Obituaries
William “Lee” Schumacher
William “Lee” Schumacher, 91, of Charlotte, a beloved coach, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Charlotte. Lee was born December 4, 1933 in Harbor Beach, MI, the son of John and Josephine (Kramer) Schumacher. Growing up, Lee loved to play sports, a passion that would shape his entire life. He earned his teaching degree from Central Michigan University before starting his career as a physical education teacher and coach. His first post was as football coach in Hillman, MI, where he earned a place in the local athletic hall of fame. He went on to St. Clair Shores, and eventually Olivet, MI, where he and his beloved wife, Edna, raised their family. Lee’s family remembers him always listening to sports on the AM station in the car and was always talking about the game! He taught driver’s education for over 40 years, and his beloved stature as “coach” led him to touch the lives of countless students, many of whom kept in touch with him to the very end.
In retirement, Lee loved time spent up at Long Lake in Hale, MI, where he loved to hunt and play cards with his friends and family. Lee’s social nature also led him to remain active in his later years. He sold Northrup King Seeds all over the area and delivered Meals on Wheels, both were perfect for his gregarious nature. Lee loved food. He was never late for dinner, and he even was known to engage his family in friendly “eating competitions.” Lee leaves a legacy of love and care for all he knew.
Lee is survived by his son, John Schumacher; daughters, Tama (Fred Wieting IV) Boucher, and Shyla Tailor; grandchildren, Jessica (Greg) Adamczyk, Julie (Jason) Baker, Rhiana Tailor and India Tailor; great-grandchildren, Cole, Emma, Jameson, and Carson. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Edna Schumacher; his parents; and five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Lee’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. The funeral was webcasted so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Lee’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 the Olivet High School Athletic Department. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bobbie Jo Heilser
Bobbie Jo Heisler, a loving soul born on March 26, 1957, in Charlotte, Michigan, departed this world on February 26, 2025. She was a beacon of warmth and compassion whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A proud graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1975, Bobbie Jo went on to earn her associate’s degree from Lansing Community College, a testament to her dedication to education and personal growth. Her journey through life was marked by a genuine love for reading, a joy in coloring, and a keen interest in watching her favorite television shows. Bobbie also harbored a passion for collecting jewelry, each piece reflecting a story or a memory close to her heart. One of her most cherished pursuits was volunteering at the AA Fellowship Hall, where she spread kindness and support to those in need, embodying the very essence of community spirit.
Above all, Bobbie Jo adored her son, Blane, and daughter-in-law, Maggie, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Their bond was one of unconditional love, and they will carry her memory forward in the lives they continue to build together.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Schneckenberger; her dear mother, Helen Casey, and her stepdad, Jack Casey; and her brothers, Robert and Billy Schmunsler.
Bobbie Jo is survived by her son, Blane and daughter-in-law Maggie, as well as her longtime friend, Steve Spotts.
Those desiring to make contributions in Bobbie’s memory may do so by donating to Eaton Are Recovery, P.O. Box 243, Charlotte, MI 48813.
A celebration of Bobbie Jo’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the fu-neral home.
To view Bobbie Jo’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.
Karenlee (Walters) Hayward
Karenlee (Walters) Hayward, 81, of Olivet, Michigan passed peacefully on March 8, 2025.
Born in Lansing, MI on October 29, 1943, the daughter of Robert Edwin Walters and Ilene Eleanor (Jennings) Walters, Karen was a lifelong resident of the greater Lansing area. She was a 1962 graduate of Lansing Everett High School. On August 30, 1963, Karen married Lucius “Lou” Octavious Hayward at the Pennway Church of God and God blessed them with over 61 years together. Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dennis “Buzz” Walters.
Karen’s surviving family includes her loving husband Lou, their five children, Mark (Carrie) Hayward of Lansing, MI; Scott (Debbie) Hayward of Grand Ledge, MI; Rob (Sharon) Hayward of West Lafayette, IN; Chad (Michelle) Hayward of Noblesville, IN; and Gina (Staci) Hayward of Olivet, MI. Sisters Sherry (John) Hunnell of Dimondale, MI and Jean (Edmundo) Rocha of Lansing, MI.
Karen’s kindness lives on in her twenty-one beloved grandchildren; Angelica (Ezekiel) Martinez, Christopher Hayward, MarkEdison Hayward, Joshua (Kelsey) Hayward, Jeffrey (Cali) Hayward, Britan Hayward and Danielle, Miranda (Kevin) Lutz, Kyle (Lauren) Hayward, Kevin (Ashley) Hayward, Madeline (Kyle) Sehgers, Mackenzie (Adam) McLaughlin, Kelsie Hayward and Kage Williams, Caroline Hayward, Ellerie Hayward, Liam Hayward, Russell (Alexis) Pliley, Brianna (Sam) Ryan, Bryce Pliley and Lauren Roberts, Rabecka Pliley and Gavin Clower, Megann Davis and Jake Henski, and Matthew Davis. Karen was also the proud great-grandmother of twenty.
Karen found joy in the simple melodies of life from the time spent at Pattengill Middle School in Pirates of Penzance, to the harmonies of her choirs, to the heartfelt tunes of Kenny Rogers, the Gaither Vocal Band, to her beloved Christian hymns, especially “How Great Thou Art.” Her collections of Coca-Cola memorabilia and Precious Moments figurines reflected a love for cher-ished keepsakes. She was an avid reader and enjoyed the challenge of puzzles and games. Karen also cherished the outdoors, particularly camping trips to Charlevoix and St. Louis camp meetings. Her loyal companion, Teddy, her beloved dog, and her many long-time friends brought her immense happiness. Her gentle spirit will be deeply missed.
Those desiring to make contributions in Karen’s memory may do so by donating to Divine Nest Assisted Living, 4887 Hull Rd., Leslie MI, 49251 or to Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910.
The family received friends for a time of visitation at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and for one hour prior to the memorial service Saturday morning. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pennway Church of God, 1101 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI with Pastor Dave Perry officiating.
To view Karen’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
Debra Suzanne Turner
Debra Suzanne Turner of Eaton Rapids passed away March 6, 2025, at the age of 74. Debra was born in Charlotte, MI on January 24, 1951, the daughter of Freeman and Luella (Root) Robinson. She was a graduate from Charlotte High School class of 1969. Debra was a secretary with the Eaton Rapids High School, retiring after 22 years of service. She loved playing all types of cards and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Family was the center most important thing in her life. She loved spending time with them, especially her grandchildren.
Debra is survived by her daughters, Michele (Randy) Denman of Holt, Paige (Daniel) Emmons of Holt and step-daughter, Shantel (James) LoFiego of South Lyon; grandchildren, Emma Denman, Bailey LoFiego, Katie LoFiego, Foster Emmons; sister, Ginny Stuart of Holt; and her companion of 11 years, Stephen Shelden Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rexford Turner; brother, Timothy Robinson.
Graveside services will be held at Dimondale Cemetery, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, or Gift of Life, 3861 Research Park Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48108. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Margaret Louise Andreas
Margaret Louise Andreas, 79, of Olivet, a hardworking and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Charlotte. Margaret was born September 11, 1945 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Leslie Junior and Dorothy Ann (Fleming) Bracy. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1963 before going to work at State Farm Insurance, where she edited the company publication known as the “Big Mac.” Margaret married the love of her life, Thomas Andreas, on May 6, 1972, and the two happily raised two daughters. Later, after her children had grown, she went to work at Cornwell’s Turkeyville, where she was affectionately known as the “head turkey slinger.” Margaret could debone a turkey in mere seconds. Although she wouldn’t acknowledge it, Margaret was a very creative woman. She had a self-taught yet masterful way with a paintbrush and she enjoyed photography and scrapbooking with her daughters. She possessed an impressive collection of Precious Moments figurines and had the most beautiful penmanship. Margaret also enjoyed being outdoors tending her gardens and watching for hummingbirds.
Margaret is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Thomas Andreas; their daughter, Heather (Jarrett) Kreiner and Amber (Richard) Swan; five grandchildren, Jacob Chavez, Lauren Chavez, Blake Kreiner, Andrew Chavez and Brett Kreiner; her sister, Virginia Barrett; special niece, Laura Bracy; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Daniel Bracy; and brother-in-law, Tom Barrett.
Friends are encouraged to support Margaret’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Brock Peters officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., just prior to the service. 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 Margaret’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contribu-tions to the Wounded Warriors Project, Parkinson’s Foundation, or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.