Obituaries
Sarah Jane Nichols
Sarah Jane (Wood) Nichols passed away peacefully in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on October 14, 2023, having graced this world with her thoughtful and generous presence since July 3, 1954. Born in Charlotte, Michigan, Sarah created a vibrant legacy that spanned family, work, and community.
She is survived by her sons, Jim (Jodi) Nichols, and Bill (Allison Bazaire) Nichols, along with three grandchildren who were her utmost delight: Easton, Keiser, and Eli Nichols. Sarah’s siblings, Nancy Adams, Norm (Jackie) Wood, Wilmott (Deborah) Wood, Edgar Wood, and John (Nicole) Wood, and their families, share in the loss. Her loving sisters-in-law, Mary Dewald, Pat Nichols and Sandy Wood, and brother-in-law, Larry (Brigette) Nichols, will forever remember her warmth. Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Nichols, daughter, Mary Nichols, her parents, and brother, Robert Wood.
Beyond her family by blood, Sarah’s unwavering heart held a chosen family dear. Lacey (Brian) Helmus, and their children Ellie, Laylee, and Jack, as well as the broader Patterson family equally mourn their loss. Sarah had numerous “other kids” that she loved and cherished their presence in her life.
Starting as a teen, Sarah served the State of Michigan for nearly 39 years – a position she initially took up for three months at the tender age of 16. Her dedication to her work was clear evidence of her tenacity and commitment.
On June 16, 1979, Sarah married the love of her life, Harold Nichols. During their 38 years together before Harold’s passing in December 2016, the couple savored their shared passion for travel. Sarah’s selflessness shone brightly through an annual Easter egg hunt tradition she started even before she had children of her own. This event celebrated its 40th year last Easter, bringing Sarah immense joy as she filled over 3,000 eggs, witnessing hundreds of thrilled children participating.
Sarah was part of the congregation of the First Baptist Church in Middleville. People remember her as a woman who was both thoughtful and generous, willing to extend her hand to help anyone in need.
Sarah’s spirit will be missed not only by her family but also by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who are left to cherish her memory. Sarah made a mark on this world with the love she spread, the work she accomplished, and the families she built. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the values, love, and joy she brought into our lives.
Sarah’s family received friends on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home. A celebration of Sarah’s life was conducted on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Middleville, with Pastor Nate Archer officiating. Sarah will be laid to rest next to her husband at Mount Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Memorial contributions to the Mary Fund will be appreciated. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Sarah’s family.
Paul Thomas Wing
Paul Thomas Wing went to see Jesus and praise God in heaven on October 15, 2023.
Paul was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 3, 1940, to Howard Thomas and Wilma Burgan (Meek) Wing, joining his sisters Roberta and Ardith, Mary, and Martha and Norma. They were the fourth generation of Thomas and Elizabeth Wing, who came from England in 1853 to settle on 40 acres in Assyria Township, Barry County, MI. The farm grew to 440 acres and is still farmed by the 5th and 6th generations today.
Paul was a farmer first and made time to serve his community. He earned the “American Farmer” degree in FFA and completed the two-year Agricultural Short Course at Michigan Agricultural College (later MSU). He went on to serve on the Bellevue School Board and many boards in Barry County, including Farm Bureau, Conservation District Board, and Conservation Easement Board. He was a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association for over 35 years. He was especially passionate in his “retirement” about preserving farmland, and recently received recognition from the state of Michigan for his lifelong work in agriculture preservation.
Most important to Paul was his faith in Jesus Christ. He was active at Baseline UMC, holding several offices on the church board and participating in many events where he worshiped God and enjoyed singing in the choir for many years.
Paul married Alma Sue Olmstead, his kindergarten crush and high school sweetheart, in Bellevue, Michigan on September 5, 1959. They raised five Christian children: Jennifer Jane (Brian) Krauss, Abby Anne (Leo) Green, Thomas Jason (Heather) Wing, Beth Michele (Roy) Hoffman, and Rebecca (Becky) Lucille (Glenn) Noffsinger. Liz (Jesse) Crofoot also joined the family, as have 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. All survive him, as well as his sister, Norma (Richard) Gregg; sisters-in-law Ilene MacDonald and Alice Palatas; brother-in-law, Bob Erwin; and many nieces and nephews.
Paul will be remembered for his love of his family, showing up when others needed help, loving unconditionally, and appreciating a good joke and a game of cards. He is surely rejoicing in heaven and will be greatly missed here on earth.
Paul will be laid to rest at Bell Cemetery in Assyria Township directly after a church service to honor his life at Baseline Church, 9617 E Baseline Road, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 on Saturday, October 21, 2023, with visitation from 10:00-12:00, funeral at 12:00, and a luncheon at church following the burial. Services will be by Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services and officiated by Pastors Barry Case and Peggy Baker. Memorials in Paul’s honor can be made to Baseline Church.
Ronald LeRoy Hisler
Ronald LeRoy Hisler, age 89, of Charlotte, left us peacefully on Sunday, October 15, surrounded by his family. He was born August 15, 1934, to Henry and Thelma (Sebastion) Hisler and was raised on the family farm. He graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1952. On December 21, 1952, he married Nyla Ross at the Olivet Congregational Church. Ron was a lifetime farmer who was passionate about his work. He served his community in many different capacities but was most proud of his involvement in the Brookfield United Methodist Church, Brookfield Masonic Lodge, and the Eaton County Shrine Club. He also served on the Olivet School Board for many years. In his spare-time he enjoyed hunting, traveling, and spending winters in Florida. Some of their most memorable trips were to Yellowstone, Australia, Hawaii, and Panama. Ron and Nyla also took all of their children on two Alaskan vacations, a west coast cruise, and a color cruise on the east coast. Above all Ron cherished his family and loved each and every one of them dearly.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nyla; brother, Rodger (Janice) Hisler; children, Debbi (Roger) Quada, Craig (Cindy) Hisler, Tammy (Paul) Wolf, Rhonda (John) Geething; grandchildren, Culley Bunker, Mindy LaFay, Melissa Bremmer, Michelle Wolf, Amanda Robinson, Terran Myers; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Irene Vittoz officiating. The family received friends on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ron’s memory to the Brookfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 430, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Shriners Children’s Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org.
To view Ron’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Gary Lee Marsh
In Loving Memory of Gary Lee Marsh. On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Gary Lee Marsh, a remarkable man who graced our lives with his warmth and love. At the age of 83, Gary passed away in Lansing, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories.
Gary was born on February 9, 1940, in Owosso, Michigan, the son of Ester Marsh. His journey was one of love, dedication, and service. On September 12, 1992 he married Carol Beam. His favorite childhood memories were filled with the joy of following his loyal beagle, “Old Joe,” into the woods on his grandfather’s farm, where he found solace and companionship.
Gary’s professional life was marked by versatility and dedication. He began as a farmer, tending to the land and honing a strong work ethic. His career then led him to Mitchel Bentley in Ionia, where he played a vital role in building auto bodies, showcasing his craftsmanship and attention to detail. In 1957 Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Europe as a jet aircraft mechanic, a role that exemplified his unwavering commitment to excellence. After his military service, he briefly worked at the Detroit Free Press before finding his place at Consolidated Freight and later at Diamond Reo. His final chapter in the working world was with Oldsmobile and General Motors, where his innovative ideas earned him an award for improving manufacturing processes. He retired in 1990, having made a significant impact on his field. Even in retirement, he continued to share his skills, working briefly at Pray Funeral Home as a maintenance person.
Gary’s passions and interests were as diverse as his career. His love for Volkswagen cars was evident in his restoration of a 1968 VW Bug, a project he undertook without a manual. In addition to the Bug, he built three dune buggies, leaving a legacy of creativity and hands-on craftsmanship. Gary also had a deep affection for woodworking and gardening, where he showcased his skill and love for nature.
His sense of humor and love for sharing jokes and humorous stories were legendary. His favorite poem, “Now I lay me down to sleep, a bag of peanuts at my feet. If I should die before I wake, know I died with a belly ache,” perfectly captured his charming wit and warm spirit.
Above all else, Gary was most proud of his children and grandchildren and the joy of helping others. His caring nature and love for his family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
Gary is survived by his three children: Lisa (Mike) Kavanagh, Tim (Julie) Marsh, and Jeff (Niki) Marsh; stepchildren, Alan (Jan) Groner, Joni Powell, Cara James, and Ann (Jesse) Kemp. His legacy continues through six grandchildren: Chad (Kris) Kavanagh, Cory (Maggie) Kavanagh, Timmy Marsh Jr., Amanda (Logan) Johnson, Jeremy (Shelby Wilbur) Marsh, Josh Marsh, and 9 step-grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren brought joy to his life. He was preceeded in death by his wife, Carol; and his mother Ester.
In honor of Gary’s remarkable life, a Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A visitation will be held just prior to the service from 1-2:00 p.m. If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Humane Society.
As we say our final farewell, we take comfort in the knowledge that Gary’s spirit will continue to warm our hearts with cherished memories, laughter, and the enduring love he shared with us all. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Janice Marie Williams
Janice Marie Williams, age 66 of Bellevue, peacefully left this earth and went to be with her Lord on Friday, October 13, 2023. She was born on April 30, 1957, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Ronald and Bonnie (Roby) Johnson. Janice graduated Charlotte High School with the class of ’75. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. As a registered nurse, Janice worked for several years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. In 1982, Janice married the love of her life, Donald Williams.
Janice always had a heart for others and loved helping wherever she could. As a farm wife, she helped Donald on the farm and at the Eaton County Fair as a volunteer 4-H leader. For 19 years, Janice helped with the children’s ministry at Calvary Baptist Church. She loved cooking and baking for her family and taking care of them. One of her favorite pastimes was wool felting. Paramount in Janice’s life, though, was her love for her family and her Savior. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, and her siblings.
Those surviving her are her children; Hannah Ymker of Bellevue, Martha Williams of Bellevue, Alecia (Wesley) Storms of Centreville, Daniel Williams of Bellevue, and Janika Williams of Mackinac Island; four grandchildren, Samuel Ymker, Hunter Ymker, Isabella Storms, Esther Storms; siblings, Rich (Sue) Johnson, JoNesta (Dale) Thompson, Mike (Deb Eddy) Johnson; longtime friends, Vicky Wright and Darlene Zeliff; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Donald in 2013, and her parents Ronald and Bonnie Johnson.
The family received friends for a time of visitation at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment followed at the Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Janice to her family to help with final expenses.
To view Janice’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.