Obituaries
Mary Lorna DeBar
Mary Lorna DeBar, a 59-year resident of Grand Ledge, and a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, at the age of 86. Mary had experienced a sudden and unexpected medical event the prior Monday giving family and several dear friends a chance to gather around her in prayer and love at the end. Born on Valentine’s Day in 1937, in Charlotte, Michigan, Mary’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and devotion.
Mary’s journey began as a spirited young girl in Charlotte, where she attended Olivet High School, graduating with the class of 1954. Her high school years were filled with joyful memories as a cheerleader and a talented member of the band, where she played the trombone with gusto. Like many living in rural Michigan, she also helped out with various duties on the family farm, and for a time, road her horse to school.
After high school, Mary bought her brother’s car and left home for the big city of Lansing, and enrolled in what was then Lansing Business University (later Davenport University). After obtaining her Associate of Business degree, she embarked on a administrative career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Education where she worked for several years.
During this time, Mary met, and later wed, the love of her life, Raymond L. DeBar. Their love story spanned 65 beautiful years, 63 of those married. Together, in 1962 they welcomed their beloved son, Brian, who, along with his wife Teresa, eventually blessed Mary with two grandchildren, Brianna Marie DeBar and Christopher Raymond DeBar. After Brian was born it was their decision she would be a stay-at-home mom while Raymond worked extended hours as a local car salesman. In 1964, they moved from the East side of Lansing to the Grand Ledge area. This focus on family continued for 15 years and then she returned to life as a business professional working as a legal secretary for Reid, Reid, & McKay. In 1988, she followed Joseph D Reid (II) to Capital Bancorp, where she worked as his executive assistance until her retirement at age 75.
Her work ethic was matched only by her passion for music and her church, and her life was one of deep commitment to community and faith. Mary’s voice graced her church’s choir for over 30 years. She found solace and joy in the pages of Nicholas Sparks books and had a remarkable talent for nurturing her rose bushes, which bloomed beautifully under her guidance and care.
She cherished every moment spent with family and in later years traveled regularly to visit her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in California. Her extended family included her sister Doreen (Dale) Weber, sister-in-law Ruth (Albert) Mix, brother-in-law Rex (Frances) DeBar, and her many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Doris (Weeks) Hogle, and her brother, Norman (Lucille) Hogle and his wife. Our faith gives us solace in their long-awaited reunion (Mary lost her mom when she was only 30 – both mom and brother passed as a result of cancer).
A Funeral Service was held Friday, February 9, 2024 1:00 p.m. at the Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with a visitation one hour prior to the service; a luncheon will be provided after the service and then interment to follow at Delta Center Cemetery. For those wishing, donations can be made in loving memory of Mary L. DeBar to the American Cancer Society. The family has entrusted arrangements to Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Cody Scott Pruden
Cody Scott Pruden, age 41, of Grand Ledge, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2024. He was born on November 9, 1982, in Charlotte, the son of Franklin Scott and Carol Ann (Starkweather) Pruden. Cody graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 2001. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country in the Second Persian Gulf War-Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged from the Army after fulfilling his duties. Cody was a gentle giant. He had a heart for others. His sense of humor and smile were larger than life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He loved playing golf with family and video games with his boys. He was extremely proud of his three boys and loved each one deeply. Cody was a scientist at heart and was currently studying to become an Astrophysicist at Michigan State University. Cody touched many lives throughout his life and his loss will be keenly felt by his family and countless friends.
Cody is survived by his parents, Scott and Carol Pruden; boys, Aidan Ray Pruden, Braylen Dean Pruden, Alec Xander Scott Pruden; soulmate, Sarah Palacios; siblings, Chad (Jennifer) Loveless, Catie (Dustin) Slaght; grandmother, Claire Pruden; and many nieces, two nephews; one great-niece; service dog, Chronic; and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank Pruden, Enos and Lorraine Starkweather; and aunt, Carla Jones.
A celebration of Cody’s life was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Assembly of God with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 4, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions to the family to be used for his three boys.
To view Cody’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jerry Hansbarger
Mr. Jerry Hansbarger, age 88, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024, at his home in Vermontville, MI. He was born in Hastings, MI, on June 12, 1935, to the late Lee and Elsie Hansbarger.
Jerry was raised in the Woodland area, graduating from Woodland High School in 1953. He continued his education at Michigan State where he studied Forestry before beginning a career at Fisher Body in Lansing, MI. Jerry had a passion for operating heavy equipment and after a short time, he left Fisher Body to pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator.
On February 8, 1958, Jerry married Anna Lou (Marcum) Hansbarger in Woodland MI. Jerry and Anna Lou began their lives together in the Vermontville area, then relocating to Colorado in 1982 where Jerry worked as a construction Superintendent. The family returned to Michigan in 1993 and Jerry began his own excavating company, Hansbarger Construction.
Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Jerry loved his children and grandchildren deeply and especially enjoyed attending their many sporting events whenever possible.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Lou; his two sons, Mike (Lorraine) Hansbarger, Doug (Kathy) Hansbarger; eight grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Ken Hansbarger; and his brother, Larry Hansbarger.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation Fund, Maple Valley Schools – Maple Valley Athletics for Jerry Hansbarger.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Mary Helen Marietta
Mary Helen Marietta, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on March 20, 1928, in Eaton Rapids, MI, Mary was the daughter of a first-generation Irish immigrant, Margaret (Livingston) Puffenberger, and father, Fred Puffenberger. Following the untimely loss of her parents, Mary assumed the responsibility of raising her brother Henry from the tender age of 13 and maintained a close bond with him until his passing in 2019. In 1946, Mary married Richard Marietta, and together they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.
Mary dedicated herself to various endeavors throughout her life. She spent many years working at Eaton Stamping and devoted over two decades to the Eaton Rapids Flower Garden. Mary and her husband shared a love for travel, often embarking on adventures in their motorhome to destinations such as Arizona and Mexico. Active in her community, Mary was a familiar face at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, where she organized events, sold fundraising tickets, and particularly enjoyed the Saturday evening dances.
Renowned for her strong will and spirited demeanor, Mary remained steadfast and directed until her final days. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, cherishing the moments spent with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Wyckoff; grandchildren, Angela (Dan) Kidder, Matthew Wyckoff; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Kidder, Carson (Maddy) Kidder; as well as special nieces and nephews, Fred Puffenberger, Randy Puffenberger, and Karen Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Richard Marietta; son-in-law, Don Wyckoff; and brother, Henry Puffenberger.
The family expresses profound gratitude to Dan Guy and Brian Ross, who provided care for Mary’s home over the past decade. Special appreciation is extended to Sharon Corbeil, Jill Skinner, Brenda and Allison Wineman, Diana, June, Kim, and Mary’s neighbors for their unwavering support. They also thank Dr. Marissa Miller, Paula, and other staff for their exceptional care. Samantha from Landmark and the compassionate team at Sparrow Eaton, particularly Dr. Hillman and the nurses in Comfort Care, provided compassion during Mary’s final hours.
A memorial gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Light refreshments will be served. Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory may contribute to the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids or a charity of their choice. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Kenneth L. Cleeves
Kenneth L. Cleeves was called to Heaven on Saturday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born on the 7th of September 1927 to Frederick D. and Mary V. (Perrin) Cleeves.
Kenneth was a man who was very devoted to God, the Church and his wife of over 65 years, Geraldine P. Cleeves, who so sadly preceded him in death in 2013.
They were High School sweethearts that were married at Eaton Rapids Baptist Church on Nov. 26, 1947. They became active members of that very Church and raised their family together in Eaton Rapids. In their retirement, Kenneth and Geraldine had moved to Mesa, Arizona to enjoy the warmer weather and there became members of Calvary Baptist Church. They lived the rest of their lives together in Mesa.
Kenneth was also preceded in death by his loving eldest son, Thomas A. Cleeves, and is survived by his other two children, Catherine M. (Lon) Cook and Kenneth J. Cleeves. He was also blessed to have four Grandchildren, Kevin M. Cleeves, Lisa A. (Andrew) Thornsberry, Laura E. Cleeves, Jeremy T. Cook, and seven great-grandchildren, Coya, Leia, Hannah, Thomas, Cassandra, Timothy and Sebastian.
Kenneth’s siblings are all but one deceased, Robert E., Frederick O., Jack D., and Dorothy L. (King). He is survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Thuma of Eaton Rapids, and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth Cleeves was retired from his career as a Die Designer at General Motors, which he proudly did after his service in the United States Navy, where he served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Princeton Aircraft Carrier, during WW2.
Kenneth and Geraldine, lovingly known by friends and family as, ‘Ken and Gerry’ shared a strong love of God, through the Son, Jesus Christ. They often expressed this love through music. Ken played Guitar and Gerry the mandolin, at family gatherings and reunions, churches, State and County Fairs, rest homes, hospitals and rescue missions. They often sang about the love and grace of God or vibrantly played country western and folk music. Their singing brought great joy to others, and we will now carry the sound of their voices in our hearts as we remember them.
Kenneth’s Military Memorial Service was held on February 8, 2024 at his place of burial. He was buried with his loving wife Geraldine at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, at Cave Creek.
A regular Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church: 3810 E. University Dr., Mesa Arizona 85205. The date and time will be announced at a later time. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.