Obituaries
Gerald L. VanVleet
Gerald Lee VanVleet, age 81, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 27, 2020. He was born April 23, 1939 in Battle Creek, the son of Eva Mae Butler and Robert Stevens VanVleet. He married his loving wife, Shirley, on July 26, 1969, and they have been married for 51 years. He enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
An avid race fan, Gerald could be found at Spartan or Springport speedway every weekend during the summer. He also enjoyed fishing, being outdoors, and taking rides on his John Deere tractor.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, Rebecca Reid of Eaton Rapids, Marjorie (Chris) Bashaw of Charlotte, and Jeremy (Jennifer) VanVleet of Petaluma Cal.; four grandchildren, Thomas Reid of Eaton Rapids, Samantha (Deren) Hoag of Coldwater, Jake Smith of Coldwater, and Richard Harris Jr. of Angola, Ind.; four step-grandchildren, Christopher (Brittany) Bashaw Jr. of Quincy, Samantha Bashaw of Owosso, Hailey Bashaw of Traverse City, and Rose Smith of Ocean Side, Cal.; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Robert (Donna) VanVleet Jr. of Lake Lavine; and sister, Ruby VanVleet of Coldwater; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David VanVleet of Battle Creek and Ronald VanVleet of Bellevue; son-in-law Michael Reid of Eaton Rapids; and great-grandson Jayden Smith of Hillsdale.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday December 8, 2020 at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet, with Pastor Todd Mclane officiating. Interment followed at Perry Cemetery.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Gerald on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gerald F. Lehman
Gerald F. (Jerry) Lehman, 81, passed away on December 11, 2020 in Lansing, his life cut short by Covid-19. He was born January 28, 1939, in Clarkston, Michigan, the second son of Percy and Ruth Lehman. At the age of six he moved with his family to Roscommon, a small northern community. After graduating from high school, he first attended Western Michigan University, later transferring to Michigan State University. He and Dyna Parmenter, the love of his life, were married December 15, 1962. Jerry was also the love of Dyna’s life and they were together for 63 years and came four days short of celebrating their 58th anniversary.
Upon earning a B.A. degree in art at MSU, Jerry joined the former Michigan Highway Dept. as a graphic artist. From there he took his artistic skills to the DNR, launching a career that spanned 23 years in parks and wildlife programs.
Upon retirement in 1992, Jerry was commended by the Michigan Legislature in a resolution citing his public service on behalf of the state’s tourism and recreational interests.
Over the years, Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His three daughters’ credit him for inspiring them artistically while blessing their lives with a steady hand of support and sharp sense of humor.
Friends and others who had the pleasure of knowing Jerry admired him for being easy going and good natured. He was also well regarded for his big heart in helping others. Another plus was his dry humor which he made ample use of with loved ones, much to their delight.
Jerry enjoyed tinkering with things and was blessed with an abundance of patience to see them through successfully. This story started with him spending countless hours as a child building model airplanes. It stretched into devoting two decades in his senior years to renovate his treasured 1967 Pontiac Firebird convertible!
Not only did Jerry have the fortitude to delve into intricate undertakings, but he also had the skills to fix, modify or upgrade projects. He applied this special knack to home improvements throughout his life. For good measure, he was Mr. Fix-It in answering handyman needs of his grown children.
Jerry took on a lifelong love of golf, tracing back to his Roscommon childhood when his parents acquired and brought back into play, an abandoned golf course now known as Ye Olde Country Club. Many years later, as a seasoned ball striker, he had his shining moment in golf: a hole in one at Royal Scot in the Lansing area.
Jerry and Dyna spent the last 20 years wintering in Orange Beach, Ala. playing golf and making more wonderful friends.
The cherished life of Jerry will live on in the hearts of his wife Dyna; daughters Raelee (Ron) Edgar, Lisa (Kevin) Chapin, and Pam (Dale) Nutt; granddaughters Dani (Max) Larson, Brianne Edgar, and Sydney Nutt; grandsons Matt Edgar, Nick and Connor Chapin, Tyler, Keegan, and Mitch Nutt; great granddaughter Molly Larson; brother Dick Lehman. Brothers and sisters-in-law; Bruce Parmenter, Louise (Jerry) Hall, Vivian (Peter) Reed, Tom (Margaret) Parmenter. Nieces and nephew; Kevin, Karen, and Julie; Bruce Jr., Maureen; Glenn, Elaine, Ken, and Dale; Paula; Jennifer, Todd, and Brian. Plus, many great nieces and nephews. Cousins; Frank, Tom, Brian, Mary Jo, and John.
A private family celebration of life was held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held in 2021 in Roscommon, Mich. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor to the First Congregational Church, 106 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jerry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bertha F. Cobb
Bertha Faye Cobb, 87, of Vermontville, died Saturday, December 5, 2020, 12 days after her loving husband Richard Cobb. Bertha was born August 12, 1933, in Shiawassee County, the daughter of Ira and Dorothy (Bourassa) Wilson. She attended Laingsburg High School. On August 22, 1949, Bertha married Richard Cobb and the couple started their legacy together. Bertha worked as a Production Worker at Aluminum Extrusions for 20 years. She was strong willed, but very loving. Her family meant the world to her and she was always there to take care of anyone in need. Bertha enjoyed cooking for her family, sewing and spending time with her grandchildren.
Bertha is survived by her son, Richard L. (Belinda Harwood) Cobb; six grandchildren, Shelly (Brent) Rehm, Darren (Monelle) Cobb, Jared (Nicki) Osborne, Christie (Chad) Lutz, Richard (Evelyn) Osborne, and Andrea Cobb; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Richard Cobb; daughter, Janice Cobb; son, David Cobb; sisters, Joyce Wilson and Grace Stewart; brothers, Gale Wilson and Don Wilson; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bertha’s family. Funeral services were held Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral was also webcast for viewing from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device with internet access, by going to PrayFuneral.com, clicking on Bertha’s tribute, then clicking on photos and videos from a computer (or media from a smart phone).
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services facility for their outstanding care of Bertha during her time at the facility. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bertha on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Vicky L. Lettimore
Vicky Lynne Lettimore, age 70, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 6, 2020. She was born July 11, 1950, in Lansing the daughter of Edward and Victoria Morse. Vicky graduated from Lansing Sexton High School with the class of 1968. On July 11, 1969, she married the love of her life, Walter Anthony Lettimore Jr. Vicky cherished her family and enjoyed watching her grandsons play sports. She was a wonderful baker and made many beautiful cakes throughout the years. She always looked forward to her family’s many camping and fishing trips.
Vicky is survived by her husband of 51 years, Walter; daughters: Victoria L. Lettimore of Charlotte, Dawn (Chad) Stanley of Charlotte, Shannon (Mike Foster) Lettimore of Potterville; grandchildren: Lora Kirkbride, Jordan Jackson, Earl Long IV, Jayden Jackson, Josh Wilson, Carter Jackson, Hunter Stanley, Michael F. Foster; great granddaughter, Avery Kirkbride; brother, Dawayne (Karen) Morse; sister-in-law Patricia (David) Garrison; and multiple nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Edward G. Morse; grandson, Anthony Kirkbride; and great grandson, Noah Combs.
A private funeral service was held on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Due to the funeral service being private and for immediate family only the service was livestreamed at listentochurch.com/listen/bgk.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Vicky’s honor to the American Diabetes Association.
To view Vicky’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Donald D. Balmer
Donald Dale Balmer, age 77, of Dimondale passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020. He was born in Lansing. Don was a devoted father, brother, and friend of many. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and was a member of the Oldsmobile Outdoor club. He studied at Devry Institute and became a Journeyman Electrician for Oldsmobile in Lansing.
Don is survived by his children, William James Balmer and Kevin Balmer; and his brother, Lyn Balmer. He is the grandfather of Alicia, Liam, and Cole. Preceding Don in death was his loving wife, Margaret (Maggie) Balmer.
A private viewing was held at Vickers Funeral Home in Leslie.