Obituaries
Paul Exelby
Mr. Paul Exelby, age 85 of, Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023 at his home with his beloved wife and his dog “Stanley” at his side.
Paul is survived by his wife Robin, daughters Dr. Cynthia (Misty) Exelby of New Mexico, Deborah Ciampa of Charlotte, Paula (Russ) Angus of Bellevue, several grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Paul’s passing was made peaceful and gentle through the compassionate care of Wings of Hope Hospice.
Paul’s ashes will be laid to rest at a private family graveside service at Kalamo Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Elizabeth Walling
Elizabeth Walling, 87 of Charlotte, a quiet and very loving, family-oriented woman, died January 10, 2024. She was born Elizabeth Joan Castle in Owosso, the daughter of Howard and Laveina (Sheldon) Castle. In 1958 she married Richard Walling and devoted her life to being the best homemaker, a loving wife and mother, and even raised her first granddaughter. There were many homemade goodies that her family loved…she made a wonderful mac and cheese, peanut butter fudge, and many different cookies so there was always a treat around. While she never officially “worked” outside her home, she volunteered for the Family Independence Agency of Eaton County.
Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, making many beautiful items over the years for herself and others, and she enjoyed playing video games.
Elizabeth is survived by her children, Edward Castle, Roberta (Roy) VanNortrick, and Ermie Walling; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Walling in 1980; special friend, Melvin Gardner; half-brothers, Howard Castle Jr. and George Castle; half-sisters, Dorthy Maurer and Lelah Allerding; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Elizabeth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, January 12, 11:00 a.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 Elizabeth’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 a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Aneka Jan Aumiller
Aneka Jan Aumiller of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side January 5, 2024, at the age of 76. She was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on December 15, 1947, the daughter of Max and Viola (Wolf) LeFevre. Aneka graduated from Springport High School in 1966 and married the love of her life, Bob on October 19, 1985. She had many hobbies, camping, hunting, fishing and gardening. Aneka loved being outdoors and rock hunting with her family. She and her family spent many hours looking for rocks and making her husband load up and move rocks.
She is survived by her spouse, Robert Aumiller of Eaton Rapids; children, Michelle (Darren) Warner of Eaton Rapids, Corey (Cheryl) Hutchison of Onondaga, Hillary (Travis) Millen of Mason, Jarred (Mandy) Campbell of Traverse City; grandchildren, Cameron (Leah) Warner, Triston (Danielle) Warner, Shelby Warner, Gabrielle (Amanda) Hutchison, Austen (Makenzie) Hutchison, Maximus Hutchison, Roman Cushman, Brielle Campbell, Conner Campbell; great grandchildren, Bella Hutchison, Denver Warner, Emelia Warner, Oaklyn Hutchison; sisters, Debbie Newland, Loretta Bellows, Teresa Locke. Aneka was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Viola LeFevre; twin sister, Anita Warner.
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd, Lansing MI 48911, in loving memory of Aneka Jan Aumiller. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Beverly Jane Coolidge
Beverly Jane Coolidge of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side on January 4, 2024, at the age of 78. Beverly was born on June 24, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Paul and Betty (Herp) Orr. She worked for many years at Alice’s Greenhouse in Eaton Rapids before taking a position at Eaton Rapids Medical Center as a Medical Biller. Beverly was very devoted to her faith, she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte and often times would help out as a money counter during services. Beverly enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens, attending yoga classes and was a very devoted grandma. She would often get together with friends and play cards and she was an avid sports fan. You could always count on her to be rooting for the Michigan State Spartans.
Beverly is survived by her children, Scott (Erica) Coolidge, Tim (Deana) Coolidge, Craig (Michelle) Coolidge, Robert (Traci) Coolidge; grandchildren, Nick, Dylan, Nolan, Madison, Isaac, Max, Abby, Morgan, Marshall, Chase; three great grandchildren, Calum, Harlin, Hadley; brother, Kenneth Orr; sister-in-law, Lucy Orr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Coolidge; parents, Paul and Betty Orr; son, Brad Coolidge; brother, Jerry Orr; sister-in-law, Carole Orr.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd. Charlotte, MI. Visitation took place Thursday 6-8 p.m., at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte or McLaren Hospice, 401 West Greenlawn Ave, Lansing MI 48910, in loving memory of Beverly Jane Coolidge. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr.
H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr., 89 of Charlotte, passed from earth into the presence of his Savior on December 23, 2023. Al was born January 17, 1934, at Houghton Lake Heights to Henry Albert Sundberg Sr. and Clara Grace (Rosen) Sundberg. After high school graduation, he attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, where he met his future wife, Barbara Campbell of Charlotte. They married June 19, 1954 in Carson City. He began pastoring churches in 1956 and spend the next 40 years in various Michigan towns in ministry as a pastor, Christian School chaplain, and representative of a Christian publishing company. After retirement Al and Barb moved to Indian River—a favorite area—but he continued to serve as interim pastor in churches that requested him. Their second retirement, ten years later, brought them to Charlotte to be near their family.
Al was a true “people person.” He enjoyed having conversation with anyone, no one was a stranger to him for long, whether they were a store clerk, person standing in line next to him, or a fellow walker at AL!VE. His outgoing personality resulted in many friendships being formed.
Al was especially proud of his Swedish heritage and the fact that all four of his grandparents had emigrated from Sweden to the United States. He took pleasure in sharing accounts of their lives with his family. He was equally proud of his early life at Houghton Lake. One of his favorite activities was a trip there and a tour of his childhood homes, complete with stories of the time he lived at each place.
Al valued and loved his family above everything except his Lord. He daily prayed for each of his nearly 70 descendants and was interested in every aspect of their lives. He enjoyed fishing, handyman work, gardening, woodworking and football—if his sons or grandsons were playing.
Al is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; four of their five children, Patricia Ann (Russell) VanKirk, Sherryl Sundberg Eiskant, Brent Alan (Sonia) Sundberg, and Beth Ann (Neil) foster; daughter-in-law, Mary (David) Sundberg; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Albert; grandson, Brent Eiskant; his parents; infant sister, Katherine; and his brother, Peter.
Friends are encouraged to support Al’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, January 3, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, January 4, at South Church in Lansing, with visitation for one hour prior. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Al’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 Gideons International.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Patrick Robert Schueller
Patrick Robert Schueller, age 7, of Charlotte, was lovingly received into the precious arms of Jesus on Friday, December 29, 2023. He was born on June 10, 2016, in Lansing, the son of Jennifer Anne Recker and Matthew William Schueller. Patrick was kind and loving to everyone. He had a way to put a smile on your face every time you were around him. He loved his family and cherished each and every one of them in a special way. Patrick also enjoyed listening to music and watching SpongeBob SquarePants.
Patick is survived by his mother, Jennifer Schueller of Charlotte; father, Matt (Crystal) Schueller of Charlotte; brother, Maxim Schueller; step-siblings, Chevelle and Remington Catt; grandparents, Carol Elsie of Rosebush, Alan and Carolyn Shumaker of Charlotte; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ambrose and Lorraine “Pinky” Schueller of Ashley.
In keeping with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions to the family.
To view Patrick’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.
Doris June Burnham
Doris June Burnham, age 86, of Charlotte, MI, peacefully left this world on December 23, 2023. Born February 15, 1937, in Anna, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Pauline Blaney. Doris is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Lyle Burnham; daughter, Jolene Six; grandson, Charles Clark Jr; two sisters, Mary Ellen Rather and Judy Forehand.
Doris spent her early years in Anna and Jonesboro, IL where she played piano and sang in her church choir. She later moved to Lansing, MI where she met and married her first husband, Lyle Burnham and it was there they settled and raised their family including four children. She also worked many years as a secretary for various organizations. She spent most of her retirement years in Lake City, MI until 2022, when she moved back to the area with her second husband, Daryl O’Dell to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
She was a dynamic and beautiful woman who was a creative force showcasing her many artistic talents including, but not limited to; painting, sewing, crocheting, and music. She is fondly remembered spending most of her free time at her kitchen and/or craft tables creating beautiful cloths, quilts, paintings, and other works of art. If we were lucky, she might be heard singing and playing her keyboard or practicing the guitar.
Doris embarked on a life’s journey that embraced a drive for independence, personal development, and a commitment to family. Her memory will forever linger in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her, a woman whose spirit and life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and generosity. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the colors and melodies she so beautifully composed during her time with us.
She is survived by her husband, Daryl O’Dell; children, David and Kevin (Tanya) Burnham, Beverly (Charles) Clark; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings: Ralph (Diane) and Ronald Blaney, Carol Hindman, Anita (Link) Beatty, Janet (Michael) Peeler; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held for Doris in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to McLaren Hospice.
Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St./P.O. Box 503, Leslie Michigan 49251. 517-878-6600.
Ronald Leroy Smith
Ronald Leroy “Smitty” Smith, 92, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away December 28, 2023. Ron was born June 7, 1931 in Woodland, Michigan, to the late Jacob and Maybelle Smith. He was married to Barbara Smith for 20 years, with whom he had three wonderful children. Ron later met and married Kie Smith, and became a stepfather to three more amazing children. They were married for 26 years before Kie’s untimely passing. When he was not enjoying time with his family, Ron was a lifelong truck driver for A-E Transportation, and loved being out on the open road.
Ron was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he forged lasting friendships and contributed to the betterment of his community. His commitment to fellowship extended to the Moose Lodge, where he found joy in shared experiences and a sense of belonging. Ron was also an esteemed member of the Eaton County Buck Club, where his love for hunting and the great outdoors was celebrated among like-minded individualseyond his professional pursuits, Ron found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. His green thumb was evident in the meticulous care he took of his yard. Ron’s passion for fishing and hunting allowed him to connect with nature, creating memories that will be cherished by those who shared these experiences with him. In his downtime, Ron could often be found immersed in the world of westerns, whether it be through the pages of a novel or on the screen. Additionally, he was an avid fan of NASCAR and WWE wrestling, finding excitement and entertainment in these high-octane pursuits.
Ron is survived by his children, Ronnie (Micki) Smith, Diane (Stan) Forest, and Terri (Steven) Deer; stepchildren, Tom (Martha) Gibson and George (Sally) Gibson; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and amazing friends, Fred and Debbie Hayes. In addition to his parents, Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Esme June “Kie” Smith; stepson, Gene Gibson; siblings, Ray (Stella) Smith, Dick Smith, Robert (Betty) Smith, and Glenwood Smith; and his companion of 20 years, Joyce Haga.
A memorial service honoring Ron’s life will be held at a later date and he will be interred at Woodland Cemetery in Woodland, Michigan.
Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, PO Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Darlene Cecilia Severson
Darlene Cecilia Severson, age 85, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Darlene was born June 4, 1938, in Bismark, North Dakota, the daughter of John E. and Florine E. (Tourney) Sullivan. When Darlene was 15 years old her mother died unexpectedly and her family moved to Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1958 and then took some college courses. Darlene loved her family and cherished spending time together. She was a member of West Carmel Congregational Church.
Darlene is survived by her daughter, Wendy Skidmore of Charlotte; granddaughter, Miranda (Tony) Librojo; great-granddaughter, Bayani Librojo; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; and siblings, Raymond, Augie, Lillian, Vivian, and Irene.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 11 A.M. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Darlene’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Darlene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Michael R. Dolph
Michael R. Dolph, 74, of Bellevue, passed away on December 28, 2023, at the Medilodge of East Lansing, MI. He was born on February 22, 1949, to Robert and Alma Louise (Kelley) Dolph in Battle Creek, MI.
On October 19, 1985, he married the love of his life, Marci Sanders in Bellevue, Michigan and she preceded him in death on March 14, 2009. Mike owned and operated with his brother, Steve, Dolph Roofing in Bellevue for over 30 years. He loved working with wood, being in the great outdoors and camping. He also loved his dogs. His daughters said he was a jack of all trades but a master of none. Mike enlisted in the Army and was in the Vietnam War.
Mike is survived by his loving daughters, Kim (Phil) Nobert of East Lansing, MI, Candy Dolph of Charlotte, MI and brother, Robin Dolph of Charlotte, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, Jerome Burger, brother, Steve and sister, Tammy.
Burial of cremated remains will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery.
To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook, or leave the family condolences please visit: https://www.kempffuneralhome.com.