Obituaries
Cynthia Ann Hiser
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Hiser, a woman who was always up for an adventure, died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025
after a courageous battle with cancer. Cindy, 65, of Charlotte, was born June 7, 1960, the daughter of Paul and Phyllis (Walter) Binkowski. After graduating from Charlotte High School, Cindy began working in Customer Service. She worked for General Aluminum, Felpausch Party Store, Admiral, and most recently Shell. Cindy greeted everyone with a big smile and always had a joke to share. Hobbies that she enjoyed included doing plastic canvas, cross-stitching, playing Backgammon, reading horror novels (especially Stephen King), camping, going to Rock and Roll concerts, trips to the sand dunes, and going putzing around town in her beloved ’78 blue Ford pickup. Above all, throughout her life, she loved the friendships she made and her daughter.
Cindy is survived by her daughter, Rachelle Hiser; sisters, Cathy Bennett, and Paula (Kelly) Naber; nephews, Brandon and Jeremy Truax; niece, Shawn (Josh) Hose; great-nephews, Aleks and Ethan; great-niece, Maddianna; and close friends, Rose and Kelli. She was predeceased by her parents; and her brother-in-law, Mike Bennett.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service from Noon until 2:00 p.m. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Cindy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help with funeral expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dawn Rose Stanley
Dawn Rose (Lettimore) Stanley, age 51, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. She was born on September 11, 1973, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Walter and Vicky Lynn (Morse) Lettimore. Dawn graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1992. In April of 2006, she married Chad Stanley in Eaton Rapids. Dawn loved her family and cherished spending time together with them. Her personality could be described as sweet, caring, kind, and sometimes bossy. Dawn looked forward to their yearly family camping trip where they enjoyed fishing and special time spent together. She faced life’s difficulties with a strong courageous spirit and always did her best to be bright and uplifting to those around her.
Dawn is survived by her husband, Chad; son Hunter Stanley; father, Walter Lettimore; sisters, Victoria Lettimore and Shannon Lettimore; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Vicky Lettimore; and her son, Earl Long IV in 2022.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Burial took place place at Gunnisonville Cemetery in DeWitt Township.
Those desiring may make contributions in Dawn’s memory to Ele’s Place, 1145 W. Oakland Ave., Lansing, MI 48915.
To view Dawn’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Michael Olmstead
Michael “Mike” Olmstead of Bellevue, age 74, passed on from this world on June 18, 2025. He was born to Rex Edward and Ardeth Olmstead on April 12, 1951. He grew up in Bellevue and graduated from Bellevue High School. Mike then entered a 36 year career at Post Cereal and while at Post, attended KCC, finishing an apprenticeship in machine repair and retired at the age of 55 as a mill-right. He served in the Reserves with an Honorable discharge in 1977.
Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy (Butler) Olmstead of nearly 53 years of marriage; sons, Kory (Jen) Olmstead of Sherwood, Kyle (Teresa May) Olmstead of Maine; grand-children, Kenyon and Kiara Olmstead of Portage, Ava Hammond and Ayden Olmstead of Sherwood, Josephine and Eleanor Olmstead of Maine; brothers, Randy (Becky) Olmstead of Battle Creek, Tim (Karen) of Florida; sister-in-law Susan Stibitz of East Lansing; along with numerous nieces and nephews and made long life-long friends here in Michigan and Florida.
Mike thoroughly enjoyed sports through his life. Playing softball into his 40’s, basketball, bowling and golfing into his retired years. He especially loved watching his grandson, Ayden, play baseball and basketball games. He was and always will be, his biggest fan. He loved nature, especially his very active backyard. He loved gardening and his love of dogs in which he has handed down to both of his sons. But most importantly, he has instilled the importance of family.
Mike was a snowbird for many years, making great friends all over the states and Canada. He was a member of BC Chapter Local 374, Retirees and the PNA Club. But his love of his family was his top priority. He loved his weekends hanging out with Kory’s family at the lake and he loved his yearly travels to Maine to see his son, Kyle’s family. Having sons, he never missed their sporting activities. He instilled in them as much knowledge as he could about cars and how to take care of them. He was always just a phone call away to answer any questions they had and how to help them fix anything.
Mike spent the last month of his life at home with the help of Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice) and family. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Our family will be forever grateful to all his nurses and health aides and the staff at Centrica for making it possible for our family to make many more memories and for the amazing care he received.
As per his request, cremation has taken place and if one wishes memorials may be made
to: Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021 or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Marian Elizabeth Zeis
Marian Elizabeth (Gelow) “Ducky” Zeis passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 88. Born December 9, 1936, to Harold and Marian Gelow. Marian lived in Durand, Charlotte, Lansing and at her family cottage in Greenville. She graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 and worked for the State of Michigan for 37 years.
Marian is survived by her daughters, Deborah Zeis (Judy Tegreeny) and Theresa Thomas; grandson, Levi G. Thomas; and special friend, Julia Freije. Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Marian Gelow; sister, Mary Johnson; granddaughters, Vanessa, Ginger, and Erika Hicks; and former husband, Robert D. Zeis.
Family was everything to Marian. She loved her daughters, saying they were “the best part of her life”, along with her grandchildren. She was always sharing stories about them to anyone who would listen.
In 1953, her parents purchased a cottage on Half Mile Lake in Gowen, MI. This was Marian’s “Happy Place”, where she was known as “Ducky” (her family nickname). After retiring, Ducky spent 23 summers at the lake, cherishing every moment, whether it was enjoying family and friends, riding around the lake on the pontoon or entertaining her grandchildren.
The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ele’s Place. Online condolences may be left for her family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
Kolean England
Kolean England, 78, of Homer, passed away on June 12, 2025 at Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born on November 23, 1946 to William “Bill” England Sr. and Emma Jean (Allen) England in Hanover, MI. She received an Associates of Applied Science specializing in tool and die from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1986 and graduated from Olivet Michigan High School. She was a trailblazer for women in her trade. Kolean started out at Eaton Manufacturing for five years and served as a Sunday School teacher in her earlier years at Grace Freewill Baptist Church. She retired from the manufacturing industry and American Axel (previously Simpson Industries) after 35 years. She took great pride in her home landscaping, gardening, pets, and taking her grandkids on vacation trips as much as possible.
Kolean is survived by her sister, Pamela L. (Pat) Kibbler; daughter, Darla Jean Woodman; son, Alan John Woodman; grandchildren: Adrianna (Tray) Davis, Jeremiah (Erika) Hutchison, Benjamin Mathew Woodman, Acacia Bree Harris; and great-grandchildren: Tracy Jr., Raidyn, Sydney, Raphael, Ariella, Layla and Baby River. God Bless Everyone with being Saved and Baptized.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emma England, William “Bill” England Senior and their son William “Bill” England Junior; brothers, Delmar, Jacob, and Copas “John” England; sister, Jean Passmore; former husband, Jackie Allen Woodman; and son, Brian M. Woodman.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with a service following at Kempf Family Funeral & Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy. 27 N., Marshall, MI 49068.
Burial will take place in the West Clarendon Cemetery, following the service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Kolean’s name may do so to the Humane Society of West Michigan or John Hagee Ministries, 239 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
James Claire Kingsley
James Claire Kingsley, 86, of Springport, Michigan, passed away at home on June 28, 2025. He was born on December 28, 1938, to Elma and Ralph Kingsley in New Harmony, Indiana. Jim grew up in Saranac, Michigan, graduating in 1956 as class president and was active in the FFA. He attended Michigan State University, earning a DVM in 1962. After graduation, he married Judy (Witt) and enlisted in the army, being stationed at Fort Detrick for two years. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Returning to Michigan in 1964, he practiced veterinary medicine in Eaton Rapids for several years until purchasing a farm in Springport. He changed careers to become a teacher and taught at Leslie Schools. Jim enjoyed farming, camping, canoeing, woodworking, and supporting his children’s school, sports, and 4H activities. He attended Springport sporting events until his health no longer allowed.
Jim is survived by his spouse, Judy; his children: Jennifer (Doug) Rainey of Newaygo, Jeff (Gabby) Kingsley of Eaton Rapids, and Joanna Kingsley of Charlotte; and his grandchildren: Hannah Rainey, Selena Kingsley, and Sofi Kingsley.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Vickers Springport Funeral Home located at 121 Pearl Street in Springport, Michigan. A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, P.O. Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
Ruth Ann Thuma
Ruth Ann Thuma, age 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Born on October 15, 1936, in Lansing, the daughter of Frederick and Mary (Perrin) Cleeves.
Ruth moved with her family to Eaton Rapids at the age of three and graduated with the Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1955. She married Art Thuma on June 9, 1956 and together they had three children. Over the years, Ruth held a variety of jobs, including positions at the Accident Fund Insurance, Sears in Lansing, Weight Watchers, and also worked as an Avon representative. However, her most cherished role was a homemaker and a devoted mother to her three children she shared with Art Thuma.
Ruth was a faithful and longtime attendee of First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting, painting, needlework, baking, and working on puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her granddaughter, Jennifer (Thuma) Schmidt; and her siblings, Robert Cleeves, Kenneth Cleeves, Frederick Cleeves, Dorothy King, and Jack Cleeves.
Ruth is survived by her children, Wayne (Marla) Thuma, Rodney (Sue) Thuma, and Sheri Thuma; her grandchildren, Josh (Sabrina) Thuma and Ethan (Sondra) Thuma, Harrison Thuma; great-grandchildren, Brady Thuma and Abigail Schmidt; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in memory of Ruth A. Thuma.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Karon Rae Pewoski
Karon Rae Pewoski of Charlotte, passed away June 22, 2025, at the age of 77. Karon was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 16, 1948, the daughter of Raymond and Bernice (Lott) Colbath. She retired after over 35 years of service for General Motors. Karon was a big fan of baseball and loved her Detroit Tigers. She was an animal lover of all kinds. Above all else, Karon was a very generous person, she would give you the shirt off her back.
She is survived by her daughter, Kristen (Matthew) Grubaugh of Eaton Rapids; stepchildren, Cindy Pewoski of Charlotte, Jon (Michelle) Pewoski of Hastings; grandchildren, Michael, Nathan, Madison (Justice), Kylie, Landon, Alexis, Jeffrey; great grandchild, Scarlett; siblings, Bonnie Jordan, Sharon (Rodger) Craft, Sam (May Pouzar) Colbath as well as several nieces and nephews. Karon was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley Pewoski; nephew, Derek Sadler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Karon Rae Pewoski. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Joe Thomas Darrow
Joe Thomas Darrow, 63, of Eaton Rapids, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia. Joe was born on September 6, 1961, in Mason, Michigan to Thomas and Lois Darrow.
After graduating from Mason High School, Joe began his career in cable and later transitioned into telecommunications. He possessed a vast knowledge of the business and a remarkable talent for problem-solving, so much so that whenever an issue came up, the go-to response was always, “Ask Joe.”
A passionate outdoorsman since childhood, Joe found great joy in hunting, golfing, and disc golfing. More than anything, he cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and made it his mission to keep them laughing with his quick wit and legendary pranks. Joe’s sense of humor, contagious laughter, and joy for life left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be profoundly missed. Joe was one of a kind, unforgettable, irreplaceable, and loved beyond words.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jill Diane Darrow; his children, Tyler Joseph Darrow and Carly Diane (Kyle) Hardy; his parents, Thomas and Lois Darrow; his sisters, Pam (Doug) Darrow Sieb and Kim Darrow Sutliff; and his beloved grandchildren, Fiona Lucille and Easton James.
A Celebration of Life honoring Joe will be held on Sunday, September 28, at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, Bengel Wildlife Center, 6380 Drumheller Road, Bath Township, MI. A brief memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by food, fellowship, and shared memories from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD). Your generous gift will bring help and hope to all who are affected by FTD. Donations in memory of Joe may be made online at www.theaftd.org
Alberta Louise Bailey
Alberta “Bert” Louise Bailey, a remarkable woman who passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 92, left behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a passion for horses. Born on March 27, 1933, in Lynchburg, Ohio, Bert was the daughter of Quiton and Helen (Spurlock) Caplinger.
Bert’s life took her to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where she attended school and later embarked on a journey of raising her three daughters as a single mother. Throughout her career, she held diverse jobs, including roles at the Vic & Billie’s Party Store, Lansing Country Club, American Bank & Trust, General Motors, and as a bus driver for Springport Public Schools. However, her true calling lay in her love for horses.
Bert’s dedication to horses was unwavering. She spent countless hours raising, training, and breeding Arabian horses, eventually transitioning to training and racing Thoroughbreds. Her passion for racing led her on thrilling adventures across the country, taking her to iconic destinations like Chicago, Miami, California, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Outside of her professional life, Bert enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and connecting with others. Known as a social butterfly and “one of a kind,” she brought warmth and energy to every room. She was also a former member of Griffith United Methodist Church.
Bert is survived by her daughters, Robbie Bailey, Sandy (Roger) Bailey Bristol, and Suzette Randall; her grandchildren, Jimi (Wendy) Fall, Nicole Bristol, Toni Pitcher, and Brandi Lee; and her great-granddaughter, Mya Bough. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Faurot & Clifford Bailey; and her daughter, Suzanne Kaczor.
A celebration of Bert’s life will be held at Falsetta’s Casa Nova, located at 138 S. Waverly Rd., Lansing, MI on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from noon to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the Capitol Area Humane Society in her name.
To share memories or offer condolences, please visit: www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com