Obituaries
Sherman C. Kelley
Sherman Ceyland Kelley, of Charlotte, a family man of integrity, passed away on July 13, 2018 in Charlotte, at the age of 84. He was born on January 26, 1934 to Ceyland and Edla (Sherman) Kelley in Charlotte. Sherm attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1952. On January 9, 1954 he married Marcelyn Baker in Charlotte. Following high school he joined the U.S. Army, where he became an instructor for soldiers during basic training, preparing them for the Korean War.
Sherman worked for General Motors for over 30 years, retiring in 1987 as a plant superintendent. His coworkers remember Sherm as a likeable, gentle person who could be tough when needed. It was through his fair treatment for all that he earned the respect of his co-workers. For a number of years he was active on the General Motors Supervisors Council, at one time serving as its chairman.
Sherm loved spending time with his family. As a loyal UofM fan in a divided household he often traded barbs with his son and granddaughters over MSU sports. He was also a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers. He loved traveling with his family throughout the United States. Marcelyn remarked that they had traveled to 49 of the United States. Their favorite ones were Hawaii and Alaska. Sherm and Marcelyn were active through their church participating in numerous work camp mission trips over the years. Above all, Sherm was most proud of his family, his children and grandchildren.
Sherman is survived by his wife, Marcelyn; daughter, Kimberly (Randy) Howe; son, Kris (Jan) Kelley; two granddaughters, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Skye Kelley; two grandsons, Jason Whetstone, Chandler Kelley; two great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; and sister, Darlene (Dwight) Pierce.
He was preceded in death by father, Ceyland Earl Kelley; mother, Edla Marie Kelley; and brother, Darwin Earl Kelley.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July18, 2018 at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorials to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice of Michigan.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Sherman’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Deborah J. Clemence
Deborah Jean Clemence, 67, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018, with her family by her side. She was born December 12, 1950, in Tribune, Kan., the daughter of Delbert R. and Vada P. (Hickman) Steele Jr. On October 11, 1969 she married Lester Scott Clemence in Newport, Rhode Island. Deborah enjoyed reading, English history, flower gardening, and volunteering. She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Deborah also enjoyed her position as the wedding coordinator for the church and volunteering at the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott; children, Andrew S. (Jennifer) Clemence of Royal Oak, MI, Leslie Scott Clemence of Lansing; special granddaughter, Sophie Grace Clemence; sister, Susan L. (Eddy) Henneman of Hamburg, Minn.; niece: Kristine L. Henneman of Burnsville, Minn.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Deborah’s honor to the American Breast Cancer Foundation or the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.
To view Deborah’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Beverly J. Meeder
Beverly Jean Meeder, of Potterville, a dedicated volunteer, died July 11, 2018. Beverly, 89, was born May 16, 1929 in Hastings to Lyman and Gertrude (Carlyon) Chamberlain. Beverly worked at Michigan State University as a secretary in various dormitories, retiring after 25 years. She was an avid volunteer, spending time with many different organizations, including the McRee House in Lansing, Hidden Trail Gift Shop, and Ingham Medical (McLaren Greater Lansing) Gift Shop for 19 years where she was a jewelry buyer. Beverly was a member of the Brookfield Eastern Stars, Potterville Lioness Club, Potterville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the church choir. Beverly enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, playing Pinochle, and she was an avid MSU and Detroit Tigers sports fan.
Beverly is survived by her children, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, and Cindy (David) Dunn; grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, and Erin Dunn; and siblings, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain; and her brother, Richard Chamberlain.
Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Funeral services are Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville, with Pastor Kathy Dobbie and Pastor Tom Fox officiating. Visitation is Sunday, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus (formerly Potterville United Methodist Church).
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Henrietta E. Rice
Henrietta Elizabeth Rice, 91, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. She was born January 6, 1927, in Saginaw, Mich., the daughter of Floyd Henry and Jenny Elizabeth (Heliker) Moore. On September 22, 1943 Henrietta married the love of her life Estel I. Rice. Henrietta loved her family and cherished the many precious times they spent together. She was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and active member of First Baptist Church in Bellevue. She could often be found early in the morning enjoying a cup of hot tea and reading her Bible. Henrietta enjoyed working in her flower gardens and doing crafts in her free time. She was a fabulous homemaker and always saw to it that her family was well cared for.
Henrietta is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Freddie) Newsome of Charlotte, Judy (James) Dillon of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Powers, Suzie Cain, Mary Ellen (Jack) Lucas, Floyd (Diane) Moore, Sara Jean Zimmerman, Don (Shirley) Moore, Sue (Jerry) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Leatrice Lattavo, Aileen Hartney; brother-in-law, Dick Babcock.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estel; siblings, Henry Moore, Bill Moore, Lillian Babcock, Bertha Rochester, Jack Moore, Tina Brophy.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Those desiring may make contributions in Henrietta’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021.
To view Henrietta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Betty J. Ulrich
Betty Joan Ulrich, loving mother, grandmother and lifelong caregiver for others, passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86. She was born on August 17, 1931 in Charlotte, the daughter of Vera and William Shoemaker. Betty married her true love, Bernard L. Ulrich, on November 28, 1959. Betty was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a past President.
Betty met Bernie while working at Consumers Power and went on to positions at Owens-Illinois, at St. Mary School as a school bus driver, and then retired from Charlotte Public Schools in 1989, as a secretary in the Special Education Department.
Betty enjoyed crafts, traveling, and going to their cottage that Bernie built near Harrison, on Deer Lake. She also enjoyed spending winters in Ruskin, Florida, with Bernie. They enjoyed camping, taking trips with tour groups and quick trips to the casino.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Tamara and her husband, Marcus Hartman, and Cynthia, and her husband, John Coon; grandchildren, Benjamin (Briana) Hartman, Laura (Jacob) Braun, Amanda Hartman, and Nicholas, Brooke and Zachary Coon. Also surviving are her sister, Naomi “Sky” Cowan; sister-in-law, Margaret (Eugene) Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by husband, Bernie, in 2009; her parents, Vera and William Shoemaker; brother, Nelson Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Marian Pohl, Dolores Orweller and Burlene Schafer; and brothers-in-law, Norbert Pohl and Leon Schafer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 12, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Betty’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.