with John. Above all her proudest accomplishment in life came from her working career.
Margo is survived by her husband, John; children, John (Christina) Whalen Jr. and Tammy (Jim) Jannsen; four grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren; sister cousin, Julie Buckner; and many extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Margo’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10 to 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 Margo’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association or The Peckham Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sandra Ann Petty
Sandra Ann Petty, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the age of 79. Sandy was the daughter of Lester and Evelyn McNally. She was born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut. Sandy received her education and graduated High School in Taftville, Connecticut.
After attending college, Sandy married the love of her life, Sam C. Petty, on January 11, 1975, and together they raised Lisa, Sandy’s daughter. With Sam having his career in the US Navy, they lived in numerous locations across the United States. After Sam’s tragic passing in 2010, Sandy moved to Charlotte, Michigan to be near her daughter.
Sandy loved to play Bingo and go to the Casino. She made friends wherever she went and had a great sense of humor. She always spoke her mind and paid her own way; she was very independent. With her health declining, Sandy moved to Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids in 2025. We, as her friends, appreciate the care she received there.
Sandy is survived by many special friends: her childhood classmate, Phyllis; several other friends, Rita, Russ, Denise, Ginger, Debbie, Nicole, Judy, Nicole R., Mike, Christine, Bobby and Diane, Julie, Stephanie, Sally and Bob, and Michelle.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sam; and her daughter, Lisa C. Brown.
At Sandy’s request, cremation has taken place.
Donations in Sandy’s memory may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N Main, Olivet, MI 49076 or to Island City Assisted Living, 1507 Kyle St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
Sandy is in the care of Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Dianne Lynn Hettinger
Dianne Lynn Hettinger, 74, was called home to the Lord at sunset on April 23, 2026. She was surrounded by family when she entered into rest. If there were angels on earth, she was one. Dianne was born on March 19, 1952, in Escanaba, Michigan, and was the daughter of Marvin and Delores (Hill) Kivekas. She graduated from Rock High School in 1970, top of her class. Soon after high school graduation, she moved to Lansing, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Dennis Hettinger, under fireworks on the 4th of July in 1970. They were married shortly after, on April 3, 1971. They were married for 55 years. They had a love like no other, anyone that knew them knew how strong their love was. “Together Forever HB + Me” — Dianne. They were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Kristen, and four grandchildren, Madison, Sarah, Alexander, and Olivia.
Dianne’s greatest wealth was her family. She was loved by all who encountered her. She had a great sense of humor and when you went to her with any problem, she did not half listen, but she heard everything with her whole heart.
Dianne was also a faithful woman, with God and her family being the most important things to her. She loved returning home to the “Yooper land,” where so many cherished memories were rooted. At home, she found joy in journaling, tending to her beautiful gardens — the bunny, angel, and flower gardens — and filling the house with music, warmth, and the comforting smells of cooking and baking. She loved dancing in the kitchen with Dennis, sharing stories from the good old days, and welcoming company with coffee and homemade “goodies.” Whether it was going to the movies, enjoying picnic dates with Dennis, decorating the home, or creating beautiful flower arrangements, she brought love and care into everything she did. Above all else, what she treasured most was hearing the words, “I love you, Grandma.”
She was purpose-driven, as well as a woman who gave selflessly of her time and her words of wisdom. We will miss her forever but are eternally grateful to God for having given us the most one-of-a-kind wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
Dianne is survived by her husband, Dennis Hettinger; two daughters, Michelle (Christopher) Lennon and Kristen Owens (Patrick Day II); four grandchildren, Madison and Alexander Lennon, Sarah Owens (Mitchell Pollard), and Olivia Owens; her sister Julie (Loren) Whipple; and her nephew Nathan Whipple. Dianne is reunited with her parents, Delores and Marvin Kivekas; her brother, Dwayne Kivekas; her nephew, Ian Kivekas; her grandma and grandpa, Clara and Reno Kivekas; her and Dennis’s beloved kitty cat, Maynard; and other loving family and friends.
Friends are encouraged to support Dianne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services were Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Chris Lennon officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Preborn! (give.preborn.com) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Wayne Manning
James Wayne Manning, 87, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was born September 7, 1938, and peacefully stepped into Heaven on November 15, 2025. Jim was a kind and thoughtful man who loved his family dearly. He was born in Eaton Rapids, to Jerry Jay Manning and Dorothy Badger Manning Dennis.
He is survived by his three sisters and brother-in-law, Judy and Basil Walker of Eaton Rapids, Jerry Carpenter of Oscoda, Patty Conard of Eaton Rapids, and many nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country.
Jim graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1956 and went on to serve in the Air Force until 1961. On May 1, 1959, while stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, he married the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Aaron of Bowie, Texas. They were married 48 years before her death. Together, they raised their only son, Richard Manning, who now resides with his wife, Shelly, in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Jim was also a grandpa and a great grandpa. His two grandsons are Seth Manning of Norman, Oklahoma, and Nathan Manning. Nathan and his wife, Stefani, and their three daughters reside in Poetry, Texas.
Throughout his life, Jim always gave his best to whatever he was doing. He retired from General Motors after thirty years, having worked at both the Lansing and Oklahoma City plants.
A graveside memorial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. 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.
Doris C. Pacelli
Doris C. Pacelli, passed away on April 8, 2026, in Venice, Florida at the age of 92.
Doris was born in Chicago on April 7, 1934, to John and Barbara Gutsmiedl. She attended St. Michael’s Church and School in Chicago along with her siblings. She went on to attend the Chicago Art Institute and won several awards for her artistic achievements.
Doris married William M. Pacelli on October 4, 1952. Their marriage was a happy and enduring partnership that lasted more than 60 years until Bill passed away in 2015.
Doris was a devoted wife and mother who did her own canning, sewing and cooking. She was passionate about the arts and developed skills in stained glass art, painting, and acting. She was an integral part of “The Silver Foxes” “Social Security Scandals” and the “Venice Little Theater” groups and entertained locals for more than a decade. Her “Vitameatavegamin” skit is remembered by all. Doris volunteered for “Little Sisters” organization and worked as a Tribunal Secretary for the Diocese in Lansing for 14 years after her youngest children were in school.
Doris was also known for her enjoyment of nature, especially flowers and birds. She was friendly to all she met and always wore a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed by her loving family.
Doris is survived by her six daughters, Doris Mary Pacelli (Crews), Patricia Ann (Sims) Pacelli, Marcia Jean (Griffes), Cynthia Sue (Weber), Jeanne Elisabeth (Pankow), and Christina Marie (Moronell); her brother John F. Gutsmiedl, his wife Ellen and their children Janet, Barbara and John III; 15 Grandchildren: Daniel W Guild, Carey Ann Sims, Jamie L. Sims, William M. Griffes, Katherine R. Griffes, Emily D. Griffes (Floury), Timothy J. Griffes, Michael J. Davis, Jeffrey L. Davis, Carter W. Pankow, Lillian P. Pankow, Erin A. Moronell, Dana C. Moronell, Mark W. Moronell, and Gwen C. Moronell. 14 Great grandchildren: Julia I. Sims, Logan V. Guild, Easton D. Griffes, Callie A. Griffes, Montgomery W. Griffes, Charlotte D. Griffes, Roman D. Griffes, Brixton L. Davis, Oliver J. Davis, Noah M. Davis, Anthony M. Fulger, Thomas J. Fulger, Oliver A. Floury, and Greyson J. Floury.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara, and her husband Bill. Her legacy continues through the communities she enriched, and her family who carries her memory forward.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. with interment at Rosehill Cemetery following the Mass. Brief visitation was held in the church vestibule prior to the Mass. 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.
Vern R. Norton
Vern R. Norton, age 89, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 5, 1936, to Rueben and Martha Norton.
He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. On December 30, 1960, he married the love of his life, Patricia Shilling, and together they built a life centered on family and hard work.
He is survived by his three daughters: Teresa (Pete) Cassel of Mecosta, Wendy (Kurt) McHenry of Bellevue, and Jackie (Patrick) Pennington of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He spent much of his life in the area he called home and was known for his strong work ethic. Over the years, he worked at Air-Way, B&H, Tevilo, and Master-Bilt, where he retired in 1998. In retirement, he stayed active working at Fun Services and Binder Park Zoo as a tram driver.
He had a deep love for simple pleasures – mowing the lawn, playing euchre and other card games, planting flowers, and most of all, being around people. He was known for his sense of humor and loved joking with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patricia; siblings Leo, Neil, Bob, Sara, Iva, and Dorothy; his half-brother Rolland; and his cherished dog, Lucy.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m., and again Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the service begins at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, W2850 WI-28, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085.
Bruce Wendell Masters
Bruce Wendell Masters, a quietly perceptive man with a dry sense of humor, died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 83.
Bruce was born on September 3, 1942, to Lysle and Zella (Kelly) Masters, in Charlotte, and grew up on Pearl Street. Bruce graduated from Charlotte High School in 1960. He was a hard worker, a virtue he instilled in his sons. He worked 23 years at Aluminum Extrusions, in Charlotte, and thereafter as a foreman and later plant manager at Keiper Recaro (later Atwood Automotive), in Battle Creek, and at Paradigm Products, also in Battle Creek.
Bruce enjoyed fishing (including on fly-in trips to Canada over the years with his brother, friends and son), traveling, birdwatching, reading, tending to his immaculate lawn, looking after his grandchildren and generally spending time with his family and his dog, Teddy. He was very proud of his family, including his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They will remember his wit, his attendance (often coaching, always cheering) at all their games, the hours he spent tutoring them on their times tables and geometry homework and on how to build a deck, fix a car and clean a fish. He was impressively, unshowily competent at many things (including anything mechanical), but, most memorably, at being a dad.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diane; sons, Bruce (Amanda) Masters, Chris (Candace) Masters and Brett (John White) Masters; grandchildren, Ali (Henrique) Siqueira, Coleton Masters, Caleb Masters, Jacob Masters, Darton (Chelsea) Jones and Shay (Casey) Beck; great grandchildren, Sam Beck and Ridge Beck; and brothers, Philip (Marilyn) Masters, Gordon (Ronn Blodgett) Masters and Rick Masters.
A memorial lunch and celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at First Lutheran Church, in Charlotte, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1 p.m. All friends and acquaintances are encouraged to attend the event and to share any memories on Bruce’s tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey Peter Sylvester
Jeffrey (Jeff) Peter Sylvester, 69, of Olivet, a kind and gentle soul known for his lifelong devotion to music and learning, passed away April 16, 2026. Jeffrey was born February 26, 1957 in Evanston, Illinois, to Robert Peter and Audrey (Vecella) Sylvester.
After graduating from Kearsarge Regional High School in New Hampshire, Jeff trained as a classical guitarist and studied at the International Cello Centre in Edrom, Scotland (now known as the Edrom Casals Centre). A gifted musician, Jeff had a remarkable ear and could play nearly any instrument, often performing classical pieces entirely from memory.
Upon returning to the United States, Jeff studied at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. From there he continued his studies at New England College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism, always guided by a deep curiosity about the world. Jeffrey worked for New England College, and later, Olivet College.
In his younger years, he traveled throughout Europe, busking on guitar and sharing his music with passersby. Jeff then spent two summers working as a “Pelican” on Star Island (Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire), serving as music director in his second year. More recently, he brought that same joy to others by performing at senior living communities, where his music was warmly received.
Jeffrey was an accomplished writer, contributing to various publications throughout his life. He had a lifelong love of learning, with a particular fascination for physics and literature. He combined those interests in what he called “the theory of everything.” He especially enjoyed the works of Tony Hillerman, whose stories of the American Southwest inspired Jeffrey to travel there in 2015.
He found peace and happiness in nature, hiking in the woods in every season. Whether through music, writing, or quiet time outdoors, Jeffrey approached life with thoughtfulness and resilience, continuing to move forward despite the challenges of chronic illness.
Above all, Jeffrey will be remembered as one of the nicest people one could ever meet. His family and friends all loved to remember his sense of humor and will miss his quirky view on life. Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Cynthia (Cea) Noyes; son, Ethan Sylvester; mother, Audrey Sylvester; sister, Suzanne Sylvester; and niece, Zephyr Sylvester. He was predeceased by his father, Peter Sylvester.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeffrey’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Gathering will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Tuesday, May 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Edrom Casals Centre, 58 Prince Edward Road, Tweedmouth, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 2EX UK. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Julia Ann Epstein
Julia Ann Epstein left this world on Friday, 3 April 2026 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida after a brief illness. She was 84. She was born on 13 April 1941 at Brooklyn, New York, the eldest daughter of David Gertler (1903-1982) and Ruth Teiber (1911-1997).
Julia was educated in public schools at Brooklyn and Queens, including Andrew Jackson High School (1957) in Cambria Heights, Queens. She attended Syracuse University from which she earned a BA in 1961. The highlight of her college career was a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, which she spoke of throughout her adult life. She later earned a master’s degree in Computer Science at Michigan State University in the mid 1980s.
Julia married Joel Jacob Epstein (1937-2023) on 26 August 1962 at Hempstead, New York. Together they had two children: Roy Michael Epstein and Victoria Ann Epstein.
Julia started her work life as a social worker in New York City. She lived in Parsippany, New Jersey. Her first child, Roy was born in Livingston, New Jersey. In 1968, she and her husband and son relocated to Olivet, Michigan, a small college town in south central Michigan.
There she took courses at The University of Olivet (formally Olivet College), got her teaching certificate and began her 28 year-long teaching career as a fourth and fifth grade teacher in the Olivet School system. Julia had a passion for teaching that went well beyond expectations. She did meticulous prep work and was always the last one in her classroom after school each day. She was known and remembered by her students for doing a play each spring. Plays included “The Wizard of Oz,” “Tom Saywer,” and “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.”
Julia was a passionate patron of the arts. She loved theater, musicals, foreign films, and museums. She could easily spend an entire day in a museum and disliked the idea of missing any exhibits. She was an avid reader and some of her favorite books included “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Poisonwood Bible,” “Bel Canto,” “Cutting For Stone,” “Miss Morgans’ Book Brigade,” “A Doll’s House,” and “Corner of Bitter and Sweet.”
She traveled extensively throughout her life and was fascinated with other cultures and ways of life that were different from hers. She loved all word games and anything that challenged her mind. She was constantly learning and thrived on knowledge. She lived every moment to its fullest and often talked about how precious time was and how every moment was worthy.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joel J Epstein. She is survived by her son Roy Epstein of Olivet, Michigan, by her daughter Victoria A Epstein and her husband Matt Wilcox of Portland, Oregon, and by her sister Frances Parisi of Levittown, New York. She is further survived by her nephew Alan David Fass (Nicole) of Merrimack, New Hampshire and niece Allyson Dugger-Fass (Lonnie) of Bellmore, New York.
A celebration of Julia’s life will be held at a later date in Michigan to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, Julia would be pleased if contributions were made to two of her favorite. Send donations to: Friends of the Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813 or The Hollywood Art and Culture Center, Hollywood, Florida. Donations can be made at this link: https://artandculturecenter.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donations.