Obituaries
Linda L. Terry
Linda L. Terry, 73, of Rockford, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, died December 1, 2023. Linda was born September 12, 1950, in Battle Creek to Lloyd and Jean (Siefke) Terry, Sr. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University, where she graduated with two master’s degrees. Linda was a teacher for 40 years with the majority of her teaching career spent at Rockford Public Schools. She retired in 2008.
Linda enjoyed spending time in nature, especially working with flowers, and loved animals. She especially loved to go shopping. Every year she traveled to Mackinac Island for the “Somewhere In Time” weekend. Linda enjoyed traveling with her friends and visited many states, national parks, and countries over the years. She also attended different theater shows and concerts.
Linda is survived by her siblings, Lloyd (Susan) Terry, Jr., Mary Terry, Gail (Tom) Burd, Julie (Gary) Riegel and Annette Terry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her special companions, her cats, Kallie and Kerby. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services to celebrate Linda’s life were held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Linda D. Stoddard. Interment followed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile (cleft lip and palate organization) at www.operationsmile.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Vaughn Karl Buchholz
Vaughn Karl Buchholz, a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home on December 2, 2023, in Grand Ledge, MI, following a five-plus-year battle against pancreatic cancer. He was 65. Born on April 22, 1958, in Lansing, MI, he was a son to the late Harold and Betty (Reed) Buchholz and grew up to be a man of strength and character, touching the lives of all who knew him.
Vaughn’s life was a portrait of devotion, illustrated by his loving marriage of 43 years to his beloved wife, Debbie. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Tracy (Brian) Summers and Michelle (Garrett) Masters. His role as a grandpa was one he cherished deeply, and he shared an unbreakable bond with his granddaughters, Peyton and Regan (Summers), and Madison (Masters). He is also survived by his brother, Vance (Kristine) Buchholz; and his nephews, Brad (Christie) and Justin (Chelsea). He is preceded in death by his parents; and father and mother-in-law, Jim and Ruth VanWyk.
A proud graduate of Charlotte High School, Vaughn was a lifelong farmer who also dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors. Possessing a work ethic that never remained idle, it was in the simple things that Vaughn found the greatest joy—tinkering and fixing things, a testament to his knack for problem-solving and his desire to help others.
Vaughn was a man of faith, actively involved in the Grand Ledge Baptist Church. An avid admirer of God’s creation, Vaughn relished in the beauty of nature, whether it was farming, camping or taking the pontoon out on Gun Lake.
Vaughn never met someone who remained a stranger for long. His warm, inviting spirit drew people to him, and he had a unique ability to make anyone feel at home.
A Visitation was held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge with a lunch provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to ProMedica Hospice, Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Vaughn Buchholz. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Mary Lee Buhs
Mary Lee Buhs, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 93 on November 26, 2023. She left behind a legacy of love and family that will forever be remembered by all that met her. Mary was born to William Estes and Eva Beula Mae Ozbun in Kane Illinois on May 20, 1930.
Mary met the love of her life, Marion Walter Buhs when the two of them were employed at Owens Illinois Glasswork (O.I.) in Alton, Ill. during the depression. They married on October 16, 1948 and had five children. They moved to Charlotte, Michigan in December of 1967 when Marion and Mary transferred to the Charlotte O.I. Plant. Mary retired from O.I after 30 years of employment and then became an entrepreneur by starting a Dog Grooming Business which she successfully managed for ten years.
Her family was her passion, and she leaves behind a sprawling family tree that includes five children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mary’s home was always filled with laughter and food as she enjoyed feeding anyone who came within the vicinity of her home, including the squirrels. She was famous for her homemade rhubarb pie. Mary Lee’s sharp wit and her not-safe-for work humor made her one of kind. She taught all her grandkids the importance of family and their first swear word. She always said what was on her mind and had the kindest heart and never let go of her southern soul.
Mary is survived by her children, Diana (Larry) Carter, Michael (Pam) Buhs, Vanessa Buhs (Michael Moran), and Alan Buhs; her grandchildren, Dameon (Jenni) Rohdy, Maggie Rohdy, Sadie Rohdy, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Brand, Lyndsay Carter, Caleb (Alison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Birchmeier, Dayton (Alisha) Buhs, Nicole (Caleb) DeBattista, Monica (Jesse) Telfer, Jessica Buhs; 19 great -grandchildren; and her special friend, Cathy Reed.
Mary Lee is preceded in death by her son, Kevin (1969) and her husband, Marion (2013); her daughter–in-law Cristine Buhs; and her siblings, Gilbert Morris, Francis Woodring, William Edward Estes, Thomas Estes, Andrew Jackson Estes, Henrietta McRae, Donald Estes, and Betty Darr.
Everyone who loved Mary Lee feels comfort knowing that she is spending time with her son Kevin, her siblings and continuing the saga of loving, fighting, and making up with Marion again as only true soulmates can.
Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no service.
A donation in Mary’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.
To view Mary’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.
Marvel Rowena Wyble
Marvel Rowena Wyble, a caring and loving friend and family member, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Marvel, 102, was born on June 19, 1921, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of James and Alfraetta (Smith) Robins. She created many lasting memories with the love of her life Rolland “Polly” Wyble until his passing in 1990. Marvel was a retired Line Worker from Wilcox Gay in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Marvel was very talented at crafting things, she known for taking junk and turning it into beautiful furniture and knick-knacks. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, and most importantly collecting dolls.
Marvel is survived by her nephew, Randy (Gretchen) Boehmer; caregivers, Joan Coolman, and Pat Simpson; and dear friend, Diane Triovola. She was predeceased by her husband Rolland “Polly; and special friend, Bernice.
Friends are encouraged to support Marvel’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. There will be no services held for Marvel at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Glenn Allen Mortimer
Glenn Allen Mortimer was called home to his heavenly Father on November 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Born June 27, 1941, in Albion, MI, Glenn lived a life steeped in faith, compassion, and love, emblematic of a true servant of God.
Glenn was a skilled tool and die maker starting his career with Olofssons where he spent 15 years and later dedicating 30 years to General Motors, retiring in 2005. In retirement, he enjoyed camping trips, attending Charlotte Frontier Days, the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival, and breakfast outings with his friends and family. Glenn was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking in the beauty of his property in Eaton Rapids. He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church where he rarely missed a Sunday evening service.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vickie Mortimer; and his two children, Brent (Bridget) Mortimer and Brenda (Kevin Rogers) Cain. Glenn was a proud grandfather of Austin (Justine) Mortimer, Evan Mortimer, Melinda Obrinski, Carly Shoemaker, Darla Mortimer and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Barbara Michalcewicz and Joan (Steven) Call. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Mortimer, and his granddaughter, Darcey Hayes.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Baptist Church. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.