Obituaries
Beverly Jane Coolidge
Beverly Jane Coolidge of Eaton Rapids, passed away with her loved ones by her side on January 4, 2024, at the age of 78. Beverly was born on June 24, 1945, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Paul and Betty (Herp) Orr. She worked for many years at Alice’s Greenhouse in Eaton Rapids before taking a position at Eaton Rapids Medical Center as a Medical Biller. Beverly was very devoted to her faith, she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte and often times would help out as a money counter during services. Beverly enjoyed working in her beautiful flower gardens, attending yoga classes and was a very devoted grandma. She would often get together with friends and play cards and she was an avid sports fan. You could always count on her to be rooting for the Michigan State Spartans.
Beverly is survived by her children, Scott (Erica) Coolidge, Tim (Deana) Coolidge, Craig (Michelle) Coolidge, Robert (Traci) Coolidge; grandchildren, Nick, Dylan, Nolan, Madison, Isaac, Max, Abby, Morgan, Marshall, Chase; three great grandchildren, Calum, Harlin, Hadley; brother, Kenneth Orr; sister-in-law, Lucy Orr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Coolidge; parents, Paul and Betty Orr; son, Brad Coolidge; brother, Jerry Orr; sister-in-law, Carole Orr.
Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd. Charlotte, MI. Visitation took place Thursday 6-8 p.m., at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte or McLaren Hospice, 401 West Greenlawn Ave, Lansing MI 48910, in loving memory of Beverly Jane Coolidge. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr.
H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr., 89 of Charlotte, passed from earth into the presence of his Savior on December 23, 2023. Al was born January 17, 1934, at Houghton Lake Heights to Henry Albert Sundberg Sr. and Clara Grace (Rosen) Sundberg. After high school graduation, he attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, where he met his future wife, Barbara Campbell of Charlotte. They married June 19, 1954 in Carson City. He began pastoring churches in 1956 and spend the next 40 years in various Michigan towns in ministry as a pastor, Christian School chaplain, and representative of a Christian publishing company. After retirement Al and Barb moved to Indian River—a favorite area—but he continued to serve as interim pastor in churches that requested him. Their second retirement, ten years later, brought them to Charlotte to be near their family.
Al was a true “people person.” He enjoyed having conversation with anyone, no one was a stranger to him for long, whether they were a store clerk, person standing in line next to him, or a fellow walker at AL!VE. His outgoing personality resulted in many friendships being formed.
Al was especially proud of his Swedish heritage and the fact that all four of his grandparents had emigrated from Sweden to the United States. He took pleasure in sharing accounts of their lives with his family. He was equally proud of his early life at Houghton Lake. One of his favorite activities was a trip there and a tour of his childhood homes, complete with stories of the time he lived at each place.
Al valued and loved his family above everything except his Lord. He daily prayed for each of his nearly 70 descendants and was interested in every aspect of their lives. He enjoyed fishing, handyman work, gardening, woodworking and football—if his sons or grandsons were playing.
Al is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; four of their five children, Patricia Ann (Russell) VanKirk, Sherryl Sundberg Eiskant, Brent Alan (Sonia) Sundberg, and Beth Ann (Neil) foster; daughter-in-law, Mary (David) Sundberg; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Albert; grandson, Brent Eiskant; his parents; infant sister, Katherine; and his brother, Peter.
Friends are encouraged to support Al’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, January 3, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, January 4, at South Church in Lansing, with visitation for one hour prior. 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 Al’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons International.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Patrick Robert Schueller
Patrick Robert Schueller, age 7, of Charlotte, was lovingly received into the precious arms of Jesus on Friday, December 29, 2023. He was born on June 10, 2016, in Lansing, the son of Jennifer Anne Recker and Matthew William Schueller. Patrick was kind and loving to everyone. He had a way to put a smile on your face every time you were around him. He loved his family and cherished each and every one of them in a special way. Patrick also enjoyed listening to music and watching SpongeBob SquarePants.
Patick is survived by his mother, Jennifer Schueller of Charlotte; father, Matt (Crystal) Schueller of Charlotte; brother, Maxim Schueller; step-siblings, Chevelle and Remington Catt; grandparents, Carol Elsie of Rosebush, Alan and Carolyn Shumaker of Charlotte; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ambrose and Lorraine “Pinky” Schueller of Ashley.
In keeping with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions to the family.
To view Patrick’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.
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.