Obituaries
Sterling W. Treadwell
Sterling Wood Treadwell, 98, died peacefully with his daughter by his side on November 15, 2018, in Sturgis. It is fitting he should enter heaven on the first day of hunting season, and the day after his beloved wife would have celebrated her 99th birthday.
Sterling was born September 16, 1920 in Olivet, the second son of Leo Ray and Bertha Ophelia (Wood) Treadwell. As a boy, Sterling developed a deep-rooted connection to the family farm and a profound appreciation of nature. He grew up in a three-generation household, a house in which he lived nearly all of his life, rarely leaving. Sterling married Arlouene Marie Furu in 1938, and the two cared for his parents while raising their two children, Rosalie and Lawrence, on the homestead. Throughout the years, Sterling and Arlouene demonstrated to generations of their family the values of hard work, honesty, and love. Together they attended Lee Center United Methodist Church as faithful members, raised a beautiful flower and vegetable garden, enjoyed camping across the United States, and hosted countless family functions on their Centennial farm. They were truly life partners and were married 66 years at the time of Arlouene’s death in 2004.
When he wasn’t listening to Straus Waltzes while plowing the fields with his John Deere, he worked full time in Charlotte at Wertz Implement. As a skilled tractor mechanic, he developed a reputation throughout the county for good service and was eventually elevated to Service Manager. After 25 years at Wertz, he retired in 1974 and dedicated the rest of his time to farming. After his retirement, many farmers sought him out for his mechanical expertise. Sterling enjoyed hunting on the farm and was an avid reader. He had a keenly sharp intellect, maintaining his quick wit and sense-of-humor right to the end.
Sterling is survived by his daughter, Rosalie (Leonard) Eishen of Sturgis; granddaughters, Lori (Joseph) Pray of Charlotte, and Robin (fiancé David Morris) Porter of Royal Oak and Sturgis, respectively; grandsons, Eric (Chandre) Eishen of Bronson, and Chad Treadwell of Claremont, Calif.; 11 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and two more expected soon; and niece, Gwen (David) Shoff of Lee Lake, Mich.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Arlouene Marie Treadwell; son, Lawrence Lee Treadwell; grandson, Lawrence Lee Treadwell II; and brother, Clifton Treadwell.
Funeral services were held Monday, November 19, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel officiating. Interment took place in Lee Center Cemetery in Lee Township.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lee Center Methodist Church or Thurston Woods in Sturgis, where Sterling received excellent care in his final year.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sterling on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Barbara J. Dahlem
Barbara Jane Dahlem, 80, of Eaton Rapids, passed away Monday, November 19, 2018. She was born May 17, 1938 in Battle Creek, the daughter of David and Nora (Baker) Sumption. Barb graduated from Olivet High School on May 31, 1956. On June 1, 1956, she married the love of her life Charles L. Dahlem. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spending time together with her family. In her spare time Barb enjoyed bowling and tending to her roses.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charles; children, Nolita (Darrell) Cameron of Columbia, Tenn., Carol (Marion) Schlyer of Bellevue, Darlene Hendrickson of Eaton Rapids, Neal (Alice) Dahlem of Olivet; 12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and sister, Viola Armstead.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and three sisters.
In keeping with Barb’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Barb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Thomas S. Vedder
Thomas S. Vedder, 91, of Grand Blanc, formerly of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018. He was born January 3, 1927, in Avon Lake, Ohio, the son of Sherman and Wilma (Barrett) Vedder. Tom went on to honorably serve his country as a Radio Man Second Class in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Upon his return from the war he was hired as the Post Master in Olivet. One day Tom met a young lady that had come to Olivet to teach at the elementary school. Little did he realize that this beautiful girl would become his wife. On March 28, 1953, Tom married the love of his life Alberta J. Donnelly. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Both he and Alberta made many sacrifices throughout the years for their family. It was a priority of his to see to it that all of his children had the opportunity to attend and graduate from college. Tom loved nothing more than to be together with his entire family, especially during the holidays. They also enjoyed many wonderful times together at their cottage on Torch Lake. In Tom’s spare time he enjoyed UofM sports, NASCAR, trips to Vegas, and a good glass of champagne. He also served as a timer for the Olivet High School track team for over 10 years. Tom retired from Olivet Machine Tool Engineering Company after 30 years of service.
Tom is survived by his children, Jim (Diane) Vedder of Grand Ledge, Steve (Lisa) Vedder of Grand Rapids, Michael (Lori) Vedder of Grand Blanc, Sandy (Brad) Boyer of Saline; grandchildren, Ian (Ashley Palenkas) Vedder, Kristin (Tony) Robinson, Kelsey Szpara, Breana (Daniel) Jackson, Madison Vedder; great-grandchildren, Josephine Szpara, Everlee Robinson, Ryland Vedder, Jameson Szpara, Elliott Jackson, Wesleigh Jackson; and siblings, Richard (Annette) Vedder, Jane Jones.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alberta, in 1994; and sister, Phyllis Windiate, in 2018.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Olivet Congregational Church, with Rev. Jack Brown officiating. The family received friends on Friday, November 16, 2018, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contribution in Tom’s memory to the Fern Persons Elementary School Library Book Fair Fund, 4425 W. Butterfield Hwy., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Shirley M. Bartlett
Shirley May Bartlett, a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, died Saturday, November 10, 2018. Shirley, 81, was born June 28, 1937 in Charlotte, to William “Hank” and Ethel (Akley) Bartlett. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1956, Shirley devoted her life to working to provide for her family. Shirley held numerous jobs over the years from being a cook, working at General Motors to most recently working at Carefree in Charlotte. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo, cooking — especially her fried chicken, crocheting, collecting knickknacks, and giving and receiving scratch off tickets. Family gatherings were a big part of Shirley’s life, she made everything special from decorating for the holidays to coordinating family picnics. Family was her everything.
Shirley is survived by her loving family; children, Barbara (David) Bowser, Donna (Fred) Wright, Michael (Sharon) Wellman, and Holly Bartlett; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy (Duane) Winright and Carol (Dale) Garvie.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents; granddaughter, Tabbitha; great-grandson, Layne; brothers, Henry, Everett and Roy Bartlett.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Yvonne P. Kelley
Yvonne Preston Kelley, a kind hearted, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018. Yvonne, 67, was born July 25, 1951 in Lansing, to Duane and Clara (Alberta) Ries. Yvonne was a 1969 graduate from Portland High School. Following graduation Yvonne went to work as a secretary in Abbot Hall at Michigan State University, retiring in 2008. August 1, 1981 Yvonne married her sweetheart Larry Kelley and together they created their legacy. Her hobbies included going to the casino, taking trips around the country, especially trips to Silver Lake each summer; mowing the lawn, crocheting, taking care of others, rooting for Michigan State, and making her famous Chex mix. Yvonne had a heart of gold, and devoted a lot of her life to helping others.
Yvonne is survived by her loving family; husband of 37 years, Larry Kelley; children, AJ (Ali) Preston, Teri (John) Price, Amber (Marv) Argersinger; grandchildren, Jackson, Claire, Jessica, Sammi, Max, Kyla, Eli, Kalyn, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Deegan, Levi, Gage, Colton, Ashton, and Diesel; daughter in-law, Kelli Kelley; brother, Glenn (Denise) Ries; and special friend Nancy Harmon.
Yvonne is predeceased by son, Kyle Kelley; parents; brother, Dan Ries; and husband, Dan Preston.
A celebration of life was held Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, Eaton Siren Shelter or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Yvonne on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.