Obituaries
Robert Halliwill
Mr. Robert “Bob” Halliwill, age 78, of Charlotte, MI, formerly of Vermontville, passed away Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services.
Bob was born in Vermontville, MI on March 10, 1943, a son of the late Marlys (Brown) and Lowell Halliwill. He was raised in the Vermontville area, and attended local schools.
Throughout the years, Bob has held many various positions, but most recently worked as a truck driver, delivering newspapers for the Charlotte Shopping Guide.
Bob enjoyed spending time in town, often observing local people interacting together. He was an avid car enthusiast, who was loyal to the Ford brand. In his young years, Bob loved taking his vintage 1964 Chevrolet Impala out for a fun summer cruise, and whenever enjoying a cheeseburger from Burger King.
Robert is survived by his son, Mike (Penny) Halliwill; his sister, Mary (Loren) Lehman; five brothers, Jim (Maggie) Halliwill, Ed Halliwill, Leroy (Karen) Halliwill, David (Stephanie) Halliwill, Raymond (Betty) Halliwill; his sister in-law Caroline; three grandchildren; and his former wife, Sharon.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Pullen; brothers, Kenny and Ernie Halliwill; and sister in-law, Donna Halliwill.
A graveside funeral service was held 2 at p.m. on Friday, March 11 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, MI with Charles Jensen officiating.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Sandra M. Priesman
Sandra Marie Priesman, age 60, of Rockaway Beach, Missouri, passed away February 27, 2022. She entered this life December 22, 1961, in Charlotte, Mich., the daughter of Neal and Leah (McMillen) Priesman.
Sandra was known as a Godly woman who took great care for her home and preparing many warm meals. She found pleasure in shopping, vacationing, and camping. Sandra painted the last couple years and created several canvases which she displayed in her home. She will be greatly missed.
Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Lynn Priesman, Gary Priesman, and Jack Priesman; brother-in-law, Richard McClure; and sister-in-law, Dianne Priesman. She is survived by her three children: Dustin (Cassie) Wells of Huntsville, Arkansas, Summer (Tom) McDermott of East Helena, Montana, and Cole-James Wells of Huntsville, Arkansas; three grandchildren: Eli, Annaleah, and Ellie; brother, Rod Priesman of Kailua, Hawaii; two sisters: Suzanne McClure and Angela Priesman, both of Charlotte, Michigan; and many other friends and extended family.
Sandra will be buried at West Carmel Cemetery on March 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements and burial are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.
Jeremy J. Droscha
Jeremy James Droscha, born April 27, 1978, went to be with his Lord and Savior, March 5, 2022, passing from the result of injuries sustained in a massive explosion and ensuing house fire. He was a devoted husband and father, and a true hero that rescued his four-year-old daughter from the burning house. His children are his pride, joy and legacy.
Jeremy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Betty Bergeon; and paternal grandparents, Robert and Phyllis Droscha. Survived by wife, Jessica (Pletz) Droscha; son, Mason Droscha; daughters, Hannah and Aubrey Droscha; mother and father, Denise (Bergeon) and James Droscha; sister, Katie Droscha; and brother-in-law, Andrew Rodgers; many aunts, uncles, cousins, special friends and neighbors.
Jeremy was born in Eaton Rapids, and was raised on the family dairy farm. Attending Charlotte Schools from kindergarten through high school, he graduated with the class of 1996. Jeremy was active in 4H, FFA, and automotive classes, receiving state level awards in drafting and automotive competitions through his high school years.
After receiving a mechanical scholarship from University of Northwestern Ohio, in Lima, Ohio, he completed an associate degree in automotive and diesel technology. Returning to Michigan Jeremy then attended Olivet College, graduating in 2006 with a dual bachelor’s degree in science and history. During his college years he worked at a large farm in Lima, Ohio. Other jobs included being a semi-truck driver for Ryder, five years as a production supervisor for General Motors in Lansing, and for the past seven years Jeremy was a full-time licensed relator with ReMax of Lansing. Jeremy’s career passion was being a full-time farmer, growing hay, beans and corn, and working with his family.
Calvary Baptist Church was the family’s second home. Driving the church van picking up anyone that needed a ride to the Savior was part of the Wednesday night family schedule. He also served as a church Deacon for three years. His special gift was maintaining the church and grounds. Jeremy loved the Lord and was an integral part of his church family.
Serving the community as an Eaton County Fair Board member was also important to him. Working as a team with his fair and farmer friends helping make a safe place for kids to develop life skills, have fun and grow through agriculture, the FFA, and 4H. His favorite part of the fair was the tractor pulling, he worked with the team as one of the tractor pull superintendents for the last twelve years. Jeremy also served 10 years at Eaton and Ingham County as a volunteer sheriff deputy.
The love of his life was his wife, Jessica. Jeremy and Jessica were married for 14 years, together raising three beautiful children Mason, Hannah, and Aubrey. The family worked hard together, and the family played hard together. Rarely, did you see Jeremy without one or all three kids in tow. He enjoyed farming, cutting wood, picking rocks, restoring their 150-year-old farmhouse, growing a huge family garden, and greenhouse. Often, the entire family, grandma and grandpa included, loved to make trips to farm and tractor shows.
Jeremy had an adventurer’s spirit. He mapped unexplored caves in Kentucky, climbed and repelled many mountain sides, and he owned and flew a hot air balloon for the past 12 years. The bonds of the ballooning community run deep. He and Jessica were successful in teaching their kids to race quads, with Hannah and Mason both winning first place trophies at the state level. He also loved pulling his kids on the tube behind his boat at the family lake house.
Jeremy’s life philosophy was, “Do not go where the path may lead . . . Go instead where there is no path and leave the trail behind.”
Friends are encouraged to support Jeremy’s family by sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Charlotte Assembly of God with interment following at Center Eaton Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church or Droscha Family Fund, https://bit.ly/Droscha.
Rosario Debler
Rosario “Rosy” Debler, a woman who devoted her life to the Lord, died Sunday, February 20, 2022. Rosy, 58, of Charlotte was born December 7, 1963, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of Eustaquio “Rod” and Bertha (Bosquez) Rodriguez. Rosy was very artistic; this was a god given talent of hers. She did take some art classes but most of her abilities she was born with. Rosy could be found at craft shows around the area selling her work. She was known for her piñatas. In the later years Rosy developed Macular Degeneration causing her to be legally blind. This however didn’t stop Rosy from continuing to do her artwork. In her early years Rosy enjoyed dancing with Valli Halbeisen Dance Studio and performing in Traditional Mexican Dances around the area. Early in life Rosy was a devoted member of the St. Mary Catholic Church and in her later years she was a member of New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. Above all her biggest joy in life was her family, especially her nieces and nephews.
Rosy is survived by her beloved cat, Clara Jane; siblings, Joe Rodriguez, Ricardo (Darlene) Rodriguez, Linda Fox, Delia McGregor, Alicia Rodriguez-Wilcox; nieces and nephews, Gabriel Fox, Veronica (Mark) Neal, Stephanie (Josh) Dorey, Martin (Kendra) Rodriguez, Brianna (Cody) Wolgamott, William Rodriguez, Kegan McGregor, Mike (Laura) Lovell; great-nieces and nephews, Kendall Dorey, Ashton Dorey, Carson Wolgamott, Jayden Lovell, Aubrianna Lovell; special friends, Esther McKeever, and Becky Brooks. She was predeceased by her parents; significant other, Ken Debler; brother-in-law, Steve Fox; sister-in-law, Patricia Rodriguez.
Friends are encouraged to support Rosy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Rosy’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 American Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William J. Pettit
William “Will” John Pettit, 51, of Bellevue, passed away on February 28, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
He was born on October 18, 1970, to Darwin and Susan (Aves) Pettit in Tuscan, AZ. He was a graduate of Bellevue High School, Class of 1990. Will worked as a Truck Driver for R + L Carriers for the past 14 years. He married Andrea (Mann) on Oct. 29, 2015.
Will enjoyed everything outdoors. Among his favorites are gardening, hunting, fishing, campfires, and cookouts. He was also a faithful fan of MSU Football and the Detroit Redwings. Giving to anyone ahead of his own needs, Will was a generous friend to all and had the best sense of “dry” humor ever. He was very devoted husband and father, but a really great dad.
Will is survived by his loving wife, Andrea; son, Elijah Pettit; stepson, Ethan Almaraz; stepdaughter, Savannah (Alex Goras) Almaraz; step grandson, Greyson Goras; mother, Susan (Pat Outman) Pettit; sister, Renee (Jerry Slocum) Knight; grandfather, LaVerne Aves; and nephew, Jared Knight. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Crystal (Shiloh), Amara (Benji), and Lindsey; brother-in-law, Mike (Kat); mother-in-law, Sherry Dailey; aunts; uncles; cousins; nieces and nephews; as well as lifelong friend, George “Pug.”
He was preceded in death by his father, Darwin L Pettit, and grandmother, Mary Ellen Aves; grandparents, Blaine and Leona (Peake) Pettit; father-in-law, Shane Mann; several aunts and uncles.
Services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, Marshall Chapel, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Pastor Don Francis officiating, assisted by Joe Farkas. A committal service followed in Riverside Cemetery, 201 West Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family; funeral home staff will be available to assist. Please visit https://kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.