Obituaries
David Eugene Pritchard
David Eugene Pritchard, affectionately known as ‘Dude Dave,’ passed away on January 16, 2025. Born on January 12, 1978, in Charlotte, Mich., Dave filled our lives with laughter and love.
Dave was a talented artist with a flair for the extraordinary. His creativity knew no bounds, from his intricate wood carvings like the picnic table adorned with turtles, to his unique invention — a fraculator crafted from a microwave. Known affectionately as “hi-lo Dave” during his time at C & I Plastics, he brought joy and camaraderie to every workplace, including stints at Shyft and Eaton Country Health and Rehabilitation Center.
His passions were as diverse as his talents. Dave loved taking walks, embracing the great outdoors. Music filled his soul, with concerts being a family favorite — especially when Slipknot was on stage. Annual trips north to Cheboygan and the lively “Last Hurrah” family gatherings were treasured traditions that showcased his love for adventure and togetherness.
Dave’s infectious laugh, loud mouth, and immense love for his family were the heartbeats of his life. He was deeply proud of his wife and children, always striving to be the best dad he could be. His favorite word, “Dude,” was a reflection of his laid-back and friendly spirit that endeared him to all.
Family was the cornerstone of Dave’s life. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Cynthia Pritchard, and his children, Harley, Tyler, and the late Brady Pritchard. His greatest joy was being a father, and he strived every day to be the best dad he could be.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cynthia Pritchard; his daughter, Harley Pritchard; and his son, Tyler Pritchard. Dave also leaves behind his mother, Penny Burt; sisters, Alishia (Tom Potter) Pritchard and Faith (Thomas) Childress; stepbrother, Dale Burt; and a large extended family, including father- and mother-in-law, Abel and Lisa Anzaldua; sister-in-law, Christina (Clint) Litzenberg; brother-in-law, Jose (Wendy) Anzaldua; grandmother, Marion Pelto; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him.
He now joins his son, Brady Pritchard; father, David Allen Pritchard; stepbrother, Adam Burt; grandparents, Sharon and Stuart Windon; great-grandmother, Celia Kilgore; and best friend, Chad Johnson.
As we reflect on Dave’s life, we celebrate a man whose creativity, humor, and unwavering love touched us all. His spirit lives on in the joyful memories we share and the love he instilled in his family and friends.
A celebration of Dave’s life was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Visitation took place from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. with Laura Cooper officiating at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Dave’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bernard Darren Dilly
Bernard Darren Dilly, age 60 of Lakeview, MI passed away on January 7, 2025 at Corewell Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
Darren was born on June 12, 1964 in Joliet, Ill. The son of Richard and Deanna Dilly.
Darren graduated from Capital City Christian School, Lansing, MI. After graduation, Darren served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger and an Honor Guard in Washington D.C.
Darren loved music and loved playing his alto sax, bass guitar and harmonica.
Darren also loved the outdoors, hunting and planting trees around their property. And could often be found watching his Chicago Bears or the Lions with his faithful German Shephard, Honch. A good friend was Fred King, Sunday School teacher at C.B. Church. Fred helped Darren along in his youth and faithfully kept in touch over the years.
Darren is survived by his devoted wife Susan (Doll), his mother Deanna (Dilly) Sherman, brother R. Troy & Heather Dilly, sister Anna T. Dilly, nephew Keaton & wife Hannah Dilly, Cameron & wife Emily and children, niece Karis & husband Brian Pearson and children, nieces Ellen Dilly, Danielle McCorol, nephews Haiden and Owen West and Max Bashore.
Darren was preceded in death by his father, Richard O. Dilly, baby brother Stephen C. Dilly, uncles Dean & Duane Dilly, uncles Edward, Gary and Chuck Mills, grandparents Bernard & Bess Dilly and grandparents Charles & Nellie Mills.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring in Lakeview, MI.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Darren’s memory to any Veterans Association.
Verlin Eugene Shaver
“Small in stature, but big in heart, always generous with his time and treasure.” Verlin “Verlie” Eugene Shaver, a man whose heart was as vast as his love for life, passed away peacefully in Charlotte on January 19, 2025. Born on October 10, 1924, in Chester Township, Verlie lived a life of joy, and heartfelt connections that touched everyone around him.
From humble beginnings on the family farm, one of ten children, Verlie’s spirit was forever rooted in the countryside. His passion for the land inspired his lifelong interest in antique tractors and the art of restoring old furniture into cherished heirlooms. Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1945, he carried his hardworking and humble nature into every endeavor he pursued.
Verlie’s career was as vibrant as his personality. One of his earliest jobs was at Minor Walton Bean Company, where he and his coworkers famously set a record by loading a full train car with 100 pound sacks of beans in under four hours, a testament to his dedication and teamwork. His next employ at Aluminum Extrusions was yet another chapter where his industrious spirit shone brightly. Later, his melodious whistling could always be heard echoing through the halls of Charlotte Public Schools, where he worked diligently as a custodian and bus driver. He was one of the most endeared staff members at CHS for his attention and help for many of the students and was presented an award to commemorate his generosity and compassion.
Music and travel were the melodies of Verlie’s heart. An ardent fan of classic country music, one of his most cherished memories was a trip to the Grand Ole Opry with friends, where the tunes of legends like Johnny Cash filled his soul with happiness. He held a special fondness for “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” songs that echoed his love for life’s journeys.
Family was the centerpiece of Verlie’s life. He loved camping trips with his family, adventures that spanned years and created countless joyful memories. Ever proud of his sons, he wasn’t shy about putting them to work, instilling in them the same hardworking values he embodied. Verlie and Virginia were charter members of Chester Gospel Church. Sundays were often filled with warmth and laughter as Verlie welcomed friends and family into his home after church, always eager to share in good company and fellowship.
Verlie was known for his kind, supportive, and generous nature. His humble spirit and unwavering work ethic left an indelible mark on his community and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and a life lived to the fullest.
A celebration of Verlie’s beautiful life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Verlie’s grandson, Pastor Andy Shaver, celebrating. The family gratefully received visitors the evening before, Friday, January 24, from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at the same location.
Verlie is survived by his four sons, Dennis (Kelly) Shaver, Gregory(Vickie) Shaver, Steve ( Nancy) Shaver, David (Shannah) Shaver; 14 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia; and his nine brothers and sisters.
As we remember Verlie, let us celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and carry forward his spirit of kindness and generosity. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church or Real Life Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Verlin’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Verlin’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Marla Jane Smith
Marla Jane (Wellman) Smith passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan, surrounded by her family. She was born March 29, 1948, to Neil and Lorene Wellman. Marla earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. She worked as an accountant for the State of Michigan for 40 years. She was a passionate crafter for many years. Marla tried her hand at sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and card making. She loved gardening and mowing her lawn. Marla loved spending time with her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marla was proceeded in death by her father, Neil Wellman; Mother, Lorene Wellman; husband, David K Smith, stepson Donald Smith; and Aunt, Shirley Boster. She is survived by her daughters Christa (Pierce) Rowley, Stacey (Pierce) and Trent Baker, and Regina Pierce, stepchildren Neil Smith and Brandie Ondrusek; grandchildren Emily, Tessa and Sam Fenstemaker, Tyler and Kelly Smith; sister Sandra (Wellman) and Larry Gidley, nieces Lisa (Gidley) Travis, Beth (Gidley) Moss and Jennie (Gidley) Stafford and her best friends Mary Kiger and Bonnie Bracy.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ainger Bible Church, 5484 Ainger Rd., Olivet, MI 49076. A luncheon will follow the service. For those who cannot attend the service will stream on Ainger Bible Church’s Facebook account.
Robin Rae Musselman
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Robin Rae Musselman, who left us on January 17, 2025. Born on July 27, 1957, in Coldwater, Mich., Robin was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Robin was the dearly loved daughter of Jim D. Musselman and Janice E. Hunt, and sister to our dear Denise Slater and the late Kriss Musselman. She shared a special bond with her brother-in-law Allen Slater, and was the cherished aunt of Rex Parish, Earl Parish, and Crystal Parish.
Robin’s boundless curiosity and sharp intellect were a constant source of inspiration to us. She could converse on any subject, and her mind was like a steel trap. As a child, she would spend hours reading the encyclopedia, and we marveled at her endless thirst for knowledge.
Her love for music filled our hearts as she played the flute and piccolo in the Community Band, bringing joy to everyone around her.
Robin’s kindness knew no bounds. She lovingly knitted hats for children at the Eaton Rapids children’s home and other places, always putting others before herself. Her compassion for animals was evident; she was a former 4-H dog leader, and we fondly remember the times spent with her horse, Ginger.
Family meant everything to Robin. She was deeply interested in our family ancestry, cherishing the stories and connections that bound us together. She was always so good to her grandmothers, and her emphasis was never on herself but on helping others.
She pursued a fulfilling career, working as a Pricing Specialist at Dart Container and previously as a line worker at Owens Illinois. Robin’s passions for reading, arts and crafts, and music enriched her life and ours, and we will always hold these memories close.
Her confident and determined spirit touched our lives in countless ways. We will miss her dearly and cherish the time we had together.
Friends are encouraged to support Robin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of Robin’s life was held on January 24, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel in Coldwater, Mich. Pastor Scott Brood officiated. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Though she is no longer with us, Robin’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. Until we meet again, we will hold her memory dear.