Obituaries
Dawn Michelle Bartlett
Dawn Michelle Bartlett, 48, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother and friend, died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Lansing after a brief illness. Dawn was born on May 14, 1977, in Charlotte, where she graduated before attending Ferris State for a few semesters.
Dawn had a deep love for children and devoted much of her life to caring for them. She ran her own licensed home daycare where she nurtured and cared for countless kids, treating each one as her own. She extended that same compassion to St. Mary Catholic School, where she worked in the lunchroom, not only providing meals to students but blessing them with many meaningful memories as well. She also worked several years for Allstate in downtown Charlotte.
Dawn was a devoted Girl Scout leader, serving for many years as her daughter was growing up through the program. In her spare time, Dawn found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially caring for her garden and crafting, where she expressed her creativity and caring nature. Dawn was happiest when surrounded by her family and loved spending time at the beach. Especially on Sanibel Island in Florida, always appreciating the beauty of the world around her.
Dawn is survived by her husband of 25 years, Shane Bartlett, and their children, Makkena (Shane DeJonge) Bartlett, Cameron (Jersey Gaedert) Bartlett, Aubrie Bartlett and Briley Bartlett. Friends are encouraged to support Dawn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Red Cross. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Whiting
Linda Whiting age 64 of Dimondale, Michigan, passed away on April 4, 2026 at University Hospital, Ann Arbor with her family by her side. Linda died as a result of complications from a bone marrow transplant she received on December 9, 2025.
She is survived by her step-father Ken Burns, sister Gail Whiting (Larry Miesner), sister Carol Wood, brother Steve Whiting, brother David Whiting (Cheryl), nephew Dustin Baughman (Jasmine Simone), niece Katie Jo Miller (Joe), great-nephew Maverick Baughman, great-niece Brynleigh Baughman, and her kitties Holly and Abby. She was proceeded in death by her father Gary Whiting, mother Martha Burns, nephew Jeremy Wood, and sister-in-law Dee Whiting.
Linda was proud of her sobriety, having been sober for 17+ years.
She was witty, funny, self-sufficient, generous, hard-working and very resourceful. She was always there to lend a helping hand to her family. She helped with demolition, yard work, gardening, mowing, and home and machinery repairs. Her family could always count on her.
Linda loved to fish and took pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed “her” birds and spoiled them with homemade suet. She loved rock-hounding trips to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and had fun traveling on the two-tracks to the beaches in the Upper Peninsula. She was a morel mushroom hunter extraordinaire and never gave up her secret mushroom hunting spots. Linda had a soft-spot for animals. She had many pets during her lifetime and once “rescued” a dog she named Lucky. She thought he would have a better life with her, and she did. In her younger days she was a hell of a softball player showing off her “side-arm” while playing the infield. She could also throw a mean spiral.
She was fortunate to live across the street from her great-nephew and great-niece, Maverick and Brynleigh. She loved them with all her heart and enjoyed playing with them, fishing with them behind their house, and teaching and helping them with little projects.
Linda leaves a big void in the hearts of her family and will be terribly missed.
The family would like to thank friends and family for their thoughts, prayers, and kind words about Linda while she was hospitalized.
A Celebration of Life will be held early summer when the weather warms up, and it can be held outside. For those desiring, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to Saved By Zade, 130 South Main St., PO Box 100, Leslie, MI 49251. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
David Vern Coats
David Vern Coats of Eaton Rapids was surrounded by his loving family and peacefully went home to be with the Lord on March 31, 2026, at the age of 75. Dave was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, April 2, 1950, the son of Vern and Dorothy (Malburg) Coats. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1968. Dave then joined the Michigan National Guard for six years. He attended Ferris State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Dave became the manager at High Fields in 1983 and was especially proud of his many perfect audits. He retired after 30 years of service. Dave was an active, life-long member of St. Peter Catholic Church serving with the Knights of Columbus Counsel 6534, was a 4th Degree Knight and acted as treasurer and financial secretary. He helped with roadside pick-ups; tootsie roll drives and pancake breakfasts. Dave enjoyed playing golf, working in his yard, hosting the 4th of July and Memorial Day picnics at his home, teaching the next generation to hunt and fish and will be remembered for sending out birthday cards every year. He was a kind, compassionate, gentle man that dedicated his life to his faith, church, family and friends leading by example and will forever leave memories in our hearts.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Reva Coats; children, Katie (Dustin) Edgington and Michael (Jackie Kelley) Upchurch; grandchildren, Dustin Edgington II, Tyler (Lexie) McCarrick, Ashley Edgington, and Mikayla Edgington; seven great grandchildren; sister, Arlene Davidson; brother, James (Pixie) Coats; niece and nephews, Eric (Julie) Davidson, Heather (Marty) Williamson, Todd (Renae) Davidson, Cade (Laura) Coats, Michael (Andrea) Coats, and Brandon (Courtney) Coats; several great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Linton Davidson and Scott Cunningham.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday April 7, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 515 E. Knight St. Eaton Rapids. Visitation took place on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. A rosary was prayed at 7:30 p.m., followed by a 4th Degree Chalice Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities. Interment will take place in Clarence Twp. Cemetery. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Charles A.G. Twitchell
Charles A.G. “AG” Twitchell, age 89, of Charlotte, died on March 31, 2026. He was born on June 16, 1936, the son of Ford Murray Twitchell and Enid Geisenhaver Twitchell.
AG was the quintessential businessman whose career spanned decades and left a lasting mark on the Charlotte community. He began his professional life selling cars at Fowler’s Chevrolet, later moving into insurance sales, and ultimately finding his true calling in real estate. As the owner of his own real estate company for more than 40 years. AG helped hundreds of families find their homes and built a reputation rooted in integrity, dedication, and an unwavering work ethic.
He ran his business alongside the love of his life, his wife Linda Mary Steward Twitchell, to whom he was married for more than 55 years. Linda preceded him in death, and AG often credited her as both his greatest partner and greatest support.
AG was a devoted supporter of Potterville athletics and community life. A Potterville graduate himself, his four children also graduated from Potterville. He spent countless years cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events and was a true Potterville Viking. He was honored as the oldest living Potterville alumnus in attendance at the last year’s alumni banquet.
AG and Linda shared a love of golf and casino trips, particularly traveling to Las Vegas. One of AG’s favorite memories was driving their motor home across the country along Route 66, a trip he often described as one of his most cherished adventures. He was an avid fan of MSU sports, enjoying hunting in his early years and had a love of cars.
AG was actively engaged in civic service and community leadership. He was a longtime member of the Charlotte Kiwanis Club, a member and recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Charlotte Jaycees and served as Past President of the Eaton Intermediate School District, the Tri-County board of Realtors, and the Charlotte Kiwanis Club. In recognition of his dedication to real estate, he was honored as Michigan Association of REALTORS Realtor of the Year in 1974 and 1979.
AG is survived by his daughters, Candy (John) Vertalka of Dewitt, Carrie (Kent) McConnell of Charlotte, his son, Chris (Sharon) Twitchell of Lansing and Connie Twitchell Dueweke of Virginia; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda; parents Ford and Enid; sister Mary Jo Twitchell Gorsuch; and granddaughter Elizabeth “Betsy” Lowe.
Friends are encouraged to support AG’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, April 6, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place at Dimondale Cemetery in Dimondale, Michigan. 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 AG’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Potterville Masonic Lodge, 4925 Royston Rd, Potterville, MI 48876. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mark Noel Tebo
Mark Noel Tebo passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of April 2, 2026. He was born August 25, 1934, in Gros Cap, Michigan, the son of Francis C. and Rita C. (LeBlanc/White) Thibault/Tebo. Raised in a two-room cabin on family land in St. Ignace, Mark was reared by parents who had deep roots on the frontier of Michigan and French-Quebec.
At some point during WWII the Tebos moved with their five children to Delray Beach, Florida for recuperation after an injury. It was at this time that Mark fell in love with the ocean and Florida. Mark excelled academically as well as athletically, lettering in baseball and basketball in school. His love of sports continued with roller skating, community softball, and church league basketball throughout the years. In addition to a love of sports, he also was a self-taught landscape artist as well as singer.
On June 20, 1954, Mark married his “one and only love” – Bonnie Jean, affectionately known as “Bean.” Bonnie and Mark were married for 68 years, enjoying church choir, Barbershop Quartet, motorcycling, card club, karaoke, and building their dream home at George Lake in Traverse City. Mark’s “go to” musical artists being old “Frank” and “Dean.”
During his life Mark had many careers: policeman, insurance sales, county employee, furniture maker, and carpentry for which we all remember his many “projects.” Besides his hobbies, Mark also served as an elder on the tribal council of the Mackinac Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, the historically recognized Mackinac Band of his ancestors.
Mark is survived by his daughters; Debra Kingdon (Richard) and Karen Pelletier (Richard); four grandchildren, Jennifer Rauls (Jody), Jason Trumble (Nora), Mark Jones, and Kristen Brekke (Sean); six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; all seven siblings: Francis Orville, Lilalee Hazel Valentine, Joyce Ann, Edgar, Benita, Lawrence Elton and Cheri Anna; and his grandson, Stephen (Grace) Michael Jones.
A graveside celebration of life will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, to be announced for a future summer 2026 date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Mark’s honor to: Hazel Findlay Nursing Home, 1101 S. Scott Rd., St. Johns, MI 48879.
Often dreaming of flying with the birds, Mark would wake his beloved, Bonnie, to tell her of his travels. Today, Mark has earned his Heavenly wings and soars with the Eagles. Fly high dad/grandpa.
To view Mark’s obituary online or to leave condolences for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Janet Louise Rockafellar
Janet Louise Rockafellar, was born May 28, 1940, and died March 14, 2026.
Janet was born to Curtis Wilson Rockafellar and Alberta Mae (Green) Rockafellar who owned and worked a family farm of 240 acres in Eaton County, Michigan. The heart of the farm was the grand Victorian house of brick that was built by her grandparents in 1886, replete with servants’ quarters. Because they ultimately weren’t the type of people who felt the need to show off and preferred to attend to daily chores themselves, no servants took residence.
The farm thrived and was a center of activity for the community as Curtis and Alberta were fun-loving and reliable friends to all. Janet inherited their nature but never took to farm work, though she did ride a horse and raised chickens for spending money. Her love of learning led to her to be the Valedictorian of her class at Vermontville High School, and she went on to attend Michigan State. Upon graduating early with a teaching certificate and fluency in German, she married a forestry major she met there, Alan Lee Fowler.
They remained married for nearly 25 years, and in that time, they lived in Athens, Ohio; Richmond, Virginia; and Louisville, Kentucky. Janet taught a couple years, raised her daughter while working part-time, then was accepted into the T. C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond in the 1970s. She stood out not only as a woman law student, but also as an older enrollee at age 35, both unusual qualities at the time. There, she earned the nickname “Ace” for her hard work and high marks. She spent the remainder of her career at National City Bank in Louisville as a Vice President of the Trust Department.
Because Janet rarely placed limits on herself, she enjoyed a wide range of talents and accomplishments such as hosting a radio show as a teen, serving as Chair of the Senior Bar for the state of Kentucky, converting to Judaism, performing in The Women at the Virginia Museum, and annually portrayed Woodsy Owl at the state fair’s Virginia Forestry booth in a sweltering vinyl costume.
Janet always bore the unpretentious values of her family farm and home. Despite benefiting from the advantages of a loving family, intelligence, natural beauty, and an advanced education, she never considered herself better than anyone else. She served others quietly over her many decades by teaching women prisoners to read; supporting visual artists of the LGBTQ, Black, and Jewish communities; serving as a decorated long-time volunteer at Jewish Hospital; housing visiting Juneteenth actors; teaching immigrants English; donating to dozens of causes; teaching Sunday School at the Unitarian Church; and taking in a few stray cats.
In addition to her many friends, Janet leaves behind her daughter Alexandra Fowler Rockafellar (Brentwood, Tennessee); grandchildren Michael Alan Palmaccio (Seattle, Washington) and Madeleine Rockafellar Palmaccio with her husband Michael Caizzi (New York City); a sister Judy Leone Moore (Lansing, Michigan); and five nieces and nephews.
Janet died peacefully in her bedroom at Canterfield of Franklin in Brentwood, Tennessee, due to complications of Parkinson’s. Family will gather for a small memorial in her hometown of Vermontville, Michigan, to celebrate her remarkable life that was lived with joy and curiosity every day. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate to the charity of your choice or to smiletrain.org which was dear to her.
Wherever she is, Janet hopes you are having fun today.
Sharon Marie Lettimore
Sharon Marie Lettimore, 71, of Charlotte, a caring woman who always came to the aid of others, died March 27, 2026. Sharon was born September 10, 1954, in Lansing, Michigan, to Alfred Wayne and Shirley Frances (Burger) Kill. Sharon, the oldest of eight children, carried the responsibilities of that role with grace from an early age. She learned patience, strength, and how to care deeply for others – qualities that became the foundation of her life. These traits shaped the way she loved and supported those around her, always putting others before herself.
Sharon found her lifelong partner in Ed, who became her constant source of love and companionship. Together, they shared 38 wonderful years. Becoming a mother was one of Sharon’s greatest joys, and she poured her heart into raising her children with the same steadiness, warmth, and resilience that defined her. She also found joy in life’s simple pleasures – singing karaoke, listening to her favorite music by Patsy Cline, riding the motorcycle with Ed, and spending time laughing and making memories with family and friends.
Sharon built a career as a bartender and bar manager, where she earned the affectionate title of “the boss.” She will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, her unwavering support for those she loved, and her fearless honesty. Sharon never sought attention for herself, instead focusing her energy on caring for others — including her beloved “fur babies,” whom she nurtured throughout their lives and lovingly honored even after they were gone. Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and devotion. The greatest way to honor Sharon is to continue to love and care for one another as she did – to stand together, show up for each other, share laughter, and hold close the bonds she worked so hard to protect.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Edward; children, Michael (Janine) Collier, Charlene (AJ) McLain, Charity (Wayne) Devenbaugh, and Jessica Wethy; grandchildren, Trey, Austin, Jordon, Trent, Chelsea, Bryce, April, Gatlin, Degan, Ava, Addy, Emma, Alexis, Morgon, and Allie; great-grandchildren, Dallas, Aubrianna, Ellianna, Alethea, Lahna, Brookson, Vinny, Luka, and Stetson; and siblings, Penny (Roy) Therrien, John (Gari) Kill, Jeff (Trudy) Kill, Martin (Connie) Kill, Amy (Pat) Gardner, Steve (Lisa) Kill, and Lisa Meyers. She was predeceased by her grandson Bailey, and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Sharon’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. Funeral services were Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with her cousin, Jeffrey Burger officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. 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 Sharon’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family through Pray Funeral Home. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Lee Joppie
Ronald “Ron” Lee Joppie, age 75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2026. He was born on April 25, 1950, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Russell and Janice Joppie.
Ron was a proud graduate of Ferris State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1972. During his time at Ferris State, he was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity that reflected his early commitment to leadership and professional growth. He went on to dedicate 45 years to the retail furniture industry, building lasting relationships and earning a reputation for integrity, loyalty, and hard work. For 35 of those years, Ron was a co-owner of Christensen’s Furniture in Charlotte, where he was a well-known and respected member of the community. He later continued his career at Talsma Furniture, retiring in 2019.
Ron shared a remarkable love story with his wife, Diane, whom he met at seventh grade camp. Their relationship grew into a beautiful 53-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support for one another.
Outside of his career, Ron found joy in the things he loved most. He was a devoted Michigan State Spartans fan, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on his team. He also had a lifelong passion for cars and enjoyed everything about them. Ron cherished traveling, especially to tropical destinations where he could relax and create lasting memories with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Joppie; his daughters, Rebecca (Christopher) Melton and Lisa (Shane) Davis; and his beloved grandchildren, Guiliana and Andrew Melton, and Ethan and Evelynn Davis. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Donna) Joppie and Randy (Lisa) Joppie; his sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Dan Hayes; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Janice Joppie, and his brothers, William and Jerry Joppie.
Visitation was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow, at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple St., Rockford, Michigan 49341.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made toward the future care and support of Guiliana Melton, who was very close to Ron’s heart. Contributions can be made through Ugiftable using gift code P03-J9X at: https://www.ugiftable.com/.
Terry Wayne Reed
On January 13, 2026, Terry Wayne Reed passed away with his beloved dog Kasey by his side. Terry was born September 4, 1967.
Following his graduation from Charlotte High School in 1986, Terry enlisted in the Navy serving at Selfridge Airbase and Great Lakes Naval Base. Terry never met a stranger, so he is missed by many, especially his dog Kasey, partner Jenny Fisher, daughter Alexis Reed, brother Doug, sister Jan and brother-in-law Mike Matsumoto, neices Samantha (Eric) White and Kimi Matsumoto.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Charlotte American Legion, 1000 W. Lawrence.
Judith Elaine Wisinski
Judith Elaine Wisinski, 80, of Okemos, a caring and giving woman, died March 28, 2026. Judith was born on March 10, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Renold Lawrence and Thelma Naomi (Wright) Beals. Judith was a kind, caring, and giving person who was always generous with her time. She found joy in helping others and being there whenever she was needed, quietly making a difference in the lives of those around her. In 1993, she married Leonard Wisinski, and together they shared 28 wonderful years filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Judith loved to hang out with her cat, playing cards and games and collecting cats and owls. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially alongside Leonard. The two loved taking trips to the Smoky Mountains, where they could relax, take in the beauty of nature, and simply enjoy each other’s company. Those moments together, whether at home or away, brought her great happiness and reflected the deep bond they shared.
Judith is survived by her stepchildren, Patricia Anne Taylor of Haslett, and Kenneth Winsinski of Ann Arbor; and grandchildren, Marrissa, Zach, and Michael. She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard; daughter, April Moon; sister, Linda Winters; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Judith’s family by attending her Graveside Service or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Graveside Service were on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.