Obituaries
Marla Jane Smith
Marla Jane (Wellman) Smith passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in Lansing, Michigan, surrounded by her family. She was born March 29, 1948, to Neil and Lorene Wellman. Marla earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. She worked as an accountant for the State of Michigan for 40 years. She was a passionate crafter for many years. Marla tried her hand at sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and card making. She loved gardening and mowing her lawn. Marla loved spending time with her family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marla was proceeded in death by her father, Neil Wellman; Mother, Lorene Wellman; husband, David K Smith, stepson Donald Smith; and Aunt, Shirley Boster. She is survived by her daughters Christa (Pierce) Rowley, Stacey (Pierce) and Trent Baker, and Regina Pierce, stepchildren Neil Smith and Brandie Ondrusek; grandchildren Emily, Tessa and Sam Fenstemaker, Tyler and Kelly Smith; sister Sandra (Wellman) and Larry Gidley, nieces Lisa (Gidley) Travis, Beth (Gidley) Moss and Jennie (Gidley) Stafford and her best friends Mary Kiger and Bonnie Bracy.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ainger Bible Church, 5484 Ainger Rd., Olivet, MI 49076. A luncheon will follow the service. For those who cannot attend the service will stream on Ainger Bible Church’s Facebook account.
Robin Rae Musselman
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Robin Rae Musselman, who left us on January 17, 2025. Born on July 27, 1957, in Coldwater, Mich., Robin was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Robin was the dearly loved daughter of Jim D. Musselman and Janice E. Hunt, and sister to our dear Denise Slater and the late Kriss Musselman. She shared a special bond with her brother-in-law Allen Slater, and was the cherished aunt of Rex Parish, Earl Parish, and Crystal Parish.
Robin’s boundless curiosity and sharp intellect were a constant source of inspiration to us. She could converse on any subject, and her mind was like a steel trap. As a child, she would spend hours reading the encyclopedia, and we marveled at her endless thirst for knowledge.
Her love for music filled our hearts as she played the flute and piccolo in the Community Band, bringing joy to everyone around her.
Robin’s kindness knew no bounds. She lovingly knitted hats for children at the Eaton Rapids children’s home and other places, always putting others before herself. Her compassion for animals was evident; she was a former 4-H dog leader, and we fondly remember the times spent with her horse, Ginger.
Family meant everything to Robin. She was deeply interested in our family ancestry, cherishing the stories and connections that bound us together. She was always so good to her grandmothers, and her emphasis was never on herself but on helping others.
She pursued a fulfilling career, working as a Pricing Specialist at Dart Container and previously as a line worker at Owens Illinois. Robin’s passions for reading, arts and crafts, and music enriched her life and ours, and we will always hold these memories close.
Her confident and determined spirit touched our lives in countless ways. We will miss her dearly and cherish the time we had together.
Friends are encouraged to support Robin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of Robin’s life was held on January 24, 2025, at 11 a.m., with a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel in Coldwater, Mich. Pastor Scott Brood officiated. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Though she is no longer with us, Robin’s spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her. Until we meet again, we will hold her memory dear.
Michael Scott Foster
Michael Scott Foster passed away of January 18, 2025. Born on August 2, 1966, to Edward and Linda (Church) Foster. Living beyond all expectations, he was always a delightful child, and young man in spite of facing many challenges in his lifetime. Michael loved to go for car rides with his family, and to jump in the neighbor’s pool as a child.
Michael is survived by his parents, Edward and Linda (Church) Foster; siblings, Debbie (Ken) Sunden, and Mark Leslie Foster, four nieces and nephews; aunts, Carolyn Rose and Mary June Wilkinson Schmidt; and uncle, Ed (Barb) Church.
Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions in Michael’s name to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Herman Eugene Cousins
It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa and papa, Herman Eugene Cousins, who left us on December 18, 2024 at the age of 92. Herman passed peacefully at his home in Parrish, Florida. Herman was a devoted man, a selfless provider, and a cherished friend. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Born on March 3, 1932, in Dowagiac, Michigan, he was the son of Laverne and Thelma Cousins. Throughout his life, Herman demonstrated what it truly meant to work hard and give endlessly. As a heavy equipment operator, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family and ensure their happiness and well-being. His commitment to his work was only surpassed by his love for his wife, children and family, to whom he was both a pillar of strength and a source of boundless support.
He worked for Kramers Construction in Plain, Wisconsin and Brown Brothers Construction in Lansing, Michigan before working for himself many years before moving to Florida. His passions were horses, working in heavy equipment, friends and family.
Herman is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy (Hallead) Cousins; children, Brenda Glynn, Jodie (Tony) Roberts; grandchildren, Eric Curtis, Terry Glynn, Andrew Glynn, Tommy Cousins, Nancy Branscum, Victoria Teubert, Brady Roberts and Kelsie Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Thelma Cousins; brother, Leroy Cousins; sister, Virginia Staton; and son, Kenneth Brian Cousins.
Above all, he cherished the time spent with his wife, children and loved ones. Whether it was sharing a beer, offering words of encouragement, or simply spending a quiet evening together, Herman made sure his family felt loved, valued, and cared for. Herman touched the lives of so many, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts. We find comfort knowing that his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Lloyd Herman Simmons
Lloyd Herman Simmons, age 80, of Dowling, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025. He was born October 5, 1944, in Little Fork, Minnesota, the son of Hugh and Dorothy (Fiedler) Simmons. Lloyd attended Hastings Schools and graduated from Hastings High School. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged after several years of faithful service. Lloyd had a passion for steam engines. He enjoyed going to the local tractor and steam engine shows and was a member of the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club. He also enjoyed running his portable sawmill and milling logs for others. Lloyd was a member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte and the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565. He will be dearly missed by his family and countless friends.
Lloyd is survived by his son, Dean Simmons of Dowling; sister, Carol (David) Patrick of Charlotte, Judy Hose of Charlotte; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Howard Allen Simmons; brothers, Will Simmons, Earl Simmons, and Art Simmons.
A private graveside service with military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Lloyd’s honor to the Michigan Steam Engine and Threshers Club, P.O. Box 104, Mason, Michigan 48854.
To view Lloyd’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.