Obituaries
Lucia R. Menk
Lucia R. Menk of Wesley Chapel, Florida (formerly Charlotte, Michigan), age 83, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Lucia was born December 13, 1940, in Lawa-an, Samar, Philippines the daughter of Fernando and Francisca Ramasasa Padua. In 1968 she moved to the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1971. Her hobbies included sewing and gardening.
Surviving is her husband, Albert C Menk Jr.; son, Eric C. Menk; daughter, Michele F. (Menk) Kim; and grandchildren, Alexa Menk, Sebastian Menk and Grace Kim. Lucia was preceded in death by her parents and twin sons.
A private graveside service will be held at her final resting place, Gates Mills North Cemetery.
Phyllis Ann Watson
Phyllis Ann (Sheldon) Watson, age 74, of Springport passed away in her home under the loving care of her family and hospice on Wednesday July 17, 2024. She was born in Marshall, MI on November 13, 1949, one of 12 children born to Albert and Jessie (Clark) Sheldon. She is the last surviving of that family as her parents and all her siblings have preceded her in death. She is also preceded in death by her infant son, Ted Allen Wireman.
Phyllis was an incredibly fun, loving, selfless, strong woman who always put other’s needs before her own and she was always working, doing something. She cherished her family, especially her kids and grandkids and was an amazing cook; her family treasures memories of the incredible homemade, from scratch dishes she made over the years. She was always ready and willing to feed anyone who came around. Christmas was Phyllis’s favorite holiday. She used it as an opportunity to shower everyone with gifts that mirrored her love and her home was the gathering spot for Christmas Eve with many memories made, especially of her homemade Christmas cookies. Even though she was a collector of things, she kept those things well organized. She loved coloring and throughout her whole life, she adored her weiner dogs, having so many to love throughout the years. Phyllis was also a woman who lovingly spoke her mind and the people around her respected and loved her for it. Trips to Paw Paw to visit her “people” was always a highlight for Phyllis as well. What can you say about a person in a few words who was just so amazing? She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Phyllis leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Keith whom she was united in marriage to on April 6, 2001 in Toledo, Ohio; her children: Doug (Cassie) Wireman, Scott (Natacia) Wireman, Kristie (Ryan) Hisler; grandchildren: Josh Bowles, Lindsey Wireman, Samantha Wireman, Kelsie Wireman, Dylan Wireman, Austin Wireman, Autumn Wireman, David Becker, Kaydence Becker, Nathan (Aurora) Powers, Nicolas Powers, Jase McNair; great-grandchildren: Lily, Cooper, Oliver, Ella, Max, Adonis, special niece and best friend, Ann Wireman, first husband and father of her children, Robert Wireman and so many extended family and friends.
Phyllis’s family celebrated her life on Friday, July 26, 2024, with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of her service at 1 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI. She will be laid to rest in Rice Creek Cemetery following.
To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com
Melvin LeRoy Midlam
Melvin LeRoy Midlam, 64, of rural Olivet, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 18, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. Melvin was born on November 5, 1959, in Marshall, MI, to Earl Richard and Hazel Mae (Cushman) Midlam. At an early age, Melvin developed an unquenchable thirst for learning. He attended Striped School and Olivet Schools, and later graduated from Western Michigan University with an Electrical Engineering Degree. Melvin helped his senior parents on the three-generation family farm, while starting a business raising organic, grass-fed beef. Melvin developed an insatiable quest to share current root-cause healing research learned through his own health challenges. A favorite beef customer was a Buddhist priest. Many Amish people would spend hours at auctions talking with Melvin, sometimes inviting him to their Amish farm. Throughout his life, Melvin yearned to see people focus on true inner happiness. Known as “The Einstein of Partello,” Melvin was a “Jack of all trades.” He was an inventor, problem solver, educator, researcher, mechanic, welder, electrical engineer, and most importantly, an empathetic listener. His family includes seven brothers and sisters: the late Brenda (Alan) Young of Olivet, Richard (Mary) Midlam of Olivet, Ken (Linda) Midlam of Rogers, AR, Dale Midlam of Olivet, Sheila (Tim) McConnel of Maurice, IA, Marcia Midlam of Indiana, Lisa Midlam (Paula Boehler) of Vancouver, WA, and Linda Young of Olivet; former sisters-in-law Trina Walton of Florida, Becky Midlam of Arkansas; 14 nephews and nieces, several great and great-great nephews and nieces; and very dear friends Carmen Ripley and her son Garrette. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Melvin’s family and friends will greatly miss his inventive and problem-solving mind, his generous soul that was willing to give his last nickel to another, and a spirit known for listening and accepting with unconditional love.
The family invites you to visit with them at Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N, Marshall, Michigan, on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for visitation and Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. A celebration of life service and time of sharing at 2:00 p.m. with a meal at 3:00 p.m. and a procession line up at 4:00 p.m. to Interment at Rice Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please read: Melvin was passionate (including on his last day) about a simple yet breakthrough cancer treatment. Exciting news: This century-old small molecule (the pure form, PV-10 made from rose bengal) will be used in a soon-to-be-started cancer trial for the anticipated first human approval. Donations to this small company cancer trial and Midlam-family-directed research may be sent to: Mr P’s Foundation C/O Healthcare Horizons, 800 S. Gay St. Suite 1600, Knoxville, TN 37919. Melvin’s own health challenges sparked enthusiasm to help other people with their health challenges leading him to research this cancer treatment since 2014. The treatment is a safe, non-toxic, non-invasive, synergistic, affordable breakthrough that can be delivered via oral, IV, nasal, topical and or tumoral injection. For more info: https://ww,provectusbio.com/news/press-releases/
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services.
Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com.
Vance R. Cheeseman
Vance R Cheeseman, a man who was devoted to his family and faith, died on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Vance, 95, of Vermontville, was born on May 23, 1929, in Kalamo Twp., the son of William and Bertha (Goodwin-Becraft) Cheeseman. After his father suffered a heart attack when Vance was 13, he took over running the family farm. This was a dream for Vance because he had always wanted to be a farmer. At the age of 19 after an extended illness, he had to stop farming. While he was sick his aunt gave him a radio and after listening to programs like the Grand Ole Opry and Louisiana Hayride, he realized his true passion was playing the steel guitar. Vance was well known by local musicians and came to the attention of several famous country music stars from Nashville, who wanted him to join their studio bands. In 1956 Vance married the love of his life, Nancy Blackburn, and together they started a family. Vance used his knowledge from toying around on the farm as a kid to build his own pedal steel guitar by hand. At the time, Gibson had interest in his design, but were not willing to pay him. From an early age Vance devoted his life to his faith. He was a founding member of the Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Charlotte. He was actively involved in the design and purchase of the Kingdom Hall on VanLieu St. Vance was proud that in his late 90s he was fully independent and was able to still tend to his yard and take care of his property.
Vance is survived by his daughter, Penny (Ronald) Carrero; granddaughter, Lyndi Carrero; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; his parents, William and Bertha Cheeseman; and numerous siblings and extended family members.
Friends are encouraged to support Vance’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Interment will be at Kalamo Hillside Cemetery in Vermontville. The family will be having a Celebration of Life for Vance at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Charlotte at 40 N. Chester Road on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with Elder Jeff Teachout officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the local congregation in person or at donate.jw.org
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Eugene Haigh
Ronald Eugene Haigh, 66, of Bellevue, a quiet, gentle-spirited, humble man that loved his family, died peacefully at his home in the early hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Ron was born August 4, 1957 in Charlotte, the son of Stanley George and Barbara Louise (Pratt) Haigh. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1975 and soon after married the love of his life, Linda Sue Newcomer on July 31, 1976. Ron and Linda happily raised a son and two daughters in Bellevue and enjoyed nearly 48 years of marriage. Ron held the position as FFA Sentinel in High School and was on the track team and a member of 4H. His passion and pride for Allis-Chalmers tractors held fast throughout his life as he admired and acquired the family tractors that he grew up farming with. In fact, Ron was set to be honored as the Grand Marshall of the Bellevue Antique Tractor Show this August.
Ron was a proud Spartan and Lions fan. Above all he was a dedicated family man who enjoyed fishing, campfires, cook-outs, and family gatherings. He was an avid player of the game “Sequence.” He would play almost daily with his family and enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to play. He loved all types of homemade pie and was known to be constantly “tinkering.” Ron worked 23 years at Carefree in Charlotte and 18 years at Clariant in Albion before his retirement. Ron developed a keen sense of humor and was known for his “Dad Jokes.” He remained positive and never complained even in the face of his battle with Parkinson’s and Cancer over the last few years. Ron’s family and friends will remember and cherish his memory forever.
Ron is survived by his wife, Linda Haigh; son, Paul (Hiroko) Haigh of Hawaii; daughters, Crystal (Dale) Dowding and Laura Haigh; grandchildren, Jayden, Izabella, Emmarie, and Tyler; siblings, Marilyn (Clark) Hulliberger, Carolyn (Doug) Armstead, Evelyn (Don) Kunst, and Jackie (Jerry) Mire; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ron’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, July 24, 4-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held Thursday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home followed by procession to Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. 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 Ron’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 Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.