Obituaries
Carolyn Ann Stokoe
Carolyn Ann (Plum) Stokoe, 83, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Bickford Cottage.
Born on January 24, 1942, in Bloomingdale, Michigan, she was the daughter of Willis and Erma (Roe) Plum. Carolyn graduated from Bloomingdale High School before earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. She dedicated her career to education, working as a middle school art and history teacher in Charlotte and later as a substitute teacher in Linden.
Carolyn had a deep passion for travel, exploring countries around the world including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Ireland. She captured these adventures through her remarkable photography.
While attending college, a classmate introduced her to his brother, James Bower Stokoe. The two quickly formed a bond and later married in 1978. Together, they shared a love of football and enjoyed cheering on both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University teams.
Genealogy and quilting were among Carolyn’s great joys, she delighted in helping others trace their roots and wrapped her care into every quilt she lovingly gave away.
She was an active member of her community, participating in the Three Rivers Woman’s Club, the Three Rivers Elks, Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, James B. Stokoe; her son, Thomas J. Stokoe; her brother, William (Barbara) Plum; her nephew, Steven Van Eerden; and her nieces, Gretchen Barnes and Stephanie Groves.
She was preceded in death by her parents; identical twin sister, Janet Van Eerden; and brother, Allen Plum.
Her family received friends Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Pastor Brenda Deily officiating. She will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer.
Donations in Carolyn’s memory may be directed to the charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
Larry L. Sibley
Larry L. Sibley, 84 years young, passed away on May 9, 2025, at his farm, Tollgate Gardens & Nursery. He was a beloved Husband, Dad, Friend, and Mentor and will be deeply missed by those who really knew his feisty spirit.
Larry was born on August 3, 1940, in Allegan, Michigan to Lewis C. and Mae P. (Vasicek) Sibley. Growing up on a dairy farm with a large family Larry had also worked for his dad’s oil rig company. He attended one year of college, but then his dad sold the oil business and Larry continued working for the buyer. Larry married Lynn (Yother) Reed of Battle Creek, MI in 1982 and they spent many years visiting every lighthouse in Michigan. Over the years both were known by many people in Battle Creek where they attended Dexter Lake Church and worked different jobs at Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Walmart.
Larry was most known as “The Paw Paw King” from Marshall, Battle Creek, and Bellevue Farmers Markets to local and international buyers of the fruit, grafted trees, and seeds. This small native fruit was a passion passed on by his late father-in-law Corwin Davis. Larry was dedicated to gardening and people could stop by the farm and find him working on the next project or tending the trees and vegetables for the local markets, co-workers, and the Southwest Michigan Food Bank of Battle Creek.
Larry leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Lynn L. Sibley; her daughter Stacy (Brian) Saxton of Hillsdale; several grandkids and great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandra Shineldecker of Ludington, Tom (Carol) Sibley of Walkerville, Virginia (Paul) Gleason of Montague, Scott (Kathy) Sibley of Powell, WY, Terry (Kim) Sibley of Hart, Tim (Lora) Sibley of Walkerville; plus a bonus daughter Kimberly (Kenneth) Klingel of Marshall with many of their family and friends. Larry was treasured by his friend and oil rig partner, Dave Gould of Hesperia; Jan (Mary) Lawson of Battle Creek; The Harrell Family of Marshall; and countless friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Gerry Flanery, and sister Barbra Sue Sibley.
A mini-memorial celebrating Larry will be held on June 14, 2025, at The Marshall Area Farmers Market on Green Street from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Marshall, Michigan.
Larry will remain in our hearts, but Tollgate Gardens will not be the same without your guiding advice, farm hat, and sunflowers.
Douglas Earl Stites
Douglas Earl Stites, age 74, a steadfast and principled public servant, passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2025. Known for his directness, honesty, and unwavering integrity, Doug lived a life marked by quiet strength, ethics and dedication to his work, his family, and his community.
Born on September 8, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Doug was the cherished son of Robert E. and Leona (Oehrl) Stites. His formative years were spent on the shores of Lake Mecosta, a place that remained dear to his heart and evoked treasured memories of a childhood surrounded by family, nature, and animals.
After graduating from Central Michigan University and Lake State Superior University, Doug spent several decades in Sault Ste. Marie, leading the Michigan Works! Of the Upper Peninsula. His daughter, Robin, was born in 1979. In the late 1980’s, Doug met Leanne, and he soon relocated to the Lansing area and began working for the State of Michigan. Doug and Leanne married in 1990.
Doug’s most notable professional contributions included his tenure in the office of Governor John Engler, advancing workforce development initiatives across the state. There, Doug’s keen intellect and sharp political insight, nurtured by his voracious appetite for reading and his deep interest in history and public affairs, allowed him to help guide policy decisions with purpose and conviction.
Following his time in the Governor’s office he continued his leadership as CEO of Capital Area Michigan Works! where he served with vision and determination. Doug’s dedication to developing the workforce of Michigan and his ability to bring people together helped shape policy, improve lives, and build stronger communities across the state.
Doug’s love of the outdoors was deeply rooted in his experiences across Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, where he developed a lifelong passion for hunting, both fur and fowl. That passion was born from lessons first taught by his mother, who introduced him to hunting and fishing and later to cooking the wild game he brought home. Those early experiences blossomed into a love of cuisine and hospitality. It was not uncommon for Doug to spend days planning and preparing elaborate gourmet meals for family and friends, fussing over the details of each dish until it met his high standards. These dinners were more than meals, they were expressions of his love, creativity, and attention to detail.
Doug was known for his commanding presence and keen sense of purpose. He possessed a powerful personality that allowed him to lead with clarity, negotiate with strength, and make difficult decisions with confidence. Whether guiding a complex workforce initiative, planning a weekend fishing trip, or pouring over the details of the next family dinner gathering, Doug always knew where he was going and how to get there.
Doug is survived by his wife of 34 years, Leanne; his daughter, Robin Stites; stepchildren, Tracy (Robert) Rossman and Christopher Waite; grandson, Joseph Arens; brother, Phillip Stites; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and extended family who admired and respected him deeply.
Friends and loved ones are encouraged to remember Doug by sharing memories on his Tribute Page on the Pray Funeral Home website at www.PrayFuneral.com, or making a donation to a local Hospice organization. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In honoring his legacy, we remember a man who served with dignity, loved with sincerity, and lived with unwavering purpose, always leading from the front, and always inviting others to his table with warmth and grace. May his memory live on in the lives he touched and the stories that will be shared for generations. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI.
Robert William Thomas
Robert “Bob” William Thomas, a man referred to by his children as “The Mayor,” died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after a battle with ALS. Bob, 70, of Charlotte, formerly of Gwinn, MI was born on May 17, 1955, the son of Clarence and Janetta (Medlyn) Thomas. He graduated from Negaunee High School in 1974. In school Bob was very involved in sports, he played basketball, football, track, and fast pitch softball. In his younger years Bob enjoyed the summer spent at their family camp on Big Shag Lake in Gwinn. On April 28, 1989, Bob married his former high school classmate, Nita Koski, and together they spent the next 36 years creating many lasting memories. Being born and raised in the UP, Bob was a huge Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers fan, although he did enjoy U of M football and MSU basketball. Many will remember Bob for his jokester personality and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone that he crossed paths with. In 2018, Bob and Nita moved to Charlotte to be closer to their grandchildren. He loved spending any time he could with them and enjoyed watching their sporting events. Bob loved his dog Tai, and his grand-dogs, Tank and Maverick. He found great comfort in having them around.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nita; children, Danielle (Wayne) Thomas of Dallas, TX, Kenna (Gus) Farrach of Dallas, TX, Amy (Travis) VanAlstine of Charlotte, MI, Jeramie (Susan) Soderberg of Midland, MI, and Jason (Kendall) Soderberg of New Ulm, MN; 23 grandchildren; siblings, Jane Nordeen of Gwinn, MI, Sally (Archie) Mitchell of Ishpeming, MI, Richard (Barbie) Thomas of Gwinn, MI; sister-in-law, Marilyn Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, John Thomas, and Jim Thomas.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kristin Marie Peterson
Kristin “Kris” Marie Peterson, age 60, an extraordinary teacher that loved and supported all her students, passed away at home on May 19, 2025. Kris was born October 21, 1964 in Marquette, MI to Donald Rouker and Hazel Marie Salonen Rouker. As a child, Kris loved softball and basketball, eating M&M’s and spaghetti, playing outside, playing the French Horn, and was very talented at sailing. Kris was always known for her kindness and desire to follow the rules. A graduate of Gladstone High School in 1982, she then attended Adrian College where she earned her teaching degree in mathematics and she was the first person in her immediate family to earn a college degree, a definite point of pride for Kris. While at Adrian, she was a resident advisor where she met her lifelong friends Beth and Gina. Kris landed her first teaching job at Romulus High School in 1986. The thing she disliked the most was that the lunch ladies would always charge her the student rate for her lunch, because, due to her small stature, they did not believe she was a teacher. The following school year, Kris began her career of teaching at Olivet High School. Over her 33 years of teaching, Mrs. Peterson impacted thousands of students as a mathematics and calculus teacher, softball coach, volleyball coach, academic recovery teacher, Sunday school teacher, and the greatest cheerleader for any student who wanted to succeed. Kris was recognized as an influential educator by her students many years, and received Walmart Teacher of the Year recognition and the Influential Educator Award several times.
Kris met Burt Peterson in Ypsilanti, and in July of 1990 they were married. The couple adopted three children, all of whom she gave her whole life for. Paul, Amanda (Jaysen), and Matthew were the absolute center of her happiness. Kris helped with homework, spent hours watching sports from the stands, attending performances at Wharton Center with Amanda, played outside for hours, and provided her children with any opportunity they needed to reach their dreams. She was the kindest soul on earth.
Kris is survived by her husband of 35 years, Burt; her children, Paul, Amanda (Jaysen), and Matthew; father, Don (Joanne) Rouker; sisters, Leana (Jimmy) Davison, Penni Young (Dan), and Lysa (Dan) Stockwell; mother-in-law, Betty Peterson; brothers-in-law, Steve and Chris (Suzanne) Peterson; many nephews, nieces, great nieces; aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Kris was preceded in death by her mother, Hazel Rouker; grandparents; and her sister-in-law, Julie.
Friends and family are encouraged to remember Kris by sharing memories on her Tribute Page. Funeral services were on Wednesday, May 28, 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Visitation was held on Tuesday, May 27, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. 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 Kris’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Donations in her memory may be made to The Parkinsons Foundation, Olivet High School Scholarship, or Peace Lutheran Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.