Obituaries
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.
Daisy Mae Komor
Daisy Mae Komor, a wonderful little spitfire, died surrounded by her family on Thursday, December 28, 2023. Daisy, 87, of Nashville, was born on December 16, 1936, in Doyle, Tennessee, the daughter of Jessie and Daisy (Yates) Simmons. In 1954 Daisy married Cordell Kirby and they started a family together. In 1965 the family relocated to Michigan, where after living in a couple of different towns the family would later settle in Nashville. Daisy always cherished her Southern heritage, from her accent to her cooking, she was a Southern woman. During her working years, Daisy worked for the Charlotte Chair Company, Hoover, and Walmart. Hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, fishing every Sunday with her family, line dancing, traveling around the country, trips to the casino, playing bingo, crafting, sewing, quilting, and woodworking. Daisy was a very talented woman who loved being able to gift her talents to others. Above all, her biggest passion in life was her children.
Daisy is survived by her children, Glenna Hennessey, James (Linda) Kirby, Paul (Connie) Kirby, Sharon (Jerry) Parks, Donna Kirby; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; companion, Richard Powers; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Cordell Kirby; second husband, Daniel Maggard; third husband, Donald Komor; daughter-in-law, Amanda Kirby; son-in-law, Jerry Hennessey; great-granddaughter, Ava Kirby; parents; and her 12 siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Daisy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
Funeral services were Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. 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 Daisy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.