Obituaries
Keith Austin Tropp
Keith Austin Tropp of Potterville, passed away February 14, 2024, at the age of 72. Keith was born on March 25, 1951, in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Linton and Donna Jean (Baird) Tropp. He worked for the MEA and MESSA as a Computer Tech for over 30 years, he traveled all over the state of Michigan assisting with computer repair and setup. Keith was part of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Posse and a Treasurer for the Eaton County Fair Board. He had a special place in his heart for Disney memorabilia and was an avid collector of all things Disney and Elvis.
Keith is survived by his wife, Karen of Potterville; children, Scott Tropp of Potterville, Suzee Tropp of Mason; grandchildren, Sarah, Kennedy, Austin, Sawyer, Jordan; great grandchildren, Rowan, Archer, Emerson; brother-in-law, Duane (Kathy) Thompson of Charlotte, sister-in-law, Carla (Donald) Nighbert of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Linton “Wally” Tropp, Justin “Judd” Tropp.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in loving memory of Keith Austin Tropp. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Martha June Metzger
Martha June Metzger, 100, of Orlando Florida, and formerly of Silver Lake walked into arms of Jesus on February 13, 2024. Martha was born August 16, 1923, to F. Glenn and Allene (Phillips) McGraw. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1940.
During WWII she worked at the G.E. Super Charger Plant in Fort Wayne. On March 3, 1945 she was united in marriage to Harold D. Metzger. He preceded her in death in 1995.
Martha was the mother of three daughters, Patricia (Frank) Keller of Orlando, Fla., Connie (Terry) Rouse of Silver Lake, IN, and Cheryl (Robert) Hill of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Jay Harting, Dan Hill, Chris Hill, Erika Hill, Brad Dempsey, Mike Dempsey and Chad Keller, seven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services in celebration of Martha’s life were held at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident St., Warsaw on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kent Harting officiating.
Burial will be next to her husband at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Silver Lake Lions Club, 108 N. Harrison St., Silver Lake, IN 46982.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.
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.