Obituaries
Theresa Claire Young Beckett
Theresa Claire Young Beckett (Tedi) went home to be with her gracious and loving Lord on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing. Tedi was born December 9, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas, to Betty Jo and Paul Curtis Vaught. She was later blessed with a wonderful stepfather, Philip Allen Young. She married Clifford Leroy Beckett on May 25, 1973, and was married 49 years until his death in 2022. Together, they raised two strong Christian sons, Chad Philip Beckett and Timothy Daniel Beckett. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Torrey (Tim) Smith, two absolutely adored daughters-in-law, Nancy Beckett and Tatyana Beckett; 7 very loved grandchildren, Frank, Lewis, Leia, and Natalie Beckett all from Texas and Kayla, Madison, and Michael Beckett from Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Clifford.
Tedi graduated from the University of Texas at Fort Worth System School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1975 and from West Texas State University with her Master of Science in Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for 35 years before retiring in 2018. She was known for her skills in teaching beginning nurses at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University. She created nursing education workshops for West Texas State University, the Michigan Nurses’ Association, the Michigan Department of Corrections, Grand Care Home Health Care and Hospice, and the Visiting Nurse Services of Lansing. Tedi also developed quality assurance programs for home health agencies and hospices. Before retiring in 2018, Tedi worked for the State of Michigan in a variety of roles, including long term care, complaint investigation, trainer, manager, and nurse auditor and analyst for a Medicare/Medicaid pilot program, and Director of Nursing at a state-run psychiatric hospital.
Tedi loved her family with all her heart. She had undying patience, an unwavering faith in them, consistent Biblical wisdom during hard times, and unfailing generosity. She supported them in all of their decisions with prayer and intercessions with the Lord. She wept with them in times of great sadness and rejoiced with them in times of great joy. As a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, she committed their individual lives to the Lord and prayed diligently for guidance in raising and loving them.
Tedi passionately loved many dogs, a few cats, and her backyard chickens. She loved to cook, grow vegetables, and collect cookbooks. She enjoyed reading and writing technical reports for work. Giving gifts at Christmas and helping with her grandchildren brought her great joy. Most of all she loved to read Scripture and her walk with the Lord.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Center Eaton Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Tedi’s memory to the Capital Area Humane Society 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Tedi’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Kathleen Anne Rathbun
Kathleen Anne (Lyons) Rathbun, 95, of Charlotte, passed away on February 5, 2025, after a short illness. She was born in rural Cornell, Illinois in 1929. Kathleen married Joseph L. Rathbun of Chenoa, Illinois in 1954, and over the years they lived in Streator, Illinois and Toledo, Ohio before finally moving to Charlotte in 1968.
Kathleen is survived by her sons, Joe, of Lansing; and Mike and Dan of Charlotte; her brothers, Owen and Harold Lyons of Pontiac, Illinois; her sister-in-law, Betty Winterland of Guthrie, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Joe L.; her sister, Frances and brothers, Eugene and Louis; and her parents, Theresa and Edward Lyons.
Kathleen earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from Illinois State Normal University and worked as a home economics teacher, for the Illinois state extension service as a youth advisor, and as a hospital dietician before starting her family. She was active in the St. Mary’s Altar Society, Charlotte Women’s Club, and for many years was an election official and delivered mobile meals with her “forever friend,” Bobbie Kane. Kathleen loved music, playing piano, organ, violin, and the trombone in the INSU marching band. She came from a musical family; her grandmother played harp at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and her mother was a music teacher and church organist. When her mother passed away the day before Mother’s Day in 1945, Kathleen was asked to take over as the church organist. When she played the Requiem Mass and sang, in Latin, she was given a stipend of $1. Kathleen also loved cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, walking in Bennett Park with Joe L., watching the backyard bird feeders, and most of all her family, which she often called her “greatest accomplishment.”
Friends are encouraged to support Kathleen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be at Pray Funeral Home on Sunday, February 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by a recitation of the rosary. A second visitation will be held at St. Mary Church in Charlotte on Monday, February 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Mark Martin officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to St. Mary school or the St. Mary-St. Ann parish. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
David Thomas Harold Frentress
David Thomas Harold Frentress, 43, of Kalamazoo, a man of the outdoors and beloved son, brother and uncle, died on Friday, January 31, 2025, in Kalamazoo. David was born August 28th, 1981, the son of David and Brenda (Warden) Frentress in Lansing, MI. Growing up, David enjoyed fishing, especially fly fishing on the family’s lake lot. The family holds many fond memories of time around the bonfire with David, telling stories and enjoying nature. David graduated from Olivet High School in 2000, where he was a gifted athlete on the football and wrestling teams. He went on to attend Western Michigan University and worked in various positions throughout the Kalamazoo area. David was a die-hard Lions fan and loved watching the games with his friends and family. Although David didn’t have his own children, he adored his nieces and nephews. Above all else, David was a kindhearted person who always meant well and cared deeply for others. He will truly be missed and live in our hearts forever.
David is survived by his parents, Dave and Brenda Frentress; sister, Suzzette Camburn of Battle Creek; brothers, Jason (Anna) Frentress of Sweden, Darren (Rebecca) Frentress of Bellevue and Joseph (Marie) Frentress of Nevada; nieces and nephews, Willow, Sage, Lane, Luke, Hannah, Savanna, Zachery and Sebastian; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by paternal and maternal grandparents and brother-in-law Ron Curtis.
Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial gathering was held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a brief memorial at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Don Francis officiating at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cheryl Lee Sage
Cheryl Lee Sage, age 79, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025. She was born July 26, 1945, in Lansing, the daughter of Gerald and Bette (Convis) Emede. Cheryl graduated form Charlotte High School with the Class of 1963. In her younger years she loved spending time riding and racing motorcycles. The Chevy Corvette was always Cheryl’s favorite car. She owned 8 different Corvette’s throughout the years. She also enjoyed frequenting the beach where she could soak in the sun. Cherly had a heart for cats and was affectionately known as the “Crazy Cat Lady”. Family was everything to Cheryl and she cherished spending time with those she loved most. Cheryl retired after over 30 years of faithful service from Michigan State University. She will be deeply missed by her family and countless friends.
Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Natalie (Paul) Petermann of Charlotte; granddaughter, Saige Petermann; brothers, Bill (Julie) Emede, Jim (Denise) Emede; sister-in-law, Linda Emede; aunt, Sharon Emede; Jeff (Jacque) Sage; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Emede; sister, Susan Hendrick; nephew, James John Emede; and husband, Wayne Wilbur.
n keeping with Cheryl’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Cheryl’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 2411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910.
To view Cheryl’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.
Jeannie Kay Sherwood
Jeannie Kay Sherwood peacefully passed away following a seven-year battle of T-Cell Lymphoma surrounded by her loving family on January 30, 2025, in North Port, Florida. Born on May 21, 1952, in Kalamazoo, MI, Jeannie’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and dedication.
A proud graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School’s class of 1970, Jeannie furthered her education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Her commitment to helping others led her to a fulfilling career in nursing, which she passionately pursued for over three decades. Jeannie’s compassionate spirit touched the lives of countless individuals, providing comfort and care when they needed it most.
Jeannie’s love story with her devoted husband, Randy Sherwood, spanned 35 beautiful years. Their partnership was a source of strength and joy, not only to them but also to all who knew them. Together, they raised their daughters, Leslie (Kevin) Klimchak and Andrea (Cody) Hussey, and celebrated the milestones of their grandchildren: John “J” Pastras, Cruz and Max Hussey. Jeannie’s role as a grandmother extended to her step-grandchildren, Bethany, Allison, and Ryan Klimchak, who will forever cherish the warmth and wisdom she imparted.
Family was the cornerstone of Jeannie’s life, and she shared a special bond with her sister-in-law, Renee (J.D.) Ward; sister, Jeannette Pomeroy; and brothers, Frank “Bill” Ward III and Tom (Paula) Ward, as well as her best friend of 39 years Sue (Kremen) Bosworth. Her loving presence will be profoundly missed by her several nieces and nephews. Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary (Culver) Ward II, and her beloved daughter, Andrea Hussey.
Jeannie’s zest for life extended well beyond her professional and family commitments, her hobbies reflected her appreciation for the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. She found solace and joy in her garden, often spending hours nurturing her plants and flowers. Reading was another of Jeannie’s passions, providing her with endless knowledge and escapism. While wintering in North Port,FL Jeannie attended Living Waters Lutheran Church in Port Charlotte where she was recently baptized. The Florida sun allowed her to bask in the warmth while recharging her spirit. Jeannie’s love for the water was evident in her fondness for boating and sailing, activities that brought her immense happiness.
A Celebration of Life gathering will take place on June 14, 2025, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Jeannie Sherwood to the Capital Area Humane Society or Corso Care Hospice. For online condolences, please visit www.millsfuneral.com