Obituaries
Ronald Alvah Batchelder
Ronald Alvah Batchelder, an avid NASCAR fan and inventor, was born February 8, 1941 as the first born son of Gertrude and Alvah Batchelder of Frankfort, Maine. Ronald died on March 1, 2025 at his winter home in Dade City, Florida at the age of 84. Ronald embodied a true sense of camaraderie and dependability. His unwavering loyalty to friends and family was evident in every act of kindness and his constant willingness to assist those in need. Ronald’s delightful stories and adventures are treasured memories for all who knew him.
Ron attended the Frankfort Grammar School in Frankfort Maine through the eighth grade and transferred to the Leroy H Smith High School in Winterport, Maine from which he graduated in 1959. He held high honors in both math and science throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Ronald dedicated 20 years of honorable service to the United States Air Force. His expertise in radar installation and maintenance took him to remarkable places, including a notable assignment on Shemya Island, Alaska, site of the COBRA DANE radar station, at the end of the Aleutians only 300 miles from Russia. After his military career, he continued his passion for engineering in Michigan, helping to design the Meijer Warehouse in Delta Township where he became known affectionately as “The Birdman” after enticing a bird to land on his hand to safely remove it from a warehouse.
Ronald’s zest for life extended beyond his professional achievements. An avid NASCAR fan, he found joy in the thrill of the race and was especially proud of his Jeff Gordon signed Monte Carlo. His competitive spirit shone brightly as he participated in the Senior Olympics, and he cherished the fellowship of the Potterville Michigan Masonic Lodge, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, both having been lifetime members in the Order of Masons in their hometown in Maine, and the Brookfield Order of the Eastern Star. Along with his other community involvement, Ron was also a former member of the Potterville Lion’s Club.
Ron is survived by his four daughters, Debra ( Ron) Kindal, Nancy Laurion, Sabrina (Jim) Mathay and Teresa (Chris) Hoffman; his three brothers, Kenneth (Marge) Batchelder, Edwin (Sharon) Batchelder, and Vaughn Batchelder; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, two nieces, two nephews, three stepchildren and their families.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Elnora Fay Carney (Polly) the mother of their four children; his second wife, Vicki and the mother of Ron’s three step sons; and his sister-in-law, Randee Batchelder.
Ron will be remembered for his sense of loyalty to friends and family, his willingness to assist and offer aid when, and if, needed, his sometimes hot but remorseful temper and his sense of camaraderie and dependability with friends, family and anyone showing him respect. He was, and will be, loved and missed
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family at visitation Tuesday Evening March 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The public is also welcome to attend Ron’s funeral service Wednesday March 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. Interment will follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.
The funeral service 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 Ron’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Lutheran Church, Charlotte. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Ron’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Edward Carl Young
Edward Carl Young, fondly known as Ed, was born on August 13, 1949, in Lansing, Michigan. He passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Friday, February 28, 2025, at his daughter’s home. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967 and went on to have a fulfilling career at Fisher Body in Lansing where he worked for many years. Ed retired in 2001 and truly enjoyed his time spent in retirement.
Ed was known for his generous and kind personality. In his younger years he was affectionately known as Fast Eddie, because of his love for street racing muscle cars. He cherished spending time with his family and had a special love for children. His hobbies included collecting John Deere tractors, die cast cars, and muscle cars. He also enjoyed antiquing and going to garage sales, often uncovering hidden treasures along the way.
He is survived by his daughter, Sherrie Golding; son-in-law Shad; his son, James Young; his granddaughter, Kirstin and her husband Chris Wood; and his great-grandchildren Avery Wood, Case Wood, and Carter Wood. He is also survived by his siblings Sandy VanSplintern and her husband Bob, Tommy Young, Ted Young, Larry Young; and special friend and ex-wife, Marcia Young.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Doris Young-Thornton, and his great-grandson, Jaxson Wood.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ed’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Ed’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Chasetin Joe Ramsey-Caudill
Chasetin “Chaz” Joe Ramsey-Caudill, 34, of Lansing and previously Charlotte, a generous and giving woman, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Chaz was born February 28, 1990 in Charlotte, the daughter of Joe Ramsey II and Amie Caudill. With a deep love for all animals since childhood, she would frequently bring home stray animals and was always open to taking in animals in need. She turned her loved of animals into her business when she began a breeding program for Tarantula’s, which was beginning to show great promise. With a generous, giving, and curious spirit, Chaz was a friend to all, she made friends easily. Intelligent, playful, and funny, her contagious smile and laugh with a snort will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Chasetin is survived by her daughter, Angelinn Pelligrino, son, Angelo Pelligrino II; mother, Amie (Adam) Bockelman of Olivet; sister, Alleyna Bockelman of Charlotte; brother, Bradley Beard of Muskegon; and significant other, Her Macguyver of Lansing. She was predeceased by her father, Joe Allen Ramsey II; sister, Chelsea Beard; and uncle, Scott Slewert.
Friends are encouraged to share memories on Chasetin’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned at the Eaton Pub & Grille event room in Charlotte for family and friends to share memories and stories of Chaz. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sherman Edde Ellard
Sherman Edde “Ed” Ellard, 77, of Charlotte, a true American patriot, veteran and family man, died Monday, February 24, 2025 in Lansing. Ed was born July 29, 1947 in Kalamazoo, the son of Bert Dexter and Imogene Lorraine (Schaiffer) Ellard. He graduated from Delton High School in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Ed wanted to serve his country in a time of need just as his father had done during the Second World War. He proudly served two tours in-country during the Vietnam War, a three-year period that would influence the rest of Ed’s life. During his service, he was awarded both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned home and married the love of his life, Mona Joan Monica on June 7, 1969, and the two settled in Grand Blanc, MI.
Ed earned a degree in Quality from Western Michigan University and went on to assist several organizations throughout his career, including General Motors. Over his 30 year career, he held 15 jobs, all in Quality Control. Ed and Mona moved to Charlotte, MI in 1981, where they would raise their two children and become active members of First Baptist Church and an integral part of the Charlotte community. Ed was instrumental in the Charlotte High School Vietnam Round Table, and helped the group bring the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Charlotte, a project which helped give him peace from his wartime experiences.
Ed grieved after Mona’s death in 2023. He found his independence with the help of his family, all of whom now deeply grieve his loss. Mona and Ed will both be remembered for their devotion to Faith, Family and Country.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Courtney (Scott) Quinn of Olivet; son, Kyle (Sharlene) Ellard of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, McKenna (Lindsey) Quinn and Conner Quinn; brothers, Danney Ellard of Delton and Roger (Connie) Ellard of Alabama; and copious nieces, nephews and family friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mona Ellard; two brothers, Bert Dexter Ellard, Jr. and Terry Ellard; sister-in-law, Carol Ellard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ed’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll 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 Ed’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 VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Judith Ann LaPoint
Judith Ann LaPoint, age 74, passed away peacefully at home in Bellevue, Michigan, on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born on July 4, 1950, in Pontiac, Michigan. She embarked on her educational journey at Brandon High School in Ortonville, from which she graduated in 1968. Judy continued her pursuit of knowledge, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Olivet College.
Throughout her life, Judy was a beacon of kindness and compassion, adored by her family and cherished by those who knew her. She had a genuine spirit and always loved spending time with her family, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Her nurturing nature extended beyond her immediate family; she was known for her warm heart and welcoming demeanor.
Judy had a passion for gardening, which not only beautified her surroundings but also pro-vided her with a sense of peace and fulfillment. Additionally, she enjoyed traveling to Mexi-co, where she created lasting memories filled with joy and adventure.
Judy will be dearly missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Daniel LaPoint Jr. and his wife Peggy of Bellevue; her daughter, Mindi Reynolds and her husband Doug of Olivet; eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her siblings, Mike Reed and his wife Barb of Orton-ville, Pat Potvin and her husband Mike of Ortonville, and Janet Huhta and her husband Cliff of Ortonville.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Wilma Reed; her brother, Steve Reed; and her significant other, Farley.
In keeping with Judy’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
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.