Obituaries
James A. Mayhew
James Allen Mayhew, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, with Thelma his loving wife of 65 years at his side. Jim was born July 18, 1936, on the family farm in Charlotte to David and Martha (Lucks) Mayhew. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1955. Soon after graduation, on December 18, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Thelma McLane. Always putting his family first, Jim and Thelma raised three daughters and he enjoyed helping them in any way he could. Often the family jokester, Jim had a way with words and created many poems and songs for those he loved. Making Charlotte his home, Jim faithfully served the community on the Charlotte Police Department for 28 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed construction, building his first home at the age of 19. In retirement, Jim and Thelma enjoyed their home on Duck Lake and a home in Clearwater, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Martha Mayhew; along with seven siblings.
Jim is survived by his wife, Thelma; daughters, Dawn Mayhew of Rockford, Teresa (Charles) Mathis of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Rachelle Mayhew of Marshall; seven grandchildren, Brooke (James) Geddie, Martha Holben, Stuart (Kim) Holben, Cody (Tonya) McMichael, Cameron (Brittany) Mathis, Bryton Mathis, Kimberlin Mayhew; and 18 great-grandchildren.
In Jim’s own words, “Forgive my faults but remember me.”
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Jim’s honor to the American Heart Association.
To view Jim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-gree-kilgo.com.
Gerald A. Jones
Gerald Alfred Jones, age 75, of Charlotte, formerly of Clarkston, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, July 11, 2021. He was born September 29, 1945, in Detroit, the son of Glen Mertin and Gladys (Williams) Jones. Jerry graduated from Pontiac Central High School with the Class of 1964. On September 2, 1967, Jerry married Carol Lavon Johnston in Pontiac. He went on to study engineering and would eventually make it his lifelong career. Jerry was an unbelievable husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his family and would see to it that they were loved and cared for throughout his entire life. Jerry had a servant’s heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. He faithfully served his Lord and Savior and was an active member of the Pennway Church of God in Lansing. Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing and could often be found at the family property on Valley Highway.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol; daughters, Wendy Shelley of McKinney, Texas, Kelly (Joel) Tasma of Jenison, Mich.; grandchildren, Jordin Shelley, Wyatt Shelley, Leann Tasma, Thomas Tasma; siblings, Ruth (Rev. Fred) Thomas of Wash., Bud (Judy) Jones of Tenn., Nathan Jones of Walled Lake, Karen Tierney of Calif., and Lois Jones of Troy.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at the Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910. A private burial took place at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Jerry’s honor to the family to be used towards updating the kitchen at church.
Robert H. Dornbos
Robert H. Dornbos, age 92, of East Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Friday, July 23, 2021. He was born May 18, 1929, in Grand Haven, Mich., the son of Lawrence and Gertrude (VanWoerkom) Dornbos. Bob graduated from Grand Haven High School with the class of 1947. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University. On November 26, 1951, he married Aleta L. Frovog in Spring Lake, Mich. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He enjoyed traveling and was especially fond of taking trips with Penny and the kids to nearly every mountain range throughout the country. Bob owned and operated Dornbos Sign in Charlotte for many years. He cherished his many friends he was able to make while out on the road serving his customers. Bob loved nature. He had a passion and extensive knowledge of flowers and birds. Bob could often be found working in his beautiful gardens.
Bob is survived by his children, Kim (Doug) Johns of Punta Gorda, Fla., Sarah Earl of Ann Arbor, Jeffrey (Katie) Dornbos of Charlotte; grandchildren, Rachael (Travis) Therrien, Sadie (Sam) Ames, Samantha (Dustin) Newman, Madison Earl, Jacob (Ashley) Dornbos, Jared Dornbos, Gregory Dornbos; six great grandchildren; sister, Nancy Rhem; and sister-in-law, Beverly Stevenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Penny in 2014; and brother, Larry (Donna) Dornbos.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Doreen F. Kiplinger
Doreen F. “Susie” Kiplinger passed away peacefully on July 22, 2021. Doreen was born in Chester Township, Mich. on April 8, 1938, to parents, Arthur and Elaine (DePue) Schultz. She spent her 83 years in the Charlotte area, growing up in Chester Township, then settling in Walton Township to raise her family and work on a farm with her late husband, Jack.
Doreen loved spending time with her family and attended every school event for her children and grandchildren. Not only did she dote on her children and grandchildren, but every child that encountered Doreen, knew her as “Grandma Susie.” Also, if anyone in her world needed help, she was there. She also enjoyed being outside in her yard tending to her flowers or garden. Nobody had a green thumb like Doreen. She loved to feed and watch the birds. She also took pride in decorating her house for every month of the year.
Doreen worked at Eaton County Register of Deeds Office for five years, Battle Creek Enquirer as a newspaper carrier for fourteen years, she spent seventeen years at Olivet Community Schools as a bus aide and custodian, and forty years as the Walton Township Clerk.
Doreen was married to Jack Kiplinger for 42 years. She is survived by their children, Jon (Mirta) Kiplinger, Jodi Kiplinger, Jayne (Bob) Walker, Jeanine (Kevin) Nowak, James (April) Kiplinger, Jesse (Shelly) Kiplinger; grandchildren, Amber, Aaron, Casey, Christian, Angelia, Josalyn, Jonquil, Jessica, Jayme, Luke, Ellie, Lila, Emilea, Erika, Colleen, Jaysen, Tyler; and great-granddaughter, Harper; siblings, Arthur “Sam” (Jean) Schultz, Doris Schultz, and Darrell “Joe” (Janet) Schultz; as well as many nieces and nephews. Doreen was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Jeffrey Kiplinger; ex-husband Jack Kiplinger; and brothers, Douglas, Dorwin “Dade,” Donald and Dee Schultz.
Many people called her “Grandma Susie” as she was a grandmother figure to many, especially the Priesman family, Patrick II, Kristina, Thela, Patrick III, Magan and Aly.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Visitation will begin on Friday, July 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Visitation will also be held Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. You may leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at kempffuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Olivet Community Schools, 255 first Street, Olivet, MI 49076, for the scholarship fund for students.
Donald M. Jardot, Sr.
Donald M. Jardot, Sr., 92, formerly of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Hope Landing ALC in Charlotte. Don was born June 12, 1929, in Lansing, Mich., the son of Alfred M. and Thelma G. (Dornan) Jardot. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School and attended Michigan State University. Don married Charlotte A. “Chuckie” Ellison on September 2, 1950, and together they raised three children. He started his own dairy milk hauling business, which he operated for 19 years before going to work as a building engineer for Potterville Schools, retiring in 1995 after 25 years of service. Throughout the years, Don loved car racing, and even built engines for Indy cars while helping to maintain a super-modified race car for many years. He and Chuckie enjoyed family trips together snowmobiling and mushroom hunting, as well as bus trips to the casino. Don was always known to keep a lovely yard and a well-maintained home. Don took exceptional care of Chuckie during her long illness, showing everyone what a wonderful husband he was.
Don is survived by his daughters, Linda (Jerry) Cobb of Olivet, Mich., and Cindy (Jay Eckert) Jardot of Mount Vernon, Wash.; son, Donald (Terrie) Jardot Jr. of Charlotte, Mich.; grandchildren, Dustin (Jessica) Carpenter, Heather (Joshua) Ramsay, Kristin (Michael) Zima, Carrie Ann Kearney and Kira Kearney; great-grandchildren, Caycee and Haylee Carpenter, Harlie and Devin Kamrowski and Dylan and Brandon Zima; and sister-in-law, Lois Ellison. He was predeceased by his wife; parents; sisters, Maxine and Barbara; and brothers, Bernard, Fred, and Paul.
Friends are encouraged to support Donald’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Monday, July 26, 2021, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Steve Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Adult Handicap Program c/o Eaton RESA, Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.