Obituaries
Richard F. Babcock
Richard F. Babcock, affectionately known as “Dick,” was born on March 28, 1929, in Vermontville, Michigan. He passed away peacefully at his home in Olivet, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family on June 3, 2025.
Dick was a man of great dedication and tenacity, characteristics that defined both his personal and professional life. He devoted the majority of his career to Moore’s Excavating, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to hard work throughout his life. Following his retirement, he continued to embody his diligent spirit by contributing to Wertz Implement and Stanton Auctions, where he made many cherished friends.
Proudly serving his country, Dick was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. This period in his life shaped his personality, stubborn yet devoted, traits that resonated throughout his relationships with family and friends.
Dick was deeply passionate about his family, nurturing those bonds with a fierce devotion. He lovingly collected milk bottles and cast-iron cookware, reflecting his down-to-earth nature and appreciation for tradition.
Dick is survived by his family, including his son Mike (Joann) Babcock; daughters Jamie Southern and Carla (Randy) Mills; son-in-law Joe Zakora; sisters-in-law Sue (Jack) Hanson and Jeanie Zimmermann; brother-in-law, Floyd (Diane) Moore. His legacy continues with his beloved grandchildren, Wayne Babcock, Jennie (Dan) Cook, Nicole (Matt) Simms, Randi Kay (Chad Elliott) Stine, Michael Ramsey, Donald Ramsey; great-grandchildren, Jesse Babcock, Chloe (Tyler) Jackson, Dakota (Codie) Zakora, Kala Kikendall, Shala Kikendall, Briana Zakora, Tori Kikendall, Michael Kikendall, Harley Knapper, Hailey Kikendall, Ashton Kikendall, Jayden Kikendall, Trevor Babcock, and Braxton Simms. He is also survived by a number of great-great-grandchildren, Olivia Babcock, Jesse Babcock Jr., Riley Babcock, Makayla Zakora, Mattie Zakora, Avery Schlyer, Paisley Schlyer, Aiden Gorman, Lillian Gorman, Railinn Wright, Kinsley Wright, Copper Knapper, Miller Jackson, Matthew Jackson, Memphis Jackson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Dorothy Powers, his first wife Lillian Babcock and second wife Pam Obrinski, his grandson Matthew Babcock, and great-grandson Devin Kikendall. Also, his brother, Bob (Marvlyn) Babcock, sister, Carla (Denny) Wertz, and his brother-in-law and best friend Junior Moore, along with several other sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A graveside service will be held at West Carmel Cemetery, located at 5016 W. Carlisle Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan, on June 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at the family home at a later date.
To view Dick’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Those desiring to make a charitable contribution in Dick’s memory may do so by donating to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Maggie Anne Harris
Margaret “Maggie” Anne Harris nee Sommer, born on May 8, 1946, in Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of June 1, 2025.
Maggie is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Minnie Sommer, baby brother, Edward “Buster” Victor Sommer Jr, and son-in-law, James Gullett.
She is survived foremost by her siblings: Sue Spicknell, Patty Heinze, Liz Tabor, Michelle Jones, Bob Rose, Carol Steele, and Deb Gibson; survived next by her children: Tuttie Gullett, Andy Harris, Vicky Harris, Emily and Tony Nenortas; six grandchildren: Austin (Nikki) Gullett, Jake Gullett, Tanner Harris, Tayla (Josh) Palacios, Andrew Nenortas, and Lexie (Cameron) Kenyon; five great grandchildren: Jayce Gullett, Addalyn Harris, Maverick Harris, Reagan Harris, and Isabell Harris; dear friend Teddy; many nieces and nephews.
Maggie enjoyed collecting jewelry, going out to the casino, and the thrill of a good yard sale. Maggie wanted to be remembered as “kind and crazy”, and her loved ones will attest that she was, indeed, very kind and a little crazy.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Fox Memorial Park, 3981 E. Gresham Hwy Potterville, MI 48876. The family has entrusted their care to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Carolyn Ann Stokoe
Carolyn Ann (Plum) Stokoe, 83, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Bickford Cottage.
Born on January 24, 1942, in Bloomingdale, Michigan, she was the daughter of Willis and Erma (Roe) Plum. Carolyn graduated from Bloomingdale High School before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She dedicated her career to education, working as a middle school art and history teacher in Charlotte and later as a substitute teacher in Linden.
Carolyn had a deep passion for travel, exploring countries around the world including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Ireland. She captured these adventures through her remarkable photography.
While attending college, a classmate introduced her to his brother, James Bower Stokoe. The two quickly formed a bond and later married in 1978. Together, they shared a love of football and enjoyed cheering on both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University teams.
Genealogy and quilting were among Carolyn’s great joys, she delighted in helping others trace their roots and wrapped her care into every quilt she lovingly gave away.
She was an active member of her community, participating in the Three Rivers Woman’s Club, the Three Rivers Elks, Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, James B. Stokoe; her son, Thomas J. Stokoe; her brother, William (Barbara) Plum; her nephew, Steven Van Eerden; and her nieces, Gretchen Barnes and Stephanie Groves.
She was preceded in death by her parents; identical twin sister, Janet Van Eerden; and brother, Allen Plum.
Her family received friends Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Pastor Brenda Deily officiating. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer.
Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be directed to the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
Larry L. Sibley
Larry L. Sibley, 84 years young, passed away on May 9, 2025, at his farm, Tollgate Gardens & Nursery. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Friend, and Mentor and will be deeply missed by those who really knew his feisty spirit.
Larry was born on August 3, 1940, in Allegan, Michigan to Lewis C. and Mae P. (Vasicek) Sibley. Growing up on a dairy farm with a large family Larry had also worked for his dad’s oil rig company. He attended one year of college, but then his dad sold the oil business and Larry continued working for the buyer. Larry married Lynn (Yother) Reed of Battle Creek, MI in 1982 and they spent many years visiting every lighthouse in Michigan. Over the years both were known by many people in Battle Creek where they attended Dexter Lake Church and worked different jobs at Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Walmart.
Larry was most known as “The Paw Paw King” from Marshall, Battle Creek, and Bellevue Farmers Markets to local and international buyers of the fruit, grafted trees, and seeds. This small native fruit was a passion passed on by his late father-in-law Corwin Davis. Larry was dedicated to gardening and people could stop by the farm and find him working on the next project or tending the trees and vegetables for the local markets, co-workers, and the Southwest Michigan Food Bank of Battle Creek.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Lynn L. Sibley; her daughter Stacy (Brian) Saxton of Hillsdale; several grandkids and great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandra Shineldecker of Ludington, Tom (Carol) Sibley of Walkerville, Virginia (Paul) Gleason of Montague, Scott (Kathy) Sibley of Powell, WY, Terry (Kim) Sibley of Hart, Tim (Lora) Sibley of Walkerville; plus a bonus daughter Kimberly (Kenneth) Klingel of Marshall with many of their family and friends. Larry was treasured by his friend and oil rig partner, Dave Gould of Hesperia; Jan (Mary) Lawson of Battle Creek; The Harrell Family of Marshall; and countless friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Gerry Flanery, and sister Barbra Sue Sibley.
A mini-memorial celebrating Larry will be held on June 14, 2025, at The Marshall Area Farmers Market on Green Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Marshall, Michigan.
Larry will remain in our hearts, but Tollgate Gardens will not be the same without your guiding advice, farm hat, and sunflowers.
Douglas Earl Stites
Douglas Earl Stites, age 74, a steadfast and principled public servant, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2025. Known for his directness, honesty, and unwavering integrity, Doug lived a life marked by quiet strength, ethics and dedication to his work, his family, and his community.
Born on September 8, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Doug was the cherished son of Robert E. and Leona (Oehrl) Stites. His formative years were spent on the shores of Lake Mecosta, a place that remained dear to his heart and evoked treasured memories of a childhood surrounded by family, nature, and animals.
After graduating from Central Michigan University and Lake State Superior University, Doug spent several decades in Sault Ste. Marie, leading the Michigan Works! Of the Upper Peninsula. His daughter, Robin, was born in 1979. In the late 1980’s, Doug met Leanne, and he soon relocated to the Lansing area and began working for the State of Michigan. Doug and Leanne married in 1990.
Doug’s most notable professional contributions included his tenure in the office of Governor John Engler, advancing workforce development initiatives across the state. There, Doug’s keen intellect and sharp political insight, nurtured by his voracious appetite for reading and his deep interest in history and public affairs, allowed him to help guide policy decisions with purpose and conviction.
Following his time in the Governor’s office he continued his leadership as CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! where he served with vision and determination. Doug’s dedication to developing the workforce of Michigan and his ability to bring people together helped shape policy, improve lives, and build stronger communities across the state.
Doug’s love of the outdoors was deeply rooted in his experiences across Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, where he developed a lifelong passion for hunting, both fur and fowl. That passion was born from lessons first taught by his mother, who introduced him to hunting and fishing and later to cooking the wild game he brought home. Those early experiences blossomed into a love of cuisine and hospitality. It was not uncommon for Doug to spend days planning and preparing elaborate gourmet meals for family and friends, fussing over the details of each dish until it met his high standards. These dinners were more than meals, they were expressions of his love, creativity, and attention to detail.
Doug was known for his commanding presence and keen sense of purpose. He possessed a powerful personality that allowed him to lead with clarity, negotiate with strength, and make difficult decisions with confidence. Whether guiding a complex workforce initiative, planning a weekend fishing trip, or pouring over the details of the next family dinner gathering, Doug always knew where he was going and how to get there.
Doug is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leanne; his daughter, Robin Stites; stepchildren, Tracy (Robert) Rossman and Christopher Waite; grandson, Joseph Arens; brother, Phillip Stites; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and extended family who admired and respected him deeply.
Friends and loved ones are encouraged to remember Doug by sharing memories on his Tribute Page on the Pray Funeral Home website at www.PrayFuneral.com, or making a donation to a local Hospice organization. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In honoring his legacy, we remember a man who served with dignity, loved with sincerity, and lived with unwavering purpose, always leading from the front, and always inviting others to his table with warmth and grace. May his memory live on in the lives he touched and the stories that will be shared for generations. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI.