Obituaries
Martin Rachilla
Martin (Mart) Rachilla, 80, of Charlotte, went to be with his Lord on December 12, 2023.
Mart was a naturally talented man, there was nothing he could not fix or create. From bringing junk cars back to original glory, to carving a masterpiece out of a hunk of wood. His carvings amazed, even master carvers, and won many awards for their realistic details.
Mart was an avid hunter and fisherman, and let none of his catch go to waste, making jewelry and creating art out of ‘throwaway’ pieces of bone, teeth, and hide.
He recently started racing lawn tractors on weekends, and had just perfected his racer to winning status.
Mart will be greatly missed.
Mart is survived by his wife, Sharon; Sons: Marty (Jill) Rachilla, Brinton (Dawn) Rachilla; Stepchildren: Rick Ells, Valerie Ells, and Tara (Jim) Geller. Along with 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held on May 11 at Chester Gospel church at 2 p.m., Pastor Dennis Weeks presiding.
Shirley Ann Couzens
Shirley Ann Couzens, a true woman of God, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Shirley 85 was born on August 27, 1938, in Jolley Springs, TN the daughter of Robert and Gracey (Stephens) Thomas. She was a 1956 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. Shirley worked at the MSU 4-H Youth Programs Office retiring in 1982. On September 10, 1982, Shirley married Donald B. Couzens and together they spent the next 41 years creating lasting memories. Her two sons, Mark, and Michael brought so much joy to her life, and she was so proud of all their accomplishments. She was a devoted member of the New Hope Community Church.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Donald; sons, Mark Alan (Sheri) Sleep, and Michael Roy (Claire) Sleep; stepdaughter, Teri Lynn (Pat) McNea; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Brianne, David, Jeff, Nichole, Nic, Jack, and Brooke; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, William (Margaret) Thomas, Mary (Harvey) Moore, Robert “Buck” (Betty) Thomas, Wanda (Jim) Bott, Emma (Lex) Chumley, and Halbert (Jewel) Thomas.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Victor Williams officiating at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Lee Carroll
James “Jimmy” Lee Carroll, a man that from birth was dealt many lifelong challenges but was able to overcome so much. Jimmy, 62, of Kalamazoo was born on February 23, 1962, the son of Leo and Margaret (Pennington) Carroll. He was born three months premature and from birth was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, doctors told his parents that he would not live to his fifth birthday. Jimmy lived his entire life non-verbally, but was able to communicate with his eyes and facial expressions. Even with the challenges that he faced he was always happy and smiling. During his younger years Jimmy was an artist and loved making paintings with the use of his mouth. He was also able to operate a computer and his wheelchair by his mouth. Jimmy was also known as being a collector of pens. It is believed that he has collected a pen from every doctor’s office/business that he has visited throughout his lifetime. For 20 plus years Jimmy took part in different case studies at Western Michigan University to help better understand Cerebral Palsy. He also loved going out and about with his caregivers. Even if it was just a quick trip to the coffee shop, it made his day. Jimmy’s sisters believed that if Jimmy could speak, he would have said how he was proud of his ability to communicate non-verbally in a verbal world. They also stated that for the first time in his life he can now do something that he has never done, walking alongside his parents in heaven. Jimmy beat the odds, touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Jeanette (Doug) Aspinall, Jackie (Duane) Collier, and Julie (David) Brooks; several nieces and nephews; and his loving care that he received from his family at Community Living Options Home on Chelten Ave. in Kalamazoo. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jimmy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family graveside service will be held at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Keith E. Bazaire
Keith E. Bazaire, of Parrish, Florida., formerly Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on July 31, 1938 in Isabella County, the son of Henry and Wilma Bazaire. Keith grew up in Barryton, Michigan, and along with his 3 siblings, helped his parents run and maintain the family farm, which instilled in him a work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life. Keith lived a long and fulfilling life with his wife of 64 years, Connie (Carter) by his side, they were married on June 24, 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan. After graduating from Barryton High School in 1956, Keith went on to study Chemical Engineering, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from Michigan State. He would later attend Ohio State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, and shortly thereafter, Keith began his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, as a Plastics Engineer.
A new professional opportunity was presented to Keith in 1968, when his father-in-law, Theo Carter (of Charlotte) asked Keith to join him in the retail grocery company that he founded, known as Carter’s IGA. Keith accepted Theo’s offer, and the two, along with trusted and loyal associates, would begin building a successful chain of grocery stores in the Mid-Michigan area. Upon Theo’s retirement in 1980, Keith would reside over the company as the President and CEO for the next 20 years, ultimately guiding the company to a 21 retail store operation throughout the State of Michigan. Keith served on several Board of Directors positions over the years, which included Oven Fresh Bakery in Grand Rapids, Michigan Grocers Association, and Independent Bank. Keith also served as the President of the Charlotte School Board, 1981.
After three decades of service and guidance, Keith retired from Carter’s, Inc. in 1999.
Keith and Connie enjoyed many years of traveling with their life-long friends, Larry and Sonnie Cody of Charlotte. Keith and Larry both earned their private pilot licenses in 1988, and would later purchase a Cherokee Piper airplane together, which they used to fly around the State of Michigan and beyond attending summer and fall festivals, trips to Mackinac Island, etc. Keith, Connie, and the Cody’s would discover, and fall in love with a spot on the island of Maui, Hawaii, that they returned to on vacation for many years. Over the years, friendships were made on the Island, and Maui always held a special place in Keith’s heart.
Later in life, Keith would grow a passion for gardening and landscaping, and would spend countless hours planting and maintaining his butterfly garden, and tropical flowering plants at his home in Florida.
Keith always cared deeply about his family, friends, neighbors, and his community. He will be missed beyond measure, and the memories he created will forever be cherished.
Keith is survived by his wife Connie; son’s Jeffrey, Kevin, and Michael (Erron Sparks); grandchildren, Allison (Bill) Bazaire, Carter (Lincy) Bazaire, Ty (Kristin) Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller; great grandchild, Hazel; sister, Jeanette (Lance) Natsch; brother, Gary (Beverly) Bazaire.
Keith was preceded in death by his father, Henry; mother, Wilma; father-in-law, Theo Carter; mother-in-law, Atha Carter; and brother, Bill.
Family and friends are encouraged to support Keith’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan, Summer 2024. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Anne Barstow
Anne Barstow of Eaton Rapids, passed away April 27, 2024 at the age of 92. She was born on February 2, 1932, in Galesburg, IL, the daughter of Herman and Zelda (George) Holscher. She married Merle Barstow in 1949. They moved from Galesburg, IL, to Angola, IN, then to Eaton Rapids.
Anne was a loving wife and mother, as well as an artist, who enjoyed painting as a hobby. She also had a 25-year career at Dart Container Corporation, where she was the Director of the company’s Commercial Art Department.
She enjoyed her family above all and had many close friends. Her home was warm and welcoming, and there was not a person that could not fall in love with Anne. She was the kindest of people.
Preceding her in death is her husband of 53 years, Merle and her daughter, Diana, and her brother Herman Joseph Holscher.
Anne is survived by her daughters and sons, Susan (Bill) Taylor, Jane Barstow-Boettcher, Nancy Barstow, James Barstow, Daniel (Stacie) Barstow, Ben (Dawn) Barstow, and Matthew Barstow.
Anne was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Country Acres and Hospice of Lansing for the wonderful care given to Anne during her stay there.
Friends are encouraged to support Anne’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing at www.hospiceoflansing.org. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.