Obituaries
Harold P. Messenger
Harold P. Messenger, 88, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Oak’s Legacy in Battle Creek, Michigan.
He was born on June 3, 1937 to Lynn and Mary (Swayzee) Messenger in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Harold married C. Diane Gasser on December 26, 1955 at Bellevue United Methodist Church, sadly she passed away on November 20, 2021. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1955.
Harold enlisted into the United States Army on July 11, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan and was honorably discharged at Ft. Bliss, Texas on July 10, 1958 attaining the rank of SP4.
He was a lifelong farmer at heart, but he also worked for 27 years as a Mechanical Supervisor at Kellogg Cereal Co., in Battle Creek, retiring in 1995. He was a life-time member of Bellevue United Methodist Church and also a member of the Kellogg 25 Year Club. Harold enjoyed square dancing with his friends in the local area. He loved old cars, especially Buick’s and he belonged to the Maple City Buick Club. Woodworking, building and fixing anything mechanical were hobbies that will be missed by all who knew him. Harold enjoyed reading, especially car and woodworking magazines. He loved working with his hands, and many appreciated his hard work and knowledge on fixing things.
Harold is survived by his loving children, David Messenger of Bellevue, Michigan, Linda (Norman) Franks of Bellevue, Michigan and Donna (Kim) Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; his siblings, Lois Siple of Vermontville, Michigan, Joann (Jim) Pierce of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Laura Mahoney of Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada.
He was preceded in death by his wife, C. Diane Messenger; his parents; and his grandson, David Messenger.
A private Celebration of Life for Harold will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Good Samaritan Fund or the Bellevue Fire Department.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Donna Jean Townsend
Donna Jean Townsend of Charlotte, passed away September 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Donna was born in Albion, Michigan on June 7, 1935, the daughter of Francis and Frances (Shaw) Dack. She was retired from Meijer Bakery and also worked as a Custodian for the VFW National Home for Children.
Donna is survived by her children, Diane Slusser of Eaton Rapids, Sherry (Richard) Amsdill of Onondaga, Debora Rounds of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Alyson (Michael) Fitzpatrick of Eaton Rapids, Rikki Lynn Amsdill of Jackson, Sally (Jesse) Brown of Springport, Jennifer Rounds of Charlotte, David Slusser of Eaton Rapids; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Phil (Mary) Dack, Doug (Janet) Dack, David Dack, Don (Georgia) Dack, Barbara Corser, Bev (Elidge) Abbott. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Kenneth Dack; sister, Nancy Dack.
A Memorial Service 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 Alzheimer’s Association in loving memory of Donna Jean Townsend. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Barbara Joyce Pell
Barbara Joyce Pell of Eaton Rapids, passed away September 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Barbara was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on January 11, 1940, the daughter of Wallace and Mildred (Smith) Rogers. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Pell, on August 2, 1958. Barbara was an active member at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids where she taught Sunday School and actively participated with the United Methodist Women. She worked in publishing for the VFW Home and was a Cub Scout leader. She had many hobbies that she enjoyed in her free time, genealogy and flower gardening were among her favorites.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Jim Pell of Eaton Rapids; son, Steven (Elizabeth) Pell of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Cameron (Samantha) Pell, Trent (Kristen) Pell; four great grandchildren, Skylar, Jonnie, Parker, James. She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Neva Rogers; son, Jeffrey Dwayne Pell.
At this time, no services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to the Donor’s Choice of Charity in loving memory of Barbara Joyce Pell. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Joy Lee Lancaster
Joy Lee Lancaster, age 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, September 22, 2025, while surrounded by her family. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 61 years, Carl Lancaster; daughter, Stephanie Lancaster-LaVoie; son, Steven (Lara) Lancaster; grandchildren Aubrey, Addison, Julia, Avery, Owen, and Helena; and many extended relatives and friends.
Joy graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of 1962.
Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. No services are scheduled at this time. In memory of Joy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan – Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in Joy’s online guestbook.
Danny Lee Nichols
Danny Lee Nichols, 63, of Mulliken, died on September 2, 2025. He was born on September 28, 1961 in Coldwater, Michigan, to James and Dianna (Musselman) Nichols. Danny was a lifelong lover of animals and a hard, if not stubborn, worker. He was a kind, shy person, and a loving father and grandfather who, above all else, loved to be beside his family. Their best memories of him were on his farm in Jonesville, where he would often jump in the pen with his sheep—his favorite, the Shetland ram Beowulf—or his buffalo, Amos, who he raised and would chase around and play with. He was America’s, and maybe the world’s, best saw filer, and worked as a bandsaw filer at Buskirk’s in Freeport. He spent his life in love with his work in the lumber business, and he made sure that mills all over Michigan had saws with well-sharpened teeth.
Danny loved fishing and hunting, whittling, being with his family, and taking gentle care of his menagerie of dogs and farm animals for all his life.
Danny is survived by his children, Travis, Leslie, Ross, Nathan, and Nola Nichols; grandchildren, Braxton and Ruby Smith, and Dante and Cyrus Nichols; and his big brother Jimmy Nichols. He predeceased his parents, and will be remembered always as the soft-spoken man with his tender heart.
Friends are encouraged to support Danny’s family by or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marilyn Anne Orrison
Marilyn Anne Orrison, a woman who loved being able to give to others, died surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Marilyn, 83, of Potterville, was born on June 24, 1942, in Lansing, the daughter of Curtis and Myrtle (Brenner) Bartlett. She proudly worked as a Manager for Shepard Shoes in Lansing. On June 30, 1979, Marilyn married David Orrison and together they spent the next 39 years creating their legacy until his passing in 2018. She proudly worked alongside David running the office for David J. Orrison Inc. Traveling the world was a big part of her life, she and David took in many trips over the years. Marilyn was a proud Master Gardner and loved working in her flower gardens. Other hobbies that she enjoyed included bird watching, doing family genealogy, going to garage sales, reading, watching tv shows like Gilmore Girls, Father Brown, and Vera. Most importantly she loved attending all her grandchildren’s events. Above all her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Melissa Smith, Michelle (Steve) Hollon, Jennifer (Juan) Mena, and Jason Smith; grandchildren, Benjamin (Karri) Orrison, Adam (Emily) Mena, Elisabeth (Shaun) Berlin, William Bossler, Robert (Hannah) Orrison, Juan (Brieyana) Mena, and Bonifacio Mena; great-grandchildren, Emmalee, Zoey, Henry, Mason, Malachi, and Atticus. She was predeceased by her husband, David; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to MSU Extension Master Gardner Program. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Maryellen Dudley
1929 brought Maryellen (Koch) Dudley into the world in Bellevue, Ohio, the only child of Virgie Mae (Nicely) and Merlin Koch. As a child, she was a student of song and dance and performed around the community. Her father died when she was twelve. She then lived on her grandmother’s farm with her mother.
As a cheerleader she met her future husband, Gene, the jock. Maryellen attended Michigan State University where she joined the Alpha Phi sorority, studied languages, and was a radio host.
Maryellen and Gene married in 1949, and lived in Dayton, Ohio. In 1957, they moved their family to Charlotte, Michigan. While she lovingly devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, Maryellen also enjoyed many activities and hobbies; knitting, sewing, playing bridge, golfing, dancing, and singing. She served as president of the Altar Society at St. Mary Church. She and Laurel Pray fundraised door-to-door to get St. Mary School built. Women’s Club activities included Senior Tea’s, Choir, and Mobile Meals.
After retirement, Maryellen and Gene moved to Coldwater Lake, later moving to Sarasota, Florida, then Maryellen moved to Cumming, Georgia, where her death occurred at the Villas of Canterfield.
Maryellen is survived by their children, Thais Dudley (Dennis) Mishler, Doug (Mary) Dudley, Laurie Dudley, Julie Dudley (Denny) Wilson; eight grandchildren, Joel (Judy) Mishler, Mara (Jason) Braegelmann, Michael Mishler, Kaitlin (Tommy) Curtin, Sean (Margaret) Dudley, Brendan Dudley, Jake (Kaitlyn) Wilson, Jenna Wilson; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; step-father, Paul Roberts; and her husband, Eugene.
Friends are encouraged to support Maryellen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held Monday October 6, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will conclude with guests joining in a Divine Mercy Chaplet at 8:45 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, MI with Rev. Father Dwight Ezop celebrating. Visitation will also be held at the church just prior to the mass from 10-11:00 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 Maryellen’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 Maple Hill Cemetery, 801 Tully Brown Drive in Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dennis Joel Barnett
Dennis Joel Barnett, was born on February 15, 1953, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of LeRoy and Donis (Bowser) Barnett. After a life rich with love and dedication, he passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on September 18, 2025, in his hometown.
Dennis devoted 37 years of his career to General Motors in Lansing, where his commitment and work ethic earned him respect and admiration from colleagues and friends alike. He was proud to have graduated from Charlotte High School in 1971. On July 7, 1972, he married Susan Carol Harvey at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte.
Known for his selfless nature, Dennis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and provider, whose proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly his family and the cherished moments they shared. He took immense joy in spending time with his loved ones, especially his children and grandchildren, who brought him limitless happiness. An avid sports fan, Dennis held Michigan State University football season tickets for 40 years, demonstrating his unwavering support for his team and his vibrant spirit.
Beyond sports, he enjoyed many hobbies and interests, including exploring nature, hunting, and taking scenic drives in the countryside. His cabin in Onaway was a special retreat for him and his family, allowing him to connect with the beauty of the outdoors. Classic rock music filled his life, echoing the rhythm of his adventures, while his dogs provided loyal companionship and joy.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 53 years, Susan; children, Rheagan (Chris) Anderson, Derek (Lindsay) Barnett, Cassandra (Eugene) Suh; grandchildren, Jonathan Barnett, Max Anderson, Elliott Suh, Colin Anderson, Rory Suh, Natalie Barnett, Simon Dennis Suh; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Barnett; sister, Judy Barr; niece, Lindsay Nakfoor; and sister-in-law, Linda Harvey.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dennis’s memory to the American Kidney Association.
To view Dennis’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.
Shirley Elaine (Zima) Melvin
Shirley Elaine (Zima) Melvin, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and sister, Margaret. Shirley, 77, of Albion, was born on July 14, 1948, in Charlotte, the daughter of Albert and Pauline (Michalski) Zima. Family meant the world to Shirley, and she enjoyed every holiday get-together and family gathering. She was known as the family photographer, and capturing countless family memories that the family will cherish forever. In 1983, Shirley married George Melvin and together have spent the last 42 years creating cherished memories at their residence on Prairie Lake. Shirley proudly worked for Owens Brockway for 42 years before her retirement in 2010. She enjoyed fishing, doing yard work, cleaning, cooking, going to garage sales, and most importantly spoiling her beloved cats. Above all her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.
Shirley is survived by her husband, George; step-children, Travis Melvin and Melissa Bolton; step-grandchildren, Wyatt and Morgan; sisters, Carolyn Zima and Margaret Johnson; brothers-in-law, Guy (Tracey) Melvin, Jeff Flynn, and Scott Melvin; nieces, Stacey (Larry) Lingenfelter, Kelly Flynn, Kayla Flynn, Kristen Cheedie, Brooke Melvin, and Taryn Melvin; nephews, Aaron (Jeoannie) Johnson, William Todd (Buffy) Burford, and Race Melvin; seven great-nieces; four great-nephews; cousins, Jim Michalski, Kathleen Black, Rick (Audrey) Michalski, and Vicki (Randy) Williams; and special friends, Paul and Betty Vroman. She was predeceased by her parents; mother-in-law, Adrianne Flynn; and father-in-law, George Melvin.
The family would like to thank the Oaklawn Hospice nurses and aids for their exceptional care for Shirley.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the mass from 10–11:00 a.m. With interment to follow at West Carmel Cemetery. 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 Shirley’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 Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rest in Peace Shirley.
Nancy Joanne Fox
Nancy Joanne Fox of Eaton Rapids, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Nancy was born on May 25, 1939, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Archie and Louise (Beashore) Fox. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and then went on to attend Michigan State University. Nancy worked for the State of Michigan for many years before her retirement. She was very social and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite hobbies was playing Bridge.
Nancy is survived by her nephew, John B. Fox; nieces, Kellie (Jack) Patton, Ceresa (James) Justus-Lee, Michele (Scott) Miller, Wendy (Brian) Rogers, Amy Norris; sister, Kathy Sage of Canada; sister-in-law, Gloria Fox; brother-in-law, Gordon Dill; 14 great nieces and nephews as well as many great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Norris, Mary Dill; brother, John D. Fox.
A private family burial was held at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Township, Michigan. 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.