Obituaries
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.
Marie L. Franks
Marie Louise Franks, 90, of Satsuma, passed from this life on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at her home following an extended illness. She was a native of Okmulgee, Okla., and had lived in Satsuma for the past 10 years, coming from Charlotte. She enjoyed Bingo, horse races, scratch-offs and watching game shows on TV. Marie was of the Baptist faith.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Franks; and parents, Carson McDaniels and Sarah Myrtle Virginia Byford.
She is survived by her son, Lonnie Lee Ackley of Charlotte; her daughter, Karen Palmer (James) of Satsuma; 16 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren.
No services are scheduled at this time.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Marie’s Book of Memories page at johnsonoverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
James A. Clemons
James Albert Clemons, 82, of Bellevue, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019. He was born April 14, 1936 in Battle Creek, the son of LeRoy and Marjorie (Berry) Clemons. Jim worked as a farmer his whole life and for Kellogg Co. for 30 years before his retirement. He married Duretha Myers on October 8, 1954 in Battle Creek. Jim was a member of the Kellogg 25-year Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #299, and attended Pleasantview Family Church. He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was involved in many leagues. Jim loved spending his winters in Mercedes, Texas. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Duretha; daughters, Valerie (Chuck) Tuttle, Valeta (Doug) Norris, and Vickie Mingus; sisters, Marilyn Gordon and Sharon (Al) Ballard; brother-in-law, Cork Berry; longtime friend, Bill Schroder; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and special cousins from Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Connie Clemons; son, Gordon Clemons; son-in-law, Denny Mingus; and sister, Carolyn Berry.
Funeral services have already been held. Burial took place at Assyria Cemetery in Barry County.
Memorial tributes may be made to Pleasantview Family Church. Arrangements were made by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service.