Obituaries
Linnea M. Shaw
Linnea Marie (Cedarstaff) Shaw of Charlotte, Mich., born November 2, 1947, died unexpectedly in Lansing, Mich on December 31, 2020. Linnea was preceded in death by her father, Burton Cedarstaff; her mother, Loreen (Chaffee) Cedarstaff; and her brother, Gerald Cedarstaff. She is survived by her siblings, Karen Hocking, David (Judy) Cedarstaff, Thomas (Valerie Balogh) Cedarstaff, and Diane (Robert) Schneider; sister-in-law, Lynn Cedarstaff; her children, Sarah Shaw and Brian (Theresa Mangapora) Shaw; eight nieces and nephews, and two great-nieces. Also surviving is Linnea’s former spouse, Berney Shaw.
Linnea was a graduate of East Lansing High School and Michigan State University. She was employed by Barry-Eaton District Health Department for four decades where she served in many positions within their clinic, and worked until her passing.
Linnea was very proud of her Swedish heritage and was an avid genealogist who frequently lectured on research techniques. She was also involved in the local Scandinavian Society and the Sons of Norway chapter. She loved traveling to Sweden and connecting with family there.
Linnea was actively involved in many area groups including the Eaton County Historical Society, Eaton County Genealogy Society, Charlotte Herb Guild, Quilters Guild, as well as several musical groups where she joined in with her natural talent playing a variety of instruments. Linnea was happiest when she was using her creative talents to sew, knit, crochet, embroider, paint or garden something special for someone else.
Linnea was a passionate advocate for animals and took in many stray dogs and cats over the years as well as many other animals in need of a good home. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in Linnea’s name to the Capital Area Humane Society.
Plans for a memorial will be made at a later date once it will be safe for all to travel and gather.
To view Linnea’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Linda R. Sowle
Linda Ruth Sowle, a caring, loving, and detail-oriented mother, grandmother and friend, died on Sunday, January 3, 2021. Linda, 69, of Holt, Mich. was born June 7, 1951 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Howard and Maxine (Toomey) Maurer. She graduated from Olivet High School and later earned an associate degree. Linda’s first work was as a delivery room tech at a local hospital. Later, she worked as a policy specialist for the State of Michigan where she helped to develop the State of Michigan Medicaid billing system. Linda married Eric Wilmore and spent the next several years creating their legacy until his passing in 2011. Linda enjoyed baking; she was famous for her white chocolate raspberry cheesecakes. Baking was a skill she learned at a young age from her Aunt Iva Jean. Her hobbies included camping all over the state with family, bluegill fishing with her dear friend Julie Shaver, bowling, and her golf league at Centennial Acres with her dear friends. Many will remember Linda as a very giving person who was always there to help and had a talent to anticipate the needs of others. She was a cherished grandmother and best friend to her grandson, Jackson. Above all Linda cherished the time she spent with her family.
Linda is survived by her sons, Brett Wilmore and Jeremy Wilmore, both of Fla; grandchildren, Jackson and Emani; siblings, Marcia (Michael) Petersen, Carl (Amy) Maurer; and great friend, Julie Shaver. She was predeceased by her husband, Eric Wilmore; and niece, Monica Petersen.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines were practiced. Linda asked that a memorial fund be set up for her grandson, Jackson’s college fund, so if desired please make donations to Jeremy Wilmore in this regard. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lawrence D. Hale
Lawrence Douglas Hale, 56, of Nashville, died unexpectedly on January 4, 2021 in Ionia. Larry was born July 2, 1964, in Charlotte, the son of Melvin Douglas and Carene Jane (Rowden) Hale. He graduated from Olivet High School where he played football. He later earned his mechanic license from ITT Tech. Most recently, he worked on the line at Ventra Ionia Main. Larry enjoyed Shirley’s Chuckwagon Café in Nashville, and reminiscing on many years of camping trips up north.
Larry is survived by his son, Eric Hale; sisters, Brenda Hale-Taylor and Tammy (Pete) Bryner; and nephews, Charles (Nicole) Bryner, David (Amanda) Bryner, and Chance Taylor. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family. A memorial service will take place this summer, when outdoor services resume. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Randy R. Grundstrom
Randy Robert Grundstrom, age 49, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born September 30, 1971, in Charlotte, the son of Randy and Diane (Leiter) Grundstrom. Randy graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1989. While in high school Randy excelled in both basketball and football. In basketball he was named All-Capital Circuit, Lansing State Journal Fabulous Five, Special Mention Class A All-State by the Associated Press, and fifth Team All-State by the Detroit Free Press. Randy was also selected to play in the BCAM Class A All-Star Game. After high school he went on to play at Calvin College on a full ride scholarship. Randy had a heart of gold. He was always concerned about the needs of others. He cherished the opportunity to mentor many of the local youth as a basketball coach. Randy was also known for his tremendous sense of humor. He enjoyed making others laugh. The most important thing in Randy’s life was his daughter, Emma. He adored her and cherished each and every memory they made together.
Randy is survived by his daughter, Emma Grundstrom of Grand Rapids; mother, Diane (George) Goodnoe of Eaton Rapids; father, Randy Lee Grundstrom of Charlotte; siblings, Tina (Jim) Brayton of Charlotte, Judd (Brenda) Converse of Charlotte, Jackie Hisler of Charlotte, Tony (Nichole) Grundstrom of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Randy was preceded in death by his grandparents, June Grundstrom, Laura Little, Ward Leiter; and his nephew, Dustyn Converse.
A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Leiter officiating. A public visitation was held on Friday, January 8, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home with face covering and capacity guidelines observed. Due to the funeral service being private and for immediate family only, the service will be livestreamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions to the family to be given towards his daughter Emma’s education.
To view Randy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Norma J. Shepler
Norma Jean Shepler, a hard-working woman of deep commitment to her family, died Wednesday, December 30, 2020. Norma was born September 13, 1935, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Johnson) Wilhelm. She married her lifelong love, Ronald Shepler on August 2, 1952, and the two settled into family life on the farm. Norma was the backbone of her family. She assisted in the early morning milking chores, bailed hay, canned fruits and vegetables, and sewed clothing for her three children. Norma’s skills as a seamstress were unmatched. She created many of her own patterns, and created countless meticulously perfect quilts. She also knitted, crocheted, and made baskets. Norma passed on her talents to her daughters, and to several others during her years as a 4H leader. Her family and friends will also remember her incredible cooking, especially her pies, cakes, casseroles, and specialty baked beans for every holiday. Norma and Ron enjoyed summer adventure camping trips with all of their grandchildren. Over the years they made many travels, eventually visiting all 50 states. Norma lived an active life, never once slowing down, and always making time for her family. One of her grandchildren wrote a note to her saying, “You gave me unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life and, most importantly, cookies! Thank you for always believing in me, always encouraging me, and always loving me.”
Norma is survived by her children, Julie (Bruce) Telfer, Betty (Darryl) Shook, and Bill Shepler; grandchildren, Amy (Jacob) Williams, Carla (Kenneth) Vastine, John Shook, Dennis Shook, and Kimberly Hubbs; five great-grandchildren, Olivia and Kaylee Williams, Allison and Kenny Vastine, and Emberly Hubbs; brother, Larry Wilhem; and several nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Ronald Shepler and two grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Garett Swift and Charlotte Shook.
A private family gathering and interment at Center Eaton Cemetery will take place, following by a public celebration of life this summer, when possible. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Norma on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.