Obituaries
Alfred Jardot, Jr.
Alfred Jardot, Jr. of Eaton Rapids, known affectionately as “Goat,” died May 1, 2018 at the age of 84. He was born April 9, 1934 in Lansing to Alfred Morris and Thelma L. (Dornan) Jardot. He served in the Air Force from 1957-1962, and then worked at Fisher Body for 45 years. He was a hard worker, working a full-time job and tending to the family farm and animals. He loved to tinker, play cards (games like Hand and Foot and Rummy), and enjoyed working on small engines. He also loved fishing, farming, and bird watching. Alfred was proud of his children and grandchildren’s accomplishments and enjoyed spending time with family.
Alfred is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Catherine Rose (Hillis) Jardot; children, Patty (Doug) Lifford, Mitch (Debbie) Jardot, Monty Parish, and Lori Parish; son-in-law, Rick Price; grandchildren, Sarah Price, Danielle Parish, Kim Price, Rebecca Lifford, Emily Lifford, Jessica Smith, Marvin Steward, Mia Jardot, and Tyler Jardot; seven great-grandchildren; and brother, Donald Jardot.
Alfred was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Thelma Jardot; step-daughter, Jane (Parish) Price; grandchildren, Brian LaValley and Rae-Lynn; sisters, Maxine Kline and Barbara Higdon; brothers, Alfred Morris Jardot Jr., Bernard Jardot, and Paul Jardot.
Friends are encouraged to support Alfred’s family at visitation and service. Memorial services are Saturday, May 5, 3 p.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to service at the church.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Small Animal Association for Rabbit Cages.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Alfred on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Herbert L. Stacey
Herbert Levi Stacey of Marshall, formerly of Charlotte, passed away on January 26, 2018 at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Herbert was born August 17, 1923 in Charlotte, the son of Elmer and Luella (Shaffer) Stacey and lived most of his life in the Charlotte area.
He was a 1942 graduate of Charlotte High School and had served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of the Charlotte American Legion Post #42 for more than 70 years. He sang for many years with their traveling group that performed throughout Michigan at veterans’ functions. He attended the First Congregational Church of Charlotte and the Marshall First Baptist Church after moving to Marshall.
He had been employed in the maintenance department at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte from where he retired in 1986. He previously had been employed at the Wilcox-Gay Corp., Aluminum Extrusions, the Charlotte Recreation (Bowling) and the Char-Lanes of Charlotte. Herb traveled to Rome, Georgia in 1950 to help the Dixie Corporation build a new plant and then returned to Charlotte.
He enjoyed bowling, golfing, deer and goose hunting. Herb spent a lot of time as a teenager in the Upper Peninsula hunting and fishing with his uncles.
Herb was very talented and had a great imagination. He carved and constructed Christmas ornaments, lawn decorations as well as costumes and puppets which he used when he performed at holiday functions.
Gladys and Herb enjoyed 25 years at their cottage at Duck Lake (Stacey-Ives Goof Off Haven) before they retired and then 30 years of friendships at their home in Sarasota, Fla. (Venetian Park Estates) in the winters. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gladys G. (Field) Stacey; brother-in-law, Carl (Patty) Field; nieces, Jan Miller, Joyce (Charlie) Porter and Schara (Ike) Swan; nephew, Timothy Field and several grand nieces and nephews, Ginger (Larry) Holland, Gina (Graydon) Bell, Chris (Ann) Porter, Lesa (Bob) Smith, Steven Botimer, HaileyYoung and Landon Young; cousins, Richard (Joan) Spitzer and Gordon (Martha) Woodman; and special friends, Steven (Diane) Sowle and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, LaDonna Ives, her husband Bill Ives; father-in-law, Geroge W. Field; mother-in-law, Jeannette Field; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Field.
A memorial service with military honors will be held at noon on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastors Philip Hobson and David Good officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service. A funeral luncheon at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte will immediately follow the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home of Charlotte. To view Herb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Dewain J. Sivyer
Dewain J. Sivyer, 76, of Vermontville, a man who loved outdoor activities and was known for his stubbornness, died May 2, 2018. Dewain was born August 1, 1941 in Lansing to James and Jeanette (VanPolen) Sivyer. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School and enlisted in the Army. While serving in Germany, he met his future wife, Monika Secker, and they were married October 6, 1962 in Frei-Laubersheim, Germany. They have been happily married for 55 years, and have enjoyed many adventures together traveling and fishing, as well as raising their four children. Dewain loved to fish in Canada, hunt on his property for deer and turkey, he had several vegetable gardens and canned the fruit of their labor, and he also loved fabricating in his barn (a skill he learned from his grandfather).
Dewain was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and they will miss him dearly. Dewain is survived by his wife, Monika Sivyer; children Susan (Edward) Daaod, James (Linda) Sivyer, Richard (Martha) Sivyer, and Cynthia (Brad) Huff; grandchildren, Alex, Cody, Anna, Hannah, Brianna, Amber, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Joyeln, Ava, and Braden; siblings, Jeanette (Don), Helen, Donna (Gary), and Arlene. Dewain was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dewain’s family by visiting his tribute page and sharing memories of him at PrayFuneral.com.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Stoneleigh Residence in Lansing, where Dewain spent his final days being cared for by a wonderful staff. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Debra Elaine Moore, 64, made her journey to heaven on April 24, 2018.
Debbie leaves behind her father, Ralph Moore; four sisters, Diane Dixon (Dale), Doreen Moore, Dawn Moore, and Darlene Moore (Georgia); nieces, Danielle Dixon, Amy Moore, Tina Stine; and nephew, TJ Kurylo; along with many great-grand nieces and nephews.
Waiting to welcome Debbie into heaven was her mother, Dorothy Moore.
When Debbie was born in 1951 she was not expected to live into adulthood, but her lifelong trait of feisty determination led her to a full and long life. Debbie was an avid fan of roller coasters, dancing, music, binge-watching “Cops,” scary movies, puzzles, hot air balloons and napping. Debbie worked for many years at Transition’s North in Lansing.
The family would like to thank Residential Options for the commitment shown to Deb over the years and the fine staff at Canarsie House for their love and devotion. Because Debbie’s life was so enriched by the kindness of others in lieu of donations the family suggests performing an act of kindness in Debbie’s name.
A celebration of Deb’s life will be held at Center Eaton Community Center on Monday, April 30, with visitation/viewing from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Her service will be officiated by Pastor Charles Jenson and will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by internment, a balloon release, and refreshments.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Douglas C. Kelsey
Douglas Clare Kelsey, a happy, honest friend of many, died peacefully on Sunday, April 22, 2018 in Kalamazoo. Doug, 68, of Vermontville, was born November 21, 1949 in Lansing, the son of Dr. Lewis Donald and Hildred Louise (Figg) Kelsey. He graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1967 before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from Olivet College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. He also graduated from the Institute of Organizational Management through Notre Dame University.
Doug held many esteemed positions throughout his career. He started with the Michigan Auto Parts Association in membership benefits before moving to the Michigan Floral Association. He worked three years as the Director of Education and Certification for the Professional Insurance Agents of Michigan, followed by serving as Director of Member Programs for the National Hearing Society and administered the National Board of Certification for hearing instruments and specialists. He served as CEO and President of the Michigan Home Health Association for two years before eight years as Executive Director of the Association of Builders and Contractors of Central Michigan. He formed his own firm, Kelsey Consulting and Management Group until 2008, when he went to part time project consultant for the Dispute Resolution for Education Resources. He held distinctions as Past President of Michigan Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and as a certified Association Executive.
Doug loved Vermontville. He served as Master of Ceremonies for the Syrup Festival for 35 years and was named the festival’s Grand Marshal for 2018. Throughout his many years of public service, he always remained fiercely dedicated to his hometown. He spent much of his time with friends. He enjoyed time on the golf course – as long as no score was kept – and enjoyed the occasional good scotch or bourbon. Doug will be remembered for his quick wit and approachable nature. He made a difference in many lives and maintained his friendships throughout his life.
Friends are encouraged to support Doug’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services were held Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Vermontville, with Rev. Pool officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Maple Valley Scholarship Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doug on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.