Obituaries
Dana Westley Telfor
Dana Westley Telfor of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 18, 2024, at the age of 87. Dan was born in Belding, MI, on August 24, 1936, the son of Don and Lillian (LaPekes) Telfor. He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and proudly served his country in Japan. Dan worked as a supervisor for General Motors, retiring in 1988 after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he went to work in the Lawn and Garden Department at Meijer, which was right up his alley as he loved working outside in the yard and in his flower gardens. Dan also enjoyed farming. He always had pigs and his beloved Herefords. Some of his other hobbies included hunting, fishing and was very meticulous about polishing his vehicles.
Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Telfor of Eaton Rapids; children, Mark Telfor of Lansing, Danelle (Robert) Eckart of Kenosha, WI, Jamie (Debbie) Telfor of Eaton Rapids, Misty (Scott) Warner of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Roxanne) Telfor of Grant, Josephine (Jack) Reeves of Belding, Connie (Bill) Gregory of Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Telfor, Harold Telfor, Harry Telfor, Raymond Telfor; sister, Betty Williams; grandson, Colin Byars.
Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Dana Westley Telfor. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Brenda Kay Bly
Brenda Kay Bly, 77, a truly “Kindhearted Woman” of deep Faith and love for her family, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Lansing. Brenda was born January 15, 1947, in Hastings, the daughter of Evison Joseph, Jr. and Beverly Ann (Lord) Beck. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life, John K. Bly on July 2, 1965, at the Congregational Church of Charlotte. In her early years, Brenda worked as a waitress at the Hi-Lo, in elder care at the Faith Immanuel Nursing Home, and at Maeward Inc. in Olivet. Her true life’s calling began when she earned her massage certificate from Lansing Community College and started her own business in 1992, Kind-Hearted Woman. She served her community as a massage therapist, energy worker, and shamanic practitioner, helping people heal on all levels of their being – physical, emotional, natural and spiritual. Brenda co-created Happiness and Healing Advocates and was a member of the Charlotte Full Moon Circle and many Shamanic Circles. She was dedicated to her Charlotte Community in many other ways as well, especially by passionately serving on the Camp Francis Board.
Brenda loved the outdoors, especially gardening, and spending time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan and immersing herself in the forest. She looked forward to vacationing with her brother, Mike and his family. She absolutely adored her beloved grandson, Scott, and treasured every moment with him. Above all, Brenda was deeply devoted to her Faith. From a young age, Brenda developed a strong, memorable relationship with God. She maintained that relationship every day in her interactions with others, and in her service to her home church, Charlotte Congregational. Brenda will forever be remembered by many for her positive energy, kind spirit, and service to others.
Brenda is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, John K. Bly; their son, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; daughter-in-law, Amy Bly; grandson, Scott James (Kara) Bly; brothers, Evison Joseph Beck III and Michael Aaron Beck; her nieces and nephews, extended family; and a whole host of friends and fellow shamans. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, James Kay Bly in 2021; and her sister, LaRae Smith.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Jody Betten officiating. 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 Brenda’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 the Juvenile Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary Lee Wells
Gary Lee Wells, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born May 17, 1949, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Howard and Juanita (Maynard) Wells. Gary had a personality that was larger than life. He loved entertaining others with his singing, dancing, and playing of his guitar. Gary was an extremely hard worker and always saw to it that his family was well cared for. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Katrina (Robert) Butler of Bunker Hill, Illinois, Kristina (John) Hamilton of Alton, IL, Lisa (Kraig) Bowen of Charlotte, MI, Gary Wells Jr., of Charlotte, Thomas (DeeAdra) Wells of Kansas City, MO; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marvin (Neva) Wells of Charlotte, Sharon Wells of Wilsonville, IL, Ivan (Annette) Wells of Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jessica Cooper; and his fur-baby, Lucy.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gary’s memory to Compassus Hospice, 800 S. Waverly Road, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.
To view Gary’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.
Martha Jean Moss
Martha Jean Moss, a gracious and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Jean, 89, of Charlotte, was born on April 7, 1934, in Philippi, West Virginia, the daughter of Mary and Charlie Manning. She graduated from Phillip Barbour High School. On June 7, 1954, she married Howard Ronald Moss Sr. and together they created many great memories until his passing in 2013. Jean was a dedicated Homemaker, and while the children attended school, she managed the school cafeteria. She was a devoted Baptist. Jean was a lifetime member of the Charlotte Eagles Aux. 3552, and an Auxiliary member of the American Legion in Philippi, W.V. Hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, reading, doing word search puzzles, and watching old western movies. In her younger years, back home in W.V. she enjoyed dancing in the dance halls with her cousins. Above all her proudest accomplishment in life was the family that she created and her marriage to Howard.
Jean is survived by her children, Deborah Moss, Ron (Jane) Moss, Jeanne (Butch) Hussey, and Keith (Sandra) Moss; grandchildren, Nick Moss, Chad Dallaire, Dar Dallaire, Megan (Matt Fisher) Andres, Mallory (Mike) Crowner, Brooke (Chad) Jacobs, Kati (Buck Andrews) Moss, Casey Hussey, Cody (Mandy) Hussey, Lindsey (Isaac) Weeks, Robert (Ashlee) Moss, Brandon (Jenn) Colegrove, and Josh (Mae) Moss; dear friend, Phyllis Christie; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard; siblings, Charles Reed, and Peggy Manning; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. 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 Jean’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 the American Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Richard Coleman Avery
Richard “Dick” Coleman Avery, 75, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at home with his family nearby. He was born March 12, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to W.K. and Margaret (Fraser) Avery. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Martens, on December 21, 1968.
He worked for Grand Trunk/Canadian National Railroad for almost 40 years as a truck driver/heavy machine operator. He credited his successful marriage to working long hours on derailments and snow removal, having no time for fights. Over the years, he enjoyed fast cars, volunteering at the Bellevue Rescue Squad as an EMT, crewing for the Kandi II hot air balloon (only on the ground – he would not ride in it), working in his yard, volunteering at the Leila Arboretum, and driving his restored 1949 Ford Truck. For many years, Dick also enjoyed going to the local restaurant to “stir the pot,” but it was well known that if anyone needed help, he was always willing to lend a hand.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; son, Darren (Katy) Avery; daughter, Amanda (Paul) Hubinsky; grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Josephine, and Coleman Avery; and his special cat, Smokey, who sat with him and watched TV.
A visitation was held at Kempf’s of Bellevue, 205 N. Elizabeth Street, Bellevue, MI 49021 on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service began at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dale Williams officiating. Immediately following, Dick will be escorted in his restored 1949 Ford Truck to the graveside service at Riverside Cemetery, 201 N. Main Street, Bellevue, MI 49021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Bellevue Fire Department, 115 East Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021; Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice), 7100 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or at https://centricacare.org/giving/; or Kalamo United Methodist Church, 1475 South Ionia Rd., Vermontville, MI 49096.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW., Battle Creek, MI 49015. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.