Obituaries
Virginia Fessell Lillpop
Virginia Fessell Lillpop, 98, passed away March 1, 2022 in Corydon, Indiana. She was born March 27, 1923 in Lanesville, Indiana. She was a devoted wife and mother, who worked in a war plant during WWII. She moved to the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan in 1950 with her four children. She later attended college and graduated as an LPN, working in the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital. After retiring, she returned to Indiana. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Orabelia Kochert; two husbands, Herman M. Fessell and Oscar D. Lillpop; her daughter Linda D. Fessell, four sisters and three brothers.
She is survived by three sons: Nick Fessell (Shirley) of Elizabeth, IN, Alan Fessell of Los Angeles, CA, and Eric Fessell of Clearwater, FL.; sister Jeanette Kiefer of Georgetown, IN; seven grandchildren: Erica Coolidge (Scott), David Fessell, Alissa Nutting (Dean Bakopoulos), Patti Youngs (Darin), Matthew Deleo (Kristina), Teresa Travis, and Nichole Fessell; twelve great grandchildren: Nick Coolidge (Alexandra), Dylan Coolidge, Nolan Coolidge, Madison Coolidge, Sparrow Nutting, Wesley Youngs, Grant Youngs, Garrison Youngs, Jonathan Deleo, Joseph Deleo, Cara Travis and Lana Travis; and one great, great grandchild, Calum Coolidge.
A memorial service was held at Gehlbach and Royse Funeral Home in Corydon, Indiana on March 12, 2022, with burial in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Lanesville, Indiana.
Robert P. Sharp
Robert Paul Sharp, 90, of Vermontville, MI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 24, 2022. He was born January 22, 1932 in, Lansing, MI, the son of Frederick and Gladys (Woodman) Sharp. Robert served for the United States Marine Corps from 1952 – 1954. He owned and operated Sharp’s Landscaping. Robert loved the outdoors and routinely took care of his yard and others making them works of art, notably RE Olds Mansion on Moores River Drive. He loved trees and plants and in most cases knew their Latin names and would mix certain grass seeds to create the perfect lawn.
In his spare time he remodeled homes to perfection. He was truly a jack of all trades. He loved his country and believed in truth and honesty and respect for everyone. He will be missed by all those who truly knew him.
Robert is survived by his sons, Bruce Sharp of Mulliken and Dr. Michael (Julie) Sharp of Richland; grandchildren: Bronson Sharp, Jake Sharp, Codi (Jeff Hale) Sharp, and Sarah (Josh) Hohenedes. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Joyce, Ruth, and Fred.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Norma Cribley
Norma Jean Cribley of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the age of 90. Norma was born on January 8, 1932, in Springport, MI the second of ten children born to Howard and Twila (Greenslade) Place. She married Charles Cribley on September 4, 1948, and together raised their three children in Eaton Rapids. Norma spent most of her time raising her children and taking care of the home. Once the kids grew up and left the house, she worked for Eaton Rapids Public Schools as a teacher’s aide. Norma enjoyed visiting northern Michigan and walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. She also loved her monthly meeting with her ladies coffee club.
Norma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Cribley ; and siblings, Zelmadene McHaney, Herrold Place, Kevin Place, Merlyn Place and Phillip Place.
Surviving are her children, Robert (June) Cribley, Linda (Steve) Miller, Dana (Jackie) Cribley; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; brothers, Robert, Daryl and Ronnie Place; sister, Sheila Heisler and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Taylor for being such a great friend over the years.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Burial followed at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with a luncheon immediately following at the funeral home. For those desiring memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Norma. To share memories or leave condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Steven McDonald
Steven Paul McDonald, 65, a “Jack of all Trades,” and man of the outdoors, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 27, 2022 in Charlotte. Steve was born September 15, 1956 in Connersville, IN, the son of Harold and Vera (Browne) McDonald, Sr. He graduated from Charlotte High School on June 3, 1974, and married in November of 1976. Steve enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1980, proudly serving most of his time in Charleston, SC. Steve was talented with his hands, making woodcrafts for his family, and helping to fix anything and everything. He worked as a painter, and was a truck driver with Thrifty for over 10 years. He loved the outdoors, and spent much of his time off camping and fishing. He was a member of the Saint’s Church of Jesus Christ in Charlotte, and, above all, he loved and devoted his life to his family.
Steve is survived by his brother, Harold “Butch” McDonald, Jr.; daughters, Nicole (Jerry) Proffitt, Melissa (Tim) Hall, and Heather (Jeremy) Storm; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Buddy. He was predeceased by his parents and three grandchildren, Taylor McDonald, Skylar Bowers and Jacob McCormick.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Pray Funeral Home Charlotte with Pastor Randy Carlson officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. 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 Steve’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 Promedica Hospice of Mason. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dennis Smith
Dennis Allen Smith, age 69, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 31, 1952, in Lansing, the son of Aubrey and Kathlyne (Bishop) Smith. On September 11, 1971, he married Linda Lee Ray in Charlotte. Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform at their dance competitions and bowling tournaments. When he was not working, Dennis enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and bowling. He always looked forward to his yearly fishing trips up north with Pastor Todd and members of Faith Assembly of God. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired after 32 years of service from General Motors in Lansing.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda; daughters: Denise (Josh) Neusbaum, Diane (Edward Hoxworth) Smith; grandchildren: Abbi (Dillon Domack) Neusbaum, Alyssa (George Hammond) Cornell, Gage Neusbaum; great granddaughter: Aurora Domack; sister, Karen Smith; brothers: Steve Smith, David Smith; in-laws: Dawn (David) Moore, Kriss (John) DePue, Felix (Cathie) Ray; special friends: Tim and Dawn Kepler, Jim and Addriett Balgoyen, Orval and Robin Whitmore, Vince and Sue Lettau, Ron (Ruth) Puffpaff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Bailey Rae Fletcher.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. The family received friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dennis’s honor to the VA Hospice House in Battle Creek.
To view Dennis’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.