Obituaries
Lloyd Herman Simmons
Lloyd Herman Simmons, age 80, of Dowling, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025. He was born October 5, 1944, in Little Fork, Minnesota, the son of Hugh and Dorothy (Fiedler) Simmons. Lloyd attended Hastings Schools and graduated from Hastings High School. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after several years of faithful service. Lloyd had a passion for steam engines. He enjoyed going to the local tractor and steam engine shows and was a member of the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club. He also enjoyed running his portable sawmill and milling logs for others. Lloyd was a member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte and the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565. He will be dearly missed by his family and countless friends.
Lloyd is survived by his son, Dean Simmons of Dowling; sister, Carol (David) Patrick of Charlotte, Judy Hose of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Howard Allen Simmons; brothers, Will Simmons, Earl Simmons, and Art Simmons.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Lloyd’s honor to the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club, P.O. Box 104, Mason, Michigan 48854.
To view Lloyd’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.
Jill Michelle Webb
Jill Michelle (Van Daele) Webb sadly passed away in the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Jill, the daughter of Albert and Clarissa Van Daele was born on July 26, 1948, growing up in Arizona and graduating from Battle Creek Central with the class of 1967.
With the help of her mother, Jill met Billie Joe Webb and the two married on August 3, 1968. Together Bill and Jill, with the help of their fathers, built the home where they raised their boys and established the “Pork and Bean Farm.” In their early years, Jill and Bill enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and bowling with friends. Jill was mostly a homemaker, feeding her family well with breakfast after milking the cows and tending to the pigs. She did spend time working at Archway, Galloup Pipe and Supply, Snyders, as a Home Interiors consultant, babysitting her grandchildren, and eventually retiring from Edward Jones. Jill enjoyed gardening both vegetables and flowers, supplying the family with canned goods, storing potatoes for the winter, and creating delicious desserts (especially during the holidays). Everyone looked forward to her peanut butter Texas sheet cake at the Webb family gatherings or other special occasions. One of her greatest joys was cooking breakfast for the Webb boys on the opening day of deer season.
Jill is survived by her four boys: Doug (Anjanette) Webb, Tracy (Lisa) Webb, Steve (Jodi Poyer) Webb, and Nathan (Kateri) Webb. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren: Ryan (Amber) Coats, Branden (Eva) Webb, Ethan (Mattison) Webb, Blake Webb, Victor Harris, Clinton Harris, Zach (Megan) Webb, Whitney (Ryan) Lowe, Lucy Webb, Carson (Jace) Heinze, Alex Webb, Wyatt (Brittanie) Webb, and Chloe Webb and 9 great-grandchildren: Lane, Odin, Abel, Weston, Camden, Wrenly, Lakelynn, Emerson, and baby Webb due in June. Jill is also survived by her sister June (Dave) Jones and brother/sister-in-law Gary and Judy Webb, best friend of over 50 years Carla (Tom) Flemming, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jill was predeceased by her husband of 48 years Billie Joe Webb; her parents Albert and Clarissa Van Daele; Bill’s parents Lester and Mattie Webb; sisters and brothers-in-law Betty and Kermit Denton, Joyce and Mike Randall, and Wanda Gilbert; and good friend Mike Brighton.
The family would like to thank the staff at Stoneridge, as well as Hospice of Lansing nurses for their support and loving care for Jill over the past year and appreciating her “Spicy” attitude.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Huntington’s Disease Society of America at https://hdsa.org/ or envelopes are available at the funeral home.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Deano Lamphere and Keith Corts speaking, at Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025 for the hour prior to the memorial service.
Family and friends are invited to remain at the funeral home following the memorial service for a time of food and fellowship in celebration of Jill’s life.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Betty Lou Hooghouse
Betty Lou Hooghouse, an outgoing, loving, and smart, mother, sister, and friend, died on Friday, January 10, 2025. Betty, 85, of Charlotte, was born on August 26, 1939, in Hastings, MI. the daughter of Harry and Rachel (Smith) Beard. On August 28, 1959, Betty married Earl “Butch” Hooghouse and together they started their family. With having 3 boys, Betty was very good at taking jokes and was always down for a good laugh. Her working career started out at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility where she worked for several years. She later worked at EATRAN where she retired in the mid 80’s as a Dispatcher. Hobbies that she enjoyed included knitting, she made her children’s clothing, she also enjoyed pottery, doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, and most importantly playing B!NGO. Above all her family brought her the most enjoyment in life.
Betty is survived by her sons, Lewis, Gary, and Terry Hooghouse; grandson, Terry Lewis Hooghouse; sister, Janet (Jim) Jarman; and her beloved cat, Smokey. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Butch; siblings, Barb Sitzman, Kate Painter, and Phil Beard; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Betty’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Duane Allen Whaley
Duane Allen Whaley, 72, of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Born on May 17, 1952, in Michigan City, Indiana, he was the beloved son of Lyle and Beulah (Shepherd) Whaley.
Duane’s early years were spent in Michigan City, Ithaca, and Comstock Park, MI, where he graduated with the Class of 1970. He dedicated 41 years of his life to Meijer Warehouse, retiring as a respected forklift driver.
An avid sport shooting enthusiast, Duane had a passion for trapshooting and cowboy action shooting, serving as an instructor for both. He was a proud, longtime member of the Chief Okemos Gun Club, where he also held the position of President for two years. Duane cherished the great outdoors, enjoying hunting and fishing whenever he could.
Blessed with remarkable talent and skill, Duane had a knack for fixing just about anything. He was an accomplished woodworker who built his own home with his wife, Sharon, a testament to his craftsmanship and dedication.
Duane is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Sharon (Chaddock) Whaley; his loving children, Marcus (Kelley) Whaley and Dawn (Timothy) Hayes; his cherished grandchildren, Hunter Hayes, Vincent Hayes, and Michael Whaley; and his great-granddaughter, Leona Whaley. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Diane) Whaley and Douglas (Vicky) Whaley, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
In honor of Duane’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Daniel E. Gearhart
Daniel E. Gearhart, age 64, of Charlotte, MI died January 11, 2025 at his home. He was born November 6, 1960 in Charlotte, the son of Harvey and Shirley Gearhart. He was raised in Charlotte and attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1979. He married Kelly Eldred on October 23, 1982.
Dan was a family man who had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed bee keeping, camping in the mountains of Wyoming, and hunting, especially with his grandkids. He was a proud grandpa of five. He was present for every milestone and in the stands at every sporting event possible. His strength and love for his family was immense. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but we have a million memories that we will all hold close to our hearts.
Daniel is survived by his wife, Kelly; son, Michael Gearhart; daughters, Sarah Dahlem and Kristi Bullard; and grandkids, Abby, Caleb, Jasmine, Carson and Kaitlyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Shirley Gearhart.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a bonfire to follow at the home of his daughter, Kristi, 4245 Maple Grove Road, Hastings.