Obituaries
Lyle Sheldon Royston
Lyle Sheldon Royston, a proud veteran of the Korean War, passed away February 15, 2024. He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 27, 1930, the son of Leo and Freda (Sawdy) Royston. He grew up in East Lansing, attending Quantrell Elementary School and later Charlotte High School until 11th grade before he entered the Army Forces. On March 16, 1948, Lyle entered the United States Army. He trained in vehicle mechanic school. Lyle served with the 578th MAM Company while stationed in Guam and transferred to Korea. He served with the 515th ordnance MAM Company. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Lyle was honorably discharged from the service on March 18, 1952, from Battle Creek, Michigan. He then worked for Fisher Body Company until his retirement in 1988. Hobbies that Lyle enjoyed included doing crossword puzzles, cheering on the Detroit Lions, spending time on the lake taking pontoon rides with Shirley, fishing, and taking the grandkids tubing.
Lyle is survived by his wife, Shirley (Bursley) Royston. They got married on October 25, 1952. They met at a very young age while at church. Lyle and Shirley had two children, Yvonne and Melvin. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Shelby Royston, Jerry Bracy, and Laura Crosslan; nine great-grandchildren, Breanne Paton, Brooke (Tyler) Sheppard, Kerstin (Chris) Smith, Olivia (Nathan Hussey) Rushmore, RJ and Jakob Crosslan, Gauge Linn, Abby, and Waylon; six great-great-grandchildren, Jaylinn, Colton, Paisley, and Braylee Smith, Lainey Sheppard, and Emersyn Paton. He was proceeded in death by his children, Yvonne (Gary) Stults, and Melvin Royston; siblings, Leah, Fern, Donald, Rex, and Loren; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lyle’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston 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 Lyle’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 VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Nancy Jane Minich
Nancy Jane Minich, formerly Nancy Jane Dexter, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the age of 78, at her home in Northville, MI. Nancy was born November 18, 1945 in Bellevue, MI to Mary Hamilton Dexter and William Manville Dexter, where she grew up with her three siblings. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1963 and continued her education at Olivet College and Central Michigan University, earning her teaching degree in 1967. Nancy taught at several schools in the Pinconning School District and later settled in Concord, MI. There she pursued further education earning her LPN and RN degrees and worked as a nurse at the Foote Hospital emergency room in Jackson, as a nursing educator at Hillsdale Community College, and retired from the State of Michigan as a nurse at the Jackson Correctional Facility.
Outside of work Nancy found joy in travelling around the United States, spending time with family, reading, taking nature walks, and volunteering at the library and community free store. She was known for her irreverent sense of humor and willingness to help neighbors and friends.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gary Minich of Northville; children, Timothy (Stephanie) Minich of Northville and Kristin (James) Jensen of Golden, CO; grandchildren, Henrik and Adelaide Jensen; brother, John Dexter; sister, Alexandra (Dexter) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ellen (Dexter) Rugg; mother, Mary; father, Manville; and stepfather, Clarence Price.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11, 2024 at the Bellevue Methodist Church in Bellevue, Michigan, with refreshments provided. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bellevue Township Library in Nancy’s honor.
Dana Westley Telfor
Dana Westley Telfor of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 18, 2024, at the age of 87. Dan was born in Belding, MI, on August 24, 1936, the son of Don and Lillian (LaPekes) Telfor. He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and proudly served his country in Japan. Dan worked as a supervisor for General Motors, retiring in 1988 after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he went to work in the Lawn and Garden Department at Meijer, which was right up his alley as he loved working outside in the yard and in his flower gardens. Dan also enjoyed farming. He always had pigs and his beloved Herefords. Some of his other hobbies included hunting, fishing and was very meticulous about polishing his vehicles.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Telfor of Eaton Rapids; children, Mark Telfor of Lansing, Danelle (Robert) Eckart of Kenosha, WI, Jamie (Debbie) Telfor of Eaton Rapids, Misty (Scott) Warner of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Roxanne) Telfor of Grant, Josephine (Jack) Reeves of Belding, Connie (Bill) Gregory of Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Telfor, Harold Telfor, Harry Telfor, Raymond Telfor; sister, Betty Williams; grandson, Colin Byars.
Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Dana Westley Telfor. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Brenda Kay Bly
Brenda Kay Bly, 77, a truly “Kindhearted Woman” of deep Faith and love for her family, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Lansing. Brenda was born January 15, 1947, in Hastings, the daughter of Evison Joseph, Jr. and Beverly Ann (Lord) Beck. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life, John K. Bly on July 2, 1965, at the Congregational Church of Charlotte. In her early years, Brenda worked as a waitress at the Hi-Lo, in elder care at the Faith Immanuel Nursing Home, and at Maeward Inc. in Olivet. Her true life’s calling began when she earned her massage certificate from Lansing Community College and started her own business in 1992, Kind-Hearted Woman. She served her community as a massage therapist, energy worker, and shamanic practitioner, helping people heal on all levels of their being – physical, emotional, natural and spiritual. Brenda co-created Happiness and Healing Advocates and was a member of the Charlotte Full Moon Circle and many Shamanic Circles. She was dedicated to her Charlotte Community in many other ways as well, especially by passionately serving on the Camp Francis Board.
Brenda loved the outdoors, especially gardening, and spending time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan and immersing herself in the forest. She looked forward to vacationing with her brother, Mike and his family. She absolutely adored her beloved grandson, Scott, and treasured every moment with him. Above all, Brenda was deeply devoted to her Faith. From a young age, Brenda developed a strong, memorable relationship with God. She maintained that relationship every day in her interactions with others, and in her service to her home church, Charlotte Congregational. Brenda will forever be remembered by many for her positive energy, kind spirit, and service to others.
Brenda is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, John K. Bly; their son, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; daughter-in-law, Amy Bly; grandson, Scott James (Kara) Bly; brothers, Evison Joseph Beck III and Michael Aaron Beck; her nieces and nephews, extended family; and a whole host of friends and fellow shamans. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, James Kay Bly in 2021; and her sister, LaRae Smith.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Jody Betten officiating. 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 Brenda’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 Juvenile Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary Lee Wells
Gary Lee Wells, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born May 17, 1949, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Howard and Juanita (Maynard) Wells. Gary had a personality that was larger than life. He loved entertaining others with his singing, dancing, and playing of his guitar. Gary was an extremely hard worker and always saw to it that his family was well cared for. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Katrina (Robert) Butler of Bunker Hill, Illinois, Kristina (John) Hamilton of Alton, IL, Lisa (Kraig) Bowen of Charlotte, MI, Gary Wells Jr., of Charlotte, Thomas (DeeAdra) Wells of Kansas City, MO; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marvin (Neva) Wells of Charlotte, Sharon Wells of Wilsonville, IL, Ivan (Annette) Wells of Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jessica Cooper; and his fur-baby, Lucy.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gary’s memory to Compassus Hospice, 800 S. Waverly Road, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.
To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.