Obituaries
Barbara Marlene Ghere
Barbara Marlene Ghere of Onondaga passed away March 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Barb was born in Charlotte, Michigan, on March 22, 1938, the daughter of Harold and Esther (Gibbs) Nye. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1956 as her class Valedictorian. Barb went on to pursue higher education after high school and graduated from Lansing Business University. She shared an apartment with a couple of other girls and worked in Lansing doing secretarial jobs for several years.
Barb was the bookkeeper for the over 400-acre farm that she and her husband, John operated. During peak years of farming pickles, tomatoes, squash, corn, wheat and the pigs, she was managing over 100 migrant workers.
When she first moved to Onondaga, she became well acquainted with her neighbors as she sold Avon to ladies in the local area. In her later years, she worked as Deputy Clerk for Onondaga Township.
She is survived by her children, Jean (Randy) Maiville of Onondaga, Karen Ghere of Lansing; grandchildren, Katherine and Elizabeth Maiville, Christina Ghere; sister, Martha Goppert. Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Ghere; infant sister, Sherrill Nye.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Visitation was Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will take place in Onondaga Cemetery.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Onondaga Community Church in loving memory of Barbara Marlene Ghere. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Walter Melvin Mead
Walter Melvin Mead of Onondaga passed away March 21, 2026, at the age of 87. Walter was born in Paulding, Ohio, on October 2, 1938, the son of Wayne and Gladys (Stouffer) Mead. He graduated from Springport High School in 1957.
Walter and his wife, Phyllis, farmed over 155 acres and raised cattle. He and his brothers owned and operated Mead Brothers Excavating where he was a Bucyrus Erie 30-B Cable Crane Operator of over 70 years. Walter enjoyed fishing, as well as Pheasant Hunting out west with his loyal German Short-haired Pointers and Weimaraners. Above all else, Walter enjoyed spending time with his family, and he will be dearly missed by all his loved ones.
He is survived by his children, Diane Hamilton of Onondaga, Daniel (Vivian) Mead of Albion, Sandra (Mark) Carrick of Charlotte, Jeanne (Bill McAllister) Mead of Onondaga; nine grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; sister, Della Mergener of Eaton Rapids. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis Anne Mead; son-in-law, David Hamilton; and nine siblings.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Jeanne and Bill’s Barn, 10528 Wilcox Rd, Onondaga MI 49264. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pope United Methodist Church or Elara Hospice in loving memory of Walter Melvin Mead. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Patricia Ann Stacilauskas
Patricia Ann Stacilauskas of Eaton Rapids passed away March 13, 2026, at the age of 81. Patricia was born in Lansing, Michigan, on December 10, 1944, the daughter of Earl and Joan (Sutton) Carne. She graduated from East Lansing High School in 1963. Patricia was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. She was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister as well as a member of the Altar Society.
Patricia enjoyed knitting, crocheting, cooking and reading. Most of all, she cherished being a mother and grandmother.
She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Patricia is survived by her children, Amy (David) Oeseburg, Ann (Cory) Ellis, Alice Hewitt, Aaron (Heather) Stacilauskas, Alan (Papiya Ray) Stacilauskas, Amanda Stacilauskas, Amelia Stacilauskas, Arthur Stacilauskas; 16 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; brothers, James (DeeDee) Carne, Donald Carne, Gerald Carne. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dennis Stacilauskas; brother, Edmond Carne; son, Andrew Stacilauskas.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place in Rosehill Cemetery. 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 Patricia Ann Stacilauskas. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Freddy Dean Adkins
Freddy Dean Adkins of Eaton Rapids passed away March 16, 2026, at the age of 72. Fred was born in Pikesville, Kentucky, on March 24, 1953, the son of Ireland and Thelma (Newsome) Adkins.
He moved to Eaton Rapids when he was 13 years old, with his parents and oldest sister, Helen and brother, Kenny. Fred had two older siblings who passed away at a very young age. He married Dawn Kemper when they were 18 years old on December 29, 1972. Fred and Dawn had two children, Miracle Ann and Jade Teresa.
He worked many years for Kunkel Farms and the glass factory, OMI in Charlotte. Fred worked hard to get his GED from Eaton Rapids Alternative Education and graduated in 1983. He worked for ETM Enterprises in Grand Ledge for 26 years. Fred loved his wife of 47 years, they enjoyed camping, fishing and RVing together for many years. He was also a proud father who enjoyed spending time with his kids. Fred had many friends and was passionate about the outdoors. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and sober for over 40 years. Fred remained an advocate for sobriety and continued to support the AA community.
He is survived by his daughters, Miracle Adkins, Jade Adkins; granddaughters, Sophia Adkins, Leona Eaton. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dawn Adkins in 2019; siblings, Kenny Adkins, Bobby Adkins, Helen Parsons.
At this time no services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous in loving memory of Freddy Dean Adkins. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Ronald Lee Byerly
Ronald Lee Byerly of Eaton Rapids, Michigan went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 93.
Ron was born on January 2, 1933, in Adrian, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Helen (Cavander) Byerly. He was raised on the family pony farm in Stockbridge, Michigan, and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1951.
While in high school, Ron participated in the Naval Reserves, an experience that inspired his lifelong commitment to service. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in California and Utah and trained as a military mechanic.
Ron married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Joanne Wheeler, in 1951. In 1957, he moved to Eaton Rapids where he started and operated Byerly-Wheeler Garage, specializing in trucks and heavy machinery.
During this time, he also began working part-time as a school bus driver for Eaton Rapids Public Schools. He later became Supervisor of Transportation, a position he truly loved and held for many years until his retirement.
Ron dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He served with both the Eaton Rapids Fire Department and the Hamlin Township Fire Department, protecting the Eaton Rapids community from 1964 to 1987 and later serving as Hamlin Township Fire Chief from 1988 until 2003.
A devout member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Ron served as a Knight and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Charities. He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ron was also a passionate supporter of Eaton Rapids athletics and spent countless hours volunteering and cheering his hometown teams, especially wrestling and football.
Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne Byerly; his parents; and his sister, Kathleen Wilson.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Ed) Kleehammer, Kaye (Todd) Byerly-Cole, Pamela (David) Wigent, and Jody (Rick) Strank; his grandchildren, Eric (Jeanene) Byerly, Heather Byerly (Andy), Russell (Nicole) Lawrence, Beth Lawrence, Ben (Michelle) Lawrence, Briar Wigent, Jacob (Sarah) Strank, and Blake (Lindsey) Strank; 12 great-grandchildren; his brother, Lee (Kathy) Byerly; along with numerous extended family members and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church. The family received friends on Tuesday from 2:to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Charities in memory of Ron. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Sandra Lee Hennings
Sandra “Sandy” Lee Hennings, a devoted and loving, wife, mother, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2026. Sandy, 79, was born on July 6, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Horace and Dorothy (Kolze) Kimber. On October 17, 1978, Sandy married Richard “Bear” Hennings. He referred to her as the best most loving and caring woman a man could ask for. Over the years Sandy acquired the nickname “Widget,” a name that Sandy and Richard hold the secret as to the meaning behind the name.
Sandy was heavily involved within the muzzleloading community and Lewis and Clark reenactments. She proudly facilitated for 30 years the Charlotte Frontiers Day Living History Camp, as well as attended numerous camps around the country. In the 1980s Sandy became a Master Gardener, in which she worked as a gardener at Sensations Memory Care, as well as many other clients in the Charlotte surrounding area. Sandy also studied to become and trained as an EMT in Charlotte and Hastings. Above all her biggest joy in life came from her husband and her children.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Richard; children, Billy (Faith) Glisson, Chad (Jenny) Glisson, Jerry (Eva) Hennings, and Roger (Pamela) Hennings; 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her son, Gary Glisson; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Sandy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies Fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Coleen Ann Robinson
Coleen Ann Robinson age 78 of Kalamazoo, passed away Tuesday evening, March 10, 2026. Coleen was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 21, 1947, one of eight children of James and Anna Mae (Blakely) Parish.
Coleen was raised in Slocum, just outside of Ravenna, Michigan, where she gained the nickname “Beaver.” The name stuck well into her adulthood and turned into the largest beaver collection you have ever seen. Coleen dedicated her life to raising her family, including not only her own children, but her grandchildren as well.
As a home maker, she loved baking and cooking. She looked forward to entertaining her family at special dinners which she would prepare. She would almost always go overboard in preparing food. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to have one pie per person on Thanksgiving. The memories of those times will live on in the hearts and minds of her family for years.
Coleen is survived by her children, Shannon Werner, Alan Hunt, Anna Mae Hunt, and Sarah Kadosh; grandchildren, Brad, Stephanie, Presley, Taylor, Alex, Joey, Julia, Dara, Isaac, and Thomas; great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Journey, Jackson, Elijah, Isaac Jr.; sisters, Kate Turner, Mary Castenholz, Melissa Holtz; brother, Dan Parish; several nieces and nephews; countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Mike Parish, Pat Parish, Rose Parish Longoria, and her former husband LG “Jim” Thompson who still held a special place in her heart.
A Celebration of Coleen’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Milestone Senior Services or Centrica Care Navigators, in c/o the funeral home, Joldersma & Klein, 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49001.
Steven Graham
Steven Graham, age 81, passed away on March 13, 2026. Born February 2, 1945, Steven was a hard-working and devoted man who made a lasting impression on those who knew him. Steven was a resident of Mulliken, Michigan.
Steven graduated from Charlotte High School in 1963. He worked as a local contractor for many years before retiring in 2013, when he turned his attention to enjoying time fishing.
Steven proudly served in the Marines during Vietnam.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Lisle Graham; his infant daughter, Angela; and his sister, Connie Steward.
Steven is lovingly missed by his wife, Lucille; his children, Kevin Graham, Wesley Graham, Raymond (Lisa) Graham, Jonathan Graham, and Londa Graham; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Sandra Parker; his brothers, Dennis (Kym) Graham and Stanley (Linda) Graham; along with many nieces and nephews and friends.
Funeral arrangements by Koops Funeral Chapel.
Lucille Irene Wilson
Lucille Irene Wilson, 85, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, died Sunday, March 9, 2006.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Benton Township Cemetery, Potterville, Michigan.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sharon Marie Williams
Sharon Marie Williams of Marshall, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on March 2, 2026. At just 60 years of age, she left this world after a valiant month-long battle with a severe viral pneumonia.
Sharon was born October 17, 1965 in Pontiac, Michigan to Robert E. and Joan E. Martin. A city girl with a dream of living on a farm, her dream came true when she met her [now] husband Todd Williams, when he showed up one day with his friend Doug Forraht (who is now married to her twin sister) to Sharon’s home in Sterling Heights.
Doug and Todd were visiting their friend, Jeff Maddux, who happened to live next to the twins, Sharon and Suzy. Jeff knew Doug and Todd were looking for romance and said, “You should meet my neighbors.”
There were immediate sparks, Sharon with Todd and Suzy with Doug. A first date was set – one that, to many, might seem inconceivable. Todd and Doug took the twins to Dave O’Daniel’s farm in Leroy Township. It wasn’t just a tour. Sharon and Suzy helped corral, vaccinate, castrate and process 400 piglets. Talk about immersing them in farm life! Any other girls would have walked–if not run– away, never to return from such a date, but not Sharon and Suzy. They were devoted to their vision of a life on a farm. They also came to recognize that the hard-working young men they had met would provide them not with an easy life, but a life of sincere commitment and unparalleled fulfillment.
Sharon completed her bachelor’s degree at MSU and not only worked on the farm but also supported it with off-farm income and crucial health insurance. She began an impressive career spanning numerous positions over the years, including working as a Nottawa Creek watershed coordinator, MAEAP technician, MSU cooperative extension, Farm Bureau agriculture labor department, Calhoun County drain office, and finally as a crop insurance adjuster. Sharon was a dedicated and capable worker and excelled in every position she held. Then, when she got home from work each day, she would head outside and work on the farm until dark.
Sharon loved life on the farm. She loved sunsets, searching for unique stones, maintaining the yard, gardening, and spending time with her dogs. She was skilled and efficient with nearly every piece of machinery on the farm. She loved to rake hay, pick up bales, cut firewood, and feed cattle. Sharon was a master trapper. She spent considerable time in the fields placing conibear traps to remove countless woodchucks– cute, furry, but also smelly and destructive creatures that decimated the farm’s soybean crop year after year. Her record was 137 trapped in one summer.
In addition, she kept records, paid bills, replaced the flooring in the kitchen, and completed many renovations and DIY projects. Sharon was a force to be reckoned with on the farm and likely did more work than the rest of her family combined.
Sharon had a heart for service and helping others. She spent many hours creating a model of the Albion ethanol plant, still used in Olivet FFA’s agricultural literacy day. For several years she planned and built the Olivet FFA exhibit in Floral Hall at the Calhoun County Fair, as well as volunteered at the Fredonia Grange Stand and Miracle of Life tent there. She consistently offered to judge at and train FFA students for contests. While her children were in school she could always be counted on for whatever was needed. Devoting limitless hours to these causes never phased her. Sharon was always ready and willing to help.
For all of those who knew her, Sharon was a ray of sunshine– a kind and caring friend who greeted all with a smile. She had an enormous heart for her family, friends, and anyone who was in need. Those who were lucky enough to know her knew they had someone who would listen, empathize, support, and encourage. In her professional life she engaged with her clients to such an extent that many became lifelong friends. She loved playing with and spoiling her grandson, Jasper, and her dog children, Tess and Bear. The trips she planned with family and friends were epic, memorable, and beautiful. The bonds Sharon formed with family and friends were strong. She was kind, compassionate and loyal. Anyone who knew her was better for it.
P.S. Sharon Williams, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, farmer, and caretaker for her family, set the bar high. Her passing is a tragedy, if only because her life was extraordinary. Though she is no longer with us, she is branded in the hearts and minds of those closest to her. Life will not be the same without her in it, but the time she was in our lives will be forever cherished. We love and miss you Sharon, and know you are in a better place, now and for eternity. This is not goodbye, just see you later.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Joan Martin, and her brother Mike. She is survived by her husband Todd, children John and Anna, siblings Cindy (Dan) Gothard, Rick (Ruth) Martin, Steve (Amber) Martin, and her twin sister Suzy (Doug) Forraht, and her grandchild Jasper. She also has many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of her life is planned for March 21 at the Williams Farm in Lee Township (in the case of severe weather, it may be moved to the Lee Township Hall). A visitation will be held from 10 a.m., followed immediately by a service at 11:30 a.m., and then a luncheon. Memorial donations can be made to the Olivet FFA.
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, and to share memories and pictures with the family.