Obituaries
Gloria Beebe Herr
Gloria Beebe Herr passed away on March 30, 2025 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 102. She was born in Flint, MI on January 18, 1923 to Hazel and Elmer Beebe. She was a proud graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1940. She attended Michigan State College and left for Corpus Christi, TX when World War II broke out to work as a civilian employee for the Naval Department. Here she met her future husband, Robert N. Herr of Normal, IL.
Two children survive: Stephen Herr of Raleigh, NC and David Herr of Norman, OK; as well as granddaughter, Shelley Herr; and brother, Gary (Midge) Beebe of Charlotte, MI. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her sister, Connie; and her parents.
Gloria was a lifelong learner taking many college courses at Meredith College in Raleigh.
Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Kathryn Doris Newberry
Kathryn Doris Newberry of Bellevue passed away peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital at the age of 101 on May 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Kathryn was born March 9, 1924 in Woodland, Michigan, the daughter of Samuel and Nina (Hynes) Hefflebower. She was a graduate of Woodland High School. Kathryn married Junior Newberry on December 10, 1943. They were married for 51 years before his passing. She was a lifelong homemaker and member of the Bellevue First Baptist Church where she served on the Social, Flower and Pastoral Relations Committees. She was a member of the choir and also served as a deaconess.
In Kathryn’s younger years, she enjoyed golfing, spending time at Sandy Pines and attending her grandchildren’s softball/ baseball/basketball games and musicals. She also loved cheering on Phil Mickelson and the Tigers. Kathryn lived a long full life, living on her own until she was 100 years old.
Kathryn is survived by her daughters: Nancy (Ronald) Rosin, Carol (David) Lantz, and Audry (James) Wernowsky; grandchildren: Kristina (Scott) Mesack, Penny (Bob) Parker, Steven Newberry, Ryan (Heather) Rosin, Renee (Gregg) Tilley, Robb (Amanda) Rosin, Richard (Tonya) Spaulding, Randall (Naja) Spaulding, Megan (Bryce) Greenfield and Morgan Wernowsky. She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Allen Newberry; daughter-in-law, Gwen Newberry; great granddaughter, Kennedy Rosin; sister, Greta McClelland and brother, Carl Hefflebower.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021, the funeral service will be begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Don Francis officiating.
Interment will take place at Ellis Cemetery on Lacy Road, Assyria Township.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed 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.
Larry Robert Spaulding
Larry Robert Spaulding, 76, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 30, 2025 in Bellevue, MI. He was born on April 7, 1949 to Robert and Edna (Olmstead) Spaulding in Battle Creek, MI. Larry graduated from Bellevue High School in 1967. After graduation, he worked for Kellogg’s until being drafted in 1969 into the U.S. Army. Larry spent one year in the jungles of Vietnam. He was in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade as an infantry soldier. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to Kelloggs and started a dairy farm on 5pt Highway in Bellevue. In 1978, Larry attended Reppert Auction School and became an Auctioneer. Larry started a Real Estate, Insurance, and Auction business in Bellevue. He continued his career for over 35 years, until he had a stroke in 2014, he really enjoyed being a realtor and auctioneer because he enjoyed talking with people and making new friends. Larry enjoyed going to the casino and playing Craps, riding ATV’s and traveling in his motorhome, attending Vietnam reunions in Washington D.C., camping in Baldwin, going fishing in Cananda, being with family and trap shooting with his cousin, Gary Spaulding. Larry was a member of the American Legion Post 280 in Bellevue and AMVETS 1988 Post in Baldwin. Larry was President of the Bellevue School Board, Police Commissioner of Bellevue, President of the Battle Creek Board of Realtors in 1999, along with many other voluntary roles. Larry had a great sense of humor and was often asked to speak on behalf of others at multiple funerals. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.
Larry is survived by sons, Rick (Tonya) and Randy (Naja) Spaulding; grandchildren, Lexy (Josh) Whitmore, Alizabeth Otto-Spaulding, Trevor (Kayti) Spaulding, Kayla and Jacob Spaulding; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Ricki Whitmore; sister, Jean Thorndyke and brother-in-law, Ron Clark.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edna and Robert Spaulding; sister, Linda Clark and brother-in-law, Jay Thorndyke.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church – Bellevue, Bellevue, Michigan, with Reverend Don Francis, officiating.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Larry may do so to the Disabled American Veterans “DAV”.
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.
Harry Wallin
Mr. Harry Wallin, age 75, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025, at Regency at Lansing West in Lansing, MI.
Harry was born in Cleveland, OH, on December 31, 1949, the son of the late Lois (Langmead) and Harold Wallin. Harry attended local schools, graduating from Brecksville High School in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received a bachelor’s degree as a Naturalist in 1972. He later earned his teaching degree from Michigan State University. While at U of M, Harry was active in the Wesley Foundation and later served on the Board of the same Wesley Foundation.
After completing his education, Harry began working for Cleveland Metro Parks where he worked for over five years. Harry relocated to Jackson and Lansing areas where he worked in various restaurants, retail stores and at Woldemar Nature Center.
In September 1994, while volunteering in the “Walk to Emmaus” event he met the love of his life Elnora (Rairigh) Sayer. Harry and Elnora were married on April 29, 1995, and made their home together in Vermontville. Harry continued his career as a substitute teacher for Lakewood Public Schools. Harry was well loved by the students and was highly respected by teachers and staff. Harry especially enjoyed using his science background teaching middle school but was willing to fill in wherever he was needed.
In his spare time, Harry enjoyed being outdoors bird watching and exploring all over the state of Michigan. Harry loved music and enjoyed singing in the Lakewood Area Choral Society and playing his Baritone with the Thornapple Wind Band and Hastings City Band. Harry was a member of the Nashville United Methodist Church and through the years has served on the church board, the worship committee, and teaching Bible study, or wherever the Lord called him to serve.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife Elnora, his stepchildren Drew (Rachael) Sayer, Craig (Erika) Sayer, Barry (Nahwal) Sayer; siblings John (Mary) Wallin, Pete (Dae) Wallin. Harry was especially proud to be a grandpa to Cuerstan (Jacob), Alicia, Cameron (Izzy), Sean, Corbin, Bailey, Cierra, Emerson, Hunter and Cohin. And great-grandpa to Liam, Kaizley, Peyton, and Kylian. He is also survived his mother-in-law, Marjory Rairigh; brother-in-law, Dallas Rairigh; and sister-in-law, Nola (Mark) Payne, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Vivian Rairigh; and his brother-in-law, Randy Rairigh.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 17, at 12 p.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mark Payne, officiating.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to service beginning at 11 a.m. at the Nashville United Methodist Church.
Guests are invited to remain at the church for a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Harry’s name to the Wesley Foundation of University of Michigan, Lakewood Area Choral Society or Thornapple Wind Band, or a charity of your choice that supports nature, LGBTQI youth or underserved people.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Joan Lee Hyatt
Joan Lee Hyatt, 92, of Charlotte, formerly of Eaton Rapids and East Tawas, died peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025 in Lansing. Joan was born April 14, 1933 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Donald and Mildred (Ruehle) Davison. Soon after graduated high school she married the love of her life, Maurice J. Hyatt on June 10, 1950 in Concord, MI. Maurice and Joan enjoyed 52 years together raising three children at home on the farm. Maurice was a calf roper on the rodeo circuit, and they would often host his fellow rodeo cowboys at their indoor arena. When they finished, Joan always had a hearty meal ready for the group. She loved to host and cook food for her family and friends. In fact, the Hyatt homestead was often a gathering place for fellowship and good food.
Although she loved being on the farm, Joan worked in several careers throughout her lifetime. In her early years, she and her sister would help their dad make road signs in his welding shop. She also worked in a factory in Jackson. She was a nurse’s aide in Eaton Rapids at the hospital and worked several years as a secretary for the Michigan State Employees Association.
Joan was most at peace in the outdoors, especially fishing on the Tawas Lake in East Tawas, where they lived for many years. She and her husband went bear hunting in the Upper Peninsula a few times, and loved travelling, especially in mountains out West. Joan also loved playing the piano. She was a woman of deep Faith, and was a devout member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 70 years.
Joan is survived by her son, Steven (Diana) Hyatt of East Tawas, MI; daughters, Linda (Dave) Siple of Eaton Rapids and Tamara (William) Otis of Charlotte; 10 grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Hyatt, Jeff (Katie) Whitaker, Stacey (Gary) Meyer, Becky (Frank) Psurny, David (Susan) Siple, Jarred (Katina) Siple, Stephen Otis, Christa (Lee) Hude, Justin (Tina) Otis, and Jamie (Ray) Goheen; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Jan) Squires; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Maurice; sister, Jackie Williams-Kasten; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Joan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 40 N. Chester Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.