Obituaries
Anna Louise Lewis
Anna Louise Lewis, of Charlotte, was born on June 20, 1928 and passed away on July 13, 2025.
Visitation is Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Friday, July 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Ann Louise Milam
Ann Louise Milam of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Ann was born in Mason, Michigan on November 14, 1950, the daughter of Richard and Virginia (Appleton) Pifer. She taught Special Education and 3rd grade in Phoenix, Arizona for 32 years before her retirement. Ann and her family moved back to Michigan in 2007 and settled in Eaton Rapids. She loved to garden and always had a beautifully maintained yard. Ann was very sociable and considered herself to be the shen-Ann-igans supervisor. It was never a dull moment when you were in her company. Ann loved her grandchildren above all else and relished any time she got to spend with them.
She is survived by her sons, Jeremy (Renee) Milam of Eaton Rapids, Scott (Chrisanne) Milam of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Stephen, Dominic and Mackenzie Milam of Eaton Rapids; brothers, Michael (Marie) Pifer, Steven (Sue) Pifer. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Kent Milam.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Ann Louise Milam. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Diane Sue Baum
Diane Sue Baum, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on October 18, 1947, in Charlotte, Michigan. Diane’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven from love, kindness, and a deep concern for others.
Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1965, Diane would go on to proudly work at numerous jobs throughout the community. She owned and operated the Dusty Rose Boutique in Charlotte, where her flair for fashion and her genuine warmth welcomed all who entered. Her boutique was not just a store; it was a sanctuary where friendships blossomed and where her kindness left a lasting impression on every customer. Diane had the remarkable ability to make people feel valued and understood, a true testament to her compassionate spirit.
Beyond her career, Diane was a passionate collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia, finding joy in the history and nostalgia behind each piece. Diane was also a magnificent cook, making every holiday meal feel like a cherished event. Christmas, in particular, held a special place in her heart, where she created a warm atmosphere brimming with love, laughter, and delicious feasts for her family.
Diane had an undeniable talent for sewing, crafting beautiful garments that displayed her creativity and skill. Her interests extended to jewelry, where she reveled in the beauty of various pieces, each with its own story to tell. Shopping was another joy for Diane, where she always found the perfect gift to share with loved ones, embodying her thoughtful nature.
Family was at the core of Diane’s being. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Their laughter and smiles were the highlights of her days, and she took great pride in being a doting grandmother. One of her favorite traditions was her weekly evening dinners with her granddaughter Malorie—precious time filled with heartfelt conversation, laughter, and love. Diane also loved spending time at the family cabin near Higgins Lake, where the beauty of nature mirrored the warmth that surrounded her.
Diane is survived by her husband Jerry; sons, Michael (Cheri) Kiplinger, Darren (Cassandra) Kiplinger; step-sons, Todd (Shanda) Baum, Troy Baum; grandchildren, Michael “Mickey” Kiplinger, Kyle Kiplinger, Lane Kiplinger, Malorie Kiplinger; five great-grandchildren; sister, Toni (Steve) Wildern, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Elaine Johnson; father, Gordon “Gordie” Johnson; and special aunt, Donna Johnson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Diane’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospitals at www.shrinerschildrens.org.
Phillip Laverne Hebenstreit
Phillip Laverne Hebenstreit, age 72, of Olivet, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025. He was born December 25, 1952, in Battle Creek the son of Clarence and Martha (Pierce) Hebenstreit. Phil went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1972. On August 29, 1981, he married Deanna Lynn Griffin in Charlotte. Phil enjoyed many things in life but his family was of the utmost importance to him. He enjoyed working with his hands and was always working on one project or the next. Phil could often be found working in his yard. But when he was not busy at home or work, he would be out hunting for his next treasure at local yard sales or Goodwill. Playing games was an enjoyable pastime for him and his family. Skip bo, Solitaire, and Yahtzee were a few of his favorites.
Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deanna; children, Cristina (Tony) Owens, Mathew (Sarah) Hebenstreit, Aaron Hebenstreit, Nathan Hebenstreit, Phillip Hebenstreit, Kristy (Scott) Huber, Kari (Chris) Aleman; grandchildren, Rebekah, Bethanie, Noah, Patricia, Emilie, Gracie, Faith; brother, Clarence “Butch” (Rebecca) Hebenstreit; sister, Peggy (Roger) Canterbury; sister-in-law, Iris Hebenstreit; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hebenstreit; mother and step-father, Martha and Mayn Cortright; and siblings, Sam Hebenstreit, Sally Moscoso, and Mike Hebenstreit.
The family received friends for a time of visitation on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring to make contributions in Phil’s memory may do so to the charity of their choice.
To view Phil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jack A. Wells
Jack A. Wells (Jaws), 74, of Vermontville, MI passed away on February 15, 2025. He was born on July 20, 1950 to Kennth and Marianna (Russell) Wells. He enlisted into the Army at the age of 17 in 1967 serving in Germany and Vietnam until his honorable discharge in 1970. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Dorleen A. (Richardson), they had two children and many years together until her passing in December of 2022.
He worked many different jobs finally landing at Citizens Elevator, upon retiring he enjoyed times with his wife, family, and dog Stinker. He loved tending his yard. He was grumpy, loving, and always hardworking man and very proud of serving his country, and quietly loving all around him. He was also very proud of his family.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Janell (Wells) Smith; Son, Russell Wells; granddaughter, Karlee Wells; great granddaughter, Emelia Martinez; brother, Dennis (Donna) Wells; sister, Joyce Bristol; and sister-in-law, Patricia Wells.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parent-in-laws; brother, David Wells; brother-in-law, Jerry Bristol; and his favorite niece, Julie Parish.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be given to the family or your local VFW Post.
Memorial services will be held on July 21, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, with a dinner following at 4 p.m. at Battle Creek Friends Church, 1305 Olive St., Battle Creek, MI 49014.