Obituaries
Melvin Duane Lilly
Melvin Duane Lilly, 77, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully April 20, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on June 19, 1946, in Lansing, the son of Harry and G. Esther (Warner) Lilly. Duane graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1964. While in high school, he was actively involved in FFA where he served as the reporter, and in his senior year, the chapter’s Vice President.
At a young age, he held down two jobs, working at Barker Building of Mulliken during the day and General Motors in the evening. Duane was a lifelong farmer and a 38-year General Motors Machinist at Fisher Body Lansing. His real passion was farming, but he loved everything about nature, hunting, looking for mushrooms, and even cutting wood. When he wasn’t outside you would find him in the barn tinkering on a project, manufacturing a part, or making repairs on fellow farmers’ equipment.
Duane was known for having a soft spot for the farm kittens, creating nicknames for family members, and socializing with anyone who happened to stop by. On any given day, you might find him out on a crop tour around the neighborhood driving well below the speed limit or at an auction looking for a bargain. He enjoyed finding deals whether it be at an auction, local garage sale, or out pawn shopping with his sons-in-law looking for any kind of bargain. While most would have classified his special roadside finds as junk, he was reluctant to get rid of items that could be used for a future project. Duane was sentimental, hard-working, willing to help others at the drop of a hat, and truly valued relationships with friends and family.
Duane is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Roth); “The Kids”, Chanda (Lilly) and Todd Aves, Lorinda and Jim Frederick, Russell and Erika Bierschbach; grandchildren, Chloe, Claire, Megan Sue, Virginia Kate, James Brian, Christian, Julia, Chloe; brother, Doug Lilly; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Darwin; infant sister, and nephew, Rob.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family received friends on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Duane’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Duane’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Martin Rachilla
Martin (Mart) Rachilla, 80, of Charlotte, went to be with his Lord on December 12, 2023.
Mart was a naturally talented man, there was nothing he could not fix or create. From bringing junk cars back to original glory, to carving a masterpiece out of a hunk of wood. His carvings amazed, even master carvers, and won many awards for their realistic details.
Mart was an avid hunter and fisherman, and let none of his catch go to waste, making jewelry and creating art out of ‘throwaway’ pieces of bone, teeth, and hide.
He recently started racing lawn tractors on weekends, and had just perfected his racer to winning status.
Mart will be greatly missed.
Mart is survived by his wife, Sharon; Sons: Marty (Jill) Rachilla, Brinton (Dawn) Rachilla; Stepchildren: Rick Ells, Valerie Ells, and Tara (Jim) Geller. Along with 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held on May 11 at Chester Gospel church at 2 p.m., Pastor Dennis Weeks presiding.
Shirley Ann Couzens
Shirley Ann Couzens, a true woman of God, died on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Shirley 85 was born on August 27, 1938, in Jolley Springs, TN the daughter of Robert and Gracey (Stephens) Thomas. She was a 1956 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School. Shirley worked at the MSU 4-H Youth Programs Office retiring in 1982. On September 10, 1982, Shirley married Donald B. Couzens and together they spent the next 41 years creating lasting memories. Her two sons, Mark, and Michael brought so much joy to her life, and she was so proud of all their accomplishments. She was a devoted member of the New Hope Community Church.
Shirley is survived by her husband, Donald; sons, Mark Alan (Sheri) Sleep, and Michael Roy (Claire) Sleep; stepdaughter, Teri Lynn (Pat) McNea; eight grandchildren, Rachel, Brianne, David, Jeff, Nichole, Nic, Jack, and Brooke; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, William (Margaret) Thomas, Mary (Harvey) Moore, Robert “Buck” (Betty) Thomas, Wanda (Jim) Bott, Emma (Lex) Chumley, and Halbert (Jewel) Thomas.
Friends are encouraged to support Shirley’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Victor Williams officiating at the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Lee Carroll
James “Jimmy” Lee Carroll, a man that from birth was dealt many lifelong challenges but was able to overcome so much. Jimmy, 62, of Kalamazoo was born on February 23, 1962, the son of Leo and Margaret (Pennington) Carroll. He was born three months premature and from birth was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, doctors told his parents that he would not live to his fifth birthday. Jimmy lived his entire life non-verbally, but was able to communicate with his eyes and facial expressions. Even with the challenges that he faced he was always happy and smiling. During his younger years Jimmy was an artist and loved making paintings with the use of his mouth. He was also able to operate a computer and his wheelchair by his mouth. Jimmy was also known as being a collector of pens. It is believed that he has collected a pen from every doctor’s office/business that he has visited throughout his lifetime. For 20 plus years Jimmy took part in different case studies at Western Michigan University to help better understand Cerebral Palsy. He also loved going out and about with his caregivers. Even if it was just a quick trip to the coffee shop, it made his day. Jimmy’s sisters believed that if Jimmy could speak, he would have said how he was proud of his ability to communicate non-verbally in a verbal world. They also stated that for the first time in his life he can now do something that he has never done, walking alongside his parents in heaven. Jimmy beat the odds, touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Jimmy is survived by his sisters, Jeanette (Doug) Aspinall, Jackie (Duane) Collier, and Julie (David) Brooks; several nieces and nephews; and his loving care that he received from his family at Community Living Options Home on Chelten Ave. in Kalamazoo. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jimmy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A private family graveside service will be held at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Keith E. Bazaire
Keith E. Bazaire, of Parrish, Florida., formerly Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on July 31, 1938 in Isabella County, the son of Henry and Wilma Bazaire. Keith grew up in Barryton, Michigan, and along with his 3 siblings, helped his parents run and maintain the family farm, which instilled in him a work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life. Keith lived a long and fulfilling life with his wife of 64 years, Connie (Carter) by his side, they were married on June 24, 1961 at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte, Michigan. After graduating from Barryton High School in 1956, Keith went on to study Chemical Engineering, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from Michigan State. He would later attend Ohio State University, where he earned a Master’s degree in chemical engineering, and shortly thereafter, Keith began his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, as a Plastics Engineer.
A new professional opportunity was presented to Keith in 1968, when his father-in-law, Theo Carter (of Charlotte) asked Keith to join him in the retail grocery company that he founded, known as Carter’s IGA. Keith accepted Theo’s offer, and the two, along with trusted and loyal associates, would begin building a successful chain of grocery stores in the Mid-Michigan area. Upon Theo’s retirement in 1980, Keith would reside over the company as the President and CEO for the next 20 years, ultimately guiding the company to a 21 retail store operation throughout the State of Michigan. Keith served on several Board of Directors positions over the years, which included Oven Fresh Bakery in Grand Rapids, Michigan Grocers Association, and Independent Bank. Keith also served as the President of the Charlotte School Board, 1981.
After three decades of service and guidance, Keith retired from Carter’s, Inc. in 1999.
Keith and Connie enjoyed many years of traveling with their life-long friends, Larry and Sonnie Cody of Charlotte. Keith and Larry both earned their private pilot licenses in 1988, and would later purchase a Cherokee Piper airplane together, which they used to fly around the State of Michigan and beyond attending summer and fall festivals, trips to Mackinac Island, etc. Keith, Connie, and the Cody’s would discover, and fall in love with a spot on the island of Maui, Hawaii, that they returned to on vacation for many years. Over the years, friendships were made on the Island, and Maui always held a special place in Keith’s heart.
Later in life, Keith would grow a passion for gardening and landscaping, and would spend countless hours planting and maintaining his butterfly garden, and tropical flowering plants at his home in Florida.
Keith always cared deeply about his family, friends, neighbors, and his community. He will be missed beyond measure, and the memories he created will forever be cherished.
Keith is survived by his wife Connie; son’s Jeffrey, Kevin, and Michael (Erron Sparks); grandchildren, Allison (Bill) Bazaire, Carter (Lincy) Bazaire, Ty (Kristin) Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller; great grandchild, Hazel; sister, Jeanette (Lance) Natsch; brother, Gary (Beverly) Bazaire.
Keith was preceded in death by his father, Henry; mother, Wilma; father-in-law, Theo Carter; mother-in-law, Atha Carter; and brother, Bill.
Family and friends are encouraged to support Keith’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com
A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan, Summer 2024. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.