Obituaries
Robert V. Green
Robert Vernon Green, age 95, of Bellevue died peacefully Friday, July 24, 2020, at the home of his loving niece, Janae Vogt Hall.
Mr. Green was born on April 5, 1925 in Nashville, Michigan to Harry W. and Ethel C. (Fassett) Green. He had been a resident of the Bellevue area since 1939 and was a graduate of Bellevue High School, class of 1943. Following his graduation, he entered the United States Army and served in the Korean War from 1945 until July of 1946. Due to the death of his brother, Raymond, he then came back from Korea and served stateside.
On July 17, 1950, he married the “Love of his Life” Marian Emma Oaster in Battle Creek.
Robert opened a Sinclair gas station in Bellevue on May 1, 1949 with his friend Don Greenfield. The station went through several changes over the years moving from a Sinclair station to an Arco station until finally becoming a Marathon station. He retired in 1987.
In 1989, Robert and Marian purchased a cabin in Trout Lake, Michigan which was their dream. They had rented a cabin for 22 years prior to 1989 in Trout Lake. Their cabin became a gathering place for family and friends during the years. Everyone was always welcome to come to “The Cabin.”
Robert also served his community by volunteering as fireman, a position that he served for 35 years, and held the office of Secretary/ Treasurer for many of those years. He also was a member of the Bellevue Rescue Squad for 15 years. In 2017, he received the honor of being the “oldest” citizen of Bellevue.
He is survived by a daughter, Sally (Terry) Barr of Biscayne Park, FL; sons, Raymond D. (Dea) Green of Bradenton, FL and Robert A. (Ruth) Green of Carsonville, MI; 6 grandchildren, Jeff (Erica) Green, Michael (Shauna) Sidnam, Robert Anthony Green, Patrick (Leslie) Green Heather Green Graves (Coby) and Jonathan Green; 9 great grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Green Vogt of Mattawan, MI; and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Marian in 2009, after almost 60 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Charles Green, Raymond Green, Richard Green and Barbara Green Leeser.
A private family gathering will take place at a later date.
To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, visit kempffuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Bellevue.
Sandra J. Gray
Sandra Jeanne Gray, age 78, of Dimondale, born April 3, 1942 in Lansing, passed away July 27, 2020, daughter to the late Melvin and Eleanor (Barry) Dick. Sandra was a former employee of Michigan State University; lifelong member and former secretary of Grand Ledge Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises with her husband Gale, and was very devoted to family.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Gale Jr. of 57 years; son, Jeffrey Gray; daughter, Traci (Frank) Brune; 4 grandchildren: Allison, Andrew, Blake, and Bailey; 3 sisters: Carol (Del) Meister, Kathy (Wes) Priest, Sue (Steven) Cutter; and brother Allen (Brenda) Savage.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the Grand Ledge Baptist Church in Grand Ledge. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or Grand Ledge Baptist Church in memory of Sandra Gray. The family has entrusted arrangements to Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge, petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Arrangements by: Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge
Jack Lee Endsley
Jack Lee Endsley, age 65, of Bellevue, died on July 22, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 25, 1954 to Rex and Ivas (Manning) Endsley in Battle Creek. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1972. Jack worked as a laborer for Wings Farms in Bellevue for many years. Jack enjoyed being outdoors, woodworking, joking with everybody, taking his sons hunting and listening to old country music. He loved his family and grandchildren more than anything else.
Jack is survived by his wife, Betty (Kimbler) Endsley; his sons, Roger (Renee) Endsley of Bellevue, Amos (Gen) Endsley of Bellevue and Jason (Shannon Odette) Endsley of Bellevue, his daughter, Kelly (Jerry) Aikens of Bellevue; his 13 grandchildren; his brothers, Max (Linda) Endsley of Bellevue and Eric
(Janice) Endsley of Newberry; his sisters, Iris (Mike) Hebenstreit of Olivet and Penny (Paul) Crim of Bellevue. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sue Rintamaki.
Memorials may be directed to the family. A memorial gathering to honor Jack’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services in Bellevue. Visit kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook or to leave the family condolences.
Nancy S. Ironside
Nancy Stroman Ironside, age 70, died May 30, 2020. Ms. Ironside had bone cancer. She was born to Ian and Virginia (Potts) Ironside on February 27, 1950 in Lansing. Ms. Ironside was a lifelong resident of the Lansing area. She was a leading Lansing-area non-profit administrator, political activist and someone who enjoyed good and gracious intellectual sparring. Well read, devoted to her work and friends, she loved to talk with people and able to draw out a smile and laugh from even the most crotchety person. She had been a 20-year survivor of breast cancer.
Ms. Ironside was both a Spartan and Wolverine. She earned a B.S. degree in political science from Michigan State University in 1972, following that with a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan.
But it was in non-profit and politics that Ms. Ironside made her mark professionally. Alexandra Townsend, D.O., Ms. Ironside’s best friend, said Ms. Ironside’s interest in the welfare of children helped lead her towards work with non-profit agencies.
For more than 20 years she worked for the YWCA in Lansing, becoming director of the downtown Lansing branch. While there she helped create Club Excel for children, and kept a Club Excel t-shirt that showed four little hands in red, yellow, purple, and blue as a prized memento.
Ms. Ironside also worked for a number of years with the Michigan United Way.
Ms. Ironside played a critical role in the campaigns of Larry Owen for the Democratic nomination for governor. She handled many of the logistics statewide for the campaigns and traveled with Mr. Owen and his wife, the late Faylene Owens to campaign events. She was intensely interested in politics and eagerly talked about the subject with anyone no matter their own political view.
A former patient of Dr. Townsend, Ms. Ironside became the administrator for the medical practice in 1999. As such, she was in close contact with patients and able to get them in a good mood before their turn for an examination came up. “She communicated with anybody at their level and made them feel comfortable,” Dr. Townsend said.
As a cancer survivor, she helped patients facing a difficult diagnosis remain confident and hopeful.
She enjoyed going with Dr. Townsend to Lake Powell, a giant man-made reservoir off the Colorado River which includes the Rainbow Bridge National Monument, in Utah and Arizona for vacations. They had a delightful adventure every year.
Ms. Ironside was fascinated with computers and immersed herself in their possibilities. Working with computers and scanning the internet was her major hobby. She also loved reading cookbooks, and collected dozens over the years. She loved reading the cookbooks, but not cooking from them, Dr. Townsend said. Ms. Ironside adored animals, especially cats. Living in a wooded area in Eaton County she also enjoyed watching the wildlife that would come up to her house as well as the changing seasons.
Along with Dr. Townsend, she is survived by her brother, Charles. According her wishes, Ms. Ironside was cremated.
The family is being served by the Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be shared at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Linda S. Archer
Linda Sue Archer, age 68, of Bellevue, died July 23, 2020. She passed to the next world peacefully home to her loved ones in heaven. Linda was born July 6, 1952, the daughter of Harry and Velma (Decant) Miller. Linda grew up in Olivet and then met her husband Joe, married 47 years. They moved to Charlotte where they started their family. They then had the opportunity to move the family to a farm in Bellevue and also be close to their dear friends Phil and Dee Vahs. Linda loved taking the kids to the rodeos, camping with friends, sporting events and of course the Eaton County Fair. She would often be seen at the grandchildren’s events and watch them run and show at the Eaton County Fair. Linda loved spending time outdoors. She enjoyed collecting ceramic frogs and decorated her house with them. Linda was known to make great meals and her holiday spreads were always something that everyone looked forward to. Linda’s love, and indominable spirit will always be loved and remembered.
Passing on leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but love leaves memories that no one can steal.
Linda is survived by her children, Lori Briggs (Tim), Tom Archer (Meghann) and Chad Archer (Anne); 7 loving grandchildren, Mikayla, Gabe (Gabrielle), Noah, Nick, Gracie, Teaghann and Cameron. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Joseph (Joe) Archer; parents, Harry (Bill) and Velma Miller; and Virgil and Katherine Archer.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family. Funeral services are Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Rick Martin officiating. Visitation is Monday, July 27, 2020, from 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The funeral service 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 Linda’s tribute, and then click on Photos & Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice of Mason. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lizabeth F. Brott
Lizabeth F. Brott, age 62, of Holt passed away on July 20, 2020. She was raised in Vermontville, Michigan, where she was an honors graduate of Maple Valley High School. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at MSU, she went on to complete her graduate degree at Cooley Law School. Liz would always remain a die-hard Spartan fan. Liz and Tom Brott wed in 1979. Since that time, they’ve enjoyed full professional lives, golfing, traveling, hosting and participating in numerous family gatherings, and loving their house-pet poodles. Liz was an avid flower gardener and animal lover.
Liz had an extensive career. She spent seven years as an Ingham County Sheriff’s Deputy, then went on to become an investigator for the State of Michigan’s Medical and Pharmacy licensing division. Recognized for her expertise and work ethic, she was promoted to the position of Regional Vice President of Risk Management for Proassurance. While serving in this position, Liz was a sought-after speaker at numerous national medical risk management conferences and forums.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jarene; her brother, David Fox; brother-in-law, Don Tharp. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Brott; brothers, Chris Fox, and Ted (Pam) Fox; sisters, Katy Fox, Laurine Fox, Mary (Ed) Zbik, Anne Crow, Susan (Andy) Joostberns, and Sharon (Jerry) Harris; sister-in-law, Patricia Tharp; many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Liz will always be remembered by her family for her graciousness, sense of humor and love-of-life — including her phrase to describe anything extraordinary as “trip the lights fantastic!”
Liz’s family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make contributions to The Capital Area Humane Society, in her honor. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, estesleadley.com.
Margaret J. Spitzer
Margaret Joan Spitzer, age 87, of Vermontville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, surrounded by those she loved. Joan was born February 26, 1933, in Nashville, MI the daughter of Marcus and Ellen (Day) Shapley. She attended Nashville High School. On January 21, 1950, Joan married Richard Spitzer in Angola, Indiana. Joan was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her family and always saw to it that she did her utmost to provide a loving home for them. Joan enjoyed spending time working in her flower and vegetable gardens and traveling throughout the US. She and Dick also enjoyed spending time at their family cabin in Gulliver and at their winter home in Dunedin, Florida.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Allan) Harvath of Charlotte; son, Richard (Teresa) Spitzer of Charlotte, 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law: Betty Shapley and Kathy Shapley.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband and soulmate of 70 years, Dick; brothers: Bob Shapley, Don Shapley, and Jim Shapley.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020, at 1 P.M. at the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Margaret’s memory to the West Carmel Congregational Church.
To view Margaret’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Judy M. Dahlgren
Juadean “Judy” M. Dahlgren, age 80 — a women full of compassion for others and endless love for her family — died peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2020, with family by her side at home on the farm in Potterville. Judy was born August 31, 1939, in Lansing, the daughter of Edward and Evelyn (O’Dell) West. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957 and on November 9 of the same year married Richard Dahlgren and they settled into family life on the Dahlgren farm in Potterville. She worked 21 years as a well-known server at the Pour House Restaurant in Windsor Twp., as well as laboring alongside her husband on the farm.
Judy loved sitting on the porch at the house with her family and friends, enjoying the flowers. Throughout the years, her family usually included several kids from the community keen on spending time outdoors around the farm with the Dahlgren children. Additionally, she cared for her “little people,” the many elderly she regularly checked in on and supported. Her love for people was rivaled only by her love of animals. She lived a life full of attention to the needs of others, and devotion to her children and grandchildren. Her hard work only allowed for three days of vacation each year, which she and Richard always spent enjoying Mackinac Island. Many will remember Judy’s wisdom and love, and her role as protector and nurturer to her large family and friends.
Judy is survived by her children, Richard (Pam Jones) Dahlgren II, Kim (Rebecca) Dahlgren, Cynthia (Scott) Lucas, and John (Joellen Wright) Dahlgren; 10 grandchildren, Danielle Dahlgren, Audrey Dahlgren, Avery Dahlgren, Dalton Wertz, Kyle Lucas, Rachel (Daryle) McMaster, Corey Lucas, Preston (Missy) Dahlgren, Terra (Larry) Coffman, and Jerrid (Sabrina) Dahlgren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jane West; sister-in-law, Cathy West; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard D. Dahlgren in 2017; her parents; brothers, Jim West and Jerry West; sister-in-law, Donna West; and infant granddaughter, Phoebie Dahlgren.
A private family gathering will take place on the farm. The family also wishes to especially thank Chelsea from Elara Caring Hospice for her compassionate care of Judy. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Judy on her Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jane L. Merrifield-Gidner
Jane Leigh Merrifield-Gidner, age 73, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at her home surrounded by family. She was born as Janet Roberta Williams on May 29, 1947 in Charlotte, the child of Jacob and Maxine Williams. At the age of four, she and her brother, Richard, were adopted by John Rex and Fanny Minnetta (Dennis) Gidner, and her name changed to Jane Leigh Gidner. The Gidner’s operated a working farm, and Jane grew up working hard with her family, and developed a deep respect for the 4H program. She attended Potterville High Schools until rezoning moved her to Charlotte Schools, where she graduated in 1966. In her younger years, before children, she worked as a certified nurse’s aide, and in fact cared for her parents for many years. Once her children arrived, she took an active role with their studies and interests, including volunteering with the 4H program and Campfire. In her spare time, she loved traveling and a good hot tub. Many will remember her for her 18 years at McDonald’s in Potterville, where she served as the lobby lady and enjoyed greeting and visiting with her many friends in the community. She was a member of two chapters of the Red Hat Society, and also enjoyed following the Senior Center dancing circuit.
Since a child, Jane lived a deeply Faith-filled life and was a member of New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. Above all, she loved her family and her children and grandchildren. In fact, after her debilitating stroke, she spent the last 18 months of her life under the care of her daughter, Martha, at the family home lovingly referred to as the commune. She also received constant support from her countless dear friends and family.
Jane is survived by her children, Martha (Terry) Bryant, John Merrifield, Jack (Benita) Merrifield; grandchildren, Steven Bryant, Michael Bryant, Hunter Merrifield, Angel Merrifield, Arianna Beedy, and their mother, Tara Ankney; her foster children, Tara Siler, Sean Brady, and Troy Brady; siblings, William, Susan, Mary, Marsha, Marvin, Cheryl, and Jake; many nieces and nephews; and several very dear friends. She was predeceased by her first love and spouse of 22 years, Phillip Merrifield; her grandson, Joshua Bryant; her birth and adopted parents; and her siblings, Richard, Michael, John, Geri, Judy, and James.
A funeral service took place on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 with Pastors Victor Williams and Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment was at Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Matthew Whitehouse
Matthew Whitehouse, age 52, of Vermontville, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.