Obituaries
Tammy Jo Olney
Tammy Jo Olney, age 59, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Born on October 14, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, Tammy was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Alma (Peckham) Brooks. She grew up in Eaton Rapids, where she excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Tammy furthered her education at Davenport College, earning an associate degree in accounting.
On January 9, 1984, Tammy began her illustrious 40-year career at Farm Credit, starting as a related services secretary. Through her dedication and hard work, she rose to the position of senior loan accountant, retiring shortly before her passing on September 30, 2024.
In 1985, Tammy married her soulmate, Robert Olney, and together they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters. Following the heartbreaking loss of her youngest daughter, Veronica, to cancer, Tammy channeled her grief into action, organizing “relay” rummage sales to support the American Cancer Society. Over 15 years, with the help of family and friends, she raised nearly $30,000 in Veronica’s memory.
Tammy’s love of dance was evident throughout her life. Starting as a student at the age of three at Marceil’s School of Dance, she went on to teach tap and jazz at Lisa’s Island Dance Centre. She danced for 55 years, attended countless dance conventions, and helped run music for annual dance recitals, a true testament to her passion for the art.
In recent years, Tammy cherished spending time with her grandchildren, often visiting zoos and aquariums, and traveling across the country to cheer on her great-nephew at his college football games.
Tammy is preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Veronica Olney; brother, Tom Brooks; father, Thomas Brooks; and her in-laws, Thomas and Mable (Bursley) Olney.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Robert Olney; loving daughter, Brooke (James) Vredenburg; precious grandchildren, Veronica and Wilhelm Vredenburg; her dear mother, Alma Weber; and her “son from another mother,” Austyn Platte, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tammy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and generosity.
A memorial service to honor Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Robins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Friday, October 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Michigan, 25 Michigan St. NE #1200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in Tammy’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
William Arden Berry
William “Bill” Arden Berry of Albion, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in Marshall, MI, at the age of 83. Bill was born on June 20, 1941, in Addison, MI, the son of the late Arden and Doris (Tingley) Berry. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Lynn, and together they embarked on a journey that would span five decades, filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their partnership was a testament to their commitment to each other and their family. Bill was the owner of Mid-State Industrial for many years. His passion for the outdoors was evident through his love for hunting and fishing, which he shared with his lifelong friend Bud Morton. He also enjoyed working on and around the farm his whole life. Bill and his wife enjoyed summers at their home in Michigan and traveled each winter to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Berry; son, Mark (Brenda) Drummond, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Michelle Walker, Brittany (Ben) Durham, Sarah (Michael) Hubbard, Andrew (Jessica) Drummond, Blake Drummond, Paige Drummond, and Joshua Drummond; great grandchildren, Oliver and Theodore Hubbard; sister, Kay (James) Trosper as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arden and Doris Berry; children, Wendy Bradford and Kevin (Kelly) Drummond; grandson, Scott Drummond.
A funeral service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior and the evening before from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of William Arden Berry. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Christine Elizabeth Cowles
Christine Elizabeth Cowles, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Springport on September 27, 2024, at the age of 69. She was surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born in Lansing, Michigan, on May 31, 1955, to Carson and Phyllis (Langenfeld) Ackley, Chris inherited many wonderful traits from both her parents.
Her father imparted to her a love of adventure, a passion for road trips, and a keen eye for discovering treasures in unexpected places. From her mother, Chris inherited the love of sewing and the ability to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. These qualities shaped her into a woman whose creativity, generosity, and joy enriched the lives of all who knew her.
Chris was a proud 1973 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. One of her most treasured school memories was winning a dance contest with her brother Tim.
Chris’s professional journey began at MESSA in 1975, where her dedication and leadership skills saw her rise through the ranks to become a treasured manager. Along the way, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships with colleagues. She later became the co-owner of Rapids Tumble Finish and co-founded the Promise Breakers Club alongside her devoted husband, Loren, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. After a fulfilling career, Chris chose to retire and focus on what she cherished most: time spent with her family and friends.
A woman of many passions, Chris delighted in sharing her favorite books, documentaries, and television shows, while her love of music was a gift she passed on to her children. Her creativity found further expression in the countless hours she spent knitting and quilting, each piece lovingly crafted as a symbol of her devotion to family and friends.
Chris met the love of her life and best friend, Loren, through her sister Cathy and Cathy’s husband, Bud. Their marriage in 1983 marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, laughter, and shared dreams. In May 1984, they welcomed their daughter, Betsy, and together with Loren’s sons, Brian and Tim, they created a close-knit family.
Chris’s memory lives on in the hearts of her children, Brian (Melissa) Cowles of Cincinnati, OH, Tim (Faiza) Cowles of Chicago, IL, and Betsy (Slater) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Luke, Nora, Mia, Alex, Holden, Esme, Wyeth, Dylan, and Vivianne. She is also survived by her siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Jackie) Ackley of Bellaire, Cathy (Bud) Cowles of Eaton Rapids, Janice (Jim) Boice of Perry, Joseph (Pam) Ackley of Norton Shores, Robert (Annette) Ackley of Eaton Rapids, William Ackley of Eaton Rapids, and Mary (Scott) Patrick of Lansing, as well as her sister-in-law, Sue Ackley of Eaton Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Loren Cowles, in 2023; her parents, Carson and Phyllis Ackley; and her siblings, James Ackley, Richard Ackley, and Carol Clark.
Though she is no longer with us, Chris’s legacy of love, kindness, and creativity will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte on November 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute of McLaren or McLaren Hospice and Palliative Care in Lansing. Arrangements were entrusted to Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.millsfuneral.com.
Helen Margaret Boatman
Boatman, Helen Margaret, age 80, of Weidman, passed away September 3, 2024, at her home.
A Celebration of Helen’s life will take place at the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer Awareness, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Wounded Warriors. Envelopes will be available at Clark Family Funeral Chapel.
Helen was born on July 25, 1944, in Thompson, IA, the daughter of John Bernard Bergstad and Alice Elaine Dixon. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the class of 1963. Helen worked from many years as a forklift and press operator for Eaton Stamping Line and Tecumseh. She was an avid reader and loved collecting Native American Crafts.
Helen is survived by her son, Steven (Brenda) Boatman, Jr.; grandchildren, Michael, Bonita, Sheena, Brandon (Allison) and Teeah; great-grandchildren, Oakley, Makayla, Jordan, Emma, Remmington and Deisel; sisters, Sally (Robert) McConnell, Phyllis Carroll, Mary Ann Pfeiffer and Penny Bergstad; daughter-in-law, Tammy Boatman; special friends, Joel Newman and Penny Kinendall; brother-in-law, Bill Connor; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents, sons, Kevin Boatman and Troy Boatman; brothers, Jon Bergstad, Kenneth Bergstad and Charles Johnson; and sisters, Jeanette Moore, Bonnie Connor, Kathy Pierce, Dolores Frank and Ruby Bergstad.
You may view Helen’s obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun
Richard DeBaun, age 87, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 27, 2024. He was born April 9, 1937, in a farmhouse near Garrett, Indiana, to Raymond and Helen (Brown) DeBaun joining his twin siblings, Conrad and Jacqueline. In 1941, the family moved from Park County, Indiana, to Charlesworth, Michigan. A short time later, they moved to a 180-acre farm outside Olivet. Along with farming, they operated the DeBaun Dairy supplying milk locally. As a young teen, every morning prior to school, his mother drove the delivery van and Dick rode on the back delivering milk door to door. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1955. His father, as school board president, presented him his diploma. All through school Dick was a drummer in school bands and upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. Basic training was at Fort Leonardwood, MO. After completion he was sent to Fort Sheridan, IL as a member of the 5th Army Band, then he transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado, becoming a member of the 9th infantry division band. Dick completed his service with the Michigan National Guard in Charlotte.
Ilene DeBaun (Rice), age 83, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 28th, 2024. She was born August 8th, 1941, at Gensterblum maternity home in Portland, Michigan to Elon and Ruth Rice (Lyon). At the tender age of 3 months, she went with her parents to deer camp in Lewiston, Atlanta area staying warm and cozy in a tent. At the age of 12 years old, she was able to hunt by herself after many years of shooting. Ilene and her family went hunting every season and would bring school assignments while away during hunting season. Pheasant hunting with her dad was one of her most memorable moments. She attended Moyer School through the 8th grade and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. After graduating High School, she started working as a secretary for a short period of time.
Shortly after… Richard & Ilene met…
On June 25, 1960, Richard DeBaun married Ilene Rice at the Congregational Church in Olivet. They purchased 80 acres south of Bellevue and raised their three children- Scott, Andrea, and Craig.
Dick played drums with many dance bands at Moose and Elk clubs, Narrow Lake Ballroom, and private parties. After the dance scene, Dick spent 12 years with the Stage Band for the theater productions by the Bellevue Village Players. After military service, he worked for a brief time at Minor Walton Elevator in Charlotte. He retired in 2000 after 42 years at Airway Manufacturing, holding various positions. The last position Dick held there was in research and development which included traveling with a buyer and rebuilding machines.
Ilene was a stay-at-home Mom for more than 20 years. She spent time cooking, canning, gardening (vegetables and flowers), hunting, skinning and cleaning deer and tending to the children. In 1980, Ilene began her career at Olivet College as Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director. She enjoyed being a support person for all coaches, staff, students and parents. In 1993 she was recognized for her work when she was presented with the John J. Shipherd award by the senior class for service to the students. She retired from Olivet College in 2004 after 24 years of service.
Dick and Ilene enjoyed traveling but spending time with family was most important. An old bread van was converted into their first motorhome for a trip to Colorado Springs with their three kids, all under 7 years of age. Later years found both sets of grandparents joining Dick and Ilene with their rigs for adventures in the Canadian Rockies and Nova Scotia. Later years found their kids and their youngsters joining in a far newer motorhome with Canada as a favorite destination. They also took several bus tours throughout the years. One treasured trip is when their kids honored them with a trip to Puerto Rico to celebrate 50 years of marriage.
Dick enjoyed videotaping his grandkids’ school and athletic programs, sometimes forgetting to turn the camera off. Often, you would also find Ilene behind her many cameras, sometimes snapping pictures at the most inconvenient times. A large vegetable garden was tended every year by the entire family for more than 50 years.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun celebrated their last wedding anniversary of 65 years on June 25, 2024.
Richard and Ilene DeBaun are survived by their children, son, Scott (Peggy Schnepp) DeBaun, daughter, Andrea (Ronnie Mutter) DeBaun-Mutter; grandchildren, Danielle McIntyre, Deven (Kelley Lehman) DeBaun, Craig (Kaitlin) Markwart, Nicole (Andrew) Fleming; great-grandchildren, Landon Markwart, Mason Markwart, Karmen McIntyre, Natalie Fleming; Richard’s sister, Jackie Marr and several extended family members. They were predeceased by their parents, Raymond & Helen DeBaun, Elon and Ruth Rice, Richard’s brother, Conrad DeBaun and their son, Craig DeBaun.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Cary Grant officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Lee Center Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard and Ilene’s memory to the charity of their choice.
To view Richard and Ilene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.