Obituaries
Barbara Jean Putman
Barbara Jean Putman, a spiritual and devoted Baptist, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. Barbara, 79, of Charlotte was born February 17, 1940, to Herbert and Annie Seals. On February 17, 1955, Barbara married Jerry Putman and started their family together. Barbara devoted her life to her family and her church.
Barbara is survived by her children, Dennis (Tracy) Putman, Donald Putman, Patricia (Bruce) Cotter, Elizabeth Wolcott, Jerrie (Jeffery) App; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild that is due next month. She was predeceased by her husband, parents and five siblings.
A memorial service was held on October 25, 2019, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Calvary Baptist Church. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Barbara on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard L. Andreau
Richard “Rick” L. Andreau, age 58, of Lake Odessa, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 27, at home. Rick was born on May 27, 1961, in Lansing, the son of Kosta and Doris (Smith) Andreau. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1979. Rick’s pastimes included camping, riding his Harley and spending time with his grandkids. He was always the first to offer help to any one in need of it, however not so quick to accept help.
Rick will be remembered by his wife, Jill, his dear children, Stacy and Rob Bryson and Eric and Andrea Andreau; three grandsons, Bobby, Porter and Donald Bryson, who affectionately referred to Rick as ‘Baa. The three grandsons were Baa’s world. He is also survived by his mother, Doris Andreau; his mother-in-law, Bernie Goodemoot; siblings, Jeff and Sandy Waldron and Alex and Maggie Andreau; in-laws, Jim and Chery Valentine, Kyle and Marilyn Goodemoot, and Randy and Doni Nurenberg and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Kosta Andreau; father-in-law, Donald Goodemoot; and brother, Chris and twin brother, Nick Andreau and his beloved dog, Bristol.
Private services will be held at a later time. For additional information, contact Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding at (616) 794-1300 or at www.verdunfh.com.
Walter Daniel Ottney
Walter Daniel Ottney — our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, papa, and friend to many — passed from this earth October 28, 2019, at the age of 79. Walter was born June 6, 1940, in a small farmhouse on Spicerville Highway just outside of Charlotte, the son of Daniel and Lilly (Little) Ottney. On October 21, 1961, Walter married Judith K. Davis at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Walter and Judy began their lives together and would raise their daughter and two sons in the very same house he was born in. Walter had a passion for building life with his hands and imagination. He never had something done that he could or would do himself. Simply put, Walter took care of people. He did the right thing above all else and made sure at the end of the day it was done right. Because if it wasn’t, he could not go to bed until it was corrected. His legacy is carried on through those who survive him and possess the same tenacity for life and hard work as he did. Walter’s love for a good Clint Eastwood movie was second to none. He enjoyed family, friends and the many wonderful memories that they created together.
Walter is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith; sons: Jimmy (Monica Nichols) Ottney, Slade (Jill) Ottney; daughter, Kristina (Allen) Bland; grandchildren: Jessica (Chris) Bouvier, Tyler (Alexanna McKessy) Bland, Kylie Ottney, Ashley Wilkins; great grandchildren: Logan Bouvier, Carson Bouvier, James Ottney, Amare Ottney.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Walter’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
To view Walter’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Joy Ann Angel (Crothers)
Joy Ann Crothers Angel died June 22, 2019 of dementia. She was born April 28, 1938 in Wyandotte, MI, to Bruce and Edna (Gould) Crothers. Joy moved to the “farm” in Sunfield Township in 1945 where she grew up and graduated valedictorian of the class of 1956 from Woodland High School. She went to college in Kalamazoo where she met and married Clair L. Angel in 1960. Joy and Clair moved to Eaton Rapids, MI, in 1970 where they operated the Western Auto Store and raised their three children. After her divorce, Joy returned to college and graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in science and later retired from the State of Michigan in 2011. Joy was a gregarious woman and was very involved with her community and church, becoming a lay leader and was on many committees. She was a voracious reader and had a lovely voice. Joy sang with the Eaton Rapids Women’s Chorus for decades, sang with the Lakewood Choral Society for many years and of course, her church choir. The family would like to thank the staff of Stone Ridge Adult Foster Care, Loving Hands Home Care and Great Lakes Hospice.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, David C. Angel; daughter, Ellen J. (Michael Williams) Angel; daughter-in-law, Cheryl (Bryce) Angel; grandchildren, Bryce T. Angel, Claire Angel-Williams, Jacob (Nikki) Angel-Williams, Morgan J. Angel and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roy Crothers; sister-in-law, Vera Crothers; niece, Ruth Ann Crothers; nephew, Bruce A. Crothers and her beloved son, Bryce L. Angel.
Funeral services will be held at 5 pm Thursday June 27, 2019 at the Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 pm and Thursday one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left online at www.koopsfuneralchapel.com.
Funeral Arrangements by: Koops Funeral Chapel
Mrs. Dawn Thomas (Devers)
Mrs. Dawn Thomas, 69, Manomet, Massachusetts.
September 20, 1949 – July 27, 2019
Caregiver, loyal wife of 52 years, adoring mother of four, and dedicated friend to many, she may be gone, but her loving spirit lives on; the “Little General” was feisty, blunt, and honest to a fault; endlessly generous and giving to loved ones and strangers alike, she died with her children at her side. She is predeceased by her sister, Diane Snow, father Ken Devers, husband Arthur Thomas; and is survived by her mother, Elenore Devers, sisters Debi Dinkel and Dale McNabb; her sons Ron, Ken and Rick Thomas and daughters: Tammi Thomas and Jill Barbehenn-Thomas; granddaughter, Lauren Thomas, godson, Erik Thomas; and 73 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 2nd from 4pm to 7pm: Cartmell Funeral home, 126 Court St., Plymouth, MA.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 3rd at 12pm: Brewster Chapel, Church St., Plymouth, MA.
In addition, join us for a Celebration of Life following the Funeral Service: that gathering will be held at her home: 34 Presidents Lane, Plymouth, MA.
Funeral Arrangements by: Cartmell Funeral Home, 126 Court Street, Plymouth, MA
James Frederick Adams
James Frederick Adams, age 51 of Grand Rapids, passed away Wednesday September 25, 2019 with his beloved wife Gloria by his side. Jim was born in 1967 in Jackson, MI, the first child of Sharon and Larry Adams of Charlotte, MI. Jim was loved by so many people and impacted many lives with his welcoming smile and ready laughter. His sense of humor was legendary, and carried him through a difficult illness. He was a loyal and generous friend to many. He had an international view of the world, which grew from his childhood in Brazil. Jim was an avid collector, and loved comics, the Hulk, his Jeeps, and of course his Legos. He will be lovingly missed by Gloria, his wife of 21 years; and his 14 year old daughter, Raquel (his “Peanut”); his parents, Sharon and Larry Adams; and sisters, Kate Buchanan and Sarah Adams; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and friends all over the world. His family wishes to express special thanks to all of the nurses and staff of Blodgett Hospital, and especially the staff of 3D. They also want to thank Paul Grabiel, Bob Courtade, Jim Wisnewski and Diane Maion for their invaluable assistance and a special thanks also to the University of Michigan Hospital liver transplant team. Visitation will be Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 4-7 pm at Pederson Funeral Home, 127 N Monroe Street in Rockford with a Praying of the Rosary at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday, September 30, 2019 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Avenue NE, Belmont, MI 49306. Burial will take place in Saints Cyril and Methodius Church Cemetery in Wayland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the educational fund for his daughter Raquel. Contributions can be directed to her mother, Gloria Adams. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, or can be mailed to: 1149 Worcester Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI, 49505.
Funeral Arrangements by: Pederson Funeral Home - Rockford, MI
Donald Robert Tyler
Donald R. Tyler, 73, of Grand Ledge died on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Don was born on January 26, 1946 in Detroit, MI and was adopted on August 15, 1946 to Mallie and Donna Tyler.
Don graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1964 and entered the U.S. Navy the same year where he took basic training at Great Lakes U.S. Naval Training Camp. Upon completion, Don served in Vietnam for 13 months as a medic. On September 22, 1973 he married Nancy (Harrison) Tyler in Kalamazoo, MI.
While living in Battle Creek, Don helped run the Little League football program. After moving to the Charlotte / Grand Ledge area, Don became involved with many Boy Scout activities with his son, Curtis. He and Derek frequently hunted together in Yankee Springs. Don enjoyed bowling, golfing and family vacations throughout the years. Don was an over the road truck driver and local truck driver for many years. He retired from Meijer transportation after 24 years of service.
Don is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons, Derek (Jeni) and Curtis, and two grandchildren, Cody and Abigail. Don is preceded in death by his parents. Don was interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery on October 3, 2019 with Full Military Funeral Honors.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Eaton Community Palliative Care; 2675 S. Cochran Rd.; Charlotte, MI 48813.
Funeral Arrangements by: Bachman Hebble Funeral Service
Jeremy D. Craft
Jeremy David Craft, 34 of Charlotte, a talented artist who was very kind and loving to everyone he met, died unexpectedly June 19, 2019 at his home. He was born March 30, 1985 in Charlotte, one of three children to Gerald E. and Trina L. (Schlee) Craft. He attended Stockbridge High School, and later graduated from Potterville High School in 2004. Jeremy had a big heart, always putting everyone else first. His artistic talent helped him win an art contest for creating a logo for Big Red, Pepsi-Bottling Company. Jeremy loved drawing, enjoyed listening to music and was a fan of Korn, playing video games, writing, reading his Bible, and especially doing what was right. He worked 9 ½ years at the City of Potterville, and one year at the school as general maintenance. Quiet and reserved, Jeremy loved his family dearly and was heartbroken when his older brother, Jacob, died unexpectedly in July of 2018.
Jeremy is survived by his parents, Gerald and Trina Craft; sister, Christine Craft; aunts, Wanda (James) Darrow, Tammy (Raymond) Poirier, Mary (Paul) Haase, Nancy (Brian) Sullivan, Judy (Phil) Twitchell; uncles, Dorian Schlee Jr., Vince (Kristine) Schlee, and Wayne (Steve) Schlee-Poirier; sister in-law, Sarah Craft; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother, Jacob Eugene Craft; grandparents, Barbara and Dorian Schlee; and aunt, Theresa Ward.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home for final expenses.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jeremy on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Rebecca S. Cain
Rebecca Sue (Fielder) Cain of Potterville, a steadfast, faithful, strong and loving woman, died June 12, 2019 at the age of 61. Rebecca was born April 14, 1958 in Lansing to Moten and Ruth (Carpenter) Fielder. After graduating as Salutatorian in 1976 from Potterville High School, Rebecca went on to work at the State of Michigan as a Department Technician in Financial Services, retiring in 2016. A love of quilting took Rebecca around the state to many quilt shops with her friends and mother-in-law, Gayle. She made an amazing game quilt for her grandchildren, as well as many crafty toys for them. A very humble and kind woman, she loved making things for others and not telling them whom it was from. Her reward was in knowing she was helping someone else. She taught Sunday School and Youth Group at Oneida Gospel Church in Grand Ledge. Rebecca also enjoyed reading historical fiction, cooking for her family, especially her famous tater-tot casserole. She loved watching the Detroit Tigers baseball and MSU Spartans (especially basketball).
Rebecca is survived by daughter, Jessicca (Kevin) Holland; son, Joseph Cain; daughter-in-law, Christina Moldovan; grandchildren, Erika and Rory Holland, Ryleigh and Zachary Cain, and Logan and Rachael Moldovan; sister, Meredith (Robert) Kaiser; brother, Gerald (Julie) Fielder; and mother-in-law and beloved friend, Gayle Cain.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Cain; her parents; and siblings, Bonnie Halbeisen and Daniel Fielder.
Funeral services were held Friday, June 21, 2019, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rebecca on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Cicelia Hicks
Cicelia Hicks, 66, of Bellevue, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, June 16, 2019. She was born in Muskegon, Mich. on April 4, 1953, the daughter of Cecelia Lillie Young and graduated from Hastings High School. Cicelia owned and operated Pride & Joy Day Care in Bellevue for more than 18 years and previously had worked at United Steel & Wire.
Cicelia married the “Love of Her Life,” Clarence W. Hicks in Hastings on December 19, 1969; he survives. She is also survived by her children, Cecilia Hicks of Battle Creek, Dawn (Rodney) Fletcher of Nashville, and Shannon Hicks of Bellevue; seven grandchildren, Amanda Nichols (Eric Simpkins), Sharmen (Cody) Wallace, Austin Ludlow, Kyahsondra (Lucas) Brumm, Brandon Scare, Sahvanuh Fletcher (Caleb Jessup) and Masyn Hicks Shilling; 10 great-grandchildren, Oakley Wallace, Madison Raak, Weslee Raak, Paetyn Wallace, Axel Wallace, Collin Green, Jayce Brumm, Jayden Ludlow, Jordan Ludlow, Kiara Scholtz; and a great-grandson to be born any day, Gunner Brumm; a sister, Annamae Hicks; a brother, Phil Curtis; and her beloved dog “Gizmo.”
Cicelia was sadly preceded in death by her mother, Cecelia Curtis, and her brother-in-law, Calvin Hicks, Sr.
A true matriarch, family was everything to Cicelia and she loved entertaining her family at Christmas and every moment she could spend with them, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of the 4-H Mini Whinnies for many years, and also enjoyed her horses, camping, traveling up north, and gambling at the Casinos.
Funeral services to celebrate Cicelia’s life were held Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Interment followed at Hicks West Pennfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the family would be appreciated.
Personal messages for the family may be placed at farleyestesdowdle.com.