Obituaries
Patty Lou Burleson
Patty Lou Burleson passed away at her home with family by her side on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the age of 87. Patty was born on May 24, 1937, to William and Beatrice (Overla) Hart in Mason, MI. She grew up a farmer’s daughter alongside her younger sister Karen and cousin Gary. It’s there that she developed a lifelong passion for horses. On a family hunting trip to Harrison, she met her future husband, Clyde Burleson. They married on July 24, 1954. They lived for a time in Eaton Rapids, before settling back in Mason at the home Clyde built for her just a few houses down from where she grew up. They had 4 children and often opened their home to family and friends. They threw many memorable parties where everyone gathered in the garage and the yard to talk, played a game of softball or volleyball, and enjoyed a pig roast. Patty enjoyed gardening, working out to her Richard Simmons tapes, the music of Elvis, painting, cooking, and baking. A renowned cake baker and decorator, she baked cakes for many including family events and milestones. Patty was a 4-H leader and the whole family could be found each summer at the Ingham County Fair. She was often a judge for the 4-H cake contests. Through the years, the fair continued to be a family event where she would buy wristbands for all the grandchildren. Her famous dishes include apple goodie, balloons, cinnamon rolls, cookies, homemade noodles, and she even made a brandy slush every Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve at Grandma’s was a large event, where the whole family came to her house to enjoy the holiday together. Each year, they prepared for the event by holding a candy making day at her house, creating many tasty treats including hard candy. Patty’s whole world was caring for her family. She babysat many of her grandchildren while they were young, spoiling them and providing a loving presence. Each holds special memories of their time at grandma’s house in their heart.
Patty is survived by her sister Karen (Bill) DeTemple; children, Susan (Steve) Pifer, Julie (Rick) Rice, and Tim (Lana) Burleson; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren (one on the way); one great-great-grandchild (two on the way); three nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde; son, William Burleson; granddaughter, Shannon Rice and great-grandson, Daniel Huttenga.
Funeral Services took place at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at noon. She will be laid to rest in Rosehill Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Patty Lou Burleson. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Patricia Yvonne Koos
Patricia Yvonne Koos, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on Saturday, June 8, 2024. She was born June 16, 1938, the daughter of Robert and Viola (Groom) McConnell. Pat graduated from Potterville High School in 1956. Just a few weeks after graduating from high school on August 17, 1956, she married Merlin Koos in Charlotte. Pat was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Pat’s faith was of the utmost importance to her throughout her entire life. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and loved to share her faith with others. Pat was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Charlotte. She enjoyed studying genealogy and making connections with those she met along the way. Pat enjoyed doing all things crafts. She was very talented and created many family heirlooms. In later years Pat and Merlin enjoyed spending their winters in Texas and traveling across the United States together. While in Texas she played the tub base in a local band where she made many lasting friendships. Pat worked at Hayes-Green-Beech Hospital in Charlotte as a unit clerk, head of housekeeping and in the x-ray department.
Pat is survived by her children, Kim (Paulette) Koos of Remus, Kelly (Samuel) Love of Charlotte, Kristy Volz of Charlotte, Kathy (Ron) Bristol of Charlotte; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Sally) McConnell, Lou (Salliann) McConnell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merlin; sisters, Carolyn McConnell and Charlene Hatcher.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 in the gymnasium. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Pat’s memory to Helping Hand Food Pantry 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Pat’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.
Lawrence Ray Palmiter
Lawrence (Larry) Ray Palmiter, 83, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Larry was born December 16, 1940 in Lansing, MI. Larry was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was a very dedicated, ambitious, and driven man, well known for his musical history, exceeding expectations with his band, The Blue Echoes. Larry and two classmates formed the band in 1957 at Resurrection High School, in Lansing. Best known for their hit songs Debbie, Its Witchcraft, and Cool Guitar, with Larry as the songwriter and lead vocalist. Larry and The Blue Echoes recorded their final single in 1972, but continued to play at more local events and venues. One of Larry’s proudest accomplishments is when the band was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
Larry’s passion for music began as a child while playing his mother’s piano, which grew into a love for playing guitar, a self-taught venture. He then began writing songs at the young age of fourteen. Larry’s passions did not end with his music, he was always ready to be a part of the party, if he was invited to anything, he was there without a question. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, taking his grandchildren to the movie theatre to watch the latest flix, going to breakfast at Big Boy, visiting his daughters in Florida, and getting together with his long-time friend Roger Benham.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Palmiter; mother, Bernice Paquet; father, Robert Palmiter; sister, Mary Catherine Ryan; and brother, Ron Palmiter. He is survived by his sister, Roberta Lott; daughters, Angela, Nina, Theresa ; stepdaughter, Jodi; son, Paul; grandchildren, Brandon H, Britnie, Briana, Christine, Jessica, Matthew, Kevin, Micheal, Ryan, Truman, Robin, Brandon, and Samantha; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on Larry’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Service was held at Pray Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 11, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery.
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 Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Clyde Hamilton
Ronald Clyde Hamilton, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family around him in the early hours of Friday, June 7, 2024, at Moore’s Adult Foster Care. He was born June 8, 1941, in Lansing, MI, to Clyde Herbert and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. Ron graduated with the class of ’59 from Charlotte High School. On July 2, 1961, he married the love of his life, Hazel M. Burley. They enjoyed 62 years together.
Ron was a hardworking man and provided well for his family. He was a supervisor at Oldsmobile for 29 years. Ron obtained his pilot’s license and when he wasn’t working, you might find him flying his Cessna 152 or his Piper Cherokee. When he was flying, he was truly in his element! Ron and Hazel hosted a multitude of cookouts for friends and family. For many years they orchestrated the annual 4th of July Community Breakfast at Bertha Lake where they spent time each year up north at their summer cottage. In their senior years, they relaxed at their winter home in St. Cloud, Florida. Ron was a true family man and he will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his children; Kathy (Jeff) Rosenbrook of Charlotte, Terry (Diana) Hamilton of Charlotte, Todd (Kelly) Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Mindy, Ashley, Nate, Kelly, Brandie, Jessika, Broedie, Blaze; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Taylor, Ken (Carol) Hamilton, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton, Russell (Susan) Hamilton, Jr. (Janet) Hamilton, Carolyn (Tom) Frith; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Hazel, just a few short months ago; and sister, Edna (John) Sims.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Burial took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ron’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Ron’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Sirrae Elaine Harder
Sirrae Elaine Harder passed away on May 26, 2024. Sirrae was born on September 16, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan to Donald and Maxine Perdue. She graduated from Everett High School and Lansing Community College, earning her associate’s degree in 1982. Sirrae married Duane Harder in 1971, they moved to Charlotte in 1985, and she absolutely loved the community.
Sirrae retired from General Motors. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, The American Legion and Legion Riders, The Calhoun County HOG Chapter #2116, Ladies of Harley, she was a life member of The Motor Maids, and a 9-gallon blood donor. Sirrae was the kind of lady that volunteered to help at any time and in any place as she genuinely enjoyed giving back. Sirrae loved to travel, her and Duane took many trips on their motorcycles all over the USA, they were winter birds in Florida for a while, and the furthest they ever traveled was to Europe. Sirrae enjoyed making beautiful Swedish weave blankets for friends and family and doing needle point crafts.
Sirrae is survived by her husband Duane, three children: daughter Karrie Harder, son James Newsom, son Bill (and wife CC) Harder, a sister Dawn Ball, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Sirrae will be greatly missed as she was full of life and abounding energy, being amongst her presence left a significant impact on those who knew her and loved her, she had a heart of gold and was a wonderful cook. Memorial services will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 1301 South Perkey Road, Charlotte, MI beginning at 1:00 in the afternoon.