Obituaries
Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow
Dr. Bonnie Iris Rockafellow, 78, of Charlotte, a loving mother and grandmother of deep Faith, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Dr. Rockafellow was born January 24, 1947 in Lake Odessa, the daughter of Gerald Leon and Rose Margaret (Cook) Augst. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1965 and earned her Bachelor Degree from Michigan State University. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Michael “Mick” J. Rockafellow on June 10, 1967 in Lake Odessa. She went on to earn her Master of Science degree at Indiana University as well as a Specialist in Reading from the University of Virginia. In 2002, she completed her Doctorate Degree from Michigan State University.
Dr. Rockafellow retired as an education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education in 2010. During her time as an educator she taught in K-12 systems in Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania; penal systems in Ohio and Virginia and higher education institutions in Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoyed travel and time in the outdoors, especially when accompanying Mick hunting and fishing. She was an avid reader and had a creative flair for painting. She and Mick were devout members of Grace Brethren Church. Bonnie lived her life as a testament to her unwavering Faith in Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, she carried His love in her heart and shared it abundantly with those around her. She walked in Faith, served with love, and embraced each day as a gift from the Lord.
Bonnie is survived by her children and their spouses, Andrew (Stephanie) Rockafellow of Charlotte, Daniel (Sarah) Rockafellow of Dimondale, Kristen (Jonathan) Jarvis of Hudsonville; three grandchildren, Claire Rockafellow, Autumn Rockafellow, and Chase Rockafellow; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Mick in 2017; brothers, Vaughn, Ernest and Owen Augst; sister, Geraldine Winsley; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bonnie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services will be held at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Potter officiating at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. just prior. Interment will take place in Woodland Memorial Park in Woodland, MI. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Bonnie’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 St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger Lee Miller
Roger Lee Miller was born on Christmas day in 1942 to Floyd and Lydia (Thurovat) Miller. He graduated from Albion High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduation. He worked for many years at the Lansing State Journal and retired as Manager of the Plate Making Department. A talented woodworker, he was a perfectionist and commonly gifted his creations to friends and family. With a need for speed, he was an avid car person, and his 1953 yellow Ford short box pickup was often recognized at car shows. A huge sports fan, Roger did not miss many games of his favorite teams, The Tigers, The Lions, and The Spartans. He was also a sports dad, coaching baseball for his boys and countless others, and he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and challenging the refs on bad calls. Roger always spoke his mind and was independent and stubborn right up until the end of his life on March 29, 2025. He easily incorporated others into his extended family with his colorful banter and loved his people with all he had, as they did him.
Roger is survived by his children, Gregory (Maureen) Miller, Angela (Scott) Portt, six grandchildren, Stephanie, Joe, Brad, Madelyn, Patrick, and Abigail; four great-grandchildren, Macie, Presley, Parker, and Ava; siblings, Ron (Sylvia) Miller and Marie Bush. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elizabeth (Betsy); second wife, Elinor; son, Brent Miller; sister and brother-in-law, Pat (Ron) Elliot; and brother-in-law, Jack Bush.
Friends are encouraged to support Roger’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page, www.PrayFuneral.com. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggest memorial contributions to Make-A-Wish foundation or Feed the Children charity. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Keith Roy Haley, Jr.
Keith Roy Haley, Jr., 69, of Bellevue, passed away on March 30, 2025 at his home in Bellevue, MI. He was born on July 3, 1955 to Keith Roy, Sr. and Cacilie (Fabri) Haley in Battle Creek, MI. Keith graduated from Bellevue High School in 1973, he then graduated from Western Michigan University in 1977 with a Bachelor’s Degree. He was a substitute teacher in Bellevue Schools and Calhoun County Area Career Center in Battle Creek and then worked in the maintenance department for Bellevue Public Schools for 30 years. On June 21, 1997, Keith married Ruth E. Iglehart at the Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.
Keith was a severe weather spotter for Eaton County and a Ham Radio operator. He was a very talented man, he wrote a weather program, designed different projects, and did posters for Wendy’s while he worked there. Keith was very hands-on when he was working on his house and he was very creative with his computer. Keith was a very loyal man. His family would like to give a special thank you to Bellevue First Baptist Church.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; special sons, Todd (Christiana) Dewhurst, Troy Dewhurst; grandson, Jaron Dewhurst; granddaughter, Gianna Dewhurst; great-granddaughter, Braelynn and sister, Tosca (James) Hable. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Kempf’s of Bellevue on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church, Bellevue, Michigan, with Reverend Don Francis, officiating. Burial will take place in the Bellevue Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Bellevue First Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
John Charles Engel, Jr.
John Charles Engel, Jr., 76, of Charlotte, went to his final rest on Sunday, March 23, 2025. John was born August 7, 1948 to John and Edith (Harris) Engel. He was a graduate of the Naval Academy, Class of 1968, serving four years. He retired from Oldsmobile after more than 25 years. John loved working in the woods around his home and his rock collection, making Petoskey stone jewelry that his nieces loved. His neighbor said “he was a good neighbor and always knew what was happening around the neighborhood.” John also had a soft place in his heart for his dogs throughout the years.
John is survived by his sisters Barbara (Roger) Zerba of Olivet, Patricia (Kenneth) Hancock of Mulliken, and Joan Crowe of Charlotte; six nieces and nephews; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; his lifetime friend, Tony (Lisa) Lucio; close friend, Rod (Peggy) Sellen; and numerous other close friends. He is predeceased by his parents and niece, Denise Zerba Mayle.
Friends are encouraged to support John’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Pet Rescue in Olivet. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Sue Steele
Linda Sue Steele, of Eaton Rapids, passed away March 29, 2025, at the age of 76. Linda was born in Jackson, MI, September 12, 1948, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Howe) Dryer. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Linda worked for Green Bay Packaging, formerly Heifetz Pickle Factory, retiring in 1992 after 14 years and Meijer for 14 more years as a stocker. Linda loved her travels throughout Michigan and going to casinos. Her favorite role in her retired years was being a grandmother and taking care of her grandchildren. It was a role that gave her great joy. Linda also loved baking for her family and friends.
Linda is survived by her children, Teresa Laudenslager of Eaton Rapids, Wayne (Kristin) Parsons of Bellevue, Tina (Brian) Barrett of Eaton Rapids, Valerie (Tim) Pancost of Charlotte, Todd (Nicole) Steele of Lansing, Allen “AJ” (Missy) Steele of Eaton Rapids, Kimberly (Scott) Felice of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; siblings, Melvin Dryer, Shirley (Gayle) Parsons, Martha (Tom) Schwalbe and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; son-in-law, Eric Laudenslager; three sisters; seven brothers; mother and father-in-law, William and Mary Steele.
Memorial Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on April 19, 2025, at the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club, 4483 Freeman Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 29777 Telegraph Rd., Suite 1451, Southfield, MI 48034. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To leave online condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.