Obituaries
John Grover Woodworth
With profound sadness and love, we share the passing of John Grover Woodworth who departed this world on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 73, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Charlotte, the son of Charles and Donna (Moore) Woodworth. John lived a life full of grace, kindness, and quiet strength. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, known for his generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering support for those around him. Whether it was through a warm smile, a comforting word, or a helping hand, John made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Growing up on the family farm from a young age, John learned how to work hard. After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School, John earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Dairy Science from Michigan State University. He then took ownership alongside his brother of the family dairy farm. Shortly after John lost both his father and brother, he sold the farm and began working as a Loan Officer for the Department of Agriculture. John was a true Arborist; over the years he has planted countless trees on his property as well as gifted trees to family and friends to plant and enjoy. He also found joy in working on his family’s ancestry, bird watching from his deck, and gardening. In recent years his passions became difficult due to a genetic disorder that made John powerchair bound. John still found a way to enjoy his passions from his powerchair. Above all John was proud of his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Susan Woodworth; children, Nicholas (Brandon) Woodworth, Elizabeth (Joshua) Kujawa, and Matthew (Yuly) Woodworth; step-children, Caroline (Robert) Shrier, Ian Love, and Fiona (Brian) Love-Johnson; grandchildren, Alyssa, Quin, Elijah, Jacob, Aaron, Avery, Issac, Ellery, Olivia, Aria, Chloe, and Isabella; sisters, Marion (Dennis) Mayne, Zoe Ann Davis; and dear cousin, Carl Woodworth. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Mike Woodworth, John David Woodworth; and brother-in-law, Lindell Davis.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. His family is planning a Celebration of Life under his beloved trees for a later date this summer. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, or the Arbor Day Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
May John rest in peace, and may we carry his light with us always.
Kenneth Henry Frith
Kenneth Henry Frith, Kenny the mechanic at Ken’s Standard Station in Vermontville as many knew him, died April 20, 2025 at the age of 71. Ken was born October 30, 1953 in Vermontville to Edward Dean and Anna (Anderson) Frith, was a 1973 graduate of Vermontville High School, and a lifelong resident. Ken was a very kind, gentle and compassionate man, a “Gentle Giant.” An excellent mechanic with a generous heart, he took care of those in his community with a smile on his face, including keeping the town firetrucks on the road with any work they needed. A very social guy, Ken was never too busy to take time out for conversation when you stopped by the station. Ken met his wife, Marilyn, when they worked as counselors at church camp, and they helped many young people over the years with their kind and caring ways. He loved helping Marilyn cook, especially when he could use the grill.
Ken is survived by his wife of 37 years, Marilyn; brother, Herb Frith; and many “adopted kids” that Ken and Marilyn played a big part in their lives over the years. He was predeceased by his sisters, Mable, Caroline, Anna, and Naomi; brothers, George, Leon, Ashley, Chuck, Joe, and John; as well as his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ken’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Vermontville Community Center. Life Celebration services are Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chad Rogers 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 Ken’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 family in care of Pray Funeral Home to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John Appelman
John “Nelson” Appelman was the kind of man that would make anyone comfortable in a conversation. With many varied interests, there was always something to talk about and plenty of activities to keep him busy. Nelson was born April 30, 1949 in Lansing, MI to Nelson and Esther (Schmidt) Appelman. Growing up on a horse farm, they raised horses to race sulky carts. His love for animals continued into adulthood, as he raised Boxers with his all-time favorite rescue named Chance. All around town neighbors would often find him walking his dogs. His love for his kids and grandkids was evident as he was coaching little league, wrestling, baseball, football, and freestyle wrestling at Lakewood and Maple Valley Schools. He also served on the Lakewood Youth Wrestling board.
One of his greatest accomplishments was completing the DALMAC four times. He also collected many different things as an avid garage sale shopper with his wife. He was always looking for die-cast trucks and old signs. With a love of John Deere tractors, he found that a bigger yard meant he could get more and bigger tractors. Nelson worked as a food broker for C.E. Stehower, traveling to grocery stores throughout Michigan, and retired in 2015. He was an active member of Chester Gospel Church where he served on the board for many years. He also was a Sunday School Superintendent. He and his wife, Pam, along with his friends, Chris and Penny Brumm, were youth group leaders. Nelson and Chris also spent many evenings visiting those who were homebound.
Nelson died April 13, 2025 at the age of 75 from complications of a spinal cord injury from a slip and fall on ice January 11, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pam; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Shannon Appelman; daughter and son-in-law, Cassie and Matt Heinze; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Madi, Andrew, Brock, Brandon, and Braxton; along with a sister, Karla Terpening. He was predeceased by twin infant daughters; grandson, Brenden Bell; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Appelman family by attending services or sharing memories on Nelson’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, April 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, April 18, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Weeks and Pastor Matt Rhody 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 Nelson’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 Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Diana Kay Gillean
Diana Kay Gillean, age 73, of Vermontville Township passed away on April 18, 2025. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 25, at the Bellevue Christian Church. Arrangements are by Pray Funeral Home Inc. 517-543-2950.
Judy Lynn Rehkopf
Judy Lynn Rehkopf, of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the age of 79.
Judy was born on April 13, 1946, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Juanita (Spence) Sheldon. She was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1964. Following high school, Judy dedicated 25 years of service to the State of Michigan, working as a secretary in the Department of Corrections before retiring in 1996. She later explored a new path as a real estate agent with Conner Realty in Eaton Rapids.
A true snowbird at heart, Judy cherished her time spent at Lettuce Lake Travel Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida, as well as her time in Michigan—between Eaton Rapids, Charlotte, and the log cabin she and her late husband, Chester, lovingly built at Sutherland Lake in Harrison.
Judy was known for her warm spirit and vibrant personality. A natural social butterfly, she treasured her friendships and remained closely connected with her classmates and lifelong companions. She found great joy in Michigan’s natural beauty and especially loved watching the sunsets over Lake Michigan. Above all, Judy cherished the time she spent with her family and friends creating cherished memories.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chester, and her parents.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Sheila (Brett) Ward and Kristina (Phil) Newsome; grandchildren, Nicholas Richards, Tyler (McKenzie) Newsome, Dylan (Angel Markle) Newsome, Maxie (Josh) Naramor, Samantha (Drew) Harding, and John (Bethany) Ward; great-grandchildren, Riley, Maddilynn, Chester, Arley, Weston, Nevaeh, Graden, Maeve, and Maryann. She is also survived by her sisters, Pat (John) Coy and Kay (Al) Redner, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Red Ribbon Hall in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross in Judy’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.