Obituaries
Patricia Zoa Dennis
Patricia “Pat” Zoa Dennis, 74, of Battle Creek, passed away on October 4, 2025. A devoted mother, homemaker, and mentor to many, Pat was known for her kindness, her generous spirit, and her unwavering love for her family. Born on September 27, 1951, in Charlotte, Michigan, Pat was the daughter of Raymond Ardean and Barbara Jean (Stewart) Barlond. She graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1970.
Over the years, Pat worked at Jack & Judy’s Country Kettle and Linn Products, but her true calling was at home—raising her family with deep care, strength, and love. Her kitchen was a hub of warmth and activity, where she found joy in baking, cooking, and canning, often sharing her creations with loved ones.
Pat cherished time with her great-grandchildren and embraced every moment of play and laughter with them. A lover of nature, she found peace and pleasure in the outdoors—whether she was feeding birds and wildlife, fishing, or camping. She found beauty in life’s simple pleasures and shared that appreciation with those around her. Pat also enjoyed sewing, woodworking, doing upholstery work, and most recently doing diamond canvas. She will be remembered for her nurturing heart, her quiet wisdom, and the love she so freely gave to family, friends, and even strangers.
Pat is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, William “Bill” Dennis; children, Brian (Lila) Dennis, and Michelle (Ryan) Wells; grandchildren, Joel, Jonathon, Jeremy, Jacob, Cede, Bailey, Austin and Cameron; and great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Ellinore, Karter, Micah, Atlas, Everlee and Hudson; siblings, Penny (Chris) Brumm, and Pam Stine; and dear friends, Gin and Sally. She was predeceased in death by her parents, Raymond Ardean and Barbara Jean (Stewart) Barlond; son, Michal Dennis; brother, Raymond Barlond; sister, Paula Barlond; and grandson, Brian Michael Wells.
Friends are encouraged to support Patricia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on Pat’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are Monday, October 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Kendale Dennis 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 Pat’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 Shriners or Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
P. Roxanne (Rocheleau) Baker
P. Roxanne (Rocheleau) Baker, 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Roxanne was born and raised in Cheboygan, Michigan and built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Alongside her husband, Don, she owned and operated the M-50 Party Store for many years, creating a welcoming place for friends and neighbors. Following the sale of the store, she began a successful career in real estate, where she continued to serve her community with dedication, warmth, and a feisty spirit.
Roxanne found joy in the simple pleasures of life, reading, dancing, and spending cherished time with her children and grandchildren. She was a proud and active member of the St. Mary and St. Ann community and the Eaton Area Senior Center, where she formed many dear friendships over the years.
Roxanne is survived by her children, Mark Newman, Todd (Katie) Newman, Donna (Dan) Walker, and Noel (Chasade) Baker; three step-sons, Rod, David, and Brian Baker; her beloved grandchildren, Bobbi Jo (Lonnie), Jake (Brittany), Jillian (John), and Konrad; great-grandchild, Luke; sister, Donna Beachnau. Roxanne is proceeded in death by her parents, Oscar and Alfreda (Bellrose) Rocheleau; siblings, Gordon Rocheleau and Collin Rocheleau.
Friends are encouraged to support Roxanne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral mass was held on Thursday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lucille Bennett
On October 1, 2025 at age 100, Lucille (Lucy) Bennett our sweet and loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother passed away peacefully at Independence Village Grand Ledge.
She was born to Clyde and Rose (McMann) Lamb on July 30, 1925. She was a graduate of Okemos High School and married her high school sweetheart Dean Bennett. Together they spent the next 66 years creating their legacy until his passing in 2011.
She proudly worked alongside Dean running the family farm and blacksmith business. They traveled in their motorhome and enjoyed many winters in Florida. In her later years, Lucy worked at Show & Tell, mostly at the Charlotte Meijer and also volunteered for the Hospice Furniture Store.
She was a caring and loving person that enjoyed nothing better than to hold your hand. She loved and supported her family in everything they did, and hosted holidays and parties at the farm.
Lucy is preceded in death by her husband, Dean Bennett; daughter-in-law, Susan Bennett; her parents; several brothers and sisters; as well as extended family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Ron), Pete, and Jim (Morianne); grandchildren, Darrin (Julie), Deana, Dale (Kathy), Gregory, Jeffrey, Maggie, Brandi (David), Tye (Alysin), and Chris (Erin); great grandchildren, Kyle (Jessica), Tori, Lillian (Kaleb), Jack, Sam, Zach (Jalyn), Lynsey, Vince, Wyatt, Emerson, Charlie, Gus, Finn, and Declan; great-great grandchildren, Eleanor, Wyatt, Dean, and one more on the way. Her legacy lives on in the family she so deeply loved.
The family wants to thank the amazing staff at Independence Village, treating her as a member of their own family. Also, to Corso Care Hospice that helped make her final days comfortable. Special thanks to Chaplin Grant Fifield for his calming singing and prayers. She will be deeply missed by all that loved her.
Lucy was entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Home. Per her wishes, there are no services planned, and she will be buried with her loving husband, Dean.
Carl Wayne Moist
Carl Wayne Moist, a true cowboy, died peacefully surrounded by his family on September 13, 2025. Carl, 85, of Charlotte was born September 19, 1939 in Charlotte to Myron and Vera (Russell) Moist. Carl was a man that believed that family always came first. Being raised by a single mother, he made sure she was cared for throughout her life. He loved riding motorcycles; his first bike was a Zun Dap. Carl loved horses and was a lifetime member of the Pony Cart Club. Being outdoors was a favorite place for Carl, including shooting, coon hunting, fishing, and vegetable gardening. In fact, Carl even made his own wooden longbow and arrows. Carl was also a Golden Glove boxer. Carl worked for the City of Charlotte for over 30 years. He could be seen plowing snow, running the street-sweeper, and reading every water meter in town.
Carl is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sandra; children, Penny (Chris) Hall, Tammy (Bill) Towe, and Todd (Tanya) Moist; grandchildren, Dustin (Kelly) Detering, Cassie (Heath) Schaeffer, Josh Moist, and Brittany Moist; great-grandchildren, Landon, Hannah, Hazel, Izzadora, Connor, Damion, Ryan, and Serina; nephew, Robert Wayne Moist; and niece, Charlene; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members. Carl was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob, Margaret, Bill, Phyllis, and Elmo.
Friends are encouraged to support Carl’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Services were held on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16 and 17 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment took place at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Wanda Evelyn Keesler
Wanda Evelyn Keesler, age 91, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025. She was born July 8, 1934, in Dunkerton, Iowa, the daughter of Clayton and Edna (Keller) Fike. Wanda spent her growing up years at her family home in Iowa, where she was one of 12 children. She loved caring for others and always made sure her siblings were all loved and cared for. Wanda had a very giving heart and would give you the shirt of her back. She enjoyed traveling, watching her television programs, and reading a good book.
Wanda is survived by her son, David Arnold; granddaughter, Ally Arnold; special niece, Judy Hollaway; dear friend, Martha Beam; and friend and hairdresser, Barb Burpee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Keesler; and all her 12 siblings.
In keeping with Wanda’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Evelyn Myrtle Koning
Evelyn Myrtle Koning died of natural causes on September 27, 2025 at Hope Landing Assisted Living in Charlotte, Michigan, within a week of her 96th birthday.
Evelyn was born on October 3, 1929 to Wendell W. and Olive E. (Bennett) DeMeritt, on the farm of Edward O. F. DeMeritt near Morenci, Michigan. She was raised through the depression years by her parents, and by Aunt Lillian Porter of Morenci while her parents worked in Florida. She attended a range of schools including Sand Creek High School and Adrian High School, where she graduated in 1947 as class valedictorian. She married her high-school sweetheart, Robert P. Sears on August 29, 1948. Evelyn delivered daughter N. Kathleen in 1950, but Robert was tragically killed in a trucking accident later that year.
Evelyn went into nurses training, where she met David R. Koning, a patient in the Adrian hospital. David and Evelyn were married on September 20, 1952. Evelyn delivered son Ross E. in 1953, daughter M. Christine in 1955, and son Paul D. in 1957. The family moved to Charlotte, Michigan in 1958. Evelyn enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, canning, freezing, decorating, hosting parties, and sold World Book Encyclopedias, as she raised her four children into middle-school age. She then entered Lansing Community College and Michigan State University to earn her Bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate (1970), and her Master’s degree in Reading (1972). She started teaching at Charlotte Junior High School in 1971 and retired from Galewood Elementary School in 1991.
Evelyn joined her first church as a youth and encouraged her parents to join. She and both husbands were church members. All of her children were baptized and became members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Family life always included the church. Evelyn was a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. She was a Cub Scout den mother and a Campfire Girls leader. She had a beautiful singing voice and provided many solo performances. Evelyn was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, served a term as Worthy Matron, and was its Chaplain for many years.
Living to the age of 95, she was preceded in death by her forebears; husbands; brother, William W. DeMeritt; and two sons-in-law. She is survived by her four children, 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. A celebration of life for Evelyn will be held at 210 East Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte on November 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome at the church. Her family will inter the cremains of David and Evelyn Koning at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morenci, Michigan on November 17, 2025.
Norma Tracy Bauer
Norma Tracy Bauer, 80, of Grand Blanc and formerly Lansing passed away October 4, 2025. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at The Fledge, 1300 Eureka St. Lansing, MI. 48912.
Bonnie Jo (Hathaway) Young
Bonnie Jo (Hathaway) Young, age 80, of Denver, Colorado and formerly of Potterville, Michigan, passed away on September 18, 2025. Bonnie will be interred next to her husband, Jim Young, at Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Patricia Mae Burley
Patricia “Pat” Mae Burley (Winters), of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 86.
Pat was born on November 7, 1938, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of William and Bonnie Winters. She was raised in Holt and graduated from Holt High School with the Class of 1956.
Throughout her life, Pat worked in a variety of roles, including at the Meijer Bakery, as a beloved “lunch lady” for Eaton Rapids Public Schools, and as a skilled seamstress at Baryames Cleaners and Lansing Uniform.
Pat was an active and vibrant member of her community. She was involved with the Eaton Rapids Boosters Club, the Eaton Rapids Women’s Chorus, and the Red Hat Society. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, knitting, taking care of the animals and birds behind her house, and passionately cheering on Michigan State University sports — a devotion so strong that at times, her family joked about which she loved more: them or MSU.
Above all, Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was the heart of her life, and she consistently put their needs above her own. Her selflessness and warmth touched everyone around her, and her homemade cookies will be dearly missed by all who had the joy of tasting them.
Pat is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Eldon Burley; her children, Mike (Candice) Burley, Mark (Carolyn) Burley, Lori (Patrick) Mayabb, and Lisa (David) Felice; her grandchildren, Alisa (Bennett) and David Hammond, and Jennifer (Burley) and Donald Matthews; and her great-grandson, Oliver Hammond.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bonnie Winters, and her sister, Rosemary.
In accordance with Pat’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The family would like to thank the staff at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services (ECHRS) for their love and care that they showed Pat during her stay.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jean Ann Keilholtz
Jean Ann Keilholtz, a quiet, supportive wife, mother, and grandmother, died September 27, 2025. Jean, 70, of Vermontville was born October 31, 1954 in Lansing, Michigan, to Frederick and Lorraine (Phifer) Leik. Jean a graduate of Harry Hill High School moved to the Vermontville area in the 1990s. Jean loved camping, and one of her favorite places was the Soo Locks in the Upper Peninsula, watching the ships go through the Locks. She also enjoyed fishing in Canada at Rice Lake. Jean’s love of horses showed when she broke her own horse Teddy, a paint-pinto. After breaking Teddy, she went on many trail rides, including riding the Battlefield of Gettysburg.
Jean was very supportive of her family and enjoyed being with her grandchildren. You would often see her attending the sporting events of every grandchild. She was also very supportive of her son while he showed horses in 4-H.
Jean is survived by her husband of 46 years, Robert; son, Scott (Shenna) Keilholtz; and grandchildren, Robert and Karminey. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.