Obituaries
Ronnie Lavance Miller
Ronnie Lavance Miller of Eaton Rapids, passed away January 22, 2025, at the age of 79. Ronnie was born in Dayton, Tennessee on November 12, 1945, the son of Mahlon and Betty (Morgan) Miller. He served in the Vietnam war from 1965-1967. Ronnie retired from General Motors after 32 years of service. He was a very active member of St. Peter Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Ronnie enjoyed fishing, whittling and watching birds.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Miller of Eaton Rapids; children, Mark (Becky) Miller of Charlotte, Donna (Adam) Boyd of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Daniel (Gerrie Rooks) Miller, Alex Miller, Rachel (Brandon Johnson) Miller, Ashley Wilson; siblings, Carol Wright, Debbie (Tim) Coghlan, Kathy (Jack) Zoliner, Darlene Miller. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Mahlon Miller and Betty (John) Welch.
Funeral Services were held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. A visitation was also held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 5-8 p.m., with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or St. Peter Catholic Church Youth Group, 515 E. Knight St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, in loving memory of Ronnie Lavance Miller. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Nancy Gusey
Nancy Gusey, age 81, passed away at home on January 19, 2025 from a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
She was born in Kalamo Township to Richard and Bethel (Rich) Graham. Her elementary years were spent at the North Kalamo Country School and her middle school years were at Bellevue Schools. Finally, after district lines were redone, Nancy graduated from Charlotte Public Schools in 1961. Nancy was a member of the band and played the alto sax, which was one of her most treasured possessions.
Nancy married Roger Gusey in August 1963. They were happily married until his death in 2008. Nancy worked at Strecks Insurance until she became a mother in 1970. She worked alongside her husband on their dairy farm. After his passing, Nancy and her son raised beef cattle.
Nancy attended the West Benton Church until she was no longer able. Her favorite hobbies were auctions, crocheting, and spending time with her grandkids.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, step-dad Arthur Reader, infant sister Sharon, her husband Roger, brother-in-law Rocky Rockwell, and sister-in-law Andy Graham.
She is survived by her daughter Zandra (Jason) Service, son Adam Gusey, granddaughters Janae Ashley and Kinzie Pierce, great-grandson Kamden Satterly, brother Dick Graham, sister Diana Rockwell, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Benton Church.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For further information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Sara Jeane Jackson
Sara Jeane Jackson passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in Charlotte, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and community involvement. Sara was born on December 28, 1926, at home on her family farm to Burr and Marjorie (Badger) Miller. She embraced the responsibilities of farm life helping with chores and contributing to her family’s well-being.
A proud, hardworking, and kind-hearted woman, Sara’s life was a radiant tapestry of joyful moments and achievements. She embodied the American Dream. After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, she began working at Percy Jones Military Medical Hospital in the office. Fate smiled upon her when a young soldier, Martin Jackson, spotted her and declared he would marry her someday. True to his word, they were married April 26, 1947, beginning a beautiful journey together that would result in them celebrating 75 years of marriage.
While raising a family of five, Sara continued working outside the home becoming the head cook at Pennfield Middle School, where she planned menus and cooked homemade meals from scratch to the delight of both students and staff. Sara and Martin were a dynamic team working tirelessly to make their dreams come true. One of their proudest achievements was purchasing Char-Lanes bowling alley in 1982, transforming it into a cherished gathering place for the community. Sara became an integral part of the local business community, with her unwavering commitment.
Sara volunteered with the Charlotte Women’s Club (GFWC) and delivered meals on wheels to those in need. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the Charlotte Senior Center, and the First Congregational Church. Her generosity and compassion touched countless lives, reflecting her belief in giving back and supporting others.
With a flair for arts and crafts, Sara stayed ahead of the latest trends. She enjoyed crocheting and creating porcelain dolls, which she lovingly made for family and donated to charitable causes. Her competitive spirit was evident in her love for playing games. She was an avid bowler and was always ready for Uno, dice, Skip-Bo, Euchre, and her nightly puzzle solving Wheel of Fortune.
She supported her children and grandchildren at their sporting events, cheering them on. Sara found joy in the simple, yet beautiful moments in life. Tending to the flowers in her garden and watching the birds gather at her numerous feeders. Sara cherished traveling the world making memorable trips to Hawaii, Germany, Ireland, and Japan. Always ready for the next adventure she brought joy wherever she went.
Sara’s life was a beautiful journey filled with love, family, kindness and selflessness. As we celebrate her remarkable life, we hold dear the happy memories and the legacy she leaves behind. Her vibrant spirit and generous heart will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know and love her. Rest in Peace Sara, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Sara is survived by her children, Phillip Jackson and David Jackson, both of Charlotte, MI and Sue-Ann Johnson of Eaton Rapids, MI; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Hazel Miller; brother-in-law, Kenneth Jackson; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Martin Jackson; son, Gary Lee Jackson; and daughter, Phyllis Jeane Burcham. A special heartfelt thank you to Teresa who bonded with mom in friendship, love, compassion, laughter, and pranks.
Friends are encouraged to support Sara’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Wednesday, February 5, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
David Eugene Pritchard
David Eugene Pritchard, affectionately known as ‘Dude Dave,’ passed away on January 16, 2025. Born on January 12, 1978, in Charlotte, Mich., Dave filled our lives with laughter and love.
Dave was a talented artist with a flair for the extraordinary. His creativity knew no bounds, from his intricate wood carvings like the picnic table adorned with turtles, to his unique invention — a fraculator crafted from a microwave. Known affectionately as “hi-lo Dave” during his time at C & I Plastics, he brought joy and camaraderie to every workplace, including stints at Shyft and Eaton Country Health and Rehabilitation Center.
His passions were as diverse as his talents. Dave loved taking walks, embracing the great outdoors. Music filled his soul, with concerts being a family favorite — especially when Slipknot was on stage. Annual trips north to Cheboygan and the lively “Last Hurrah” family gatherings were treasured traditions that showcased his love for adventure and togetherness.
Dave’s infectious laugh, loud mouth, and immense love for his family were the heartbeats of his life. He was deeply proud of his wife and children, always striving to be the best dad he could be. His favorite word, “Dude,” was a reflection of his laid-back and friendly spirit that endeared him to all.
Family was the cornerstone of Dave’s life. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Cynthia Pritchard, and his children, Harley, Tyler, and the late Brady Pritchard. His greatest joy was being a father, and he strived every day to be the best dad he could be.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cynthia Pritchard; his daughter, Harley Pritchard; and his son, Tyler Pritchard. Dave also leaves behind his mother, Penny Burt; sisters, Alishia (Tom Potter) Pritchard and Faith (Thomas) Childress; stepbrother, Dale Burt; and a large extended family, including father- and mother-in-law, Abel and Lisa Anzaldua; sister-in-law, Christina (Clint) Litzenberg; brother-in-law, Jose (Wendy) Anzaldua; grandmother, Marion Pelto; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him.
He now joins his son, Brady Pritchard; father, David Allen Pritchard; stepbrother, Adam Burt; grandparents, Sharon and Stuart Windon; great-grandmother, Celia Kilgore; and best friend, Chad Johnson.
As we reflect on Dave’s life, we celebrate a man whose creativity, humor, and unwavering love touched us all. His spirit lives on in the joyful memories we share and the love he instilled in his family and friends.
A celebration of Dave’s life was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Visitation took place from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. with Laura Cooper officiating at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dave’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bernard Darren Dilly
Bernard Darren Dilly, age 60 of Lakeview, MI passed away on January 7, 2025 at Corewell Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
Darren was born on June 12, 1964 in Joliet, Ill. The son of Richard and Deanna Dilly.
Darren graduated from Capital City Christian School, Lansing, MI. After graduation, Darren served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger and an Honor Guard in Washington D.C.
Darren loved music and loved playing his alto sax, bass guitar and harmonica.
Darren also loved the outdoors, hunting and planting trees around their property. And could often be found watching his Chicago Bears or the Lions with his faithful German Shephard, Honch. A good friend was Fred King, Sunday School teacher at C.B. Church. Fred helped Darren along in his youth and faithfully kept in touch over the years.
Darren is survived by his devoted wife Susan (Doll), his mother Deanna (Dilly) Sherman, brother R. Troy & Heather Dilly, sister Anna T. Dilly, nephew Keaton & wife Hannah Dilly, Cameron & wife Emily and children, niece Karis & husband Brian Pearson and children, nieces Ellen Dilly, Danielle McCorol, nephews Haiden and Owen West and Max Bashore.
Darren was preceded in death by his father, Richard O. Dilly, baby brother Stephen C. Dilly, uncles Dean & Duane Dilly, uncles Edward, Gary and Chuck Mills, grandparents Bernard & Bess Dilly and grandparents Charles & Nellie Mills.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring in Lakeview, MI.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Darren’s memory to any Veterans Association.