Obituaries
Sylvia E. Hamilton
Sylvia E. Hamilton, 80, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. She was born September 2, 1938, in St. James, Minn., the daughter of Clifford and Gunarda (Blackstad) Robinson. On April 12, 1958, she married David Hamilton in Minnesota. Together they raised their family on the family farm on Chester Road. Sylvia was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She always took a keen interest in her children and grandchildren. Sylvia was a 4-H leader for many years and volunteered at the children’s school whenever help was needed. She was a devoted long-time member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she served in many different capacities. Sylvia retired after many years of service from Farm Bureau Insurance in Lansing.
Sylvia is survived by her children, Janet (Dennis) Croff, John Hamilton, Brenda (Larry) Hall, Paul Hamilton; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert (Lilah) Robinson of Wisconsin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, David; and grandson, Tom Hamilton; and sister, Dorothy Harris.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, with Pastor David Keller officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 19, 2019, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at Peace Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Sylvia’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Sylvia’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
David W. Jackson
David W. Jackson, 55, a former Charlotte resident, and current Lake Bluff, Ill. resident, passed to his eternal home on May 11 from diabetes complications. David was born in Evansville, Ind. on October 21, 1963 and moved to Charlotte in 1965. Dave graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981, Ferris State University and Illinois College of Optometry. He received his laser training at UCLA. Dr. Jackson married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Eskew, on July 16, 1987. They made their home in Glenview, Ill., where Dave was a managing doctor for LensCrafters. He then owned his private optometry practice in Highland Park, Ill., later specializing in eye disease.
Surviving are his loving family, Dr. Cheryl Jackson, wife of 31 years; daughter, Alexis Jackson and special friend, Matt Austin; son, David Benjamin Jackson, all of Lake Bluff. Survivors also include parents, David and Barbara Jackson of Bellevue; mother-in-law, Donna Eskew of Godfrey, Ill.; sister, Debra (Loren) Griffin of Charlotte; brother, John Jackson of Bellevue; sister-in-law, Vicky (Steve) Berghorst of Allendale, Mich.; nieces, Katelin (Blake) Kennedy, Jessica Griffin, and Laurel Griffin; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Robert Eskew.
Dr. Jackson especially enjoyed interacting and caring for his patients. He served more than 10 years as a volunteer firefighter for the Lake Bluff Fire Department. Dave was a member of the Lake Bluff United Methodist Church and was absolute in his faith. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
A celebration of life will be held at the Kalamo United Methodist Church on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jerry Bukoski officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The church is located at 1475 S. Ionia Road in Vermontville.
Those desiring, may send a memorial to Alexis and Ben’s Education Fund, P.O. Box 254, Lake Bluff, IL 60044.
Calvon E. Kidder
Pastor Calvon “Cal” E. Kidder, 91, of Woodland, went into the loving arms of his Savior on May 9, 2019 at his home, with his loving family. Cal was born on January 6, 1928 to Glen and Alice (Pritchard) Kidder in Boone, Mich. Cal married Alice Soderquist on February 21, 1948. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage and four daughters. He was an avid wood worker most of his life. In 1950 he was called by the Lord to serve as a minister in the Church of God, pastoring seven churches, spanning many states in his 62 years of service.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Alice; children, Joy (Jerry) Swiger, Janet (Mike) Long, Mary Kidder and Vee (Phil) Grimwood; grandchildren, Kelly (John) Donlin, Michelle (Steve) Crouch, Christy (Jeff) Molenaar, Tiffany Watson, Caleb (Dacia) Watson, David (Melissa) Grimwood, Heather Parrish; great-grandchildren, Shane Willette, Andy Donlin, John Munro, Alley Munro, Brittany Molenaar, Evan Molenaar, Tanner Yanz, Brody Cheesbro, Charlotte Watson, Myles Watson, Devin Grimwood and Dalton Grimwood; siblings, Treva Dewey, Lewis Kidder, Lila (Bob) Rosenburger; along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Cal in death are his parents; siblings, Cylia Bowen, Mark Kidder, Lee Kidder and Larry Kidder.
A funeral service was held on May 14, 2019 at the Kilpatrick U.B. Church. Burial took place in Woodland Memorial Park on May 14.
Memorials can be made to the family to help with expenses.
Online condolences can be left at koopsfc.com.
Lee E. Coltson
Lee Edward Coltson, 80, of Bellevue passed away May 8, 2019 surrounded by his family. Lee was born September 28, 1938 to Leonard and Verle (Vrooman) Coltson of Olivet. Lee graduated from Bellevue High School in 1956. He began working at Coltson’s Clothing and Shoes and then in the office of Cheney Limestone (both in Bellevue) before starting a 17 ½-year career as a policeman/detective with the City of Battle Creek. He then took a Friend of the Court position with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department. Lee left the Sheriff’s Department in 1991 to start his own private detective business, which he ran until his retirement in 2016 at the age of 77.
During his life Lee was a Cub Scout Master, active in the Bellevue Athletic Boosters, President of the Bellevue Whirl-a-ways square dance club, and served on the Bellevue School Board when the new high school on Love Road was built. In addition, he was a three time past president of the Bellevue Lion’s Club, served as president of the Bellevue Alumni Association, and was elected President of the Village of Bellevue. In 2013, Lee was placed in the Bellevue High School Hall of Fame for his activities in the community during his life.
Lee is survived by, in his words, “his very lovely wife,” Sharon (Tew) Coltson of 59 years; their three sons, Thomas (Vicky) and Timothy (Kris) of Bellevue and Patrick (Dawn) of Hastings; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jacob, Joe, Janice, Clay, and Garrett Coltson, Stasia Swiger and Betsey Smith; great-grandchildren, Skylar, Railys, and Kairi Mulkey, Hayes Coltson, Paige Smith, Evan Willis, Zachary, Matthew and Abigail Beard.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents and sister Caroline Howard.
Services will be held on May 22, 2019 at United Methodist Church in Bellevue. Family will be available for visitation starting at 10 a.m. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon.
Memorials may be made to the Bellevue United Methodist Church or Bellevue Lions Club.
Family and friends that wish to leave condolences, may do so by visiting lighthousefuneral.com.
Kim Bruce
Kim Renae Bruce, 60, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 24, 1959, in Beeville, Texas the daughter of Frederick and Angie (Wertz) Earl. Kim graduated from Charlotte High School in 1977. On August 11, 1979, she married her beloved soul mate and best friend, Randy Bruce, at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Kim was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the hub of her family and always saw to it that everyone was well cared for. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved watching them grow as individuals. Kim had many things that she enjoyed during her life. Randy and Kim built their house in 1986 and planted almost every tree on the property. She loved her magnificent flower gardens and landscaping that she created and the nature it supports. She could be found every morning with a cup of coffee and Clancy Dog at her side, having her daily coffee talk with her mom, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds from her front porch. Kim also enjoyed cooking, boating, golfing, bowling, Detroit Tigers, MSU athletics, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim and Randy spent many summers on the water together beginning in 1978. They cherished many special moments together, years using their jet boat, and later cruising the Great Lakes in their bigger boats. Kim worked at Char Lanes, General Motors, drove school bus for Charlotte Public Schools, and was a devoted employee for over 27 years at the Barry/Eaton County Health Department as the hearing and vision technician, working with great people over the years and helping many children. She was also a member of the Charlotte branch of the GFWC (Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs), and Mobile Meals.
Kim is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Randy; daughters, Angie Marie Bruce of Charlotte, Alicia Renae Bruce of East Lansing; grandchildren, (grand)daughter Alyvia Renae Bruce, grandson, J.C. (Jason) Carroll Lea, Jr.; parents, Fred and Angie Earl of Cadillac; brothers, Mark F. Earl of Dimondale, Thomas L. Earl of Charlotte; mother-in-law, Myra Bruce of Charlotte; sisters-in-law, Johanna (Jeff) Stolowski, Diana (Geoff) Riddle, Lisa Bruce; aunts and uncles, Denny Wertz, Darry and Dee Wertz, Donny and Linda Wertz; many cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Duane and Martha Wertz, Harold and Ruth Earl; father-in-law, Wally Bruce; brother-in-law, Jeff Bruce; nephew, Grant Bruce; Aunt Marsha and Uncle Thomas Dewey, Aunt Carla Wertz, and Aunt Carolyn Piersma.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at the First Congregational Church, with Pastors Curtis Demars-Johnson and Andy Shaver officiating.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Kim’s honor to First Congregational Church, 106 S. Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813, Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813, or Siren/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson St., Charlotte, MI 48813, Journey’s Dream, https://journeysdream.org/donate-landing-page/.
To view Kim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.