Obituaries
Carolyn Julia O’Connor
Carolyn Julia O’Connor went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2024. Carolyn was born in Hastings on December 13, 1941, to James and Dorothy O’Connor. After high school she attended nursing school in Battle Creek, where she then lived for over sixty years. She obtained her LPN and began working at Community Hospital. It didn’t take long to determine work in the Emergency Department was her calling. In 1982 she earned her Registered Nurse certification. She retired from Battle Creek Health System in February 2004 after 43 years in nursing. Even after retiring, she continued to volunteer weekly at the hospital until 2020.
Carolyn treasured many close friendships over the years and loved to travel with her friends. She enjoyed every opportunity to get together with the girls for a meal or a show. Always a fun, supportive and thoughtful aunt, she enjoyed watching her nieces and nephews grow. She was extremely proud of the home she purchased and maintained herself. A fiercely independent woman, she rarely asked for help. She was a devoted Christian and lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings.
In 2021, Carolyn moved from her home to Hope Landing in Charlotte to be closer to family and receive the care she needed. She was thankful for all the wonderful staff and comfortable environment. She lived a full life of service to others and found it difficult to accept any help as she grew increasingly unable to do things for herself. Additional care in her final weeks was given by Heart to Heart Hospice who treated her with profound grace and dignity.
Carolyn is survived by her older sisters, June Baatz of Suttons Bay (formerly of Maple City) and Shirley Beck of Charlotte (formerly of Hastings), her niece Peggy (Mike) Leggett of Traverse City, nephew David (Ronda) Beck of Charlotte, and nephew-in-law Charles (Robin) Floramo of Midlothian, IL. She is also mourned by great nieces and nephews Maria, Aleah and Derrien Leggett, Angela (Sylvia) Floramo, Joseph Floramo, Ashley and Justin Beck.
She was preceded in death by her parents, niece Linda (Beck) Floramo, brothers-in-law Robert Baatz, and Walter Beck.
The family encourages those wishing to make a contribution in her memory to support Grace Lutheran Church (239 E North St, Hastings MI 49058) or Heart to Heart Hospice of Lansing (2260 E Saginaw St, Suite A, East Lansing, MI 48823).
In honoring Carolyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.
Darrell Hamilton
Darrell Hamilton, 83, of Nashville, MI went home to be with his Savior on March 3, 2024. He was in his Florida home on hospice care for five days when he passed away.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmitt Hamilton, Hazel (Hollister), stepmother Minnie (Radtke), and his brother, Duane Hamilton.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Claudette (Priddy); son, Kent Hamilton and wife Jackie; daughters, Christine (Rich) Smith, Kelly (Steve) Schoonbeck, and Carmen (Brian) Friddle; as well as 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He regularly attended Vermontville Bible Church for 63 years, having served on the board there for several terms, and worked as a youth group leader for 17 years.
He loved to work on his 80 acres, digging ponds, building roads, and moving dirt.
He ran his own business for 38 years, spreading Ag-lime, digging farm ponds, trucking soils and stone, and farming some. He was a strong, hard-working businessman and always provided well for his family. He was an honest, Godly man.
Celebration of Life will be held on May 18, 2024, at Vermontville Bible Church with visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., and luncheon following.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may go to Vermontville Bible Church.
Harold Elgin Peck, Jr.
Harold Elgin Peck Jr. a man known for his hard work ethic and always sharing a dirty joke, died surrounded by his family on Monday, March 4, 2024. Harold 64, was born in Three Rivers, MI. the son of Harold and Carol (Jaseph) Peck Sr. On February 18, 1978, Harold married his high school sweetheart Valerie Miller and together they created 44 lasting memories until her passing in 2022. Harold worked at Carefree Aluminum for 35 years until its closing, and later at Linn Products and most recently Spartan Motors until his retirement. He was an outdoors man that enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harold also enjoyed trips to the casino, hanging out with his buddies, and most importantly spoiling his grandchildren.
Harold is survived by his daughters, Jessica Garvie, and Jennifer (Christopher) Broskey; grandchildren, Allison, and Aaron Garvie, Emily, and Andrew Broskey; siblings, Suzanne Childs, Roy Peck, Kristy (Kerry) Peck, Lester Peck, and Chad Peck; brother-in-law, Steven Miller; lifelong friends, John Judy, Lyle and Rose Royston, and Willis. He was predeceased by his wife, Valerie in 2022; his father Harold Sr. in 2020; and his mother, Carol in 2007; and good friend Dale Burt.
Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Harold for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jonathan James Ripley
Jonathan James Ripley of Lansing, passed away March 4, 2024, at the age of 70. Jon was born in Charlotte, MI on February 4, 1954, the son of Wendell and Rosalie (King) Ripley. He was a US Army Veteran and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Jon worked for the City of Eaton Rapids in the Wastewater Treatment Plant for many years. He had a very creative mind and could always amaze his family with his stories and ideas. Jon enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening and was very interested in airplanes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Ripley of Lansing; children, Paula (Scott) Shaw of Plymouth, Wendy (Justin) Schafer of Holt, Jordan Ripley of Lansing; grandchildren, Liam Shaw, Alanna Shaw, Oliver Schafer, Hawthorne Schafer; siblings, Kay (Kwadwo) Ekye-Addai, JoAnne Bock, Jim Ripley, Bob (Stacey) Ripley, Sarah Ripley and several nieces and nephews. Jon was preceded in death by his father.
As per Jon’s wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Clean Water Action of Michigan, 909 Abbot Rd, East Lansing MI 48823, in loving memory of Jonathan James Ripley. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Sharon Ann Collins
Sharon Ann Collins, age 76, of Potterville passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Charlotte on June 25, 1947, to John and Effie (Williams) Hackworth. Sharon grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Charlotte High School. She married the love of her life, Aaron “Pat” Collins, on April 7, 1978.
Many wonderful things could be said about Sharon. She was proud to be a homemaker caring for her family and keeping the home fires burning. Sharon loved quilting, crafting, and tending to her flower beds. Above everything though, was her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When her health permitted, she loved to attend church services at the Charlotte Church of Christ. Sharon will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
Those surviving her are her loving husband of 45 years, Pat Collins; sons, Chris Berry (Tracy Fugate) of Potterville, Michael Berry of Potterville, Aaron Collins Jr. of Potterville; brother, Bob (Dee) Hackworth; her nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Sharon’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.
To view Sharon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.