Obituaries
Richard Gordon Wagner
Richard Gordon Wagner, a quiet and humble man of few words who loved his family, died peacefully on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at his home. Richard was born September 26, 1954, in Detroit, the son of Richard and Catherine (Woodside) Wagner. As a bright young boy, Richard earned a trip to Washington, D.C., and an engraved dictionary because of his academics. He was lifelong reader, and loved watching T.V. Above all, Richard loved visits from his stepchildren and grandchildren.
Richard struggled through a large part of his life with drug addiction and was finally able to become victorious and drug-free his last 4 years of life. He met a lot of good friends from Narcotics Anonymous throughout his trials.
Richard is survived by his wife, Carolyn Wagner; step-children, Jennifer Tillman, Paul (Niki) Lingoes, Sarah (Brian) Garrison, Melissa (Jason) Strotheide, and Mark Lingoes; nine grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Ben, Jarod, Anthony, Jillian, James, Nate, and Willow; siblings, Laura Kalis, Barbara Naper, Catherine (Kent) Woodward, Kim (Steve) Chapin, Dean (Sue) Wagner, and Spencer Wagner; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, David Wagner and Robert Wagner.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Charlotte Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1516 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, with Pastor Phillip Lea officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church. 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 Richard’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 a local Narcotics Anonymous or the Seventh-Day Adventist Educational Fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Clyde Herbert Hamilton Jr.
Clyde Herbert Hamilton Jr., age 81, of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born June 7, 1943, in Lansing, the son of Clyde and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. On April 12, 1964, Clyde married Janet A. McNair. Clyde spent the majority of his career working for General Motors in Lansing. When he wasn’t at work, he enjoyed maintaining an immaculate yard, bowling with his friends, collecting model cars, and dancing. He had a special place in his heart for his V-Star 1300 motorcycle and his 1978 Chevy Truck. Clyde will be deeply missed by his precious family and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Herbert Hamilton; sister, Edna Symmes; and brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Hazel Hamilton.
Clyde is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janet; children, Tina Lietzke, Doug (Robin) Hamilton, Mike Hamilton; grandchildren, Ayla Lietzke, Meagan Lietzke, Alaina (Broc) Herr, Dustin Hamilton, Britney Hamilton, Chelsea Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Alexander Perkins, Mayze Herr, Bryson Herr, Anleigh Herr, Abigail Herr; siblings, Russell (Susan) Hamilton, Laura Taylor, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton, Kenneth (Carol) Hamilton, Carolyn (Tom) Frith; brother-in-law, John Symmes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Sean Esterline officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Alchin Farm Cemetery in Webberville.
Those desiring may make contributions in Clyde’s memory to First Lutheran Church 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Clyde’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
William Richard Southern
William Richard (Dick) Southern, 92 of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away July 11, 2024 after a long and successful life. Dick was born to William and Vivian Southern. As the eldest son of 7, he went to live with his grandparents to help on their farm. There his love for farming flourished. He started at an early age driving horses and milking cows. He later raised crops farming over 500 acres with the help of his 3 daughters. In the late 1980’s, Dick was the first in Eaton County to use no-till equipment reducing planting time by almost 50% and fuel usage by 80% while helping to protect the soil and evolve agriculture toward sustainability.
Upon graduating high school Dick joined the United States Army and served overseas. Upon his return he obtained employment at Oldsmobile in Lansing, MI. In 1956 he married his wife Gretchen with whom he raised three daughters until her untimely death in 1979. He continued to farm full time after his retirement from Oldsmobile in 1983 eventually downsizing to 80 acres which is grandson still farms.
Dick enjoyed sports and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 as a player on the 1947-49 Vermontville High School Baseball Team who went a combined 30-1 during its historic three year run with the only loss occurring in extra innings in the league championship game. In addition to baseball Dick liked to golf. In his retirement years he played in leagues with his brother, Larry and his friends John and Jim. More recently Dick enjoyed caring for his flowers and garden, rooting for the Tigers and Lions, and watching his numerous hummingbirds each summer.
He worked hard throughout his life, was an example to many and remains respected and cherished by his family. He is survived by his daughters Cindy Boehmer, Jackie VanDenBerg and Brenda Southern; six grandchildren: Richard (Rick) (Kelly) Boehmer, Jesse (LeeAnn) Boehmer, Elizabeth (Daniel) Dumont, Leanne (Austin) Rahn, Ashley VanDenBerg and Amber VanDenBerg; one step grandchild Michelle (Rob) Harley; five great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery with a private celebration of life occurring at a later date by his immediate family.
Brandon Neil Ruthruff
Brandon Neil Ruthruff, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, after a short, brave fight with cancer. Brandon was born in Eaton Rapids on June 15, 1952, to Raymond and Sharon (Farrier) Ruthruff. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of ’70. Brandon was married to Amy Orbell on June 30, 2001. They recently celebrated their 23rd anniversary.
Shortly after graduating high school, Brandon was drafted into the USA Army where he served as a cook. He was stationed in Germany during his time in the service. After returning home, Brandon signed up with the Army National Guard where he faithfully served for 20+ years. His last job before retirement was working at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services as a dietary aide. Brandon spent his retirement years going with his mother to garage sales and Goodwill looking for bargains. His spare time was spent painting with acrylics, which he both sold and gave away to friends. He liked fishing. Brandon enjoyed talking memories and seeing pictures of days-gone-by at Farrier family gatherings.
Brandon was a lover of animals, and the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Eaton County Humane Society.
Brandon was preceded in death by his parents.
Brandon is survived by his loving wife, Amy; his children, Shane Ruthruff, Heather Gauthrie, and Robert (Hayle) Orbell; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Farrier side cousins; Collette Frank, David Tuckey, Jamie Tuckey, Nanette (Jerry) Podany, Diana Bosworth, and Terry Miller.
Following Brandon’s wishes, no public memorial services will be held.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Keith and Connie Bazaire
Keith and Connie Bazaire of Parrish, Florida, formerly of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away less than one month apart on April 24 and May 9, respectively. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Pray Funeral Home Gardens (behind the funeral home) at 401 W. Seminary Street in Charlotte. A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, July 26, 11:00 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Barbara French
Barbara French, 95, of Michigan, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Barbara was born in Charlotte, MI on November 25, 1928.
Barbara was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved her children and grandchildren very much. Barb and Keith loved living at their home on Narrow Lake.She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith French.
Survivors include her children, Patricia (Bill Ruxton) French and Kirk (Tammy) French; grandchildren, Tiffany (Jeff) Pfeiffer, Brian (Brittany) Hochradel, Tyler (Jenna) French, Ashley (Trent) Vance, and Mandy (Joey) Loveall; and great grandchildren, Zack (Cassie) Pfeiffer, Hayes Hochradel, Ethan French, Natalie Vance, and Miriam Loveall.
Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara French.
Donna Kay McBride
Donna Kay (Davis)(Johnson) McBride, born June 25, 1938, passed peacefully at home with her daughter on May 20, 2024. She married James Martin McBride in 1969, and moved to Eaton Rapids, MI, where she and James became very active members of the community. Donna managed James’ successful campaign for Mayor in the mid ‘70’s. She also managed Claudia Brown’s successful campaign for City Council. She was the chair of the ER Redistricting Committee. Donna was a member of the ER Hospital Auxiliary and a member of the U&I Club. She hosted the ERHS Senior Tea for several years. Donna was instrumental in cataloging graves in the Eaton County cemeteries, and many other civic activities.
She leaves behind her daughter, Brenda (Johnson) Harvey of Millers Falls, MA; three granddaughters, Hannah Harvey of Morehead Beach, NC, Halle Harvey of West Springfield, MA, and Hattie (Kevan Bordner) Harvey of Northfield, MA; two great grandchildren, Calvan and Blair Bordner; sisters, Bess Wiggins of Midland, MI and Mona Miller of FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donna is predeceased by her husband of 53 years James; brothers John and Grant Davis; sisters Shirley Emmendorfer and Irene Howe.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life to honor Donna and James (June 17, 1938 – October 11, 2022) on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Charlotte VFW from 1-4 p.m. Interment will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Raymond Oscar Kilbourn
Raymond Oscar Kilbourn “Poppy”, age 88, of Olivet, died on July 5, 2024. He was born on December 19, 1935 in Battle Creek, MI to George Sr. and Velma (Miller) Kilbourn. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Jane Brownell, on May 23, 1964. They just celebrated 60 wonderful years together.
Ray worked for Clark Equipment in Battle Creek for 21 years then worked at Alro Steel of Lansing until his retirement in 1996. Ray and his wife, Jane, owned Bellevue Dry Cleaners and Laundromat for 13 years. He was an avid sportsman who loved fishing and hunting, bagging his last deer at age 75. Ray served in the United States Army at the end of the Korean War from September 1954 to January 1962.
Ray is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Pam Bess; son, Randy (Dale Klahn) Kilbourn; grandchildren, Gerry (Brittany) Bess, Alicia (Ken) Horton, Joanna (Derek) Smith; great grandchildren, James, Brooke, Jackson, Robby, Emma and Peyton; son-in-law, Ken (Grace) Bess; special friends, Steve and Kathy Penny; siblings, Janette Robertson, Leon, Mary Jane (Paul) Niemela, Al, Leola Kilbourn, and Bill O’Neal.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Daniel, Rosa O’Neal, George Jr., Gary Lee, Bruce Robertson and Ruth Kilbourn.
Friends may call on Saturday, July 13, from 10:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. at Kempf’s of Bellevue with the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. with Steve Penny officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Oaklawn Hospice, Marshall, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, or to leave the family condolences.
Richard Cornwell Fleming
Richard Cornwell Fleming, age 92, of Olivet, died July 7, 2024, in Battle Creek. He was born March 10, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Robert and Helen (Cornwell) Fleming. Richard graduated from Bangor High School. On March 28, 1958, he married Elizabeth A. Nichols in Kalamazoo. Richard was a great proponent of education. He earned two doctorate degrees. The first was a Doctorate in Science from Olivet College and the other a Doctorate in Philosophy (Entomology) from Michigan State University. He worked as a professor at Olivet College for over 35 years. He was known for his vast knowledge on many complex subjects but ornithology and entomology were truly his passion. He loved his work as a professor and cherished the many life-long friendships he created while teaching. Richard was an avid model railroader and loved to build and fly RC planes. He played numerous musical instruments, was a talented painter, wrote much poetry, and enjoyed listening to his beloved Chicago White Sox play ball. Richard was a member of many organizations to numerous to mention but was especially proud to belong to the Olivet Lion’s Club, where he was fortunate to become a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship.
Richard is survived by his children, Elizabeth “Kitty” (Mike) Ingram of Olivet, Rebecca “Becky” (Rick) Britton of Olivet, Robert Fleming of Olivet, Agatha “Aggie” (Brian) Bowen of Sturgis, and Thomas “Tom” (Tami) Fleming of Olivet; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elizabeth; and sister, Betty.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Olivet Congregational Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Biology Department at The University of Olivet.
To view Richard’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.
Sheila K. Day
Sheila K. (Wolf) Day, age 77, of Olivet, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, after a lengthy stay at Golden Days Adult Foster Care, which is lovingly owned and operated by her cousin. Sheila was raised in Springport and the community was very important to her. She was active in the Springport VFW where she served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary for many years. She volunteered at the VFWs’ BINGO night, where she worked behind the counter. Family meant everything to Sheila. She spent numerous years taking care of her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and other precious children during the week while their parents were at work. Sheila was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and anything Coca-Cola. In her younger years you could often find Sheila on weekends with her girlfriends attending plays at The Barn Theater.
Sheila is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Marilyn Wolf; husband Roger Roy Day Sr.; and brothers, Sam Wolf and Sandy Wolf.
She is survived by her children, Karla (Steve) Weers, Roger (Katrina) Day, Regina (Tim) Hopkins; grandchildren, Richard Travis Weers, Stephanie Weers, Chance Day, Devin Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkins; three great-granddaughters, and brother, Steve (Diane) Wolf.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Sheila’s memory to the American Red Cross.
To view Sheila’s obituary online please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.