Obituaries
Rebecca Saylor
Rebecca “Becky” Saylor, a beloved friend, a fun Mother who inspired all to be more kind, passed away on February 19, 2021. Rebecca, 78, of Charlotte, was born July 27, 1942 in Chester Township to Elmer Charles and Rena Mae (Scott) Halsey. In her early years, she was a hairdresser, but when asked she said her best job was at the Charlotte Chair Company where she was upholstery supervisor for many years. She went on to sew beautiful gowns at Marlene’s Bridal, for customers as well as her daughter, Tammy. Becky retired from Linn Products and enjoyed time with her granddaughters. She loved caring for the Saylor Farm after moving there, enjoying summer gardening and canning. Her leisure time activities included sewing clothing for her daughters, and then for her grandchildren, as well as for their Barbies. Cross-stitching and crafting was enjoyed along with baking wonderful Christmas goodies and homemade pies. She made the best dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls. She loved traveling with her daughters including trips to the U.P. and New York. Her last big visit was to the Halsey Homestead on Long Island to have a first-hand view of where her ancestors settled. Her devotion to her family was endless. Her high school girl friends enjoyed their monthly lunch gathering keeping their cherished friendships close to her heart. She would go without to be sure her kids had what they needed, and would drop everything to help a family member in need.
Rebecca is survived by her daughters, Tamera “Tammy” (Ryan) Halsey, Tina (Tom) Dunsmore, Teresa (Bryce) Madill; granddaughters, Sarah Rebecca (Sam) Montie, Gracelyn Mae Halsey, Taylor Joan Madill; great-grandson, Jackson Montie; brother, Stephen “Weezer” Halsey; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and several fur babies. She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Rena; husband, Jack F. Saylor; siblings, Stanley “Bub” (Droucilla) Halsey, David “Hap” Halsey, and Charles Halsey.
Friends are encouraged to support Rebecca’s family for visitation on February 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held March 1, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, followed by interment at West Carmel Cemetery with Pastor Dennis Weeks officiating. Mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Rebecca’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Becky on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty M. Brown
Betty Maria Brown, 58, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Betty was born May 7, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wis., the daughter of Ray and Betty (Ashley) Winters. She graduated from Olivet High School and later completed trade school in electrical. Betty is a lifelong member of the South Cochran Church of God and is very devoted to the Lord. Her hobbies include anything Elvis Presley, watching NASCAR, crocheting, knitting, playing piano, adult coloring books and being with her cat Susie. Betty’s biggest enjoyment in life was time spent with her family, especially her kids and grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her children, Jerry Winters, Roger Winters, Juanita Mason; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; father and step-mother, Ray (Linda) Winters; siblings, Thomas Winters, Peggy (Dave) Gardner, Carla (Mike) Fell. She was predeceased by her mother, Betty Ruth; and grandmother Ruby.
Friends are encouraged to support Betty’s family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at 11 a.m. at The South Cochran Church of God in Charlotte with Pastor Mike Rysko officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. Mask, group capacity, and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Betty’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Betty’s family to assist with funeral expenses, checks payable to Pray Funeral Home. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Betty on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
William J. Kleinfelt
William John “Bill” Kleinfelt, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in Marshall. He was born January 12, 1931, in Grand Ledge, the son of John and Rheta (Brazee) Kleinfelt. Bill graduated from Olivet High School in 1949. On February 16, 1951, he married Dolores Jane Crilly. Bill worked briefly at Oldsmobile, joined the National Guard and started working for Kleinfelt Well Drilling in 1950. Together Bill and Dolores eventually co-owned and operated Kleinfelt Well Drilling for many years and finally retired in 1999. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Bill’s hobby was working. He worked every day, any hour of the day because he loved it and didn’t want anyone to go without water. He enjoyed a variety of things after retirement, but he really liked mowing the lawn. He mowed his lawn, his grandson Thomas’ lawn because it was connected to his and he would mow way down the side of the road and back from his house. Bill and Dolores enjoyed many trips to the different casinos across the state and sometimes out of state. They were married 68 years.
Bill is survived by his children, Wm. Bryan (Wanda) Kleinfelt of Charlotte, Keith Alan (Kelli) Kleinfelt of Olivet, Jane (Steven) Sobleskey of Charlotte; grandchildren, Matthew (Rebecca) Kleinfelt, Ashley (JT) Britton, Sarah (Jeremy) Kemp, Liesl (Steve) Spence, Kali Kleinfelt, Thomas Sobleskey, Tyler Sobleskey; eight great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Carol Akins; brother-in-law, Nyle “Bub” Crilly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dolores; siblings, David Kleinfelt, Nancy Leach, and Joan Kleinfelt.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. For those not able to attend, the service will be live-streamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service. Burial will follow at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bill’s memory to Colonial House West AFC, 1302 W. Hughes St., Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Bill’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
Virginia M. Potter
Virginia Marie Potter, 69, of Charlotte, Mich., died Sunday, February 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Virginia was born November 1, 1951, in Charlotte, the daughter of Albert and Nellie (Johnson) Brandon. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969. On August 1, 1970 Virginia married Reginald “Reggie” Potter at the United Brethren Church in Charlotte and together spent the next 50 years creating their legacy. Virginia was a member of the local VFW and volunteered her time with their dinners, she also volunteered and assisted her daughter with her AFC home. She loved planning their annual family reunion. Virginia loved baking, she is known for her famous apple pies and oatmeal cookies. She adored time spent with her family, camping trips with grandchildren, visiting her mother at Tubbs Lake. Her biggest enjoyment in life was her children, grandchildren, and her marriage of 50 years. Some would say that Virginia was a feisty sweetheart who would let someone give their two cents but then she would jump in and speak her mind in a good caring way. Above all Virginia will be remembered for her unwavering love and support that she showed to her family and friends.
Virginia is survived by her husband, Reggie; children, Dena Jean (Robert) Cowick, Jason Joel (Lindsay) Potter, Adam Joseph (Jill) Potter; grandchildren, Jordyn, Sydney, Natalie, Olivia, Joel, Laine, Chase, Charlie, and Brody Boone; siblings, Sandra Eggleston and Ruth Lawcock. She was predeceased by her parents; siblings, Albert “Vern” Brandon, Mary Myers, Robert Brandon, Glen Brandon, Dixie Weaver, Donald Brandon, Ronald Brandon; grandson, Dylan Boone.
Friends are encouraged to support Virginia’s family. Funeral services were Friday, February 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Virginia on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Verna B. Rood
Verna Beth Rood, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at the age of 87. Verna Beth was born on November 23, 1933 the youngest of six children born to Clayton and Iva (Strong) Ealy. She was raised in Stanton, Mich. where she graduated from high school class of 1950. Verna Beth married her high school sweetheart, John Rood in 1951 and together they had three children. She loved to sew and made baby clothes for all of her grandchildren. Verna Beth had a strong faith in the Lord and was always active in her church. Family was first and most important in her life; she cherished her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the time she was able to spend with them.
Verna Beth is preceded in death by her husband, John; four brothers and one sister.
Surviving are her children, Deborah (Greg) Schwab, Michael (Ana Lil) Rood, Daniel (Nadine) Rood; 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Charles Szanto and sister-in-law, Marry Ann Ealy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Country Acres Adult Care Home in Eaton Rapids. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.