Obituaries
Dorothy Diane Ebert
Dorothy Diane Ebert of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 74. Born on October 5, 1949, in Flint, MI, Diane was the cherished daughter of Lester and Elizabeth (Marks) Proffer. She grew up in Rankin, Michigan and graduated from Ainsworth High School with the class of 1967.
On July 20, 1979, Diane married Lanny Ebert, and together they raised three sons. A devoted wife and mother, Diane dedicated many years to nurturing her boys. Once they were grown, she pursued further education and earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University. Diane then embarked on a fulfilling career as a 4th-grade teacher for Holt Public Schools, where she made a lasting impact on her students.
In her free time, Diane was an avid crafter who enjoyed sewing, painting, and creating special gifts for her friends and family. She was also a proud member of the “Cardetts,” a card-making club in Charlotte, MI, where she shared her artistic talents and camaraderie.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Elizabeth Proffer; her sister, Ruth Warry; her brother, Jack Proffer; and her son, Dustin Ebert. She is survived by her loving husband, Lanny Ebert; her sons, Benjamin Vannest and Gary (Neo) Vannest; her brothers, Ron (Carol) Proffer, Roger (Linda) Proffer, Jeff (Kaye) Proffer, Bob (Joyce) Proffer, Jim Proffer, John (Charlotte) Proffer, and Lester (Altagracia) Proffer; her sisters, Janet Reith and Donna (Jack) Ogle; her grandchildren, Diane Potso Vannest and Jaymes Ebert-Nicholson; her great-grandchild, Bryan Ebert; and several nieces and nephews.
No services will be held at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Shelter or Saved by Zade in Diane’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Michelle Marie Edwards
Michelle Marie Edwards, 46, of Bellevue, went to be with her Lord on July 24, 2024, at Bronson Battle Creek, Battle Creek MI. She was born on May 14, 1978, to Thomas M. and Jane M. (Osman) Edwards in Marshall, MI. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1996.
She was a member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet. Michelle was involved in baton twirling when she was younger, competing with her teammates in National and local competitions, while also performing in parades in different communities around Michigan. She enjoyed making latch hook rugs, walking around Bellevue visiting friends, going to sporting events at the high school, and playing Dominos on the weekends with her friends. She was a big Dale Earnhardt fan. Michelle really enjoyed hanging out with her friends.
Michelle is survived by her parents; brother, Steven (Keri Cole) Edwards of Battle Creek; special niece, Madison Cole and special friend, Nancee Ludwick.
Visitation was held Monday, July 29, 2024, at Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Rd., Olivet, MI 49076. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Faith Assembly of God, Olivet, Michigan, with Pastor Todd Mclane, officiating.
The burial will take place in the Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Memorials are suggested to the Hydrocephalus Association, https://www.hydroassoc.org/ or Colon Cancer Research Prevention Fund, https://colorectalcancer.org/. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
Carrie Belle Putnam Marks
Carrie Belle Putnam Marks, 60, of Dimondale, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Carrie was born on May 29, 1964, in Albion, MI the daughter of Frank and Glodia (Powers) Putnam. She was the first-born child and the apple of their eye. Eventually she had a baby brother who was a part of her life for 15 short months before his passing. Carrie had two children, Jessica and Jeremy, but due to life choices they were raised and adopted by other families. She never stopped loving her children. Carrie enjoyed doing word searches and walking.
Carrie is survived by her children, Jessica and Jeremy; her grandchildren; and several cousins and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings, William Guy; Rhonda Sue, and Paul Allen; and several aunts and uncles.
Friends are encouraged to support Carrie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Her family is planning a private graveside service at Clarence Township Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Pamela Lorraine Dennis
Pamela Lorraine Dennis who was loved by everyone that she met, died on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Pamela 65, of Charlotte, was born on August 16, 1958, in Lansing, MI the daughter of Erwin and Lorraine (Strong) Dennis. She graduated from Lansing Sexton High School and began working. Over the years she worked for Michigan National Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo in Arizona, and most recently Walmart in Arizona and Charlotte once she moved back home. Pamela enjoyed working in her flower beds and making new friends. Above all her biggest love in life was her dog, Cinnamon.
Pamela is survived by her brothers, Ken Powelson and Karl (Ninta) Powelson. She was predeceased by her husband, Merlin “Butch” Dennis, and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Pamela’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Yvonne Evelyn VanDenDriessche
Yvonne Evelyn VanDenDriessche of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at home July 26, 2024, at the age of 85. Yvonne was born in Battle Creek, MI, June 6, 1939, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (Johnson) Mayberry. Her parents owned and operated the R and R Snack Bar in Battle Creek, which is where Yvonne started working in the restaurant business before ending up at Bob Evans for over 20 years. Yvonne loved to bake and work on puzzles. Her favorites were Soduko, crossword puzzles and her card table always had a challenging puzzle on it. She was very proud of the fact that when her daughters were young, she went back to school to graduate and earn her diploma. After her husband Joseph’s death in 2012, she remained close with his family which she made her own.
Yvonne is survived by her daughters, Amy (Mike) Chandler of Harlem, GA, Anne (Alan) Grayson of Southfield, MI, Cheryl (Jim) Barch of Crystal Lake, IL, Carrie James of Eaton Rapids, MI; sons, Michael (Alice) Walker of McMillan, MI, Mike Higgs of Twin Lakes, MI;16 grandchildren; special grandchildren, Camiel and Carter; 16 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 36 years, Joseph; son, Danny Adams; grandson, Danny Higgs; brother, Robert Mayberry.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with visitation the hour before the service. Burial took place in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made the American Lung Association, 26555 Evergreen Rd Suite 540, Southfield, MI 48076. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.