Obituaries
Joshua Loren Ross
It is with great sadness that our son, brother, uncle, and friend, Joshua Loren Ross, has unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 44.
Josh was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 17, 1979, to Larry and Sandra Ross (Simpson). As a young boy, Josh carried with him a bright and joyful smile. His demeanor was easily recognized through his smile and his bright green eyes. His contagious energy filled every room with joy.
Josh was a graduate of Charlotte Senior High School in 1997. Followed by furthering his education at Baker College and Sienna Heights University earning his Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Architectural Technology. This education afforded Josh opportunities to pursue a career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where he was able to start his career path with the State of Michigan, where he thrived for 15 years and moved quickly to upper management.
Soon after, Josh was able to move to sunnier shores in North Carolina in a civilian position performing GIS duties at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Most recently, Josh moved closer to home with a position at Detroit Wayne County Port Authority as a Senior GIS Analyst where he oversaw multiple projects and associates.
Joshua’s love of music played an intricate role in his life. He compiled a tremendously impressive record collection and always knew detailed knowledge of a “plethora” of artists. Josh was extremely talented and had a rare ability to play the guitar and coronet by ear.
Josh was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and was a strong, thoughtful humanitarian who was known for his kindness and generosity by everyone who had the luck to have encountered such a special person. Josh’s heart was made of gold, and he had strong abilities to make any difficult situation better with wit and humor. Regardless of the challenges he confronted, he continuously tried to make the world a better place.
Josh was an avid motorcyclist and inherited this love from his father. He loved to travel on day trips across the state of Michigan. He enjoyed reading on a daily basis. One of his favorite pastimes was watching classical Hollywood cinema, such as, Mommy Dearest, which is why he never kept wire hangers in his home.
Joshua was loved by many and could easily make friends wherever his wheels took him. Josh will forever be missed, and his memory will be carried on by everyone who loves him. Joshua’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his mother, Sandra (Wayne) Simpson; his father, Larry (Robyn) Ross; and his siblings, Jason (Daniel Rodquiez) Ross, Jeffrey Ross, Amber (Jeremy) Sinke, Angel (Tim King) Andrews, and Joshua Simpson.
His memory will also be carried on by his aunts and uncles, Cindy Albrect, Sheryl (Jeff) Towe, Linda (Mickey) Brown, Lori (Rick) Hart, Loretta Savoie, Donald Webb, Randy (Helen) Webb, Daryl Webb, Gary (Paula) Ross, Rodney (Lisa) Ross, Robert (Cheryl) Ross, Jay (Lisa) Ross, Kevin (Robin) Ross; as well as many cousins, his closest being Naomi (Blake) Miller. He will be missed and cherished by his nephews, Miles Sinke and Kadence Andrews; and his nieces, Penny and Lilly Sinke, and Kalli (Matt) Mongar.
Joshua is preceded in death by grandparents, Don and Joyce Webb, Harry and Velma Ross, John and Phyllis Simpson, Bill Hitshew, Don and Yvonne McClure; aunt, Rolene Hitshew; and cousins Joel Ross and Deanna Wacker.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family received friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, Joshua would appreciate that you plant a tree in his memory or make a contribution to a local Al-Anon or other peer support groups.
To view Joshua’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Cory Lynn Rolfe
Cory Lynn Rolfe, age 51, passed away July 16, 2023. Cory was born May 25, 1972, in Charlotte, Michigan to Tena Dickey. Cory graduated from Charlotte High School in 1990.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Wagner); stepsons, Jeremy Wanger and Josh (Danielle) Wagner of Louisiana; parents, Tena and Philip Rolfe; sister, Rebecca Rolfe; daughter, Kalie Rolfe; and three step-grandchildren. Cory was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cornelius (Pat) Dickey, Zack Morgan, Joyce Morgan, and Robert and Barbara Rolfe. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Raymond Harold Black
Raymond Harold Black, age 78, of Charlotte, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born February 9, 1945, in Rolla, Missouri, the son of Raymond and Zola (Bartlett) Black. When Ray was young the family moved to Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1963. He was looking forward to celebrating his 60th class reunion this year. On May 25, 1968, Ray married Joy Ilene Woodhams at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Their wedding was the first held in the new sanctuary. Ray loved his Savior and served him with his whole heart and soul. He served in the church for 55 years, taught Sunday school, served as deacon, elder, and worked with the children’s ministry, all at First Baptist Church. He had a special place in his heart for all children and loved to show Christ’s love to them. He was a truly humble servant of the Lord and will be missed by his family and countless friends.
Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy; children: Ilene Beth (Jeffrey) Croll of Farmland, IN and Benjamin Ray (Tara) Black of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren: Kelsey (Nick) Urista of Allen Park, MI; Spencer Croll of Muncie, IN; Teegan Croll of Muncie, IN; Lolly Croll of Farmland, IN; Rhiannon Black of St. Paul, MN; James Harns of Charlotte; Jasmine Harns of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Armani Urista and Ellawynn Urista; and sister, Grace (Dave) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The family received friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ray’s memory to First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Ray’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.
James Taylor Holberg
James Taylor Holberg of Eaton Rapids, MI peacefully passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the age of 65. Born on September 11, 1957, in Lansing, MI, the son of Robert and Abbie (Taylor) Holberg.
Jim was raised in Lansing, MI and graduated from Lansing Eastern in the class of 1975. He immediately began his career at the Lansing State Journal. Later, in 1985, he ventured into commercial lighting and started Brite Lite Maintenance which he managed until 2020. Starting at a young age, one of Jim’s great joys in life was classic cars. He poured countless hours into the pursuit of locating, repairing, and restoring old vehicles, all of which eventually found new homes and owners that cherished them as much as he did. During the last few years, he felt called by God to spend his time rebuilding a church on the South Side of Chicago and made frequent trips to lend a charitable hand.
He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Michael Holberg. Jim is survived by his two sons, Joseph (Jessica) Holberg of Oak Park, IL and Rob Holberg of Holt. He also leaves behind his grandson, John R. Holberg; three brothers, Rex Holberg, Robert (Donna) Holberg, and John Holberg; two sisters, Joann Menke and Dr. Diana (Rob) Gordick and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Friday, July 28 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at his brother Robert’s house. All are welcome to attend. For the address, please reach out to Joseph Holberg or Robert Holberg. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the church Jim was working on to the end: New Christian Love via Reverend James H Weston at 6228 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60637. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Jonathan James Hill
Jonathan James Hill, age 72, of Gowen, passed away Sunday, July 16, 2023 with his family at his side under the care of Promedica Hospice. He was born February 25, 1951, in Lansing, the son of Richard B. and Doris L. (Hershiser) Hill. He was an electrical / building inspector as well as owner of F & J Construction. He loved the great outdoors hunting and fishing. While he currently attended Calvary Baptist Church of Greenville he was previously an Elder at First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids.
Jonathan is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Matthew (Debra) Hill of Greenville and Joshua (Julia) Hill of Eaton Rapids; 15 grandchildren: Haven Grace Hill, Ella Jo Hill, Caleb Michael Hill, Mikayla Ann Hill, Rebekah Jane Hill, Huntur Jaye Hill, Nicole Hosannah Brownell, Meghan (Eric) Anderson, Chance Christian Brownell, Isabelle (Tyler) Woods, Hannah Grace Brownell, Cassandra Hope Brownell, Levi Paul Brownell, Sophia Joy Brownell and Hannah (Trevor) Woollard; one great grandson, Karter Wayne Woods; brother, Thomas (Diane) Hill; sister-in-law, Joy Hill; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Doris Hill; and siblings, David and Robert Hill.
A memorial was held July 29, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Greenville with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made in Jonathan’s name to Camp Barakel, 1798 Shear Lake Road, Fairview, MI 48621.
Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, with complete obituary online at www.marshallfuneralhomeinc.com where you can leave a message of condolence for the family.