Obituaries
Alyce M. Blackmer
Alyce Marie Blackmer of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loving family by her side, December 17, 2021, at the age of 60. Alyce was born in Lansing, January 11, 1961, the daughter of Lyle and Marion (Fuller) Lawrence. She worked as an executive secretary at the Seventh Day Adventist Church for several years and was also a member. Alyce loved to read, knit, crochet and camp with her husband. She was a loving daughter, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and sister. Alyce gave immense support and was a right-hand man to her husband, Scott, working side by side with him at the Hamlin Fire Department and was lovingly known as “Chief A.”
Alyce is survived by her father, Lyle (Donna) Lawrence of Eaton Rapids, mother, Marion Newmon of AR; husband, Scott Blackmer; son, Scott Alan (Rachael) Blackmer of Eaton Rapids; daughters, Alyna (Jason) Stone of TN, Alyssa (Michael) Castanon of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Scott James and Abigail Blackmer, Ryker Stone; brothers, William (Bill) (Kayla) Lawrence, Robert (Bob) (Tammy) Lawrence; sister, Kathleen (Kathy) Lawrence; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Visitation was held Wednesday December 22, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Private funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Strong Tower Radio, 7669 S. 45 Rd. Cadillac, MI 49601. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Bernard Linsley
Mr. Bernard (“Bernie”) Linsley, age 90, of Kalamo, MI, passed away Sunday, December 12th, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
Bernie was born in Bellevue, MI, on February 1, 1931, a son of the late Alta (Rice) and L.Z. Linsley. He spent his early childhood working the family farm in Bellevue and later working his own farm in Kalamo. In addition to farming, Bernie worked at local stockyards and later worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek, MI, for 32 years.
On June 16, 1951, he married Barbara Smurr, his childhood neighbor. Bernie and his two brothers married Barb and her two sisters. They renovated and established their first and only home together in the Kalamo area where they raised their family. The Linsleys shared their home with several foster children through the years.
Bernie described Barbara as the “perfect wife,” and together they enjoyed renovating houses. Their passion and hard work led the couple to complete over 33 house renovations in the area.
“Work hard, play hard” was a creed that Bernie and Barb shared during their nearly 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In later years, the couple purchased homes in Florida that became their winter escape for over 30 years. They also enjoyed spending time at family properties in Kalkaska and at Thornapple Lake. In addition, Bernie and Barb found a family of friends through rodeo enthusiasts and the owners, workers, and patrons at both Shirley’s Chuckwagon and Rip’s Place. The family extends great gratitude to the many who gave comfort and help to Bernard during the difficult days after Barbara’s passing.
Bernard also found increased strength and peace through his relationship with God. The family is grateful for the ministry of Marion Hamilton and a Mrs. Grable who made sure that Bernie and his brothers got to Assyria Bible Church on Sundays. During that time, the Cunninghams took him and his brothers to a retreat at Gull Lake. There, at the age of 16, Bernie accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. As a married couple, Bernie and Barb worshipped at Nashville Baptist Church and loved their church family.
Bernie is survived by his two sons, Glen (Donna) Linsley and Ed (Linda) Linsley; his brother, Gerald Linsley; sister-in-law, Gloria Linsley; brother-in-law, Doug (Pat) Smurr; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many others who called him “Dad.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his brother, Donald; and sister-in-law, Mary Linsley.
Funeral services are being conducted privately with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating. Bernie will be interred at a private ceremony at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, MI. There will a combined memorial service in the springtime to honor and celebrate Bernard and Barbara’s life together. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church 304 Philips Street, Nashville, MI 49073 and may be designated to the Gideons for purchase of audio Bibles in different languages. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Karen L. Silcox
Karen Lynne (Lojewski) Silcox, a loving, social, ray of sunshine, went to be with our savior with her daughters by her side, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. Karen, 57, of Charlotte, was born August 31, 1964, in Charlotte, MI. Daughter of John Lojewski and Christel Hose. From an early age Karen developed a love for music, she began playing the piano at 3 years old, and this love continued throughout her life. Karen was a graduate of Charlotte High School and after became a Clerk for the Circuit Court at the Eaton County Courthouse, where she retired after 31 years in 2019. In 1994 Karen married Scott Silcox and together they created lasting memories. Each year following her retirement Karen and Scott enjoyed their anniversary trips around the country and state. Karen was very social, and she never met a stranger. She was very active at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, serving as the church pianist and upon her retirement volunteering with kids for Mother’s Day Out and Awana Club. Karen’s hobbies included working in her flowerbeds, bird watching, watching MSU sports, watching the Lions lose, her evening campfires, working on family ancestry and most importantly spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Karen is survived by her husband, Scott; children, Mindy (Richard) Mauck, Ashley (Joshua) Harris, Eric Silcox, and Kyle Silcox; grandchildren, Marisa, Sidena, Mackenzie, Aubrey, Tooker, Addyson, Harmony, and Jameson; parents, John (Marsha) Lojewski, Christel (Mario) Taha; siblings, Michael (Kelly Jo) Hancock, Robin Hancock, and Bryan Lumbert; in-laws, Dick (Martha) Silcox, and Darlene (Bill) LaHaie; sisters-in-law, Tracy (Brian) Marek, and Marcy (Devon) DeKett; and so many friends that were near and dear to Karen’s heart. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Otto and Anna Hose.
Friends are encouraged to support Karen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on herTribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, December 20, 2021, from 3-5:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Baseball Club, Potterville Athletic Boosters or the First Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Nola J. VanTyle
Nola Jean VanTyle, a lady who knew her mind and didn’t like to “make a fuss” about things, died unexpectedly December 8, 2021 in Charlotte. Born Nola Jean Poyer on November 19, 1953 to Alden Poyer and Dora (Eaton) Beeman, she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1971. Three years later she married Michael VanTyle and they truly enjoyed time together and time spent with family, especially at the family cabin near Houghton Lake. Nola worked for Owens Illinois in the selecting department, retiring in 2011. She loved to travel, and often shared stories of her trips, especially her favorite trip, an Alaskan cruise. In addition, she loved driving the backroads of Michigan, often getting herself lost on purpose as she enjoyed everyday adventures in her home state. Other hobbies Nola enjoyed included fishing, crocheting, and searching for pudding stones and Petoskey stones on Michigan’s lakeshores and backroads.
Her family feels the tragic loss of the glue that held the family together, especially as they remember the Christmas slippers she crocheted for them. Nola is survived by her daughter, Lena Stadel; granddaughters, Cheyanne and Jasmine VanTyle; father, Alden Poyer; mother, Dora Beeman; and siblings, Raymond Poyer, Dale Poyer, and Dawn (Kevin) Richards. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael VanTyle in 2010; and her son, Stacy VanTyle in 2020.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Nola’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. 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 Nola’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to the family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Troy A. Royce
Troy Alexander Royce, age 26, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born January 29, 1995, the son of Todd and Shannon (Bevel) Royce. Troy graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 2014. He went on to honorably serve his country in the National Guard for six years. As a celebration of their love for one another, Troy and Drita were married in a beautiful ceremony with all their many friends and family members on November 5, 2021. Troy had a huge heart and loved spending time with his wife and countless friends. He enjoyed gaming, board games, and camping up north. He and Drita were famous for hosting Taco Tuesdays at their home each week. They also cherished their time spent traveling together throughout the last few years.
Troy is survived by his wife, Drita; mother, Shannon Royce of Lansing; father, Todd Royce of Charlotte; brother, Tristen Royce of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Lindon Martini; mother-in-law, Justa Martini; father-in-law, Tom Martini; and numerous friends.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 20, 2021, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Troy’s honor to the family.
To view Troy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com