Obituaries
Nancy Gusey
Nancy Gusey, age 81, passed away at home on January 19, 2025 from a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
She was born in Kalamo Township to Richard and Bethel (Rich) Graham. Her elementary years were spent at the North Kalamo Country School and her middle school years were at Bellevue Schools. Finally, after district lines were redone, Nancy graduated from Charlotte Public Schools in 1961. Nancy was a member of the band and played the alto sax, which was one of her most treasured possessions.
Nancy married Roger Gusey in August 1963. They were happily married until his death in 2008. Nancy worked at Strecks Insurance until she became a mother in 1970. She worked alongside her husband on their dairy farm. After his passing, Nancy and her son raised beef cattle.
Nancy attended the West Benton Church until she was no longer able. Her favorite hobbies were auctions, crocheting, and spending time with her grandkids.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, step-dad Arthur Reader, infant sister Sharon, her husband Roger, brother-in-law Rocky Rockwell, and sister-in-law Andy Graham.
She is survived by her daughter Zandra (Jason) Service, son Adam Gusey, granddaughters Janae Ashley and Kinzie Pierce, great-grandson Kamden Satterly, brother Dick Graham, sister Diana Rockwell, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Benton Church.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For further information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Sara Jeane Jackson
Sara Jeane Jackson passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in Charlotte, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness and community involvement. Sara was born on December 28, 1926, at home on her family farm to Burr and Marjorie (Badger) Miller. She embraced the responsibilities of farm life helping with chores and contributing to her family’s well-being.
A proud, hardworking, and kind-hearted woman, Sara’s life was a radiant tapestry of joyful moments and achievements. She embodied the American Dream. After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, she began working at Percy Jones Military Medical Hospital in the office. Fate smiled upon her when a young soldier, Martin Jackson, spotted her and declared he would marry her someday. True to his word, they were married April 26, 1947, beginning a beautiful journey together that would result in them celebrating 75 years of marriage.
While raising a family of five, Sara continued working outside the home becoming the head cook at Pennfield Middle School, where she planned menus and cooked homemade meals from scratch to the delight of both students and staff. Sara and Martin were a dynamic team working tirelessly to make their dreams come true. One of their proudest achievements was purchasing Char-Lanes bowling alley in 1982, transforming it into a cherished gathering place for the community. Sara became an integral part of the local business community, with her unwavering commitment.
Sara volunteered with the Charlotte Women’s Club (GFWC) and delivered meals on wheels to those in need. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, the Charlotte Senior Center, and the First Congregational Church. Her generosity and compassion touched countless lives, reflecting her belief in giving back and supporting others.
With a flair for arts and crafts, Sara stayed ahead of the latest trends. She enjoyed crocheting and creating porcelain dolls, which she lovingly made for family and donated to charitable causes. Her competitive spirit was evident in her love for playing games. She was an avid bowler and was always ready for Uno, dice, Skip-Bo, Euchre, and her nightly puzzle solving Wheel of Fortune.
She supported her children and grandchildren at their sporting events, cheering them on. Sara found joy in the simple, yet beautiful moments in life. Tending to the flowers in her garden and watching the birds gather at her numerous feeders. Sara cherished traveling the world making memorable trips to Hawaii, Germany, Ireland, and Japan. Always ready for the next adventure she brought joy wherever she went.
Sara’s life was a beautiful journey filled with love, family, kindness and selflessness. As we celebrate her remarkable life, we hold dear the happy memories and the legacy she leaves behind. Her vibrant spirit and generous heart will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know and love her. Rest in Peace Sara, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Sara is survived by her children, Phillip Jackson and David Jackson, both of Charlotte, MI and Sue-Ann Johnson of Eaton Rapids, MI; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Hazel Miller; brother-in-law, Kenneth Jackson; and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Martin Jackson; son, Gary Lee Jackson; and daughter, Phyllis Jeane Burcham. A special heartfelt thank you to Teresa who bonded with mom in friendship, love, compassion, laughter, and pranks.
Friends are encouraged to support Sara’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Wednesday, February 5, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
David Eugene Pritchard
David Eugene Pritchard, affectionately known as ‘Dude Dave,’ passed away on January 16, 2025. Born on January 12, 1978, in Charlotte, Mich., Dave filled our lives with laughter and love.
Dave was a talented artist with a flair for the extraordinary. His creativity knew no bounds, from his intricate wood carvings like the picnic table adorned with turtles, to his unique invention — a fraculator crafted from a microwave. Known affectionately as “hi-lo Dave” during his time at C & I Plastics, he brought joy and camaraderie to every workplace, including stints at Shyft and Eaton Country Health and Rehabilitation Center.
His passions were as diverse as his talents. Dave loved taking walks, embracing the great outdoors. Music filled his soul, with concerts being a family favorite — especially when Slipknot was on stage. Annual trips north to Cheboygan and the lively “Last Hurrah” family gatherings were treasured traditions that showcased his love for adventure and togetherness.
Dave’s infectious laugh, loud mouth, and immense love for his family were the heartbeats of his life. He was deeply proud of his wife and children, always striving to be the best dad he could be. His favorite word, “Dude,” was a reflection of his laid-back and friendly spirit that endeared him to all.
Family was the cornerstone of Dave’s life. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Cynthia Pritchard, and his children, Harley, Tyler, and the late Brady Pritchard. His greatest joy was being a father, and he strived every day to be the best dad he could be.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cynthia Pritchard; his daughter, Harley Pritchard; and his son, Tyler Pritchard. Dave also leaves behind his mother, Penny Burt; sisters, Alishia (Tom Potter) Pritchard and Faith (Thomas) Childress; stepbrother, Dale Burt; and a large extended family, including father- and mother-in-law, Abel and Lisa Anzaldua; sister-in-law, Christina (Clint) Litzenberg; brother-in-law, Jose (Wendy) Anzaldua; grandmother, Marion Pelto; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored him.
He now joins his son, Brady Pritchard; father, David Allen Pritchard; stepbrother, Adam Burt; grandparents, Sharon and Stuart Windon; great-grandmother, Celia Kilgore; and best friend, Chad Johnson.
As we reflect on Dave’s life, we celebrate a man whose creativity, humor, and unwavering love touched us all. His spirit lives on in the joyful memories we share and the love he instilled in his family and friends.
A celebration of Dave’s life was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Visitation took place from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. with Laura Cooper officiating at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. 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 Dave’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bernard Darren Dilly
Bernard Darren Dilly, age 60 of Lakeview, MI passed away on January 7, 2025 at Corewell Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
Darren was born on June 12, 1964 in Joliet, Ill. The son of Richard and Deanna Dilly.
Darren graduated from Capital City Christian School, Lansing, MI. After graduation, Darren served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger and an Honor Guard in Washington D.C.
Darren loved music and loved playing his alto sax, bass guitar and harmonica.
Darren also loved the outdoors, hunting and planting trees around their property. And could often be found watching his Chicago Bears or the Lions with his faithful German Shephard, Honch. A good friend was Fred King, Sunday School teacher at C.B. Church. Fred helped Darren along in his youth and faithfully kept in touch over the years.
Darren is survived by his devoted wife Susan (Doll), his mother Deanna (Dilly) Sherman, brother R. Troy & Heather Dilly, sister Anna T. Dilly, nephew Keaton & wife Hannah Dilly, Cameron & wife Emily and children, niece Karis & husband Brian Pearson and children, nieces Ellen Dilly, Danielle McCorol, nephews Haiden and Owen West and Max Bashore.
Darren was preceded in death by his father, Richard O. Dilly, baby brother Stephen C. Dilly, uncles Dean & Duane Dilly, uncles Edward, Gary and Chuck Mills, grandparents Bernard & Bess Dilly and grandparents Charles & Nellie Mills.
A memorial service will be held in the Spring in Lakeview, MI.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Darren’s memory to any Veterans Association.
Verlin Eugene Shaver
“Small in stature, but big in heart, always generous with his time and treasure.” Verlin “Verlie” Eugene Shaver, a man whose heart was as vast as his love for life, passed away peacefully in Charlotte on January 19, 2025. Born on October 10, 1924, in Chester Township, Verlie lived a life of joy, and heartfelt connections that touched everyone around him.
From humble beginnings on the family farm, one of ten children, Verlie’s spirit was forever rooted in the countryside. His passion for the land inspired his lifelong interest in antique tractors and the art of restoring old furniture into cherished heirlooms. Graduating from Charlotte High School in 1945, he carried his hardworking and humble nature into every endeavor he pursued.
Verlie’s career was as vibrant as his personality. One of his earliest jobs was at Minor Walton Bean Company, where he and his coworkers famously set a record by loading a full train car with 100 pound sacks of beans in under four hours, a testament to his dedication and teamwork. His next employ at Aluminum Extrusions was yet another chapter where his industrious spirit shone brightly. Later, his melodious whistling could always be heard echoing through the halls of Charlotte Public Schools, where he worked diligently as a custodian and bus driver. He was one of the most endeared staff members at CHS for his attention and help for many of the students and was presented an award to commemorate his generosity and compassion.
Music and travel were the melodies of Verlie’s heart. An ardent fan of classic country music, one of his most cherished memories was a trip to the Grand Ole Opry with friends, where the tunes of legends like Johnny Cash filled his soul with happiness. He held a special fondness for “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” songs that echoed his love for life’s journeys.
Family was the centerpiece of Verlie’s life. He loved camping trips with his family, adventures that spanned years and created countless joyful memories. Ever proud of his sons, he wasn’t shy about putting them to work, instilling in them the same hardworking values he embodied. Verlie and Virginia were charter members of Chester Gospel Church. Sundays were often filled with warmth and laughter as Verlie welcomed friends and family into his home after church, always eager to share in good company and fellowship.
Verlie was known for his kind, supportive, and generous nature. His humble spirit and unwavering work ethic left an indelible mark on his community and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy is one of love, generosity, and a life lived to the fullest.
A celebration of Verlie’s beautiful life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Verlie’s grandson, Pastor Andy Shaver, celebrating. The family gratefully received visitors the evening before, Friday, January 24, from 3 to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at the same location.
Verlie is survived by his four sons, Dennis (Kelly) Shaver, Gregory(Vickie) Shaver, Steve ( Nancy) Shaver, David (Shannah) Shaver; 14 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia; and his nine brothers and sisters.
As we remember Verlie, let us celebrate the joy he brought into our lives and carry forward his spirit of kindness and generosity. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church or Real Life Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Verlin’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral service 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 Verlin’s tribute, then click on Photos & videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.