Obituaries
Joseph A. Harmon
Joseph A. Harmon, age 88, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings. He was born September 6, 1935, in Battle Creek the son of Elwin and Leona (Turner) Harmon. Joe graduated from Olivet High School in 1954. While in high school Joe became active in FFA and this experience led him to pursue a lifelong passion of farming. On June 5, 1955, he married Joan Sharp at the family home in Olivet. Joe was a true farmer and cherished each and every moment he spent laboring to provide for his family. He first farmed on Old 27 outside of Olivet and retired from his farm on Ainger Road. Joe had a love for tractors and equipment. He always repaired and rebuilt his own things. Joe was proud to work side by side on the family farm with first his father-in-law, Murl Sharp, friend, Stan Otto, and later his son, Tom. Together they made many special memories. Joe loved to visit with others. Strangers were never strangers for very long. He had a gentle way of making friends and took a genuine interest in others. Mike Babcock spent countless hours along with Joe solving the world’s problems in the milk house. When Joe retired from farming, he went to work as a salesman for Vigortone Feed and later Cen-Pe-Co Oil. Joe’s brother Jack said it best when he said, “I love my brother very much and he will be truly missed.”
Joe is survived by his children, Sally (Carl) Fox of PA, Carla (Bill) Kanine of Petoskey, Thomas (Julie) Harmon of Olivet, Debra (Rex) Swank of Olivet; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Jack Harmon of Au Train, MI; sisters-in-law, Jane VanDriessche of Olivet, Barbara (John) Henry of TN, Joyce Sharp of Olivet, Mary (Richard) Midlam of Olivet; brother-in-law, Bill Mott of Battle Creek; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Murl and Jessie Sharp; wife of 68 years, Joan; and sister-in-law, Ruth Harmon.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Family received friends during a time of visitation for one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place after the funeral service at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joe’s memory to the Olivet FFA, 225 1st Street, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Joe’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Martha Louise McDiarmid
Martha Louise “Babes” McDiarmid of Charlotte, a quick-witted lady with a great sense of humor and an extensive collection of everything watermelon, died March 14, 2024, at the age of 88. Martha was born in Janesville, WI on March 26, 1935, to Clarence and Ada (Ozmen) Coulson. In February of 1964 she married Lyle McDiarmid and then raised their children in the country, gardening, raising cattle, and even making their own maple syrup. Martha was an excellent baker, not only making delicious treats for her family, but she also worked as a baker at Charlotte Bakery and later as a cook at Olivet College for over 25 years. In addition to her collection of watermelon, she also collected Christmas tree pins. Martha also loved flowers and was very proud of her gardens with her favorite flowers being the hyacinth and iris. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha cherished every moment she spent with her family.
Martha is survived by her children, Steve (Sheila) McDiarmid, Rebecca Berry, Cheri (Jerry) McDiarmid, Wendy Ratliff, Deborah (Joe) Brege, and Eric Scott (Linda) McDiarmid; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard (Bev) McDiarmid, Doris Thorton, Joyce (Ron) Need, and Linda (David) Suntken; as well as many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by son, Robert Felder; husband, Lyle McDiarmid; grandson, James VanVleck; brother, Robert Coulson; and sons-in-law, Duke Berry and Warren Clemons.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 20, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Raymond Mann
Raymond “Jack” Mann, a man known for his love of catching fish, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Jack, 93, of Charlotte, was born on May 14, 1930, in Charlotte, the son of Audley and Theresa (Bailey) Mann. He proudly served in the United States Army as an MP during the Korean War. Upon being discharged, Jack married Marilyn Joyce Edwards on May 5, 1951 and they enjoyed 72 years of life’s adventures together raising three children. Jack worked as a self-employed contractor building many homes in Michigan. He is a former Lions Club member of over 20 years, where he volunteered countless hours over the years. Hobbies that Jack enjoyed were fishing, hunting, cheering for MSU football, and restoring old Volkswagens into dune buggies. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family.
Jack is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Sandra Mann, Susan (Mickey) Collins, and Scott (Barb) Mann; grandchildren, Amanda Collins, Hali Pyles; great-grandchildren, Luke Pyles, Jack Pyles. He was predeceased by his parents and grandson, Tyler Mann; siblings, William Mann, Robert Mann, Rose Kowalk, and Ronny Mann.
Friends are encouraged to support Jack’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Brent Harcourt Belcher
Brent Harcourt Belcher, 80, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on March 29, 2024, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
He was born on February 14, 1944, to Edward and Genevieve (Tuck) Belcher in Marshall, Michigan.
On April 17, 1965, Brent married Wanda Peck in Marshall, Michigan. He was a proud active member of the Michigan State Auctioneers Association, was their Past President and was inducted into their Hall of Fame on January 29, 2000, and Brent’s father Ed and family were on hand to present him the award. His other memberships included the Indiana Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Association. Brent was a third-generation auctioneer. He started clerking and setting up auctions for his father Ed Belcher in the early 1960’s, while attending Kellogg Community College. He called his first auction at the age of 20 and has been a full-time auctioneer until retiring in 2023. He was very active with the Calhoun County 4H Livestock Project Auction for 56 years. He always donated his time to churches and charitable organizations that asked for help putting on an auction. Brent has sold at countless Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever Benefit sales throughout the state and at 30 plus Calhoun County 4-H Livestock auctions which have set three world records. He also helped at the Eaton County 4-H Livestock sales. Brent helped organize and served on the steering committee as well as selling at the annual Oaklawn Benefit Auction since its inception. The community was very important to Brent, and he volunteered his time by serving on the Marshall Area Economic Development Council, Calhoun County Fair Advisory Committee, Michigan National Bank Board of Directors, member and past president Marshall Lion’s Club, donating equipment for the Marshall Area Relay for Life, Starr Commonwealth for Boys fundraiser selling at their annual event. He was a longtime active member at Marshall United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing in the choir. Brent enjoyed outside activities around their home, water skiing at Lee Lake and showing Quarter Horses when he was younger. He and his horse earned Grand Champion at the Chicago International Livestock Show. Golfing was his favorite hobby along with his Bear Whizzer Golf Club friends. Above all, Brent loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Family was everything to him. He will be truly missed for being an excellent auctioneer and family man.
Brent is survived by his loving spouse of 59 years, Wanda; his children, Kristin (Dan) Gaston of Marshall, Michigan, Heather (Ray) Charles of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and Kevin (Angie) Belcher of Marshall, Michigan; his grandchildren, Lexi Mead, Hannah Schroder, Logan McPherson, Jordan McPherson, Kira Belcher, Brielle Belcher and Katie Gaston; great grandchildren, Brenton Mead, Linden Mead, Sophie Gaston and Danny Gaston; and his sister, Suzette Koster.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation for Brent will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Marshall United Methodist Church (721 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068) with the memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Erin Fitzgerald officiating. Inurnment will be held at Marshall United Methodist Church Memorial Garden.
Memorials are suggested to the Marshall United Methodist Church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, Michigan 49068. Please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Lillian Yvonne Madison
Lillian “Pat” Yvonne Madison, age 85 of Mulliken, MI passed away March 31, 2024. She was born on September 23, 1938, in Easton Township, the daughter of Charles and Joy (Bowers) Montgomery. She married Terry Madison on November 19, 1984.
Pat loved going to her grandkids’ sporting events, camping at the fair and going out to dinner. She also loved her dog, GIGI.
Surviving is her husband Terry Madison of Mulliken; children, Dawn (Bob) Loveland of Vermontville, Arlin (Robin) Duke Jr. of Cadillac, Terry (Vanessa) Madison Jr. of Orleans, Tina Ruehs of Eaton Rapids, Kurt Duke of Mulliken, Tracey Madison of Ohio, and Angie (Chris) Musser of Vermontville; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; several great great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Ron) Dankenbring of Ionia and Nancy (Wayne) Morgridge of Ionia.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Arlin Duke; her parents; sisters, Doris Hopkins, JoAnn Robinson and Margaret Yahr; and stepbrother, Robert Bennett.
A memorial visitation will be held at Lake Funeral Home in Ionia on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s or Maple Valley Athletic Boosters. Online condolences may be made at www.lakefuneralhomes.com.
Suzanne Young Jones
Suzanne Young Jones, a woman who approached everything with a sense of wonder and humor, died February 18, 2024 at her home in Dimondale. Suzanne was born in Chicago, IL on November 21, 1953 to Elmo Jack and Maralynn (Canfield) Young. In 1982 she married Thomas Jones and became an instant mother to his two children, James and Leigh, and then together they had two more children to make their home complete, Tommy and Lisa. With a very creative nature, Suzanne enjoyed gardening, woodworking, refinishing and rehabbing furniture, and especially cooking, spending hours preparing amazing meals for her family. She also had a beautiful voice, laugh, and enjoyed humor as she took care of her home and family. Suzanne was also a companion of dozens of cats, whom she loved very much throughout her life, five of which she leaves behind.
Suzanne will be missed by her husband Thomas who searched many years for her, and enjoyed 41 wonderful years together; children, Tommy (Hiyam Afeef) Jones, Lisa (Jermaine) Wates; step-children, James Jones, and Leigh (Chris) Sheffield; grandchildren, Esa, Lyla, Clementine, Ella, Luke, and Roman; brother, Paul (Diane) Young; sister-in-law, Terri Young; and many cousins and extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and brother, Mark Young.
Friends are encouraged to support Suzanne’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Southside Animal Hospital Paws Giving Tree in Lansing, Saved by Zade, PO Box 27, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, or any Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathryne Marie Seman-Laverdiere
Kathryne Marie Seman-Laverdiere, age 34, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024. She was born August 30, 1989, in Hampton, Virginia, the daughter of Jeffrey Seman and Barbara Cruz. Kathryne was raised in Florida and graduated from Orange Park High School in the Class of 2007. She later obtained an associate degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Jacksonville. First and foremost, in Kathryne’s life were her three boys. She adored them and cherished every moment together. She loved her boys, family, and friends with fierce devotion. Kathryne had a servant’s heart and was always concerned about the needs of others. She wanted to bring a smile to the faces of those she encountered and had a way of lighting up a room. She loved to cook and prepared many beautiful meals for those she loved. Kathryne was also a talented photographer and was passionate about creating lasting memories. She was your go-to girl if you had a question about anything beauty-related. You could always count on Kathryne to enjoy a meal with you, a good cup of coffee, meaningful conversation, or watching Friends. Kathryne’s humble and selfless spirit will always be remembered.
Kathryne is survived by her boys, Scout Laverdiere, Finn Laverdiere, Gentry Gibson; parents, Jeffrey Seman of Charlotte, Barbara Cruz of Jacksonville, Florida; siblings, Christopher Cruz of Miami, Florida, Michée (Matthew) Zydiak of Parker, Colorado, Cassandra Seman of Orange Park, Florida; nieces, Isabella Zydiak, Amaya Cruz, Artemis Couch, Athena Byrd; nephews, Noah Henderson, Elijah Couch, Gabriel Zydiak, Isaac Zydiak, Ezekiel Couch; and countless other family and friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family received friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home just before the service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Kathryne’s memory to the family.
To view Kathryne’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Darlene Kaye Umbarger
Darlene Kaye Umbarger, aged 88, passed away on March 20, 2024, at Sheffield Bay in Bay City, Michigan. She was born on May 15, 1935, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Francis Davis and Iva Willougby. On November 6, 1952, Darlene married the love of her life, Delton Umbarger. Together, they shared many years of cherished moments until his passing in 2015.
Throughout her life, Darlene found joy in simple pleasures. She loved spending time with family, taking road trips with her loved ones, ceramics, ice cream, Elvis, and country western music. Darlene cherished her time with her loved ones and getting to visit her great and great-great grandchildren and great grandnieces. Darlene’s life was blessed and has created lasting memories for her friends and family.
Darlene and Delton moved to Beaverton, MI following her retirement from Felpausch’s in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, where she worked as a meat wrapper. Additionally, she spent many years as a Tupperware saleswoman. Despite life’s challenges, and many changes from growing up during the depression to the invention of cell phones to the loss of her husband, Darlene remained resilient. In 1973, she achieved a significant milestone of finishing her high school education by obtaining her GED and in the 90s she helped teach her grandchildren to use computers.
She is survived by her brother, Richard (Jill) Davis of Pentwater, MI; sister-in-law, Judy Davis, of Florida; children, Debra Watson of Hastings, MI, Peggy Pirhonen of Florida, and Dennis (Debra) Umbarger of Tennessee; grandchildren, Jennifer (Bryan) Moloney of Tennessee, Jeremy (Dana) Pirhonen of Virginia, Christine (Donnie) Chambers, Heather Sawdy of Harbor Springs, and Jamey Sawdy of Grand Rapids and granddog : Tina Louise; great grandchildren, Austin (Nicole) Stranahan of Mississippi, Brayton and Carson Moloney of Tennessee, Maddie and Rylee Chamber of Tennessee, and Dela and Caiden Pirhonen of Virginia; and great-great grandchildren, Gerrard and Scipio Stranahan in Mississippi; along with many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Delton Umbarger; her daughter, Joni; parents, Francis and Iva; and brothers, Gary and LeRoy.
A memorial service was held on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Sheffield Bay Chapel, 4471 Sheffield Place, Bay City, MI. Burial took place on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Gilmore Township Cemetery in Farewell, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Transition Hospice, the Clare County VFW, and Gladwin American Legion Post 171. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com.
Alida Marie Starkweather
Alida Marie Starkweather, age 93, of Charlotte peacefully slipped away in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born April 6, 1930, in Benton Township, the daughter of Adiel and Marie (DeSander) VanDorpe. Alida graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1948. Not long after graduation she married Bob E. Starkweather on September 3, 1949. Together they spent 61 wonderful years together until Bob passed away in 2010. Alida and Bob spent 23 years in Charlotte before they decided to move to Cheyenne, Wyoming. She and Bob loved their time spent in Wyoming and the western way of life. In 1989 they returned to Charlotte and settled in at their new home on Battle Creek Road. Alida loved feeding birds and was especially fond of cardinals. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends at the Eaton Area Senior Center, watching MSU sports, rodeos, traveling to the casino, and the fellowship and fun of her fellow Red Hat Ladies.
Alida is survived by her children: Bob Jr. (Sally) Starkweather, Sue Ann (Ron) Olmstead, Wendy Sue (Wayne) Carpenter; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bob; siblings, Frand (Betty) VanDorpe, Julius VanDorpe, Jerry (Corky) VanDorpe, Raymond (Margaret) VanDorpe, Ruby (Gasper) DeBryne, and Rosemary (Louis) Howe.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Alida’s memory to the Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Alida’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Edwin Montie Anderson
Edwin Montie Anderson, age 67, from Charlotte passed away on March 20, 2024. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.