Obituaries
Michael G. Cary
Michael Guy Cary, 61, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, February 16, 2019, at his home in Charlotte with his wife by his side. He was born November 16, 1957, in Columbia City, Ind., the son of Guy and Letha Joan Cary. Mike graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1976. He married Pamela Louise Crittenden on March 24, 1996, in Charlotte. He worked for Shrontz Trucking for more than 20 years. Mike enjoyed hunting, trips to the casino, and working with wood.
He is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Jason (Tatum) Cary of Charlotte, Nicole (Justin) Breard of Eagle, Paul (Angela) Hume of Illinois, Kristy (Kyle) Grinold of Vermontville; six grandchildren; siblings, Linda (Mike) Allman of Florida, Debra Burton of Portage, Cheryl Halsey of Battle Creek, Christine Halsey of Potterville, Brad (Cindy) Halsey of White Cloud.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Tom Halsey; and sister, Dee Cary.
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Dan Wilkinson officiating.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Mike’s honor to the family or the American Cancer Society.
To view Mike’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Jan P. Benedict
A celebration of life for Jan Paul “J.P.” Benedict of Alba, Texas was held Thursday, February 21, 2019, at Lake Fork Baptist Church with Bro. Perry Crisp officiating. J.P. passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and dear friends on February 14, 2019, in Texas. He was born June 7, 1944, in Hastings, Mich., to Gretchen and Paul Benedict. He was a member of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Psi Upsilon Fraternity at Michigan State University, Class of 1967 and graduated from MSU with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Zoology/Chemistry. J.P. was called to serve in the armed forces during his senior year of college and enlisted in the United States Army for Officer Candidate School. During his tour in Vietnam, he was 1st Lt. and Platoon Leader of the 1099 Transportation Company, nicknamed the 1099th River Rats. He received the following citations/commendation awards: N.D.S.M, USM, VCM, ARCOM and two O/S Bars. After serving our country in the Vietnam War and receiving an Honorable Discharge, he pursued and obtained his Juris Doctorate Degree at the Valparaiso School of Law in 1973. He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan and began his career as a prosecuting attorney for Ingham County before going on to private practice until 2004. J.P. and Brenda married in 1998. After moving to Texas in 2004, they purchased a Dairy Queen, which they are very proud of. J.P. was also an instrument rated, private pilot. He was an avid outdoorsman. J.P.’s love for horses began at their farm in Michigan. He was an active member of the NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association), ACHA (American Cutting Horse Association) and WCHA (World Cutting Horse Association). He was very passionate about his horses and won numerous awards in cutting competitions.
J.P. always said that he wasn’t born in Texas, but he got here as fast as he could! His sons remember him as a strong leader who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He adored and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and loved teasing them; especially telling his little granddaughter that he was going to be better looking than her in the morning! His friends remember him as a warm, gentle and caring man; strong and determined with a wonderful sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father and “Bapa” and will be greatly and dearly missed by his family, friends and brothers in arms.
J.P. leaves behind his loving wife, Brenda of Texas; two sons, Tyler (Jaclyn) Ripley of Charlotte, and Travis (Katie) Ripley of Lindale, Texas; three loving grandchildren, Max, Kylee, and Beau Paul Ripley of Lindale, Texas. J.P. is also survived by his sister, Susan Benedict of Charlotte, North Carolina; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Martin of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Tonya (Barry) Ashley of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Linda Willis of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Carol (Travis) Combs of Kingwood, Texas; sister-in-law, Janice Ward of Dimondale; sister-in-law, Kathy (Tom) Jones of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Dan (Barb) Martin of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Dennis (Renee) Martin of Mulliken; and numerous extended family members around the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Peter Benedict, of Michigan.
A special thank you to Dr. Bernard Taylor and his staff and the medical professionals at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home. The online register can be signed at wilsonorwoskyfuneralhome.com.
Linda Clarke
Linda Mae (Stadel) Clarke, 78, of Kalamo Township, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2019 at her home. Linda was born in Charlotte on February 5, 1941, the daughter of the late DeVere and Thelma (Barlond) Stadel. She was raised in the Bellevue area and attended local schools, graduating in 1959.
She was the wife of Dean Clarke. The couple was married in Charlotte on April 22, 1961. They began their lives together on a small family farm in the Eaton Rapids area. Early in their relationship, Linda worked as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, but when her family began to grow, she focused all her attention on caring for her children and her home. After a short time at the Eaton Rapids farm, the couple purchased a farm in the Bellevue area where they raised their family together. Linda always wanted a large family, and took great pride in tending to her home, and her families needs. Each year she would spend time in the kitchen canning fresh food for her family to eat throughout the year.
In her spare time Linda enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, crossword puzzles, and word searches. Linda loved animals, and named each animal on the couple’s farm. She had a special affinity for cats, and rescued every stray cat should could.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Dean; and six children, Scott Clarke, Kevin (Susan) Clarke, Brad (Tiffany) Clarke, Brian (Nicole) Clarke, Deanna (Roger) Ladd, Brent (Kara) Clarke; her brother, Norman (Mary) Stadel; 20 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Walker.
Funeral Services were held at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville on Thursday, February 14, 2019, with Lester DeGroot officiating. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.
Linda L. Ames
Linda Lou (Halsey) Ames, of Manchester, passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 while under the care of Hospice of Lenawee at Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich. Linda was born to George and Rhea (Peg) Halsey on February 24, 1939 in Charlotte. She completed high school in three years, graduating as Salutatorian of the Vermontville High School Class of 1956. Linda married Joseph (Bill) Ames on September 11, 1958. They lived in Charlotte, Springport, Vicksburg and Chelsea before settling into their home in Manchester in 1970. Linda had various jobs over the years, including working in the kitchen at Chelsea Hospital and sorting mailings at Unit Packaging in Ann Arbor. She was also a volunteer for Arbor Hospice for many years. After graduating with an associate’s degree from Washtenaw Community College at age 50 with a 4.0 GPA, Linda began her most treasured job of all — teaching creative writing at the Ann Arbor Senior Center. She enjoyed writing poetry and attending writing conferences. Linda spent many enjoyable hours reading to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and many especially remember her incredible cookies. Throughout her entire life, she found joy spending time with her many cherished pets and was often seen walking her dogs or working outside in her yard.
Linda is survived by daughters, Stacey Ames, Vanessa (Philip) Albee, Theresa Ames, Stephanie (Bruce) Carlton; grandchildren, Ben (Stephanie) Carlton, Matthew (Danielle) Carlton, Chett (Kathryn) Albee, Megan Carlton, Ryan Albee; and 12 great-grandchildren, Madison, Hunter, Matilda and Bruce Carlton; Claire, Caleb, Luke, Lydia, Anna, Isaac and Levi Carlton; and Tyson Pidcock.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Bill); parents, George and Peg Halsey; stepfather, Robert Halsey; and granddaughter, Angela Luree.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Manchester Chapel. A private interment of her cremains will take place at a later date. Flowers or donations are not necessary; instead, take time to thank a health care worker or express your love to family and friends. If you would like, donations are always appreciated at Hospice of Lenawee, any Humane Society, or any other charity of your choice.
Please leave a message of comfort for Linda’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at borekjennings.com.
Linda’s family would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Tecumseh Cambrian Assisted Living where she was a resident for three years.
Leland E. Carpenter
Leland E. “Lee” Carpenter, 69, of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte, passed away, Monday, February 18, 2019. Lee was born April 25, 1949, in Lansing, the son of Edward W. and Shirley (Feier) Carpenter. Lee graduated from Charlotte High School in 1967. Soon after graduation he honorably served his country in the United States Army in Korea during the Vietnam War. On July 18, 1970, Lee married Susan Elizabeth Green at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Lee retired after many faithful years of service from the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission and National Wine and Spirits. One of Lee’s favorite pastimes was cruising the Lake Michigan shoreline with Susie in their boat. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching MSU sports and Detroit Tigers baseball. Lee was active throughout his life in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at White Lake Assisted Living and Harbor Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Lee is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan; mother, Shirley Carpenter of Whitehall, formerly of Charlotte; sister, Lois (Rudi) Semen of Lansing; brother, Kevin (Cindy) Carpenter of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Charley (LeAnn) Green of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Marguerite (Doug) Burkhead of Williamsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward W. Carpenter, nephew, LCpl Andrew Carpenter.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. John Brooks officiating. Interment followed at Millerburg Cemetery. There will also be a memorial service held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 8945 Stebbins St., Montague, MI 49437 with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Lee’s honor to the White Lake Assisted Living, 6827 Whitehall Road, Whitehall, MI 49461 or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.
To view Lee’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.