Obituaries
Judy Elaine Halsey
Judy Elaine Halsey, age 77, went to dance with the Lord on May 20, 2025. She was born April 14, 1948, to Theron and Wilma (Uhl) Chalender. Judy met the love of her life, Larry Halsey, at the age of 15. They married on March 21, 1965. Larry and Judy built an amazing life together raising three daughters, operating two different businesses, loving on four grandkids, and retiring into a life of camping and enjoying their time together.
Judy was always a light in the room, making people laugh, joking, and always willing to lend a hand or an ear. She was an example to her children and grandchildren on how to work hard, fight hard, and love even harder. She was always up for an adventure and loved to travel, camp, and most of all enjoy her time with family and friends.
Judy leaves behind her husband of 60 years, Larry Halsey; daughters, Vicki (Iris) Halsey, Lisa (Robert) Hiatt and Anne (Brian) Fuhr; her grandchildren and loves of her life, Karli and Kyan Hiatt, Shannon Fleming, and Zayne Fuhr; brother, Ronald (Sharon) Chalender; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Theron Chalender; mother and step-father, Wilma and Earl Bargy; and sister, Belinda K. Hadsell.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Judy’s memory to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.
To view Judy’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.
William Patrick O’Brien
William “Bill” Patrick O’Brien, 77, of Charlotte, a doting husband, loving compassionate father, and epic grandfather, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Bill was born March 20, 1948 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Brooklyn, New York the son of William and Catherine (Hogan) O’Brien.
Bill O’Brien received his early education at St. Brigid Catholic School in Brooklyn, New York, and went on to graduate from St. John’s Preparatory High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, in 1965. He continued his studies at the Academy of Aeronautics in LaGuardia, New York, graduating in 1968. In February 1969, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. It was during his time in the service that he met the love of his life, Catherine, on a blind date. Just six months later, the two were married on February 6, 1971 and returned to New York to begin their life together.
After completing his military service, Bill began a long and dedicated career with Xerox, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring. Retirement, however, did not quite suit Bill’s active spirit, and he soon found himself back at work, this time with Delta Airlines, where he spent another decade doing what he loved: staying busy and connecting with people.
Bill was a man of many talents and boundless energy. He cherished time spent with his children, often leading by example as a Cub Scout leader and always ready with a laugh or a story. Never one to sit still, he also ran a nursery farm on the side and took pride in rebuilding a 1945 Minneapolis-Moline tractor from the ground up. Whether building, fixing, or inventing, Bill had a natural gift for solving problems and bringing ideas to life. Bill treasured the adventures he shared with his wife and family. He especially loved traveling, with cherished memories from vacations in Spain and an unforgettable African safari.
Bill was a devoted father who led by powerful example, instilling a strong work ethic in his children every day, not through lectures, but through his actions. He lived by principles that emphasized never complaining, a deep love for problem-solving, keeping life centered around family, and trusting that prayer is a steady companion through all seasons. Bill’s no-nonsense approach was rooted in love, discipline, humility, and deep integrity, values that shaped not only his children but all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bill will be remembered for his countless story sharing, ability to find common ground with anyone, his kindness, generosity and jovial spirit (especially his laugh), and the deep love he shared with those around him.
Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Catherine Marie O’Brien; their children, Catherine Erin (Jason) Twizell, Michael Andrew (Tara) O’Brien, Amanda Marie (Harper) Wildern; and their grandchildren, Marilyn Lorraine Wildern, Catherine Elizabeth Wildern, Savannah Izabel O’Brien, Tyler James-Davis O’Brien, Lauren Catherine O’Brien, and Valerie Grace O’Brien. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bill’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, May 19, 2025 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00–8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. 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 Bill’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 School in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Henry Raymond Emenhiser
Henry “Hank” Raymond Emenhiser, 64, of Charlotte, a hard-working family man, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at home on the family farm. Hank was born September 23, 1960 in Hammond, IN, the son of Carl Edward and Clara Velma (Armstrong) Emenhiser. Growing up on the family farm on Mills Highway in Charlotte instilled a lifelong love for raising cattle and the outdoors. In fact, Hank took over the farm and purchased all 96 acres from his parents. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1978, where he was active in FFA and 4H. After high school, he worked several years operating an excavator for Gale Briggs in Charlotte before going on to get his certification as an over-the-road truck driver. After driving independently for many years, he went to work driving truck for Meijer Warehouse in the early 2000s. Hank enjoyed fishing, camping, and was a member of a bow hunting club. He was also very active in helping his friends, family, and farming community. He would do anything for them, including making sure his best friend, Tony Martinez, could ride his bicycle for Make-A-Wish. Another example of Hank’s character was that even after a long night of driving truck, he would always stop to clear his daughter’s car of snow before stepping in the house.
Hank married the love of his life, Cynthia Ruth Davis on September 23, 1995 on the family farm, with the cattle lowing in the background. Together they raised their daughter, Sarah, and enjoyed nearly 27 years of marriage until Cindy’s passing in 2022. Along with Cindy, Hank is predeceased by his parents; brother, James (Marjie) Emenhiser; and brother-in-law, David Barnard. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Kerenza) Emenhiser; brother, Bill (Julee) Emenhiser; sister, Carla Barnard; and his nieces, nephews and extended family.
Friends are encouraged to support Hank’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will take place two hours prior to the service, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.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 Hank’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 the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Amy Jo Williamson
Amy Jo Williamson, 50, of Battle Creek, passed away on May 13, 2025, unexpectedly at her home in Battle Creek, MI. She was born on August 15, 1974, to Max and Dena Ann (Duncan) Troutner in Charlotte, MI. On February 16, 2021, Amy married Brett D. Williamson in Odessa, Florida.
Amy graduated from Bellevue High School in 1992 and continued to go onto Olivet College to earn her degree in accounting. In her youth she was known for her love of dance, baton, and the many sports she was involved with. She always had a fondness and love of the water and sunshine. She enjoyed going kayaking, hiking and playing with her dogs. She also enjoyed watching movies, sunsets, and doing pranks on people. Amy would go for walks with Brett and the dogs around the lake they lived by. She loved to go fishing. She also loved to do her makeup and hair and looking her best if out in public. More importantly she always made sure everyone had what they needed, and loved every family gathering she could attend, she was always helping people in need. Amy will be forever loved and remembered by many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Amy is survived by her loving husband, Brett; son, Kobe Brennan Scears; father, Max Troutner; brother, Chad (Amie) Troutner.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dena Ann Troutner and son, Kyler Braxton Scears.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Amy on May 31, 2025, at 5063 Griffin Hwy., Olivet. from 4-7 p.m.
Amy will be laid to rest with her son Kyler at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.
Timothy Herbert Bates
Timothy Herbert Bates, age 47, of Mt. Pleasant passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Carson City. Tim was born on December 22, 1977, in Lansing to parents, Larry and Cory (Rogers) Bates. He grew up in Potterville, attending Potterville High School. Tim went on to become a jack-of-all-trades and the family go-to person for any building project. He was talented in many ways and willing to help anyone who needed it. On July 23, 2022, he took Shannon Valentine for his bride. They found great joy in caring for their fur baby, Remington. Remington was not just a pet but a cherished member of the family and Tim’s loyal service animal. Many memories of Tim will be about days spent hunting, walking the land, camping, kayaking, tubing, or fishing. He lived a big life, taking many adventures, from Caribbean cruises to parachute diving. His absence will be felt by many who loved and knew him. Tim will be missed dearly by his wife Shannon; children Trenton, Sedric, Paige, and Jordan; fur-baby Remington; granddaughter Paisley; grandmother Dorothy Bates; siblings Victoria, Ricky (Skylar); nieces Hunter, Ezzy, and Ella; nephews, Jeremiah and Logan; mother-in-law Sue Wardell; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Preceding Tim in death are his parents Larry and Cory, grandparents Jerry Bates and Ed and Marjorie Rogers. A celebration of Tim’s life will be held at a future date.