Obituaries
Barry Roger Canterbury Jr. and Desiree Irene Canterbury
Barry Roger Canterbury Jr. and his wife Desiree Irene Canterbury, passed away together on March 4, 2025, as a result of a traffic accident.
Barry, 58, was a great guy who was there for everyone, although he would rather be referred to as the “tough guy.” Barry was born in Charlotte to Barry Roger and Peggy Aileen (Hebenstreit) Canterbury. He was a devoted Christian, and very proud of his studies with the Forgotten Man Ministries. He enjoyed collecting Marvel Superheroes figures and comics and displayed his “knick-knacks.” He was employed by Tennaco Manufacturing in Marshall. He was able to make people laugh and did so often. Some of his favorite memories include the petting zoo with his kids and holding a python and feeding a baby tiger. His son shared that, “He was a great man, and I owe him my biggest respect and gratitude for teaching me how to be a man. He didn’t have to do that, but he loved strongly enough to do it anyway”.
Desiree Irene Canterbury, 44, an outgoing chatterbox, passed away unexpectedly on March 4, 2025, at the age of 44. Desiree was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Donald and Carolyn (Pepper) Lorenz. She was very adventurous, willing to try anything once, and especially enjoyed traveling around the country with her family. Desiree also enjoyed crafts and making jewelry. Loving, sweet and kind, she never met a stranger. Desiree and Barry were married in 2017 and resided in Olivet, where she enjoyed family life.
Barry and Desiree were survived by their son Jesse Mayn Canterbury and their blended family by his sons, Henry William Paul Canterbury, Christian Canterbury, Cory Michael Frazier; her children, Raymond (Emily) Lorenz, Janessa Lorenz; grandchildren, Mason, Mary Jane, Zach, William, Alexander; Charlotte, Savannah, and Victoria Lorenz; his parents; Barry’s brother, Rick Canterbury. Desiree’s second mother Penny (Allen Hapeman) Byington; father, Donald (Shonda) Lorenz; siblings, Kenneth Lorenz, Scott Lorenz, Garret Lorenz, Trenton Lorenz, Timothy Biddleston, Royanna Peterson-Tyree, Crystal Biddleston, Yelena Weatherman, and Kara Lorenz; stepsiblings, Reyna Brown, Subrina (Scott) Woods, and J.T. Brown; grandmother Carole Hubbard; grandparents, Bill and Betty Draves; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Barry was predeceased by his brother, Jesse Mayn Canterbury; and his wife, Desiree.
Desiree was predeceased by her husband, Barry; brothers Alex and Dameon Lorenz; mother Carolyn Berryhill; and grandmother Dona Shifflette; grandparents Phil and Peggy Byington and grandfather Curtis Alexander.
A Celebration of Life for Barry and Desiree will be held at a later date in Vermontville.
The family has suggested memorial contributions to the family to be applied to the funeral expenses for Barry and Desiree. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Evelyn Lorraine Miller
Evelyn Lorraine Miller’s courageous spirit took flight in her sleep on Sunday, March 2, 2025. At 79 years young, she left behind a legacy of love and resilience. Born on January 6, 1946 to Wanda and Frank Czuczko of Detroit, Michigan, Evelyn’s life was a testament to her strength and determination. Former resident of Charlotte, Michigan and an active member of the senior community.
As the beloved wife of the late Michael Miller of Royal Oak, Michigan and loving mother to Debbie Macfarlane (Tim), Nicholas S Beller (Jennifer), and stepson Jason Miller. Evelyn’s family was her greatest joy. She was a cherished grandmother to Courtney and Lindsey Beller, Ashley Guenthardt, Tim and Destinee Macfarlane, and great grandmother to Annika and Koda. Evelyn is survived by her first husband, Stanley Beller.
Evelyn’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and adventure with a special place in her heart for Mickey Mouse. She had a passion for playing bingo with all of her friends. Despite battling health issues, Evelyn’s spirit remained unbroken, inspiring all who knew her.
In her final wishes, Evelyn asked that we remember her as a loving person, who always wanted to make people smile and happy, celebrate her life rather than mourn her passing. Let us honor her memory by embracing the love, kindness, and courage she embodied every day.
Wilma Jean Bayles
Wilma Jean Bayles, 87, of Dimondale, died Saturday, March 8, 2025. She was born April 5, 1937. Private family services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Debra Suzanne Turner
Debra Suzanne Turner of Eaton Rapids passed away March 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Debra was born in Charlotte, MI on January 24, 1951, the daughter of Freeman and Luella (Root) Robinson. She was a graduate from Charlotte High School class of 1969. Debra was a secretary with the Eaton Rapids High School, retiring after 22 years of service. She loved playing all types of cards and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Family was the center most important thing in her life. She loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren.
Debra is survived by her daughters, Michele (Randy) Denman of Holt, Paige (Daniel) Emmons of Holt and step-daughter, Shantel (James) LoFiego of South Lyon; grandchildren, Emma Denman, Bailey LoFiego, Katie LoFiego, Foster Emmons; sister, Ginny Stuart of Holt; and her companion of 11 years, Stephen Shelden Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rexford Turner; brother, Timothy Robinson.
Graveside services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or Gift of Life, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Jacqueline Ann Williams-Kasten
Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Williams-Kasten, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Donald and Mildred (Ruehle) Davison. A proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1952, Jackie dedicated her life to hard work, family, and faith.
Throughout her career, Jackie worked at Eaton Stamping, the National Bank of Eaton Rapids, and served as Brookfield Township Clerk and Supervisor, all while managing a farm, a true testament to her dedication and work ethic. She was a devoted member of the Charlotte Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, where she made many dear friends and strengthened her faith.
Jackie had a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours farming, hunting, fishing, and gardening. She also had a passion for cooking and baking, winning the Eaton Rapids Bicentennial cake competition with her cherished hickory nut cake. An avid animal lover, Jackie especially adored horses. One of her proudest accomplishments was winning the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City in 1987, where she took first place with her yearling filly.
Jackie will be remembered for her unwavering love, generosity, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her hardworking spirit and deep appreciation for nature made her truly one of a kind.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lyle Williams; her second husband, William Kasten; and her parents. She leaves behind a loving family: her children, Shari (Mike) Bambrick, Julie (Bruce) Brantley, and Thomas (Jamie) Williams; grandchildren, Sarah (Kevin) Lienhart, Matthew (Erica) Fowler, Nikki (Mark) Karazim, Thomas Bambrick, Jesse (Beth) Bambrick, and Eric (Kaylee) Brantley; great-grandchildren, Lydia and Lily Lienhart, Gabriella and Brooklyn Fowler, Abigail and Vaida Karazim, and Kendall and Blaine Brantley; sister, Joan Hyatt; brother, James (Jan) Squires; and many extended family members and dear friends.
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family received friends on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charlotte Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses or Eaton Rapids Public Schools c/o Sheryl Lightner for the Hunting and Fishing Class.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.