Obituaries
Michelle Whitman
Michelle Trowbridge Whitman passed away peacefully at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI surrounded by her family on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Michelle was born on October 21, 1966, to Lou and Emma (Degner) Trowbridge in Eaton Rapids, MI.
Michelle attended Maple Valley Schools and graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1984. She was on the Maple Syrup court in 1983 and was employed by IGT for 20 years, where she worked as a sales representative.
Family was very important to Michelle. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and working at her parent’s bookstore. She loved camping and spending time at her family’s lakefront property at Saubee Lake. Michelle also loved going on scavenger hunts with her friends, which was a yearly event. She enjoyed helping her family collect sap for Maple Syrup and cheering on MSU. Michelle was outgoing and had a smile that lit up the room. She was loved by all.
Michelle will be deeply missed by her life partner of 18 years, Steven Whitehead; Parents, Lou and Emma Trowbridge; brother, Michael (Debra) Trowbridge; Nephew Brody and Niece, Madison; stepsons, TJ McArthur and Alex Whitman.
Visitation will be Monday, February 19 at Sunfield United Brethren Church, 8436 Grand Ledge Highway (M43), Sunfield, MI. from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, February 20 at 11 a.m. at the same location, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Sunfield SPYS. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Rosier Funeral Home of Sunfield, MI. 48890
Norris Ralph Stark
Norris “Cy” Ralph Stark, 90 of Charlotte, an extraordinary tractor mechanic and farmer, died February 12, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was born October 16, 1933 in Battle Creek, the son of Norris and Dorothy (Hoag) Stark, attended Central High School in Battle Creek his freshman and sophomore years, and then Olivet High School his Junior and Senior Years, playing basketball and earning many awards. The biggest award ever, though, was meeting his future wife at a basketball game just after he graduated from high school. Since he had already graduated and she was still in high school, their courtship took several years, often with distance being an obstacle in their relationship, but in the end they married on New Year’s Day 1956.
Instead of attending college, Cy decided to become a farmer. With his dad, he purchased his first farm on 5 Point Highway in 1956 which included an old farmhouse, and while it needed lots of repairs, Cy and Shirley did so together and filled the home with love as they raised their four sons. Cy was a full-time farmer until 1968, when he was hired by D.E. Wertz as a tractor mechanic by day, and continued farming at night. He was great with all types of tractors, but specialized in the more modern models. A mechanic’s mechanic, Cy was never too busy to answer a question on how to fix something or help someone out. He never relied on modern technology, he would trouble shoot simply by listening to the tractor and its symptoms. After 22 years at Wertz, he also worked at J.R. Fueslein Inc. for five years, and Filmore’s Implement for three years.
Cy is survived by his sons, Richard (LeAnn) Stark, Bob (Lisa) Stark, John (Connie) Stark, and Thomas (Linda) Stark; ten grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and sister, ZoeAnn Baxter. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; and one great-grandson.
Friends are encouraged to support Cy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, February 14, 5-8:00 p.m. Funeral services were Thursday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Josh Burt 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 Cy’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 Elara Caring Hospice or Grace Community Church in Nashville. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Linda Dianne Groleau
Linda Dianne (Cooper) Groleau, a beloved and dedicated wife, mother, and friend, died peacefully with her husband Bill by her side, on Friday, February 9, 2024, in Charlotte. Linda was born July 6, 1943, at the family home in Vermontville, the daughter of Hugh and Almary (Root) Cooper. She grew up in the farmhouse on the corner of Stine and Kinsel for 19 years. As a child, Linda contributed to the family work, particularly in helping to catch the chickens so her brother, Bill, could do the dirty work in preparing them for meals. She attended Millerburg Country School from Kindergarten through 6th grade, where she often helped care for the younger students. She went on to Charlotte High School and graduated in the class of 1961. During her high school years, she stayed busy on the family farm, thus was too busy for sports, but she did excel at baton twirling, even winning awards.
Linda’s first job was in the front office of the pickle factory in Eaton Rapids, MI. Her big career break came on February 5, 1962, when Charlotte High School business teacher John Smith, then the Chairman of the Board of Eaton Federal Savings and Loan, recommended Linda to the bank president, Huey Stall. She went to work at the bank starting for $1.25/hour but worked her way up the ladder to Secretary/Treasurer (a modern day CFO), before her retirement on December 30, 2006 after 44 years of service. It took four and a half employees to fill Linda’s shoes when she left the bank. Many of her coworkers affectionately referred to her as “boss,” “guidance counselor,” “marriage counselor,” but most importantly, “friend.”
Linda met her husband, Bill Groleau when her brother, Bill, set her up on a blind date on April 11th, 1970. They hit if off immediately and were married just six months later on October 24, 1970, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, where they would remain lifetime members. Bill recounts their marriage as in saying, “Wedded bliss it’s not always been, what it has been is a slice of heaven.”
Linda is survived by her husband, Bill Groleau; son, Michael Groleau; daughter, Kara Groleau; brother, Bill (Martha) Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Dick (Lila) Cooper and Bob (Bev) Cooper; sister, Nancy (Roger) McDonald; and her parents, Hugh and Mary Cooper.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Monday, February 12, 2024, with a Rosary held at 7:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Linda’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 St. Mary Catholic School. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
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.