Obituaries
Sylvia M. Criss
Sylvia Mae (Stephens) Criss, 102, of New Sharon, Iowa, passed away peacefully in the early morning of March, 4, 2019 at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. Sylvia was born September 3, 1916 in Lacey, Iowa to Oscar and Hettie (McCain) Stephens. She married the love of her life, Ed Criss, on September 20, 1936. Together they journeyed through life for the next 56 years until Ed passed in December 1992. She bravely ran the family household, raising two toddlers and a young sister-in-law, while Ed was sent to Europe to fight in WWII. When her husband was sent home critically injured, she continued to care for everyone while nursing him back to health and eventually gave birth to their third son. The couple became very active in their community, with Sylvia playing the role of team mother to the many, many athletes Ed coached throughout the years. She won numerous awards for her gardening and needlework talents. She was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in New Sharon and was a founding member of the 50+ Club.
But most of all, Sylvia will be remembered as the loving matriarch of her family.
She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Bilge) Criss and Donald (Jan) Criss; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Criss; as well as 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her beloved Ed; son, Norman; granddaughter, Lisa; and great-granddaughter, Kelly.
Services for Sylvia will be on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon, Iowa. Family visitation is at 9 a.m. Family will receive friends at 10 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to The Lansing City Rescue Mission: donatenow.networkforgood.org/1439238?code=Donate+Button.
Charlene J. Bartha
Charlene J. Bartha, 77, of Bellevue, passed peacefully on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo.
Charlene was born on December 29, 1941 in Marshall. She was the daughter to Charles W. and Dorothy A. (Jeffery) Quick. She graduated from Marshall High School in 1959 and from Kellogg Community College with a degree in accounting. She married her sweetheart, Edward J. Bartha on June 15, 1963. He preceded her in death in January 2004.
Charlene worked many years in the banking world and finally retired from Keiper-Recaro (Atwood/Excel) as an accountant. Charlene grew up on a farm loving the outdoors and helping her dad, but her excitement always drifted toward rides on his old John Deere tractors. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, knitting, crocheting, but spending time with family and friends was her passion. Charlene also enjoyed receiving phone calls and visits from her grandchildren along with holding a special bond with Holly her rescue toy poodle. She spent many memorable years watching her grandchildren participate in sporting events.
She is survived by her children, Lynda (Ron) Colvin of Kalamazoo, Edward (Heidi) Bartha of Bellevue, and Charlie (Cindy) Bartha of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Ryon, Allison, Elizabeth, Chelsea, Kenneth, Jared, and Bryce; and one great-grandson, Bowen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a sister, Eleanor Petersen.
Funeral services have already been held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Bellevue Fire Department. Arrangements were made by the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.
Doris A. Sutherland
Doris A. Sutherland, 102, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Service in Charlotte. She was born November 16, 1916, in Grand Ledge, the daughter of William and Clara Bell (Roe) Criss. She attended country school in Grand Ledge. Doris married Frank B. Sutherland. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a Detroit Tigers fan her entire life. Doris enjoyed bowling, playing cards, scrap booking, and tending to her magnificent flower gardens.
Doris is survived by her son, Dick (Jan) Sutherland of Coldwater; daughter, Dorene (Jim) Woolworth of Edmore; daughter-in-law, Charlene Sutherland of Charlotte; 12 grandchildren; numerous great- and great great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; sons, Bradford and William Sutherland; brothers, Dudley and Dale, and sister, Rose.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. Interment followed at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Doris’s memory to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Service Activities Department.
To view Doris’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Lola G. Boyer
Lola G. Boyer, 101, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019. She was born April 14, 1917 in Big Rapids, Mich., the daughter of Albert and Viola (McCrimmon) Russell.
She is survived by one son, Eldon (Joan) Boyer of Sunfield; two granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd in 1985; two sisters; and three brothers; and best friend, Barbara Borsum.
She was a member of Oneida Gospel Church for more than 53 years.
Her body was donated to science.
Donations in her name, can be made to Oneida Gospel Church, 3048 Strange Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
Robert Fredline
Robert Fredline, a quiet man who was devoted to his family, died unexpectedly February 17, 2019 at his residence in Bellevue at the age of 64. Bob was born to Rex and Yvonne (Martin) Fredline in Mt. Clemens, Mich. He was a member of the 1972 Charlotte High School graduating class, where he was a member of the CHS band. Many may remember Bob from his work at Fisher Body in Lansing, Carefree Aluminum in Charlotte, or as a Water Systems Operator for Delta Township.
Robert is survived by his father, Rex Fredline; and sister, Debra (Terry) Marquardt; as well as his nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Fredline.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 22, 2019, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson, officiating. Interment followed in Dimondale Cemetery.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences on Bob’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.