Obituaries
Edna M. Symmes
Edna Mae Symmes, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, February 11, 2021. She was born September 22, 1946, in Lansing, the daughter of Clyde and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. Edna graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1964. On May 16, 1964, she married the love of her life, John Allen Symmes, at the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte. Edna was a magnificent wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished time spent at the campgrounds and fishing together with John. Edna also enjoyed sewing, cooking, and being together with family. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church and VFW Post 2406 Ladies Auxiliary.
Edna is survived by her husband of 56 years, John; children, Melissa Rowland of Charlotte, Jodie (Derrick) Morgan of Charlotte, Travis (Christina) Symmes of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Joseph Harris, Tyler Rowland, Cody (Taylor) Rowland, Andrew Morgan, Austin Morgan, Brayden Morgan, Sira Breakey, Cody Fowler, Greg Aleo; great-grandchildren, Maysn Rowland, Aydin Rowland, Trynity Rowland, Alyana Tolley, Lucus Fowler, Carter Fowler, Lord Ray, and one baby Rowland on the way; siblings, Ron (Hazel) Hamilton of Charlotte, Russ (Susan) Hamilton of Harrison, Clyde (Janet) Hamilton of Charlotte, Laura Taylor of Harrison, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton of Olivet, Ken (Carol) Hamilton of Charlotte, Carolyn (Tom) Frith of Hastings; brothers-in-law; Jim (Colleen) Symmes of North Carolina, Jeff (Glenda) Symmes of Texas, Jerri (Gay) Symmes of Grand Rapids, Jack (Dawn) Symmes of Dorr; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-fathers: Joe Vimazel and Stan Wilkinson.
In keeping with Edna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at the First Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Edna’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Sparrow Hospice, 1322 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 204, Lansing, MI 48912.
To view Edna’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit Burkhead-Green-Kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Catherine “Cathie” Conroy
Catherine “Cathie” Thekla Conroy, a happy-go-lucky kind of lady, died February 10, 2021, just five days before her 61st birthday. Cathie was born in Wurzburg, Germany on February 15, 1960 to William and Berta (Stadler) Smith. Growing up in Germany, Cathie’s parents dreamed of moving to the United States, so her father, who was enlisted in the U.S. armed forces, moved the family to the United States when Cathie was five. At a very young age, Cathie earned her U.S. Certificate of Naturalization.
Known for her big heart, Cathie was caring, friendly, easy-going, and accepting to everyone. She worked at the Irish Pub in Lansing for six years, Spartan Motors for two years, and was a food service manager at Fire Keepers Casino for ten years. Cathie really enjoyed her jobs in customer service and had the best bar story about how she met her husband, Michael. In her free time Cathie enjoyed camping, canoeing, traveling around the United States, and especially spending time with and doting on her grandchildren.
Cathie is survived by her family, husband, Michael; daughter, Serena Willett; stepdaughter, Jessica (Jeremy) DeRosia; grandchildren, Michael DeRosia, Neveah and Alilliana King, and Joshua Ellis Jr.; and her sister, Christina (Gary) Bitner; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cathie’s family by sharing memories of her on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter or Make-A-Wish Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Rachel G. Hebner
Rachel Genevieve Hebner, 95, of Dimondale, a true original with a smile you’ll never forget, passed away on January 29, 2021 in Charlotte, Mich. Rachel was raised in Battle Creek by her adopted parents, Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams. She graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School. At the age of 18, she made one of her few trips away from home to travel with a friend to Keesler Air Force Base in Gulfport, Mississippi. While there, her friend’s husband arranged a blind date for her, which became the night she met her future husband, Francis Hebner. Within the year, Rachel traveled back to Gulfport to marry Francis. They later returned to Michigan with Francis’ transfer to Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda during the Korean War.
After Rachel and Francis moved to the Lansing area, where Rachel worked as a school secretary for the Lansing Public School System, her first position being at Lincoln Elementary. She loved her time there, always feeling that the school felt like one big family. After Lincoln School closed she moved to the Reo Elementary School until her retirement in the early 1980’s.
Rachel was a strong woman with a great sense of humor. She could tell a story like no other, a talent she enjoyed immensely. She was a “people person” who could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. In her recent years she became a voracious reader, sometimes reading two books in a day. Her favorite genre was murder mysteries, which may have helped her develop her story telling abilities. She was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. One of her grandchildren said, “Grandma had a distinctive smile.” The residents of Hope Landing, where she spent her last years, agreed and nicknamed her “The Smiling Lady.”
Rachel is survived by her daughter, Janice (Larry) McQuay; son, Stuart (Ellie) Hebner; grandchildren, Darrin (Susan) Hebner, Angie (Rob) Smith, Edie McQuay, Tammy (Ryan) Halsey, Tina (Tom) Dunsmore, Teresa (Bryce) Madill, Kellye (Joey) Youngs, Justin (Sara) Hodges, Ryan (Jennifer) Hodges; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Kyle, Larry, Jack, Allysa, Ashley, Mandy, Jeffrey, Cooper, Sarah, Gracelyn, Cameron, Sebastian, Aliya, Hayden, and Duke; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her birth parents, John and Millie (Hamilton) Reams; her adopted, parents Fred and Retta (Briggs) Reams; her brothers, Lee Reams and Bob Reams; and sisters, Ada Whipple, Gertrude McConnell, and Ruth Harden.
The family received visitors on Monday, February 1, 2021. The family has suggested that memorial contributions be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online on Rachel’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Kris E. Petrelles
Kris Ellen (Sobleskey) Petrelles, age 57, died peacefully in the arms of her husband and three daughters at home in Fairplay, Maryland, on February 2, 2021. What a beautiful angel heaven has gained. Kris was born on August 19, 1964, the second youngest in a family of eight kids. Kris graduated in 1982 from Charlotte High School, and a short time later moved to Maryland where she lived until her death.
Kris was happily married for 27 years to Matthew Petrelles, who was her life partner for almost 33 years. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, Kelsie Rae, Ellie Julia, and Mallory Grace. Kris expressed great love and compassion for her husband and girls, as well as for friends and strangers, always happily putting others’ needs in front of her own.
Kris recently retired after a successful career as a Licensed Child Care Provider of Washington County, Maryland. In addition to spending time with her family she was a loving servant of God at the Hagerstown Bible Church, where she was an active volunteer for many church and community activities. During her life, Kris loved most of all being a wife and mother to her family. Kris loved all things Christmas, working out, eating healthy, listening to music, the children that she cared for, and her dogs, Rocky, Sparky, and Tiger.
Kris leaves behind many friends and family who will cherish her memory, including six brothers and sisters, Carolyn (Rick) Barrera, Rick (Carrie) Sobleskey, Marcia (Tim) Rayla, Laurie (Paul) Davis, Allen (Brenda) Sobleskey, Kevin (Cheryl) Sobleskey; and many nieces and nephews. Kris is preceded in death by her parents, Dick and Ellen Sobleskey; brother, Paul Sobleskey; and nephew, Lance Sobleskey.
As we will all miss Kris, her loving soul will live in us forever. A celebration of Kris’s life is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2021 in Maryland. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations to assist with funeral expenses can be mailed to the Osborne Funeral Home, 425 South Conococheague Street, Williamsport, MD 21795.
Mary T. (Teresa) Barnes
Mary (known as Teresa to family) T. Barnes left her earthly home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the age of 84. Mary was born on October 21, 1936 in Jackson County, Mich. She was the daughter of Vincent C. and Kitty A. (Fillmore) Duffey. Mary was a resident of Springport, Mich., however, she passed away peacefully in Mecosta County, Mich. at the home of her daughter, Connie, while under hospice care.
Mary attended St. Johns School in Jackson, but dropped out to secure income to help her family. She returned to school and fulfilled her dream of graduating and received her diploma in 1972. She later attended college to become a food service manager. She accomplished this while raising her family and tending to their needs. Mary was a loving wife and mother. She raised five children of her own and, for several years, assisted with raising her husband’s three children from a previous marriage. During this time, one could only describe her household as full and active. There was always love to be shared in the home she made.
While a food service manager, Mary developed a passion for working with the residents at the nursing homes where she was employed over a span of 40 years. She told stories about the antics of her residents for years after she retired from food service. There was always a joyful tone in her voice when she spoke of those days. She also developed many friendships with employees she supervised. She was always there to help them when they struggled.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Gerald (Bud) Lee Barnes, her parents Vincent and Kitty Duffey, an infant brother Almon, her sister Betty Campbell and her brother Louis Duffey. She is survived by sister, Julie Fouty of Jackson; son David L. Barnes of Springport; and daughters Terry (Gary) Isham of Charlotte, Sandra (David) Norton of Evart, Connie Freeman of Paris and Susan (Lonnie) Ervin of Lakeview. Mary has ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two great–great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A remembrance gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Mary’s name may be made to Mecosta County Office on Aging and/or Elara Hospice, also of Mecosta County.
The family is being served by the Clark Family Funeral Chapel & Cremation Service at 114 South Bradley Street, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858; clarkfuneralchapel.com.