Obituaries
Jenae Anne Ridge
Jenae Anne Ridge, 31, of Muskegon, a free-spirited lover of life and devoted mother, daughter, and wife, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, in Muskegon. Jenae was born November 22, 1991, in Lansing, the daughter of Wayne and Yvonne (Hannold) Ridge. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 2009 before earning her bachelor’s degree in social work from Michigan State University in 2013. Following college graduation, Jenae led a life of adventure and travel which shaped the person she grew to be. Jenae eventually settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, a place she called home for the past seven years. Jenae was not afraid to do what made her happy, which led her to a career shift. Jenae loved the opportunity to be creative in her role as a web designer, but she found her passion in teaching and competing in competitive pole dancing. While in Utah, she met Andy Butterworth. The two started their family by bringing Aspen into the world and married on September 28, 2018.
Jenae loved the outdoors, especially camping and hiking, but more than anything else she loved being a mother. Over the past few weeks, many friends shared messages with Jenae and two common qualities kept repeating. Jenae inspired others in the way she loved her daughter. She always made time for “special play time,” even while confined to a hospital bed. Jenae was fun, patient, forgiving, and so deeply loving. Jenae also inspired everyone she met with her radiant smile and outlook on life. She lived life to the fullest and was never afraid to try new things or do what made her happy, even if they were scary.
She always saw the good in everyone she met and had the unique ability to help others see that same light in themselves. She loved to say, “We can do hard things,” which for her included skydiving, cliff diving, rock climbing, and eventually battling cancer. She was a passionate yoga and competitive pole dancing instructor. She competed out of Moxy Studio in Salt Lake City and had recently started her own studio business. She was booked out solid before she had to cancel for health reasons. Eventually, Jenae and Andy moved with their daughter, Aspen, to Muskegon, MI, to be near her family. Many will forever remember her passionate outlook on life, dedication to family, and driven personality.
Jenae is survived by her husband, Andy Butterworth; daughter, Aspen Jade Butterworth; parents, Wayne and Yvonne Ridge of Charlotte; siblings, DJ McGill of Charlotte, Eric (Morene) McGill of Charlotte, Shalyne (Sean) Harris of Twin Lake, and Hailee Ridge (Russ Werner) of Okemos; grandparents, Ron and Flora Hannold of Charlotte and Ken Ridge of Lansing; and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Patty Ridge.
Friends are encouraged to support Jenae’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Pioneer Park Picnic Lodge, 563 Scenic Dr., Muskegon, MI 49445-9612. Come with memories to share and dressed in color to match her shining light. Let’s celebrate her life and the positive impact she had on us all!
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Aspen Butterworth’s College Fund, in care of Susan Butterworth. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles Frederick McAllen
Charles Frederick McAllen, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away in Lansing on August 2, 2023. He was born on February 6, 1951, to Gordon and Neoma (Burden) McAllen in Battle Creek, Michigan. He graduated with the class of ’70 from Olivet High School and was a life-long resident of Eaton County.
During Charlie’s growing up years, he spent countless hours working at the family business, McAllen Oil Company. He later worked for and retired from Airway Manufacturing in Olivet. He loved sports, especially watching them on television. Through the years, Charlie was a member of numerous bowling and golf leagues. He will long be remembered for his kind heart, friendly nature, and sense of humor.
Charlie is survived by his sister, Patricia Thompson of Saranac; brother, James McAllen of Grand Blanc; and his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.
The family will receive friends during a visitation held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Sunday, August 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Richard Thompson officiating. Interment will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlie’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street, Charlotte, MI, 48813.
To view Charlie’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Linda Hamm Davis
Linda Hamm Davis, age 72, of Marshall, Michigan, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Chelsea, Michigan. Linda was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan on May 10, 1951, the first of four children to Gerald and Norene (Farmer) Hamm.
She graduated from Olivet High School in 1969. Attending Michigan State University, she completed a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education in 1975, and a Master of Education in Reading Instruction at the University of Hawaii in 1976.
Devoted to her children and known as Mimi to her grandchildren, she enjoyed participating in their many school, church, and community activities. Her life was dedicated to her family, friends, students, and church. Linda was an active member of the Marshall United Methodist Church, having joined in 1985.
Linda had a lifelong love of reading and enjoyed her years of teaching reading to her first-grade students at Charlotte and Marshall Public Schools. After her children were born, she took a fourteen-year break from teaching to raise them, later teaching at Gordon School in Marshall.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Hamm. Surviving her are her children, Emily (Joseph) McGraw, Laura (Aaron) Opie and Jon M. Davis; her grandchildren, Grace McGraw, Layla McGraw, August Opie and Linnea Opie; her siblings, Judy (John) Clark, Debra (Rick) Slone; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Family will greet friends at Marshall United Methodist Church on August 16, 2023, at 1 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m. M. Reverend Erin Fitzgerald will officiate, with interment at Olivet Cemetery in Olivet, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Marshall United Methodist Church, 721 US Hwy. 27 North, Marshall, MI 49068.
To view Linda’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.
Patrick Michael Kundrat
Patrick Michael Kundrat, a true servant to the Lord, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Patrick, 61, was born on November 5, 1961, in Lansing, MI the son of Michael and Patricia (Goble) Kundrat. In his early years his mom remembers him for being a fun-loving troublemaker and a Boy Scout. Many will remember Patrick for his love of serving others. Patrick was respected as a Volunteer Firefighter and Medical First Responder. He currently was working as a work camper at Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground where he utilized his many gifts and talents. Patrick was also a proud member of the Oneida Gospel Church where he served as a church deacon, custodian, and devoted member. In 2004 Patrick married the love of his life, Karen Carpenter, and together they created lasting memories with their travels around the state. His hobbies included fixing things, being outdoors, fishing, collecting rocks, doing crafts, and cooking. Above all biggest pride and joy in life was his wife, son, grandchildren, and his faith.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Jeffrey Kundrat, Lindsey (Carl) Wilder, Amanda (Derek) Munson, and Kelsey (Josh) Miller; 11 grandchildren; mother, Patricia Kundrat; siblings, Marty (Tim) Brown, Lana (David) King, Bruce Kundrat, and Mike (Shellie) Kundrat; and four nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Michael J. Kundrat.
Friends are encouraged to support Patrick’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2-4:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life for Patrick will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oneida Gospel Church with Pastor Larry Schrauger officiating. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family to help with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Phyllis Jean Rhoades
Phyllis Jean Rhoades, 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Phyllis was born on August 10, 1946, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Leon and Gladys (Lamoreaux) Mathias. On February 23, 1974, she married William (Bill) Rhoades, and together in their 49 years of marriage, had two sons, Dustin and Steven, who were her world, second to her grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Phyllis worked at several places in Charlotte, and retired from Meijer in 2019. She had a passion for her co-workers and customers, and was lovingly nicknamed “Mrs. Meijer” by her son, Steven.
Phyllis’s friendship (and her good-natured antics) made everyone she knew feel special and loved, and brought her so much joy. For those lucky enough to know her, the world will be a little less bright without her, “Hi Honey, how are you doing? and her hugs, and peanut butter balls.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, five brothers, and her faithful four-legged companions, Sissy Sue, Brutus Lee, and Max.
She is survived by her husband, Bill; sons, Dustin (Jennifer) and Steven (Julie); along with her world’s greatest joys, her grandchildren, Emily, Garrett, and Eli.
A memorial visitation for family and friends will be held on her birthday, Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Phyllis to the Eaton County Humane Society, 129 N. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Phyllis’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Jerry Ross Robinson
Jerry Ross Robinson passed away on July 31, 2023, at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born on July 18, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of William D. Robinson and Jane L. (Sterling) Robinson. On March 2, 1974, Jerry married Marcia L. Parr in Battle Creek.
After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, Jerry spent his career as a lab technician, scheduler and logistics manager at Michigan Carton Corporation, retiring in 2003. That career was briefly interrupted when he was drafted by the Army as a helicopter mechanic from 1965 to 1967. After retirement from Michigan Carton, he enjoyed driving a variety of cars as a porter for the Henkel Auto Group before retiring again in 2018. He also enjoyed road trips to visit his grandchildren, league bowling, card games, feeding birds, watching Detroit sports and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alice Montague. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; son, Brent (Angela) Robinson of Cleveland, Ohio; two grandchildren; and sister, Mary Jo Goulet of Phoenix, AZ.
Visiting hours will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, and a remembrance service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Battle Creek Community Foundation. (https://bccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2661)
Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.
Susan Maria Vogel
Susan Maria Vogel of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 31, 2023, at the age of 75 surrounded by her loved ones after a short illness. Susan was born on April 20, 1948, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Robert and Cora (Van Prooyen) Reynolds. As an elementary teacher for over 25 years, Susan valued the education of her students and her family. She received a Master’s in Administration at CMU and inspired all her daughters to dream big and achieve their dreams. Susan enjoyed reading, knitting, and ornament making. She made all of her grandchildren’s stockings. She also loved hunting and fishing with her husband Jim. She had a hard time holding out for the big bucks, scoring many a doe. Her motto was “if it’s brown, it’s down.” Susan’s greatest love was her family. She met the love of her life Jim the summer before heading to CMU. They married in 1971 and enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. Susan doted upon her four daughters, passing down her life knowledge, her passion for life, and her love for Christ.
Susan is survived by her husband of 52 years, James Vogel of Eaton Rapids; four daughters, Lisa Stadler, Dr. Michelle (Bill Scott) Vogel, Dr. Amanda (David) Pratt, Sara Vogel; seven grandchildren, Isaac (Kovey), Olivia, Luke, Colin, Noah, Liam and Alex; sister, Linda (William) Critchell. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held on Friday, August 4, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. and services will be held at Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hearts and Hands Food Pantry or Donor’s Choice of a local Education Fund in loving memory of Susan Maria Vogel. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Gail Ann Bowyer
Gail Ann Bowyer, age, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Eaton Rapids, MI on July 30, 2023. Born on December 2, 1931, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the daughter of Theodore and Doris (Martin) Lyons.
Gail was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School class of 1950 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in bookkeeping from Western Michigan University. She served as a bookkeeper for Ackley, Peters, Haubert Insurance in Eaton Rapids for many years.
Known for her warm and outgoing nature, Gail was a true people person. During her children’s younger years, she took on the roles of both cub scout and girl scout troop leader, imparting valuable life lessons to the next generation.
Gail was an active member of the senior coffee group, where she enjoyed the friendships that were made during her regular gatherings at McDonalds. Her heart was filled with love for dogs, and over the years, she shared her home with several different chihuahuas. Beyond her love for animals, Gail found joy tending to her flower collection and had a special fondness for orchids.
She is survived by her children, Martin (Pauline) Bowyer, Sue Bowyer Arthurs; one brother, Norman (Sandy) Lyon and sister, Ardyce (Roger) Walser. Gail was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Don Bowyer.
A private committal service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Ingham County Animal Shelter. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Richard Duane Foster
Richard Duane Foster passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the age of 89. Richard was born April 8, 1934, to Bert Ray and Frances Helen (Ritter) Foster in Lansing, MI.
After living in Saginaw for a short time, the family moved to the Lansing area where he attended Valley Farms Elementary School, Pattengill Jr. High, and Eastern High School. He graduated with the class of 1952. While in high school he spent half a day at the Technical School where he received awards. He entered a tool and die apprenticeship at Adams Tool and Engineering. After working there for thirteen years he was a foreman at Michigan Magnetics in Vermontville. While there, he began acquiring the equipment he needed to launch his own business, Foster Tool Products.
He moved the business from its first Potterville location on M-100 to a new building on Lansing Rd. He made a change from tool and die to designing and making molds for plastic injection parts. In 1988, the State of Michigan decided it needed the property for highway I-69. So, with that it closed the door on that part of his life. He invested in a new business in Potterville, 21st Century Plastics, where he had many friends. As part of the Potterville community, he served on the Chamber of Commerce as well as ten years on the Benton Township Fireboard.
The family enjoyed many trips in the 1948 Ryan Navion 4-seater airplane that Richard piloted with skill for fifty years. A favorite destination was Beaver Island. The list of friends and family who “took a ride” with Richard is long. Several out of state trips took the family to Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Florida, and Massachusetts. Trips in the mini motorhome to California, Arizona, and North Carolina. The most recent trips were to Ireland twice and an Alaskan cruise with family.
After high school when all of his friends were buying “made in Michigan” cars he decided he wanted something different. From an ad in Popular Mechanics, he ordered the body and frame to a car named Woodill Wildfire Roadster. Only 100 were made in California. Originally he had a flathead Ford engine in the Wildfire, then in 1957 he found out that Chevrolet was coming out with the Corvette with a fuel injected engine, he wanted one of those engines. Through the Chevrolet dealership in Shepherd, he was able to acquire one from the Racing Division of Chevrolet. On August 10, 1957, he was lined up for the parade in the Shepherd Centennial when it was announced that a girl was needed to ride with him. That girl turned out to be his future wife, Jeanette Hynes of Shepherd; they married on December 21, 1957, and this began 65 years of marriage.
The Wildfire drew attention and awards including trophies in Kalamazoo, Detroit, and the old Lansing Civic Center. He also used to drag-race the car in Stanton winning all races he entered! The Wildfire underwent an extensive restoration in 2010 followed by Concours’ de Elegance car shows in Milwaukee, WI, Des Moines, IA, and Amelia Island Florida. The island show was a world-class show where Richard took first place in a class called “Forgotten Fiberglass.”
Richard was a resident of Hope Landing Assisted Living in Charlotte, MI for the past three and a half years.
Richard is survived by his wife, Jeanette Dale (Hynes) Foster of Charlotte, MI; children: Duane Gordon Foster of Milwaukee, OR; Dale (Terri) Richard Foster of Bellevue, MI; Janice Elaine (Foster) LaDuca of Milwaukee, OR; grandkids: Andrew Ray (Carman) Foster of Perry, MI; Anna Janelle Foster of Potterville, MI; great-grandkids: Gage Anthoni Foster of Perry, MI, and Reegan Elizabeth Foster of Perry, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sibling Norrine (Foster) Waterman, and nephew Jeffrey Waterman.
The family received friends on Friday, July 28, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Richard’s memory to the Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the Potterville Benton Township District Library, 150 Library Lane, Potterville, MI 48876.
To view Richard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
William L. Klei
William L. Klei, born on February 12, 1945, in Detroit, MI, to Roy and Virginia Klei, passed on July 22, 2023. Bill, as he was affectionately known to his friends and family, was not one to seek the limelight, but his life was marked by quiet excellence and precision in all that he did.
Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1963, where he was a standout on the baseball team, earning the admiration of his peers. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University until he joined the Army and served during the Vietnam war.
After his military service, Bill worked for DBI Office Furniture in Jackson and Lansing. As a salesperson and designer, he put his meticulous nature to good use, ensuring that his work was always of the highest quality.
After he retired Bill spent his time fixing everything from household odds and ends to the tractors on his farm. In his earlier years he excelled in cross country motorcycle racing in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, earning awards and trophies for his accomplishments. He also was a great Dart player – throwing darts at competitions throughout Michigan.
When not busy with work or fixing things, Bill loved spending time with his friends, often gathering around his BBQ and smoker to prepare mouthwatering delicacies. Whether it was a family birthday celebration or any other festivity, Bill was the go-to person for orchestrating the food, making sure that everyone left with full hearts and satisfied appetites.
Bill was an active member of the community, dedicated to serving and supporting his fellow veterans and neighbors. He was a proud member of the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3552, where he found camaraderie and a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals. Bill’s commitment to honoring and remembering his fellow service members led him to be an esteemed member of both the Maple City VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte and the Charlotte American Legion Greenawalt-Flaherty Post 42.
Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia; and his stepfather, Ed Simek; his father, Roy Klei of Detroit, MI; and his loyal dog, Becky. Bill is survived by his sister, Marilyn Uhl; fiancée, Nancy Granger; his beloved dog, Sammy; and numerous cousins, and many friends, all of whom will cherish the memories of this remarkable man. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the memories he left behind.
A Memorial Life Celebration will be held at the Charlotte Eagles 3552 on August 6, 2023, 1:00 p.m. as we come together to honor the life of this humble yet extraordinary individual. Those who wish to pay tribute to Bill’s memory can make contributions to the Charlotte Eagles Aerie 3552 or share memories on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.