Obituaries
Ronald Norman Seavolt
Ronald Norman Seavolt, born August 3, 1939 passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the age of 85. Ron was born in Roxand Twp., Eaton County, Mulliken, the son of Ted and Margaret Seavolt. On April 29, 1960, Ron married Yvonne Jeanne Pratt and they had just celebrated their 65th anniversary. The two raised their family of three children in Charlotte.
Ron was a hard-working family man who worked at Diamond Reo and Spartan Motors until his retirement. Ron had a strong work ethic and passed that along to his children every day through his actions. After his retirement, he enjoyed meeting his brothers and sisters at McDonalds once a week for lunch. Ron was the last of his siblings and can now meet with them again.
Ron is survived by his wife, Yvonne; their three kids, Shelly (Rob) Rasmussen, Jeff (Donna) Seavolt, LeVon M. “Von” Seavolt; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Smith, Savanna (Alex Reid) Seavolt, Selina, Breanna (Austin Zank) Seavolt; great-grandchildren, Markelle Smith, Makala (Nolan) Coolidge, Damien Dunavant, and Amelia Reid; great-great grandchild, Hadley. Ron also has three heaven grandchildren, Mark Rasmussen, Shaun Rasmussen, and TJ Seavolt who welcomed him with open arms.
He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Louanna Deland, Dorna Fairbotham, Jerald Seavolt, and Levon R. Seavolt.
Friends and family were encouraged to support Ron’s family by attending a viewing and informal food reception from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. You can share memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in care of Pray Funeral Home.
Richard F. Babcock
Richard F. Babcock, affectionately known as “Dick,” was born on March 28, 1929, in Vermontville, Michigan. He passed away peacefully at his home in Olivet, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family on June 3, 2025.
Dick was a man of great dedication and tenacity, characteristics that defined both his personal and professional life. He devoted the majority of his career to Moore’s Excavating, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to hard work throughout his life. Following his retirement, he continued to embody his diligent spirit by contributing to Wertz Implement and Stanton Auctions, where he made many cherished friends.
Proudly serving his country, Dick was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. This period in his life shaped his personality, stubborn yet devoted, traits that resonated throughout his relationships with family and friends.
Dick was deeply passionate about his family, nurturing those bonds with a fierce devotion. He lovingly collected milk bottles and cast-iron cookware, reflecting his down-to-earth nature and appreciation for tradition.
Dick is survived by his family, including his son Mike (Joann) Babcock; daughters Jamie Southern and Carla (Randy) Mills; son-in-law Joe Zakora; sisters-in-law Sue (Jack) Hanson and Jeanie Zimmermann; brother-in-law, Floyd (Diane) Moore. His legacy continues with his beloved grandchildren, Wayne Babcock, Jennie (Dan) Cook, Nicole (Matt) Simms, Randi Kay (Chad Elliott) Stine, Michael Ramsey, Donald Ramsey; great-grandchildren, Jesse Babcock, Chloe (Tyler) Jackson, Dakota (Codie) Zakora, Kala Kikendall, Shala Kikendall, Briana Zakora, Tori Kikendall, Michael Kikendall, Harley Knapper, Hailey Kikendall, Ashton Kikendall, Jayden Kikendall, Trevor Babcock, and Braxton Simms. He is also survived by a number of great-great-grandchildren, Olivia Babcock, Jesse Babcock Jr., Riley Babcock, Makayla Zakora, Mattie Zakora, Avery Schlyer, Paisley Schlyer, Aiden Gorman, Lillian Gorman, Railinn Wright, Kinsley Wright, Copper Knapper, Miller Jackson, Matthew Jackson, Memphis Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Dorothy Powers, his first wife Lillian Babcock and second wife Pam Obrinski, his grandson Matthew Babcock, and great-grandson Devin Kikendall. Also, his brother, Bob (Marvlyn) Babcock, sister, Carla (Denny) Wertz, and his brother-in-law and best friend Junior Moore, along with several other sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A graveside service will be held at West Carmel Cemetery, located at 5016 W. Carlisle Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan, on June 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the family home at a later date.
To view Dick’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Those desiring to make a charitable contribution in Dick’s memory may do so by donating to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Maggie Anne Harris
Margaret “Maggie” Anne Harris nee Sommer, born on May 8, 1946, in Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of June 1, 2025.
Maggie is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Minnie Sommer, baby brother, Edward “Buster” Victor Sommer Jr, and son-in-law, James Gullett.
She is survived foremost by her siblings: Sue Spicknell, Patty Heinze, Liz Tabor, Michelle Jones, Bob Rose, Carol Steele, and Deb Gibson; survived next by her children: Tuttie Gullett, Andy Harris, Vicky Harris, Emily and Tony Nenortas; six grandchildren: Austin (Nikki) Gullett, Jake Gullett, Tanner Harris, Tayla (Josh) Palacios, Andrew Nenortas, and Lexie (Cameron) Kenyon; five great grandchildren: Jayce Gullett, Addalyn Harris, Maverick Harris, Reagan Harris, and Isabell Harris; dear friend Teddy; many nieces and nephews.
Maggie enjoyed collecting jewelry, going out to the casino, and the thrill of a good yard sale. Maggie wanted to be remembered as “kind and crazy”, and her loved ones will attest that she was, indeed, very kind and a little crazy.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Fox Memorial Park, 3981 E. Gresham Hwy Potterville, MI 48876. The family has entrusted their care to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Carolyn Ann Stokoe
Carolyn Ann (Plum) Stokoe, 83, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Bickford Cottage.
Born on January 24, 1942, in Bloomingdale, Michigan, she was the daughter of Willis and Erma (Roe) Plum. Carolyn graduated from Bloomingdale High School before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She dedicated her career to education, working as a middle school art and history teacher in Charlotte and later as a substitute teacher in Linden.
Carolyn had a deep passion for travel, exploring countries around the world including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Ireland. She captured these adventures through her remarkable photography.
While attending college, a classmate introduced her to his brother, James Bower Stokoe. The two quickly formed a bond and later married in 1978. Together, they shared a love of football and enjoyed cheering on both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University teams.
Genealogy and quilting were among Carolyn’s great joys, she delighted in helping others trace their roots and wrapped her care into every quilt she lovingly gave away.
She was an active member of her community, participating in the Three Rivers Woman’s Club, the Three Rivers Elks, Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, James B. Stokoe; her son, Thomas J. Stokoe; her brother, William (Barbara) Plum; her nephew, Steven Van Eerden; and her nieces, Gretchen Barnes and Stephanie Groves.
She was preceded in death by her parents; identical twin sister, Janet Van Eerden; and brother, Allen Plum.
Her family received friends Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Pastor Brenda Deily officiating. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer.
Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be directed to the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
Larry L. Sibley
Larry L. Sibley, 84 years young, passed away on May 9, 2025, at his farm, Tollgate Gardens & Nursery. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Friend, and Mentor and will be deeply missed by those who really knew his feisty spirit.
Larry was born on August 3, 1940, in Allegan, Michigan to Lewis C. and Mae P. (Vasicek) Sibley. Growing up on a dairy farm with a large family Larry had also worked for his dad’s oil rig company. He attended one year of college, but then his dad sold the oil business and Larry continued working for the buyer. Larry married Lynn (Yother) Reed of Battle Creek, MI in 1982 and they spent many years visiting every lighthouse in Michigan. Over the years both were known by many people in Battle Creek where they attended Dexter Lake Church and worked different jobs at Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Walmart.
Larry was most known as “The Paw Paw King” from Marshall, Battle Creek, and Bellevue Farmers Markets to local and international buyers of the fruit, grafted trees, and seeds. This small native fruit was a passion passed on by his late father-in-law Corwin Davis. Larry was dedicated to gardening and people could stop by the farm and find him working on the next project or tending the trees and vegetables for the local markets, co-workers, and the Southwest Michigan Food Bank of Battle Creek.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Lynn L. Sibley; her daughter Stacy (Brian) Saxton of Hillsdale; several grandkids and great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandra Shineldecker of Ludington, Tom (Carol) Sibley of Walkerville, Virginia (Paul) Gleason of Montague, Scott (Kathy) Sibley of Powell, WY, Terry (Kim) Sibley of Hart, Tim (Lora) Sibley of Walkerville; plus a bonus daughter Kimberly (Kenneth) Klingel of Marshall with many of their family and friends. Larry was treasured by his friend and oil rig partner, Dave Gould of Hesperia; Jan (Mary) Lawson of Battle Creek; The Harrell Family of Marshall; and countless friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Gerry Flanery, and sister Barbra Sue Sibley.
A mini-memorial celebrating Larry will be held on June 14, 2025, at The Marshall Area Farmers Market on Green Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Marshall, Michigan.
Larry will remain in our hearts, but Tollgate Gardens will not be the same without your guiding advice, farm hat, and sunflowers.