Obituaries
Jerry Leon Leonard
Jerry Leon Leonard, a family man who always put his family first, died on Monday, December 23, 2024. Jerry, 84, of Charlotte, was born on September 12, 1940, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, the son of Herbert and Rheta (Frazier) Leonard. He was one of eight children. His childhood days were spent between Lansing and Pocahantas, because his father worked at Fisher Body in the winter and was a cotton farmer back home in Arkansas. He graduated from Eastern High School in 1959. He was very proud of this accomplishment because he was the first person from his family to graduate high school. Following graduation Jerry enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in active duty and later the reserves. On August 20, 1960, Jerry married Catherine Oakley and together they spent the next 56 years creating many lasting memories.
Jerry was known as a hardworking man that could do anything. His working career began selling newspapers for the Lansing State Journal. Later, bagging groceries at Wrigley Supermarket. In 1960, he began working at Oldsmobile, where he worked as a Machine Repairman until his retirement in 1990. While working for Oldsmobile, Jerry also ran his own ceramic tile business. Jerry was always working on something and after retirement he enjoyed woodworking in his shop. In his younger years Jerry enjoyed playing and managing softball teams, playing on bowling leagues, and was a part-owner of an open wheeled modified race car. For a short time, he enjoyed hunting, but decided to give it up because his family did not enjoy venison. Jerry enjoyed his annual fishing trip up north with the guys, where they would catch a lot of fish and enjoy their time away. He was a car enthusiast and over the years he had an impressive collection of cars. Jerry and Cathy enjoyed traveling the USA and their camping adventures. They were both avid NASCAR fans as well. Above all the biggest enjoyment in life for Jerry came from his family. He was always cheering from the stands at sporting events and never missed a game.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kellie (Kevin) Ellis; daughter-in-law, Debbie Leonard; grandchildren, Courtney (Chris) Munson, Michele (Charles) McMillan, Mason (Brandon) Leonard, and Erin Ellis (Justin Black); great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Skylar, and Colton; siblings, Kenneth, Connie, Donnie, and Dale Leonard. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cathy; son, Michael; siblings, Lonnie, Ron, and Doyle Leonard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jerry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held Spring of 2025. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathi Jean Hicks
Kathi Jean Hicks, age 67, passed from this earth into the loving arms of Jesus on January 7, 2025. She was born to Darrell Hicks and Virginia (Hisler) Hicks on November 12,1957, in Clearwater, Florida. Kathi attended school in Potterville and later at Eaton Intermediate School in Charlotte, MI. She worked at McDonalds and Peckham Industries for many years. Kathi was a member of the Bellevue Church of Christ.
Kathi enjoyed traveling, going out to eat, and going to church services. Kathi participated in the Special Olympics for several years and was very proud of her medals. She loved her word search books, Garfield, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy comics. Kathi always looked forward to getting the Sunday newspaper so she could read the comics and cut out coupons. She loved parties and family dinners, especially if Bingo was involved. Kathi loved her family and loved being an aunt.
Kathi was predeceased by her parents Darrell and Virginia Hicks. She will be remembered by her sister Julie (Hicks) Carpenter, brother-in-law Jerry Carpenter, her brother Jeff Hicks, her sister Kristi (Hicks) Klaiss and brother-in-law Brian Klaiss. Kathi will also be remembered by several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral Services will be held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo in Charlotte, Michigan, on Monday, January 13, 2025, with Jeff Whitson officiating. The family will receive friends and family for two hours, starting at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow directly after the service at the Bellevue Church of Christ, located at 22980 13 Mile (Sand) Road, Bellevue, MI. The burial will be at the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township.
If so desired, donations can be made to Saved by Zade (cat rescue, PO Box 448, Leslie, Mi 49251), Pawsibilities in Olivet, MI, or Helping Hands in Charlotte, MI.
To view Kathi’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.
Alfrava Marie Latham
Alfrava Marie Latham, age 87, of Charlotte was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior on Monday, December 23, 2024. She was born on January 26, 1937, in Castleton Township, Barry County, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Marie D. (Duever) Latham. Alfrava taught English-Literature in Charlotte for over 50 years. She loved her students and providing them with a solid educational foundation was very important to her. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling with friends. She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved her church family very much.
Alfrava is survived by her cousins, John House, Paul House, Elizabeth Aldridge; and her Calvary Baptist Church family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; half-brother, Earl Latham; and half-sister, Elizabeth Latham Morrow.
Funeral services were held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Yankee Springs Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Alfrava’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Alfrava’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Niles Beardslee
Niles Beardslee of Vernon, Arizona passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 16, 2024.
He was born in Windsor Township, Dimondale, Michigan to Carl and Iris Beardslee on January 17, 1935. Niles met and married Marilyn Hicks in Windsor Township, and together raised four children: Steven of Harrison, Sandra (Rick) Griffith of Harrison, Tracy, and Thomas (Sharon) of Vernon, Arizona.
Niles retired from Lindel Drop Forge in Lansing. He also owned and worked a small family farm in Vermontville.
Niles and Marilyn have 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Niles was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, and son, Tracy.
No service is scheduled at this time.
Matthew Michael Hart
Matthew Michael Hart, age 37, beloved son of Richard and Theresa passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on December 24, 2024. Matt was born April 14, 1987 to Richard and Theresa (Smith) Hart. He was smart, witty, kindhearted, and a friend to anyone he met. He cared deeply for others and would give up anything he had to help someone else. He had a special love for his sister, Jenna, and would not go a day without telling his family that he loved them. We were so blessed to have our entire family living in the same house and caring for Matt during his illness. We will be forever grateful for that time with him.
While attending Charlotte High School, Matt was a very talented trombonist and first chair in the Symphony Band. He studied under the direction of Ava Ordman at Michigan State University. After high school, Matt attended Lansing Community College and graduated at the top of his class in the Paralegal Program.
Above all else, Matt was the most wonderful and loving son that a parent could ask for. He loved unconditionally and strongly and was always the first to apologize if he thought he had wronged you in any way. He will be missed beyond measure and the world will never be the same without him in it. Matt is survived by his parents, Richard and Theresa (Smith) Hart; loving sister whom he adored, Jenna Hart; grandmother, Shirley Hart; aunts and uncles, Gary and Kathie (Smith) Ayotte, Ed and Deborah Smith, Jeff and D’Lynn Smith, and Carl and Cathy (Hart) Anderson, and many loving cousins. He is also survived by his wonderful neighbor friends, Scott and Chris, numerous other friends, and constant companion, his cat, Jack. Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter Smith, Joan Smith, and Papa Gene Hart.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Hope Pet Rescue or an animal rescue of your choice. Pets were very near and dear to Matt’s heart. Family and friends were invited to a visitation on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memories of Matt can be shared on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com