Obituaries
Catherine “Cathie” Conroy
Catherine “Cathie” Thekla Conroy, a happy-go-lucky kind of lady, died February 10, 2021, just five days before her 61st birthday. Cathie was born in Wurzburg, Germany on February 15, 1960 to William and Berta (Stadler) Smith. Growing up in Germany, Cathie’s parents dreamed of moving to the United States, so her father, who was enlisted in the U.S. armed forces, moved the family to the United States when Cathie was five. At a very young age, Cathie earned her U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.
Known for her big heart, Cathie was caring, friendly, easy-going, and accepting to everyone. She worked at the Irish Pub in Lansing for six years, Spartan Motors for two years, and was a food service manager at Fire Keepers Casino for ten years. Cathie really enjoyed her jobs in customer service and had the best bar story about how she met her husband, Michael. In her free time Cathie enjoyed camping, canoeing, traveling around the United States, and especially spending time with and doting on her grandchildren.
Cathie is survived by her family, husband, Michael; daughter, Serena Willett; stepdaughter, Jessica (Jeremy) DeRosia; grandchildren, Michael DeRosia, Neveah and Alilliana King, and Joshua Ellis Jr.; and her sister, Christina (Gary) Bitner; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cathie’s family by sharing memories of her on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter or Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rachel G. Hebner
Rachel Genevieve Hebner, 95, of Dimondale, a true original with a smile you’ll never forget, passed away on January 29, 2021 in Charlotte, Mich. Rachel was raised in Battle Creek by her adopted parents, Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams. She graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. At the age of 18, she made one of her few trips away from home to travel with a friend to Keesler Air Force Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. While there, her friend’s husband arranged a blind date for her, which became the night she met her future husband, Francis Hebner. Within the year, Rachel traveled back to Gulfport to marry Francis. They later returned to Michigan with Francis’ transfer to Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda during the Korean War.
After Rachel and Francis moved to the Lansing area, where Rachel worked as a school secretary for the Lansing Public School System, her first position being at Lincoln Elementary. She loved her time there, always feeling that the school felt like one big family. After Lincoln School closed she moved to the Reo Elementary School until her retirement in the early 1980’s.
Rachel was a strong woman with a great sense of humor. She could tell a story like no other, a talent she enjoyed immensely. She was a “people person” who could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. In her recent years she became a voracious reader, sometimes reading two books in a day. Her favorite genre was murder mysteries, which may have helped her develop her story telling abilities. She was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. One of her grandchildren said, “Grandma had a distinctive smile.” The residents of Hope Landing, where she spent her last years, agreed and nicknamed her “The Smiling Lady.”
Rachel is survived by her daughter, Janice (Larry) McQuay; son, Stuart (Ellie) Hebner; grandchildren, Darrin (Susan) Hebner, Angie (Rob) Smith, Edie McQuay, Tammy (Ryan) Halsey, Tina (Tom) Dunsmore, Teresa (Bryce) Madill, Kellye (Joey) Youngs, Justin (Sara) Hodges, Ryan (Jennifer) Hodges; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Kyle, Larry, Jack, Allysa, Ashley, Mandy, Jeffrey, Cooper, Sarah, Gracelyn, Cameron, Sebastian, Aliya, Hayden, and Duke; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her birth parents, John and Millie (Hamilton) Reams; her adopted, parents Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams; her brothers, Lee Reams and Bob Reams; and sisters, Ada Whipple, Gertrude McConnell, and Ruth Harden.
The family received visitors on Monday, February 1, 2021. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online on Rachel’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Kris E. Petrelles
Kris Ellen (Sobleskey) Petrelles, age 57, died peacefully in the arms of her husband and three daughters at home in Fairplay, Maryland, on February 2, 2021. What a beautiful angel heaven has gained. Kris was born on August 19, 1964, the second youngest in a family of eight kids. Kris graduated in 1982 from Charlotte High School, and a short time later moved to Maryland where she lived until her death.
Kris was happily married for 27 years to Matthew Petrelles, who was her life partner for almost 33 years. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, Kelsie Rae, Ellie Julia, and Mallory Grace. Kris expressed great love and compassion for her husband and girls, as well as for friends and strangers, always happily putting others’ needs in front of her own.
Kris recently retired after a successful career as a Licensed Child Care Provider of Washington County, Maryland. In addition to spending time with her family she was a loving servant of God at the Hagerstown Bible Church, where she was an active volunteer for many church and community activities. During her life, Kris loved most of all being a wife and mother to her family. Kris loved all things Christmas, working out, eating healthy, listening to music, the children that she cared for, and her dogs, Rocky, Sparky, and Tiger.
Kris leaves behind many friends and family who will cherish her memory, including six brothers and sisters, Carolyn (Rick) Barrera, Rick (Carrie) Sobleskey, Marcia (Tim) Rayla, Laurie (Paul) Davis, Allen (Brenda) Sobleskey, Kevin (Cheryl) Sobleskey; and many nieces and nephews. Kris is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Ellen Sobleskey; brother, Paul Sobleskey; and nephew, Lance Sobleskey.
As we will all miss Kris, her loving soul will live in us forever. A celebration of Kris’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2021 in Maryland. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations to assist with funeral expenses can be mailed to the Osborne Funeral Home, 425 South Conococheague Street, Williamsport, MD 21795.
Mary T. (Teresa) Barnes
Mary (known as Teresa to family) T. Barnes left her earthly home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the age of 84. Mary was born on October 21, 1936 in Jackson County, Mich. She was the daughter of Vincent C. and Kitty A. (Fillmore) Duffey. Mary was a resident of Springport, Mich., however, she passed away peacefully in Mecosta County, Mich. at the home of her daughter, Connie, while under hospice care.
Mary attended St. Johns School in Jackson, but dropped out to secure income to help her family. She returned to school and fulfilled her dream of graduating and received her diploma in 1972. She later attended college to become a food service manager. She accomplished this while raising her family and tending to their needs. Mary was a loving wife and mother. She raised five children of her own and, for several years, assisted with raising her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. During this time, one could only describe her household as full and active. There was always love to be shared in the home she made.
While a food service manager, Mary developed a passion for working with the residents at the nursing homes where she was employed over a span of 40 years. She told stories about the antics of her residents for years after she retired from food service. There was always a joyful tone in her voice when she spoke of those days. She also developed many friendships with employees she supervised. She was always there to help them when they struggled.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Bud) Lee Barnes, her parents Vincent and Kitty Duffey, an infant brother Almon, her sister Betty Campbell and her brother Louis Duffey. She is survived by sister, Julie Fouty of Jackson; son David L. Barnes of Springport; and daughters Terry (Gary) Isham of Charlotte, Sandra (David) Norton of Evart, Connie Freeman of Paris and Susan (Lonnie) Ervin of Lakeview. Mary has ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two great–great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Mecosta County Office on Aging and/or Elara Hospice, also of Mecosta County.
The family is being served by the Clark Family Funeral Chapel & Cremation Service at 114 South Bradley Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858; clarkfuneralchapel.com.
Ruth E. Perry
Ruth Ellen Perry, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at the age of 93. Ruth was born on January 9, 1928 in Lansing, Mich. the daughter of Hugh and Ruby (Eiman) Austin. She was raised in Lansing and attended Lansing Eastern High School. Ruth worked for General Motors in the 1950’s where she met her husband, John Perry, Sr. marrying in 1960. Together they moved to Eaton Rapids, where she spent her time taking care of her family and raising her three children. Ruth was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Community Christian Church and the T.O.P.S. Club in Eaton Rapids and Charlotte.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John Perry, Sr.; daughter, Suellen Whaley; granddaughter Maria Voorhees; brothers, Paul Austin, Art Austin, Bill Austin; and sisters, Sharon Redman and Marian Cornell.
Surviving are her sons, John Perry, Jr., Matthew (Renee) Perry; son-in-law, James Whaley, Sr.; grandchildren, James Whaley, Jr., Juli (Glenn) King, Aaron Perry, Sarah (Jesse) Ziebarth, Caryn Gillam, Lisa Carrier; sister Eleanor Winter; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 22 at Skinner Funeral Homes, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Community Christian Church in memory of Ruth. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Donna K. Bailey
Donna Kay Bailey, 75, a woman of great love and devotion to her family, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, surrounded by her family at home in Dimondale. Donna was born August 29, 1945, in Palestine, Ill., the daughter of Phillip and Frieda (Hansen) Dale. In her youth, her family moved to El Dorado, Kansas, where she eventually met the love of her life, Garry Bailey. Garry and Donna married on June 9, 1964, and soon after moved to Michigan to raise their family. Throughout the years, Donna’s career followed several different paths. She was an LPN at Lansing General and worked in private nursing, served as a telephone operator in downtown Lansing, and most recently worked at I-94 Vehicle Auction, where she was known by coworkers and customers as “Momma D.” Above all, the highlight of her 75 years was raising five children, and loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children and friends will always remember her energy and spirit as a youthful mother, and will forever miss her sassy affection and loving smirk.
Donna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Garry Bailey; sons, Rick (Brenda) Bailey and Allen Mizer; daughters, Cheryl Bailey-Holmes, Sherry (Dave) Bauman, and Shirley (Phil) Wallace; grandchildren, Kortney and Chance Mizer, Jesse Reist, Kayelee Cavender, Taylor Holmes, Christopher and Nicole Bauman, Tara Stevens, and Emily Brown; seven great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and brothers, Terry (Anna) Dale, Jim Reel, Dale Emmerson and Ron Emmerson. Awaiting her in Heaven are her great-granddaughter, Grace Renee; her parents; and her siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Donna’s family. A family gathering will take place with a time of remembrance and celebration. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donna on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William T. Lundeen
William T. “Bill” Lundeen, age 80, of Clare, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Midland Hospital. On April 16, 1940, Bill was born one of five children to Theodore and Dorothy (Allen) Lundeen in Charlotte, Mich. He was united in marriage to Cecelia Osborne on December 11, 1959 in their hometown of Charlotte, and have celebrated over sixty-one years of marriage together. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1958, where he played on the golf team and played trumpet in the band. He was employed at Lansing Oldsmobile in skilled trades fixture repair for 30 years, retiring in 1991. He then dabbled in real estate for a few years. In 2004, Bill and Cec moved north from Charlotte to their retirement home on Shamrock Lake in Clare, Mich. Those who knew Bill well, knew he was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about his trout fishing and hunting, especially bowhunting, including using his traditional long bow and cedar arrows. Even at the youthful age of 80, he continued to enjoy participating in the Lundeen’s annual trout fishing and bow hunting camps. Bill and Cec also loved playing golf, and he was still an active, longstanding league member at Snow Snake. He enjoyed working puzzles, ice fishing, hunting for morels, watching MSU sports, playing cards, woodworking and fishing on their pontoon boat. He loved spending time with his family. Bill’s zest for life, sense of humor, loving nature and warm smile were always magnified in the presence of his grandkids and great-grand daughter, with whom he had special bonds. He will be deeply missed.
Bill is survived by his wife, Cecelia Lundeen of Clare, and their sons, Ron (Cheryl) Lundeen of Manton, Mich. and Jeff Lundeen of Central Lake, Mich. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Mark Lundeen of Holland, Mich. and Courtney Lundeen of Holland, Mich.; his great-granddaughter, Lucy Lundeen of Holland, Mich.; and his siblings, Florence (Robert) Donley and Jim (Alice) Lundeen, both of Charlotte. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Dorothy Lundeen, and his siblings Linda Fisher and Dick Lundeen.
In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill’s life will take place in the near future when gathering restrictions lighten. In the meantime, friends may leave online condolences and memories of Bill on his tribute page at Stephenson-wyman.com.
Ronnie L. Bryant
Ronnie Lee Bryant, 71, of Charlotte, died suddenly on Saturday, February 6, 2021 after complications from an ongoing medical condition. He was born on January 22, 1950 in Melvin, Kentucky to Homer Bryant and Imogene (Emma Jean) Mullins.
He has made his home in the Potterville and Charlotte, Mich. area for the last 30 years. Prior to that, he spent time in the Eaton Rapids and Olivet, Mich. areas. He worked for the last many years doing grounds and facilities cleaning and maintenance for the City of Potterville Parks & Recreation Department.
Ronnie enjoyed cruising around in one of his fleet of vehicles, or riding on his moped, visiting his many friends and family. He was a man who liked to drink a little drink, smoke a little smoke and oftentimes crack a good joke. He was stubborn and hard-headed, but loved dearly by most everyone he met. He had a smile that could light up a room and gave the biggest bear hugs that you thought might crack your ribs. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
He is survived by his children, Terry (Martha) Bryant, Dawn (Danny) Dionne, Jennifer (Ron) Brouse, James Bryant, Carry Bryant and Bobby (Monique) Bryant; grandchildren, Steven Bryant, Michael Bryant, JaiDee (Adam) Zinger, Chelsea Snear, Evan Brouse, Lucas Brouse, Faith Bryant, Austin Asher-Burt, Skylyn Bryant, Bruce Madry, Kamy Madry, Kayla Bryant, Aubryona Newborn, Logan Bryant and Leigh Bryant; great-grandchildren, Eli, Amelia, Camden, Evelyn and Carson; sister, Betty Payne; step-brothers, Martin, Chuck, Rick & Bill French; nieces, Lisa Gibson, Laura (Richard) Harris, Nicole Bryant, Tracy (Dave) Moore, Danielle Killey, Andrea (Derek) Harris, Corey Payne; nephew, Christopher Bryant; aunt, Thelma Newsome; special friend, Susan Pennington; and many cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; infant brother, James Bryant; brother, Jerry Wayne Bryant; son, Dale Bryant; and grandsons, Joshua Bryant and Jordan Winter.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Lee Township Hall, 23045 21 Mile Road, Olivet, Michigan.
John P. McGuire
John Patrick “Pat” McGuire, age 81, of Middleville, Mich., passed away on January 23, 2021. Pat was born on August 20, 1939 the son of Charles and Shirley (Sergeant) McGuire.
Pat was a 1957 graduate of Hastings High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Alma College in 1962. He continued to pursue his love of geology attending Summer Institutes at universities around the country. On December 30, 1961, Pat married Linda Lee Poulson, and they enjoyed 59 years together.
Pat was a teacher in Greenville, Mich. and later at Charlotte High School, retiring in 1995. He then became a stockbroker. Pat was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. He enjoyed rock collecting and studying geology. He was a member of the Beer Can Collectors of America (BCCA). He attended many beer can conventions with friends. He took many family trips camping out west and also enjoyed taking students out west to camp and collect minerals. In recent years, he enjoyed taking cruises with his wife and spending time at Gun Lake with his grandchildren.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Mike McGuire, and sister-in-law Donna McGuire.
Pat is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Kim (Rob) Pinks, Katie (John) McGuire-Todd; grandchildren Aaron (Amy) Pinks, Heather (John) Farley, Austin (Corinthia) Pinks, and Willy Todd; great-grandchildren Jaylin, Oakleigh, Blake, Aayliah, Cash; his brother, Barry McGuire; and nephews Paul and Mick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan at hospiceswmi.org/give/ 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, or a charity of one’s choice.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit girrbachfuneralhome.net.
Dale R. Hice
Dale Robert Hice, age 80, of Hastings, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. He was born June 20, 1940, in Charlotte the son of Howard and Agnes (Jaquette) Hice. Dale attended the Maurer School until the eigth grade and then went on to graduate from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1958. On June 24, 1961, he married Shirley Ann Horn. Dale was a true farmer his entire life. He had a passion for dairy and never considered his work a burden. Dale cherished his family and loved spending time together.
Dale is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley; children: Dale Jr. (Julia) Hice of Saranac, Dyanna Chesebro of Hastings; grandchildren: Danyle (Jonathan) Schiefla of Grand Rapids, Dannette (Lucas) Rose of Grand Rapids, Derek (Brittany) Hice of Grand Rapids, Dale Hice III of Saranac, Abigail Hice of Saranac; great-grandchildren, Tanner Schiefla, Tolan Schiefla, Isaac Rose, Evelynn Rose, Elliott Hice; brother, Duane Hice of Charlotte; two nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Hice; and two nieces.
A private memorial service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2021, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday with face covering and capacity guidelines being observed. Due to the funeral service being private and for immediate family only, the service will be livestreamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dale’s memory to the Interim Health Care Hospice, 1971 Beltline Ave. N.E., Suite 219, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or The Children’s Healing Center, 1530 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
To view Dale’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.