Obituaries
Scott R. Nichols
Scott Richard Nichols, 68, from Charlotte, Mich. Passed away on November 18, 2021. He was a tradesman at General Motors. Funeral was held on November 24, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Mich.
Marianne L. Brown
Marianne Louise Brown, 50, from Charlotte passed away on November 20, 2021. Marianne was a deli worker at Meijer’s. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home.
Sarah R. McDermid
Sarah “Sally” Racheal (Olmstead) McDermid passed away surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home on November 17, 2021. Sally was born on November 11, 1934, to parents J. C. and Lucie (Hamilton) Olmstead in Bellevue.
After graduating from Bellevue High School in 1953, Sally married her high school sweetheart David McDermid at Baseline United Methodist Church on August 22, 1953. Sally had many occupations over the years. She served as a waitress in area restaurants, was employed at Gates Grocery Store, drove bus for Bellevue Community Schools, was a paraprofessional at Bellevue Elementary and worked at Regional Medical Laboratory before retiring.
Sally loved the Lord and her church family. She was heavily involved with the Bellevue Alumni Association, band and athletic boosters supporting her children’s activities. She was always an avid reader, had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed bowling, golf and traveling. For many years Sally enjoyed camping, especially with friends and family at Tri Lake Trails and Arbutus Lake. She was a fantastic cook and baker, known for her dinner rolls and loved to spoil her family with fresh homemade cinnamon rolls every Christmas morning.
Sally was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Everett Olmstead; sisters, Elizabeth Simon, Edna Spaulding, and Helen Jenkins. She is survived by her son, Jerold (Ann) McDermid of Angola, IN; daughter Susan (Terry) Swanger of Bellevue, MI; grandchildren, Megan (Kory) Young, Allison McDermid, David Swanger, Steven Swanger; great grandsons, Peyton Swanger and Bradley Young; and sisters, Ilene (Urban) McDonald, Alice (Michael) Palatas, and Sue (Paul) Wing.
Calling will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Baseline United Methodist Church, 9617 Baseline Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017, with a memorial service to follow at 12 p.m. Private interment will take place at a later date in Hicks Cemetery of Battle Creek, MI. Memorial contributions are requested to Oaklawn Hospice Services, 13444 Preston Drive, Marshall, MI 49068 or https://oaklawnhospital.org/services/hospice/pages/make-a-memorial-donation-to-hospice/, Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department,115 E. Jackson St, Bellevue, MI 49021, or Baseline United Methodist Church, 9617 Baseline Road, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral Homes, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.
Jerri-Lou Gray
Jerri-Lou Gray, a caring, loyal, and good friend to many, of Potterville, MI, died November 21, 2021. Jerri-Lou, 78 of Potterville was born June 8, 1943, in Lansing, MI to William and Helen (Brooks) Elya. As an honest and straight forward person, she was very proud of her children and grandchildren. Riding her Morgan horses was one of her favorite pastimes. Jerri-Lou was an avid supporter of her daughter’s sports and especially when her grandchildren bowled and participated in volleyball. She was passionate when it came to her family and their activities. She was also involved with the Athletic Boosters working the concession stand. Playing basketball with her family and using her “bear hug” defense was one of her best moves of the game. She retired from the Secretary of State after 27 years of service.
Jeri-Lou is survived by her spouse, Larry Gray; daughters, Kathleen (Jim) Bissett, Maureen (Travese) Bradley and Mary Gray; grandchildren, Austin Gray and Thomas and Christina Bissett; siblings, Elnora Fulger and William Elya, Jr. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Helen (Brooks) Elya.
Private family services may be held at a later date. Friends and family are encouraged to support Jerri-Lou’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Traci L. Borgman
Traci Lea Borgman, 54, of Olivet, a kind-hearted woman of generosity and love for her family, died Sunday, November 21, 2021. Traci was born May 12, 1967, in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of Robert Lynn and Shirley Mae (King) Hickey. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School before settling into her lifetime of hard work and service to others. Throughout her early years, she worked in retail at Target and Walgreens, United Way, and Independent Bank in Olivet. From there she received her training to be a Medical First Responder, which she did alongside serving as ER Clerk at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte for several years. Traci and Duane also owned and operated Castle Hill Water and Transport since 1996. She retired in 2005 and spent a few years working as a volunteer for Eaton County, as a Victim’s Advocate and court-appointed advocate for children. Above all, she was devoted to her family, planning parties and spending time together.
Traci is survived by her husband of 24 years, Duane Borgman of Olivet; sons, Christopher (Kim) Bayman of Albion and Matthew Clark of Coldwater; daughter, Jessica (Josh) Moore of Battle Creek; honorary daughters, Lara Nabholz of Germany and Erica (Tristan) Pifer; grandchildren, Caiden Lovejoy, Kiana Gibson, Connor Harris, Korbin Steele, and Paizlee Pifer; brother, Steve Hickey of Florida; best friend “sister,” Cheri (Larry) Noga; beloved aunts and uncles; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her son, Brandon James Hickey; her parents; and her brother, Gary Lee Hickey.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Traci’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Olivet Congregational Church with Pastor Tom Surdenik officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, and 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 27, just prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 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 Traci’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to the family in care of Duane Borgman. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.