Obituaries
Scott Emery Ball
Scott Emery Ball, 40, passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Colorado surrounded by loved ones on December 6, 2023. Services will be held on December 29 at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Scott was born on March 4, 1983 in Marshall, Michigan the son of Dana Ball. He was raised in the surrounding Olivet area where he attended Olivet Community Schools, graduating in 2002. He was married to Rebecca Zamidio Hamilton Ball on June 15, 2006 in Tucson, Arizona. He participated in soccer, track, and wrestling at Olivet High Schools, a member of Boy Scout Troops #647 Olivet.
Scott is survived by Mother, Dana Ball; Grandmother, Loretta Ball; Uncles: Phillip Ball, Ronald Ball, Timothy Ball; Special cousins: Mary Mogg, Teri Boland, and numerous cousins; Wife, Rebecca, of 17 ½ years; Daughters: Genevieve, Magnolia, Luella.
Scott has battled Malignant Liver Melanoma for four years.
Judith Irene Zomerman
Judith Irene Zomerman of Potterville, passed away December 19, 2023, at the age of 83. She was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on July 16, 1940, the daughter of Reo and Viola (Kornmeyer) Sheren. Judith and her husband loved travelling, camping in particular. They travelled all over the United States with their travel trailer, in the years of travelling, they managed to make it to all the states in the Continental US. Judith was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family. She was an excellent cook and loved reading in her spare time.
Judith is survived by her loving husband, Willem Zomerman; children, Joan (Bryan) Richard of Charlotte, Edd (Andee) Zomerman of Portland, OR; grandchildren, Courtney (Steve) Guthrie of Kentwood, Alex Bailey of Lansing, Emma Zomerman of Anaheim, CA, Annika Zomerman of Orlando, FL; great grandchildren, Aiden and Addisyn Guthrie of Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Duane Sheren, Jerry Sheren and Richard Sheren.
Per Judith’s wishes, a private family service will be held. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel in Grand Ledge. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Concepcion Elida Arnold
Concepcion “Connie” Elida Arnold, age 70 of Charlotte, passed away on December 13, 2023, in Lansing. She was born on December 8, 1953, in Bexar, Texas, the daughter of Gabriel and Martha (Martinez) Lozano. Connie and her husband, Keith Arnold, raised their family on the farm in rural Charlotte. She retired from the State of Michigan after many years of faithful service where she served as a mail clerk. Connie was a member of the New Hope Community Church and always had a heart full of love for others. She volunteered at the Helping Hands Food Pantry. She enjoyed many special times with her friends from church as they studied the Bible together. Connie was a tremendous cook and will long be remembered for her amazing, homemade meals. Most of all, she loved and adored her family, she spoiled her grandchildren, and she will be missed deeply.
Connie is survived by her children; Keith (Diedra) Arnold of Massachusetts, Kyle Arnold of Haslett, Brianna Arnold of Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Jonny, Gabriel, and Mae; siblings, Judy Lozano, Vivian (Russ) Brown, Gabe Lozano; many nieces; nephews; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith H. Arnold; son, Cody Arnold; sisters, Martha Lozano and Diane Klinesmith.
In keeping with Connie’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Connie’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Connie’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.
Venice C. Martin
Venice C. Martin, age 94, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was born February 7, 1929, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carson and Eva (Rawson) Parr. Venice went on to graduate from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1946. Soon after graduation she married Jackson L. Martin. Venice loved cooking and preparing wonderful meals for her family. She also enjoyed doing seamstress work and the beauty in nature. Venice also taught Sunday school for many years at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. She will be dearly missed by her precious family and many friends.
Venice is survived by her children, Sandra (David) Gilding of Charlotte, Jeffrey Martin of Cadillac; grandchildren, Scott Gilding, Matt (Tracie) Gilding, Ryan (Katie) Gilding, Jesse (Sara) Gilding, Autumn Rand; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Nona Osborne; sister-in-law, Sharon Parr, brother-in-law, Mike Kehres; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Doris Martin; husband, Jack; daughter, Stephanie Rand; siblings, Wayne (Marion) Parr, Jean (Wayne) Davis, Shirley (Bruce) Bryan, Dick Parr, Sharon Bayes, and Linda Garrison-Kehres.
The family received friends for a time of visitation on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Venice’s memory to Shriners International. www.shrinersinternational.org
To view Venice’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Duane Richard Martin
Duane Richard Martin of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 88. Duane was born January 28, 1935. He was a foster child living in numerous places in Eaton Rapids, including, the Miller Farms, the VFW National Home for Children, and many thanks for the following people for taking him in as well: Luman and Luella Klink, Charlie Campbell and Herbert Gates, Sr. Being a father was an important role for him and it was one that he took on lovingly full time while farming his land. Duane worked for the Lansing School District as a painter and was a Maintenance Director at the Dimondale Nursing Center for many years. He was a member of Robbins United Methodist Church, the Eaton Rapids Chapter FFA, was the leader of the 4-H Club Borderline Wonders, a 4-H softball coach that went all the way to the State Finals, member of the American and Michigan Corriedale Sheep Breeders Association holding many officer positions, the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association, was the 1993 Premier Sheep Breeder at the Michigan State Fair, and a wool buyer. He spent winters in Zephyrhills and loved restoring tractors.
Duane is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lois Martin; daughters, Kim (Steven) Koth of South Haven, MI, Teresa (Robert) Wallo of Gregory, MI; grandchildren, Joshua (Angela) Salow-Leatherberry, Gregory Wallo, Stacy (Craig) Rehmann, Michelle (Travis) Pietsch, Eric Robert Duane (Julie) Leatherberry; great grandchildren, Ethan, Hendrix, Kayden, Jemma, Kenley, Emily, Annabelle, and Jillian; finally, his dog, Ginny, who was his best friend. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Timothy Edward Salow and several siblings.
Memorial services were held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartwood Schools, 625 Hagadorn Rd, Mason, MI 48854. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Paul Duane Adleman
Paul Duane Adleman, a resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the age of 88. Born on March 21, 1935, Duane was the fourth child of Emery and Winnie (Taylor) Adleman and spent his formative years in Big Rapids, MI, graduating from high school in the class of 1952 and went on to receive his bachelor’s in accounting from Ferris State University.
Duane proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956. On June 22, 1957, he married the love of his life, Joyce (Knoop) Adleman, and together they raised three beautiful children.
Throughout his career, Duane worked as a purchasing manager for several manufacturers, including Capitol Plastics, Dart Container, Spartan Motors, and Melling Corporation. In his retirement, he found joy in delivering paint and driving for Sparrow Hospital. Duane was a devoted homebody who cherished moments spent playing cards, board games, and passionately supporting the University of Michigan.
He is survived by his children, Kathy (Dennis) Desgrange, Tim (Sue) Adleman, Ron (Barb) Adleman; 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce Adleman; his brothers, Art, and Floyd Adleman; his sister, Dolly Lile; and his grandson, Creig Adleman.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at the funeral home starting at 10:00 a.m. A remembrance luncheon hosted by the family will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or Elara Caring Hospice in memory of Duane. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Merle Leroy Rochester
Merle Leroy Rochester of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 15, 2023, at the age of 86. Merle was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on August 11, 1937, the son of Arlo and Alice (Paquette) Rochester. He proudly served with the US Army for two years while stationed in Germany.
Merle worked for General Motors for 30 years and not a day more, before retiring in 1986. He was also a lifetime farmer taking over his family farm. Merle enjoyed bowling and chasing around grandkids whenever he got the chance.
Merle is survived by his wife, Daisy Rochester of Eaton Rapids; children, Kathi (Barry) Hardin of Haslett, Jeffrey (Carol) Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Larry (Lori) Chesebro of Muskegon, Charles Rochester of Eaton Rapids, Gary (Lindsey) Chesebro of Stanwood, Christine (Todd) Garrison of Eaton Rapids; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Marilynn Ward; second wife, Linda Potter; grandson, Jeffrey Rochester Jr; siblings, Robert Rochester, Eloise Bainbridge, Loreen Bertram, Wilson Rochester.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Interment followed in Oakwood Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in loving memory of Merle Leroy Rochester. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Marjorie Ann Niceswander
Marjorie Ann Niceswander of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 7, 2023, at the age of 76. She was born in Mason, Michigan on June 28, 1947, the daughter of Charles Norman and Mary Ellen (Dexter) McMann. Marjorie enjoyed the simple life and liked to keep to herself. Some of her hobbies included reading, playing games on her Kindle and growing cherry tomatoes in her garden. Marjorie was also a good cook, she had a special recipe for homemade tortillas that her family especially enjoyed.
Marjorie is survived by her children, Dean Niceswander of Lansing, Wade (April) Niceswander of Missouri; grandchildren, Keith, Hannah (Dustin), Hali (Nicole), Hunter (Allison), James and Arisa; great grandchildren, Emma, Gavyn, Enslea, Aidon, Charlie and Elliet; siblings, Chuck (Deb) Wells, Nancy (Bob) Botke, Mary (Chester) Anderson, Eileen (Steve) Delaney; sister-in-law, Michelle Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Niceswander in 2022; parents, Charles and Mary; siblings, Betty Lou Elliott, Mark Smith, Dan Molter and Mike McMann.
A memorial will be held at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Marjorie Ann Niceswander. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Gerald Lynn Oberlin
Gerald Lynn Oberlin, age 69, of Rives Junction, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023, with his loving family by his side at Henry Ford Hospital Jackson. Gerald was born on June 26, 1954, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Warren and Marilyn Oberlin who have preceded him in death. He was a jack of all trades and worked in welding, roofing, and as an auto mechanic. Gerald married his loving wife, Kim, and they shared 39 years of marriage before her passing in 2022. He loved anything outdoors and tinkering with anything with an engine. He merged those passions into his “other wife,” Black Magic, his beloved Dune Buggy, and they spent many hours riding the Michigan sand dunes. He also loved mud bogging, bracket racing, drag racing, and lawn mower racing with Outlaw Raceway. When he felt like slowing down, he enjoyed the quiet of hunting and fishing, watching action movies, and singing his favorite songs (just not very well). In his younger years, he played softball for local teams. Gerald loved to make people laugh and although he enjoyed hearing or telling a good joke, practical jokes were his favorite, and no one was safe from his hijinks. He was an unofficial employee of the Springport C-Store where he held the counter down while chatting and joking with everyone. Gerald was generous and would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was missing the sleeves, and was willing to drop everything to help a friend. Although he was not a hugger, you knew he loved you through his actions. He loved his family, enjoyed family get-togethers, and will be remembered as being a loving husband and great father and grandfather.
Along with his parents and wife, Gerald is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Sam and Phyllis Gillett, and brother-in-law, Denny (Sandy) Gillett. He is survived by his sons: Jerry (Jessica) Oberlin, Jamie (Sarah) Oberlin, and Patrick (Brandi Fiser) Oberlin; bonus children, Scottie Catt and Lacy Osborn; grandchildren: Breanna (Chris), Brian, Dewey, RiRi, and Wyatt; bonus grandchildren: Dakota, Jayden, and Millie; and great-grandchildren, Baylee and Rylee. Gerald is also survived by his siblings: Terry Porter, Vickie Hamp, Sandy (TJ) Baker, Sharon (Richard) Calkins, Larry (Debbie) Oberlin, and Karen (Steve) Gordon; best friend of 57 years, Stan (Barrie) Latoski; special friends: Natasha (Jason) Haring, Sarah (David) Lightner, and Stan “Bud” Latoski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services celebrating Gerald’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Springport Bible Church located at 240 Mechanic Street in Springport, Michigan, with Pastor Matt Rhode officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service and a graveside service will follow at the Springport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2111 University Park Drive, Suite 200, Okemos, MI 48864, or online at act.alz.org. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 121 Pearl Street/PO Box 235, Springport, MI 49284. 517-857-4848.
Herman H. Schuette, Jr.
Herman H. (Bud) Schuette, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2023 at The Gables at Boutwells Landing in Oak Park Heights, MN.
Bud was born on May 14, 1929 in Wallace, Michigan. He worked on the family farm throughout high school and when he graduated, enlisted in the Navy. When Bud was discharged from the Navy and returned home, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Barbara Fort. In 1955, Bud was offered a job with the United States Postal Service, so they moved to St. Paul, MN. They purchased a home in Oakdale, MN and lived there for 50 years. Bud retired from the Postal Service after 32 years and went to work, part-time, for Hermanson’s Dental as delivery driver.
After Bud was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2016, he moved to Boutwells Landing and resided there for seven years. Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Barbara Ann (Fort), in 2003; his parents, Herman and Edith; and his siblings and their spouses, Joyce (Jack) and Warren (Pearl). Bud was the last survivor of his family of origin.
Bud is survived by his loving daughter, Ruthie (Brad); son Donald (Diane); nine loving grandchildren: Jenie, Jane, Dan, Anna, Sarah, Becky, Ashly, Maddy and D.J.; and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff on the second floor of the Gables at Boutwells Landing for the loving care that they gave to Bud (Grandpa) over the years. They are truly an amazing team working in a blessed place. The gifts from the St. Croix Hospice staff will never be forgotten. Their presence as Dad’s health declined was such a blessing and the family is grateful.
A Celebration of Life and burial for Bud and Barb will be held at a later date in the Mellon Township Cemetery in Wallace, Michigan.
Memorials may be sent to “The Gables at Boutwells Landing” or “St. Croix Hospice” in Bud’s name.