Obituaries
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.
Steven M. Rosie
Steven Mark Rosie of Eaton Rapids passed away February 5, 2020, at the age of 49. Steven was born in Lansing, on October 5, 1970, the son of Ronald and Louise (Maring) Rosie III. He was a 1988 graduate of Charlotte High School and earned his associates degree in business from LCC. Steven loved to be outdoors enjoying all the things young boys did. He was a collector of Star Wars memorabilia, played online games and loved to hot rod around town with his brother in his younger years and go fishing with his niece and nephew.
Steven is survived by his parents; brother, Paul (Amy) Rosie of Eaton Rapids; niece, Samantha Rosie; nephew, Joshua Rosie, both of Eaton Rapids.
No services are planned at this time. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Wildside Rehabilitation Center or the Saved by Zade cat rescue. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest book.
Bryan E. Arlen
Bryan Earl Arlen, born February 9, 1981, in Fort Ord, Monterey Bay, Calif., passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2020. Bryan was the son of David and Teresa (Clever) Arlen of Jacksonville, Fla., previously of Eaton Rapids.
Bryan was known for his laugh, smile and heart. He lived in Galion, Ohio, and then moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1998 and attended Lansing Community College. He later moved to Jacksonville, N.C. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children, fishing, tattooing, riding his motorcycle and spending time with family and friends. Bryan was the owner of Old Salt Tattoo in Jacksonville, N.C. where he was well known for his amazing talent paired with the most humble personality.
Bryan was preceded in death by his son, Sullivan Arlen; paternal grandfather Jack Arlen; and maternal grandparents Harold and Carolyn Clever. He is survived by his children, Jameson, August, Jasper and Coraline Arlen, along with their mother, Meredith Mertz; grandmother, Carole Arlen; parents, David and Teresa Arlen; siblings, Jenny (Josh) Tice and Daniel Arlen (Jill Behnke); niece, Hannah Tice; nephew, Aaron Tice; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services were held in Jacksonville, N.C. In lieu of flowers, a donation for final expenses can be sent to his mother, Teresa Arlen, 204 Delight Dr., Jacksonville NC 28546.
Coral L. McCallum
Coral Lee McCallum, who enjoyed all things red, died January 28, 2020. Coral, age 84, was born on July 7, 1935, in Charlotte, Claude Hugh and Alberta (Payne) Conant. She was a quiet woman who kept to herself and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bingo and card games, making her house a home, cooking and dancing to country-western music were things to occupy her time. She and her husband, Max, loved to travel. She particularly enjoyed riding on his motorcycle with him and enjoyed time spent at Buck Lake with the family.
Coral is survived by her loving children, Linda (Bryan) Williams, Gary McCallum, Keith (Karen) McCallum; grandchildren, Mark (Amanda) Williams, Hope (Dan) Sheler, April and Holly McCallum, Kristina (Andy) Foster, Cameron McCallum, Amy McCallum and Eric McCallum; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Max; and her parents.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 3 p.m. at Hunt Cemetery in Clarence Township with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Coral on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.