Obituaries
Rosalie M. Schneider
Rosalie Mae Schneider, a small woman with a big heart, died peacefully with her family by her side on February 5, 2020, at the age of 85. Born August 13, 1934, to Ralph and Juanita (Johnson) Cortright, Rosalie grew up with a strong will and great understanding of the power of prayer. She became a nurse and worked at St. Lawrence and Hayes Green Beach Hospitals. She met her future husband in Lansing at Bradleys Dance Hall, and on June 8, 1955, she married Edwin Schneider. When they started their family, they filled their home with love, caring, adventure, helping others and the Word of God. Her family fondly remembers that she would pray with her Rosary … while driving. A strong, silent force about her, Rosalie cared for others all the time through her actions and enjoyed cleaning the church, organizing funeral dinners, making afghans for children, sewing clothes for her family and making birthday and Easter cakes. Some of the things that Rosalie enjoyed include: camping, hiking, square dancing, polka music (especially the Beer Barrell Polka), swimming in the neighbors’ pond, baking and tending her flower beds. After their retirement, Rosalie and Edwin enjoyed several trips to McAllen, Texas, and a special trip to Alaska and Newfoundland.
Rosalie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edwin; children, Marcella (Mike) Haag, Marvin (Teri) Schneider, Dorothy (Ron) Schroder, Edward (Lynn) Schneider, Charles (Marlene) Schneider, and Kay (Parks) Preston; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Juanita Brassell and Cleo Cortright; sister-in-law, Rose Cortright. She was predeceased by daughter, Nancy; and siblings, Mayn (Marty) Cortright and Ralph Cortright.
Friends are encouraged to support the Schneider family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 10, 2020, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. David Rosenberg officiating. Visitation is Sunday, February 9, 2020, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary service officiated by Deacon Charles Schneider at 7:30 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rosalie on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Barry E. Hoyt
Barry E. Hoyt, age 77, of Coldwater, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Barry was born on May 10, 1942, in Charlotte, to Elmer and Kathryn (Willis) Hoyt. He attended and graduated from Charlotte High School. On May 7, 1966, he married the former Donna Withrow, who survives. Barry served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was later employed with the U.S. Army National Guard, where he worked with computers and attained the rank of staff sergeant, retiring with 20 years military service. Outside of work, Barry enjoyed traveling and engaged in many outdoor pursuits, including snowmobiling, camping and fishing. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed visiting many different posts.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Barry is survived by his children, Tara (Mike) Powell of Union City, Theresa Mohrhardt of Burlington, Robert (Robin) Hoyt of Quincy and Daniel Hoyt of Watervliet; a brother, David Hoyt of Charlotte; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gary Hoyt and Rodney Hoyt; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Mohrhardt.
A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City, Mich. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, also at Lighthouse in Union City.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center Homeless Veterans Program Fund. Visit lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
Jon Myers
Jon Myers passed away peacefully on January 8, 2020, at Hospice of Lenawee. He was born in 1943 in Lansing to Edward and Caroline Myers. After graduating from Charlotte High School, he attended Lansing Community College and continued his studies at Michigan Technological University, where he received a BS degree in forestry in 1968, and at Lake Superior State University, where he received an MBA in 1989. He married Rebecca Ruth Gladden in Owosso on September 10, 1966, and they made their home in Houghton, Mich. until he received his degree. The couple had two children, Charles (Raina) Myers of Blackshear, Ga., and Rachel Myers (Ronald) Moore of Fargo, N.D. Jon’s professional career was as a maintenance manager at the Lafarge cement plant in Alpena and the Holnam cement plant in Dundee. Jon served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Charlevoix Lodge 282 F&AM. He loved flying and was a certified flight instructor. At home, he enjoyed stained glass work and woodworking, even building his own sailboat.
Jon is survived by his wife of 53 years; his children; several grandchildren; his brother, Fred (Sherry) Myers; and sister, Martha (Charles) Powers. He was predeceased by his parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mildred I. O’Dell
Mildred Irene O’Dell, age 88, of Olivet, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 15, 1931, in Charlotte the daughter of Vern and Vera (Smuts) Waddell. Mildred went on to graduate from Olivet High School in 1948. On March 20, 1949, she married Gerald F. O’Dell at the Bellevue United Methodist Church. Mildred was one of the most caring and compassionate ladies one could ever meet. She loved people and was always concerned about the needs of others. She was a devoted Christian woman who ministered to many throughout the years. Mildred was a long-time member of Faith Assembly of God in Olivet where she faithfully served in many compacities. She retired after over 30 years of service from State Farm Insurance where she worked as a senior underwriter.
Mildred is survived by her children: Gerry (Becky) O’Dell of Augusta, Garry (Sue) O’Dell of Olivet, Dick (Martha) O’Dell of Olivet, Ruth (Ron) Pufpaff of Marshall; seven grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald; brother, Byron (Lorene) Waddell; and nephew, Ron Waddell.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at the Faith Assembly of God in Olivet with Pastors Garry O’Dell and Todd McLane officiating. Interment took place at Maple Hill Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in Mildred’s honor to Gideon’s International or Faith Assembly of God. To view Mildred’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger L. Corey
Roger L. Corey — a quiet and gentle man that silently supported the Village of Vermontville in many ways — died February 3, 2020, at the age of 65. Roger was born June 3, 1954, in Charlotte to Marion and Flossie (Case) Corey and lived his entire life in Vermontville. A graduate of Maple Valley High School in 1972, Roger had a real love for his community and did many things throughout his life to support his hometown, always behind the scenes and with no fanfare or recognition of his contributions.
He spent many years as a volunteer for the Vermontville Fire Department. His real passion, however, was the baseball diamond at Maplewood school, used by the Maple Valley High School. Roger single-handedly made sure the field was meticulously cared for — mowing it himself every week, caring for the field before and after games, ensuring that a sprinkler system was installed so the grass was fantastic and organizing and helping build a press box. Hundreds of young baseball and softball players enjoyed this field over the years.
Roger worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years as a rural carrier in Bellevue until his retirement in 2009. At home, he enjoyed an extensive collection of Coca Cola memorabilia and had a love for trains, old tractors and several beloved cats over the years. He loved to bowl, target practice with his guns and attend auctions/ sales. Roger enjoyed giving to others and was very humble and kind.
Roger is survived by many cousins, including: John Clayton (Kristyn) Briggs of Vermontville, Judy Lemon of Potterville, Lynn Brooks of Auburn, Ind.; dear friends, David and Paula Benedict from Ft. Collins, Colo.; his beloved cats, Gandalf and Jack; and many friends at the Vermontville Fire Department and within the community of Vermontville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his best-friend, Monte O’Dell.
Friends are encouraged to remember Roger by attending a Community Affirmation Service at the Vermontville Fire Station on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 11 a.m. Those attending are requested to bring a baseball bat with them for a special salute. Roger suggested many years ago that if anyone wanted to remember him, they were welcome to donate to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Roger on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.