Obituaries
Michael James Cole
Michael James Cole, 65, a man dedicated to his family and friends, died peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025. Mike was born April 28, 1960 in Lansing and was the son of Lawrence and Shirley (Prevost) Cole. As a young man, Mike worked for Longs of Lansing making many lifelong friends. He then joined Capital Cadillac as parts manager and worked there for over 20 years. In his retirement years, he carried his knowledge over to various automotive parts stores including Advanced Auto and Napa.
Mike had many friends and loved hanging out, listening to music, and debating with whomever would listen. You could often find him riding his bike around town, hitting up the local food joints for their nightly specials and a few cold ones with his brother. No matter where Mike was, he carried his real passion, music, with him, his favorite music being from the 60s and 70s. Throughout the years Mike went to countless concerts. He was his happiest listening to music outdoors in the sunshine with friends and a cold beer in his hand. Much like his father, he had a lifetime interest in cars and loved watching the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He also enjoyed
snowmobiling, playing softball and volleyball in his day, and had an avid love for frogs. Above all, family meant everything to Mike.
Later in life he met the love of his life Diane. They enjoyed many years taking road trips, and spending time together. Their favorite spot to frequent was Pere Marquette.
Mike is survived by his loving girlfriend, Diane Conner; siblings, Karen Berry and Keith Cole; nephews, Ben (Ashleigh) and Brian (Dayna) Berry; great-nephew and niece, Cole and Camryn (aka Mug and Mini). He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law, Richard Berry.
Friends are encouraged to support Mike’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., just prior to the service. Please join the family for food, fellowship and sharing memories of Mike immediately following the service at the Forty ET Eight Chateau, 2949 S. Waverly Hwy., Lansing, MI 48911.
The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com. Click Michael’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your device. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Paul J. Johnson
Paul J. Johnson was born on February 23, 1936 and left this world on July 19, 2025 in his home at Independence Village, Grand Ledge, MI.
Paul was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan to Paul R. and Bessie L. (Whitaker) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his cousin, Charlie Johnson; and his wife of 40 years, Carol (Vaag) Johnson in 2017. He is survived by his children, Eileen (Jerry) Fhaner, Janette (Dan) Miller, Doug (Tom Alton) Johnson, Jim Kirk, and John (Randi) Johnson; grandchildren, Nicole Miller, Heather Miller, Willie Huhn, Ryan (Dani) Miller, Allison (Jordon) Williams, and Kylie (Skiland) Judd; and nine great-grandchildren.
Paul spent most of his years in the Charlotte area, with a few years in Wolverine, Michigan as his dad moved them there to find work. His parents lives, and his childhood was tough; at 15 his first paying job was hauling ashes of coal out of the basements for school teachers for 50 cents an hour. He also worked at the box factory where he made 60 cents an hour. While helping raise his family, he worked at Beech Manufacturing, Dale Steel and in 1967 began work at Fisher Body where he worked until retirement in 1997. For 8 years, while working at Fisher Body, he picked up and hauled milk to Detroit and Ovid.
He and Carol loved to travel in their RV, and when he retired they spent their time between Michigan, Minnesota, and Arizona. In his heart, Paul was a farmer and the time in Minnesota was spent working the fields in the spring and harvesting in the fall. They made many friends over the years and Paul continued to do so when he moved to Independence Village after Carol passed. His family and friends will miss his easy smile, his friendly demeanor, his whistling, and his sense of humor.
Friends are encouraged to support Paul’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and services will be held on Thursday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests The American Diabetes Foundation or Hospice of Michigan for memorial gifts. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Shirley Ann Delaney
Shirley Ann Delaney of Charlotte, formerly of Vanderbilt, Michigan, devoted her life to her family and her church. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the age of 90. Shirley was born October 24, 1934 to Sidney and Carrie (Howse) Robinson. She lived a life of caring for others, became an LPN after her children were grown and maintained being active for many years at Vanderbilt Community Church, and more recently Chester Gospel Church. Due to her husband’s employment with the State Police they moved around Michigan encouraging her to find her own ways to contribute to the communities they lived in. Shirley enjoyed hosting family gatherings, multi-generational camping trips, hosting deer camp, and loved vacationing with her family. She enjoyed doing crafts with her sister and sister-in-law, reading, cooking, and was known to make a really delectable blackberry pie. No matter what the time was, when family came to visit she always had something delicious to eat.
Shirley is survived by her children, Robert (Bethany) Delaney, Shelley (Jerry) Melville, Tom (Dianne) Delaney, and Dianna (Scott) Martin; nine grandchildren, John (Jenna) Delaney, Christine (Adam) Graff, Josiah Delaney, Melissa Melville, Carrie Melville, Brian (Melinda) Delaney, Jennifer (Bryan) Golonka, Max (Cassie) Martin, and Aimee (Paul) Westhouse; thirteen great-grandchildren, Alice, Willa, John David, Forrest, Elliot, Grayson, Ruby, Mason, Malaina, Maverick, Everett, Ford, and Maeve; brother, Mac (Sue) Robinson; sisters-in-law, Beverly Robinson and Norrine (Larry) Dipinski; and dear friend, Betty Christian. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Delaney Sr. in 2014; her parents; and siblings, Wayne Robinson and Trudy (Larry) Anderson.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation were held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 2-3:00 p.m. with Funeral service following at 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Robert Baribeau officiating. 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 Shirley’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Interment will take place on Friday, July 25, at Fairview Cemetery in Gaylord. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Carolyn Lease-Strang
Mary Carolyn Lease-Strang of Eaton Rapids, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Mary was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on July 14, 1932, the daughter of Victor and Lucile (MacDonald) Alt. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1950. After high school she attended Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston. Mary worked for Consumer’s Energy as a Secretary in Eaton Rapids and Charlotte for several years before going on to work for Motor Wheel for 14 years before her retirement. She married Don Lease on June 3, 1953. Mary and Don had a cottage on Pretty Lake and enjoyed boating on Spring Lake. She liked to crochet and in her earlier years Mary enjoyed golfing with her daughter. She was a gifted pianist, even taking lessons at Michigan State. She shared her talent for many years at the First Congregational Church playing cantatas. Mary was also very sociable and one of her favorite things was to play cards with friends and family.
Mary is survived by her children, Vicki Lease of Eaton Rapids, Janie (Mark) Fitzgerald of Eaton Rapids; sister, Ginny (Dick) Huntington of Hart. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Lease in 1990; second husband, Keith Strang in 1999; parents, Victor and Lucille Alt; son-in-law, Jim Cowles; lifelong friend, Sharon Pierce.
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 the Braille and Talking Book Library, 702 West Kalamazoo Street, Lansing, MI 48909. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Betty Lou Goostrey
Betty Lou Goostrey passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 89.
Born on December 7, 1935, to Silvion and Ethel Dahlem, Betty lived a life marked by strength, warmth, and devotion to those she loved. She was known for her incredible hospitality—always ready with food on the table, a kind word, and a welcoming home.
A woman of many talents, Betty found joy in quilting, gardening, and growing flowers. She had a lifelong passion for genealogy and spent countless hours exploring her family’s history. She was a hard worker and a true friend to many.
In the early 1960s, Betty embarked on a motorcycle trip to Alaska and back—an adventure that perfectly captured her sense of wonder. She loved traveling, playing cards, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved.
Betty was blessed with four children from her first marriage to George Hammond: Douglas Hammond, Steven Hammond, Dawn Hammond, and Gayle Hammond. She later found love again and married Edward Goostrey, with whom she shared a joyful life filled with travel, laughter, and companionship.
She was preceded in death by both George and Edward, as well as all four of her children. Despite these profound losses, Betty’s love for her family remained unwavering, and her legacy continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—whom she cherished deeply.
Betty is survived by her brother, Charles Dahlem, whom she loved very much; her daughters-in-law, Karen Schriner, Nancy Wilson, and Sandra Hammond; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will carry forward her stories, her strength, and her love.
Betty loved the Lord, and her Bible was filled with bookmarks and underlined verses. One she had highlighted was Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Her family finds deep comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, resting in the presence of her Savior.
A private graveside service will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor her memory by planting something beautiful or spending time with those you love—just as Betty always did.
To view Betty’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Victor Craven
Victor “Butch” Craven, passed away at home on July 9, 2025 under the loving care of his wife Sandi and son, Troy Craven. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, you listened—because it was either good advice or hilariously inappropriate. His work ethic was unmatched: rain or shine, weekday or weekend, Butch got the job done. He made us laugh, roll our eyes, and enjoy life. He worked hard so others did not have to, unless of course you were one of his sons—in which case, congratulations, you were born into a lifelong apprenticeship.
He loved his sons fiercely, even if he showed it most through acts of service and off-color jokes. He taught them how to drive, how to change oil, how to fix a toilet, and how to stand up for themselves. He was not fancy, but he was solid.
He is reunited now with his beloved son, Trenton Jay Craven; sisters, Phyllis Hadfield and Paulette Parks; brothers-in-law, Mike Parish, Jack Parish, Jim Parish and Harvey Parks; in-laws, Mary Lee Rodeman, Gus Rodeman and Jack Parish Sr.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sandra K.; son, Troy (Tamelia Miller); sisters-in-law, Elaine (Dave) Martin, Patti Parish; and brothers-in-law, Max Rodeman and Ron (LaDonna) Parks.
A celebration of Butch’s life, and stories that may or may not be true, will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to First Baptist Church of Charlotte, Helping Hands Food Pantry or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
To view Butch’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
William C. Voigt
William C. Voigt, 92, of Hastings MI, formerly of Charlotte, MI died unexpectedly Monday, July 14, 2025 at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, MI. William (Bill) was born on March 5, 1933 to William Adam and Hazel (Conley) Voigt in Detroit, MI. The family, including Bill’s sister and brother, moved to East Lansing, MI in 1938. Bill attended and graduated from the East Lansing school system in 1951. He attended Central Michigan College for a short time prior to enlisting for three years in the U.S. Army. Bill served in Korea during the Korean war before being honorably discharged. He joined The Michigan State Police in early 1956.
Soon after joining the State Police, Bill met, and in December of 1956, married the love of his life Fay Louise Hartman. The couple had five children and began raising them in East Lansing, MI before moving the family to Charlotte in 1971 where all five of the children attended and graduated from school. In 1980, Bill retired from the Michigan State Police as a Captain and First District Commander. He then served as the Eaton County Undersheriff from 1980 through 1990 and also was elected and served as a Charlotte City Councilman for 10 years. In 1990, Bill and Fay moved to Hastings, MI to be closer to their cottage on Thornapple Lake. They also had a winter home in Port Richey, FL. The couple was known for their parties and rousing get-togethers with family and friends. Fay died March 26, 2012 leaving Bill a little rudderless, but he carried on. Bill was a prolific author. He wrote the Criminal Law and Procedure manuals for The Michigan State Police and along with his son William A., wrote a quick reference law manual for The Michigan Sheriff’s Association. In addition, Bill wrote and published 19 fiction novels.
Bill is survived by his five children, William A. and Jean Voigt, Kurt and Darlene Voigt, Theresa Moody, Michelle Walker, and Kevin and Tammy Voigt; as well as 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Fay, his parents, his siblings and their spouses John & Karen Voigt and Joan & Gerald Schmidt ;and sons-in-law Tom Moody and Bo Walker.
Per Bill’s instruction, there will be no funeral or visitation. Friends and family were invited to attend a short graveside service at Bethany Cemetery in Morrice, MI at 11:00 a.m. on July 18, 2025.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org
The family is in the care of Daniels Funeral Home, Hastings, conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI. For further details, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Albert Sweet
Albert “Al” Sweet, 53 of Atlanta, Michigan died suddenly on July 11, 2025 at his home. He was born in Charlotte, Michigan on August 16, 1971 to Richard and Joyce (Gleason) Sweet. He married Tina (Matarazzo) Sweet on February 17, 2007 and together they celebrated 18 years of marriage before his passing. Together the couple owned and operated Sweet’s 624 & More in Atlanta since 2021. Al was a member of the Michigan Flywheelers in South Haven. He enjoyed tractors, trains, blacksmithing, and anything with an engine. He also enjoyed fishing. He is and will be deeply missed.
Al is remembered by his loving wife, Tina Sweet; mother, Joyce Sweet; children, Keith (Kora) Sweet, Caleb Sweet, Brittany Sweet, Hanna Sweet, Ashley Sweet, Neila Sweet; several grandchildren; siblings, Daniel Hammond, Richard Sweet, Harley Sweet; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
In accordance with his wishes Al has been cremated. There will be a memorial held in celebration of Al’s life at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Green Funeral Home. Condolence messages may be sent via our website at www.greenfuneralhomes.com.
Allan Ormond Sine
Allan Ormond Sine, age 66, of Olivet, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. He was born May 7, 1959, in Marshall, Michigan the son of Robert and Marlene (Herman) Sine. Allan graduated from Olivet High School in 1977. He was a huge Detroit Tigers fan and was always looking forward to the next big game. Allan also enjoyed playing cards with friends, working on cars, and baking. He loved working together with his father on the family farm and had a passion for John Deere Tractors.
Allan is survived by his parents, Bob and Marlene Sine; sister, Carmen Kay (Mike Eisenlohn) Sine; uncle, Richard Sine; aunts, Elaine Tanner, Marie Thompson; good friends, Randy and Marilyn Campbell, Harry Reynolds; several cousins and his special dog, Kaylee.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Sine.
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Lee Center Cemetery located on V Drive N between 21 Mile Road and 22 Mile Road in Lee Township.
Those desiring may make contributions in Allan’s memory to the Eaton County Humane Society 129 N. Main Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Allan’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Anna Louise Lewis
Anna Louise Lewis, of Charlotte, was born on June 20, 1928 and passed away on July 13, 2025.
Visitation is Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Friday, July 18, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.