Obituaries
Russell Lyle Whitney
Russell Lyle Whitney, 93, of Potterville, formerly of Traverse City, died peacefully on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Russell was born June 8, 1930, at home in Windsor Township, the son of Sylvester Clark and Vera Mae (Getter) Whitney. He attended Potterville Schools before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1951-1952. He married his life-long love, Mary Lou Page in Angola, IN, and the two started their family. Russell worked for Fisher Body and Aluminum Extrusion before the family moved to Traverse City, MI in 1970. Russell worked as a custodian for Traverse City Public Schools for 17 years, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, both in Traverse City. He enjoyed singing and dancing, especially to his own rendition of Jerry Reed’s “The Preacher and the Bear.” Russell loved rat pack music, as well as country music, particularly Conway Twitty. He danced the jitterbug three times a week and played horseshoes and enjoyed biking and walking until he no longer could do so. Above all, Russell loved his family.
Russell is survived by his three sons, Daniel (Mary) Whitney, David Whitney, and Rusty (Marcia Casey-Cole) Whitney; five grandchildren, Danielle, Brandon, Ian, Brent, and Debbie Whitney; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou in 2007; grandson, Danny Whitney; brothers, Donald, Wayne, and Robert Whitney; and sisters, Gloria Hickox, Orpha Hayden, Verda Nightengale, and Maxine Cady.
Friends are encouraged to support Russell’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Graveside Service will take place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, with Kathy Dobie officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Marilyn Jean Stiles
Marilyn Jean Stiles, 75 of Mason, a feisty and very good-hearted lady, died October 13, 2023. She was born to Otto and Mary Lou (Waite) Heikkila on May 31, 1948 in Midland, MI. With a very kind heart, it was no surprise that Marilyn was an animal lover, she loved every kind of furry friend, but dogs held a special place in her heart. Never one to sit still for long, Marilyn was always busy taking care of her family and working for 30 years as the Manager at QD in Mason, loving and adopting as her own all of her “QD Children.” She was a proud mom, grandma, great-grandma, daughter, and sister, always doing little things for her family to show them how much she cared. It’s no surprise that she was an Elvis fan, because everyone that knew her couldn’t help falling in love with her.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Larry (Janet) Davids, Connie (John) Hong, Ricky Davids, Chad (Heather) Stiles, and Chantell (Frank) Bonila; 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marjorie McKenzie, Joseph (Karen) Heikkila, Huey (Savonya) Heikkila, and Marie (Wayne) Myer; and her beloved dog, Ivy. She was predeceased by her son, Jerry Davids; parents; and siblings, Barbara Heikkila, Rebecca Perrne, and Richard Heikkila.
Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, October 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, October 20 at Mason Community Church with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. 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 Marilyn’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 Capitol Area Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Douglas Max Sherman
Douglas Max Sherman, age 91 of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He was born October 14, 1932, in Danby Township. When he turned 91 this year, he would laugh when you told him he was that old. Doug had an entrepreneurial spirit which contributed to his many careers including brick mason, car dealer, mobile home salesman, realtor, party store owner, dress shop owner, real estate landlord, and flipper. He also served his country in the United States Army in the Korean Conflict. Doug enjoyed golf, bowling, snow skiing, wood working, stained glass making, and carving wood figures.
Doug was preceded in death by his first wife of 60 years, Clarene Suzanne Sherman; and two brothers, Kenyon Sherman, and Bruce Sherman.
He is survived by his second wife of 10 years, Deanna Sherman; son, Bryan (Stephanie) Sherman; and their sons, Trevor, Lucas, and Carter; daughter, Amy (James) Stephens; and children, Avery and Arianna Vanderwal; brothers, Duane (Bobbie) Sherman, Dennis (Tawni) Sherman; and sister, Joy Hunt.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church, 825 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Tim Potter and Pastor Mark Booth officiating. The family received friends during a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment with military honors followed at Millerburg Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Charles Joseph Compliment
Charles Joseph Compliment of Brooklyn, Michigan, died October 19, 2023. He was born February 17, 1939. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kevin John Monaghan
Kevin John Monaghan, a man known for having the kindest heart, died on Saturday, October 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Kevin, 30, was born on May 20, 1993 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Jason Monaghan and Amy (Emerson) Williams. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2011. On June 27, 2021, Kevin married Briana Pendell. His greatest passion was his two-year-old son Max. Kevin loved spending time with Max and taking him to the park, fishing, camping, and just spending every minute possible with him. In school he played hockey, golf, and baseball. Kevin had a strong passion for hockey, from an early age you could find him skating on the ice. In recent years you could find him in the stands supporting his siblings.
Kevin loved cooking; he worked as the head chef at the Dimondale Nursing Care Center for several years. Most recently he was employed as a Line worker for the Shyft Group in Charlotte. Other hobbies that Kevin enjoyed were tent camping with his family, fishing, trips to the UP to visit cousins, playing video games, and anything sports rooting for Michigan State, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Blue Jays. Kevin would do anything for those in need from family members, strangers, to animals he was always there to lend a hand in need.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Briana; son, Maximus; parents, Jason (Heather) Monaghan, and Amy Williams; siblings, Jack Monaghan, Brett Monaghan, Blake Smith, Taylor Williams, and Abigail Williams; grandparents, Barry Monaghan, Spencer (Sally) Emerson, and Susan Graham; aunt, Lisa (Zac) Powell; uncles, Allen (Heidi) Emerson, and Charles (Courtney) Emerson; father and mother-in-law, Russell Gleason Jr., and Michelle Pendell; grandparents-in-law, Keith (Sue) Pendell, Dayle and Russell Gleason Sr. He was predeceased by grandparents, Jean Monaghan, and Darian Graham.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids with Pastor Melany Chalker officiating. A visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The family has requested memorial contributions for the benefit of Max Monaghan (payable to Jason Monaghan, or Venmo @Monj55) would be appreciated. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.