Obituaries
James William Braden
James “Jim” William Braden, of Louisville, KY, formerly of Charlotte, MI, died on Monday, August 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife. Jim, 75, was born on July 6, 1948, in Charlotte, the son of Alonzo “Sparky” and Nora (Brandon) Braden. Upon graduating from Charlotte High School, Jim joined the United States Army proudly serving from 1968-1970. Once he returned home, he began working for Aluminum Extrusions, where he worked until he retired and moved to Dothan, Alabama. On December 14, 2009, Jim married Julie Ann Click and together they created many great memories. Jim was known for his beautiful singing voice and his calligraphy ability. He loved cooking and he enjoyed searching the internet for his next recipe to try out. Jim was a big Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Alabama Football fan.
Jim is survived by his wife of 13 years, Julie; sisters-in-law, Teresa French, and Paula (Gary) Smallwood; brother-in-law, Donald Zauner Lea; nephews, Donald Lee, Michael (Laura) Braden, Douglas Braden, Joshua Smallwood, and Chase (Jessica) French; nieces, Nora Braden, Ashley Snawder, and Jesse Smallwood. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings, Marguerite Braden, Judith Braden-Lee, Jack Braden, and Jill Braden Lea.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte.
Sandra Jean Deupree
Sandra Jean Deupree of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the age of 86. Sandy was born on July 4, 1937, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Edward and Carrie (Heisler) Oberlin. Her early years were spent on the family farm just outside of town while attending a quaint one-room school on Booty Hwy. During high school, Sandy was a proud member of the majorettes.
After a brief time in Arizona, she returned to Michigan and began her career, initially at Cords Food Locker and later at Eaton Stamping. Sandy eventually went to work in the paint department at General Motors where she retired.
In retirement, Sandy lived in Barryton, MI on Upper Evans Lake where she made numerous friendships and enjoyed her weekly poker games. She was passionate about her landscaping and kept a meticulous lawn and garden, which earned her accolades for their beauty. Sandy’s greatest joy in life was her role as a loving mother and grandmother. She cherished the moments spent with her family, especially doting on her grandchildren.
Sandy is survived by her children, Jodie (Roger) Kellogg, Penny Cribley, and Timothy Cribley; along with her beloved grandchildren, Shawn Kellogg, Kristy (Gavin) Kelsey, Amanda Hawkins, and Brandi Lee. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren, Kiera, Bella, Guinever, Travis, Cloe, Carson; and one sister, Sally Geisenhaver. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard Oberlin, Stephen Oberlin; and sister-in-law, June Oberlin.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Billy Maker
Billy Maker, age 84, of Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on August 24, 2023, at his home. He was born in Battle Creek, MI on September 16, 1938, to Thomas and Carma (Brown) Maker. Bill and his sister Carma Jean were raised in the Nashville community.
Bill graduated from the W.K. Kellogg High School in Nashville in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Sherman, in 1957.
Bill worked at Paul Automotive Auto Parts in Hastings, later he worked at Reahm’s Motor Sales in the body shop department. In 1964 he was hired at General Motors, retiring after 28 years.
Bill was always interested in old cars. He restored a 1929 Essex in high school shop class. He loved going to sprint car races. After marriage, Bill and Bonnie both enjoyed racing micro-midgets.
In later years they purchased a 1935 Ford pickup, entering it in several car shows for many years. This was Bill’s favorite toy.
The couple had two children, Billy Ray Jr. (Bernice) and Becky (Bill) Wilson; four grandchildren, Ben (Melissa) Maker, Kelly (Matt) Dunham, Max (Lisa) Wilson and Katelyn (Dale) Laverty; and ten great-grandchildren, Hartley and Maddie Maker, Allyson, Waylon, Eleanor, and Wilson Dunham, Avery and Addy Wilson, Maxton and Mayleigh Laverty.
Bill was predeceased by his son Billy Ray Jr., sister-in-law Arloa Wallace and nephew Lee Bennett.
The family is extremely grateful for the support they received from Interim Healthcare Services, especially the love from his nurse, Kailey VanEngen.
Paying tribute to a life well lived and Bill’s passion for classic cars, there will be a Celebration of Life/Cruise In on September 16, 2023, from 3 p.m.- 7 p.m. at the Nashville Church of the Nazarene. Please feel free to drive your classic car and enjoy a summer afternoon socializing and remembering our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Those attending will be treated to some of Bill’s favorite “delicacies,” including hot dogs, Myers’ Bakery donuts, and of course a cup of coffee!
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Highway Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Thomas Aaron Kesson
Thomas Aaron Kesson, age 62, of Potterville, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Tom was born February 17, 1961, in Lansing, Michigan, to Thomas and Beverly Kesson. Tom graduated from Potterville High School in 1979 and married his high school sweetheart, Dana, on May 10, 1980. He was a journeyman ironworker for over 15 years. While his children were in school, Tom was president of the Potterville Band Boosters and worked to acquire new uniforms for the marching band. He enjoyed metal detecting, feeding fish at the local park, his pets, reading many different subjects, playing pool, spending time in northern Michigan on the Tahquamenon River, and being with family and friends. Tom was well loved by all that knew him and had an enormous heart to help people and animals in need.
Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dana Kesson; children, Aaron (Maria) Kesson, Amy (Marco) Smith, and Amanda Young; grandchildren, Ethan, Aidan, Alex, Andrew, Josh, Oliver, and Freya; father, Thomas (Marjorie) Kesson; siblings, Kerry Kesson and Laurie (Gary) Spiekhout; brother-in-law, Lance (Heidi) Whipple; and many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Kesson, and his brother, Craig Kesson.
A celebration of Tom’s life will take place Saturday, September 23 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at Lake Alliance Park in Potterville, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michigan Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.
Judy Mae Keefer
Judy Mae Keefer, 78, a fiercely independent, loyal and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at her residence in Mulliken. Judy was born December 3, 1944, in Plainwell, MI, the first daughter of Lester William and Katherine Susanne (Wahmhoff) Kennicott. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1962 and went on to study physical therapy and began her time of caring for others. Judy married the love of her life, Larry Keefer, on July 23, 1966. Together, they raised three sons on the family farm. Their life was one of farming. Larry, with Judy’s help, raised corn and soybeans for crops. Judy would be there for all of it, sometimes driving the tractors or trucks during harvest time. Nothing would slow her down.
Judy enjoyed time spent with her two sisters. Together they were known as the “Three Amigos,” and made spring and fall trips every year together, most notably to Traverse City. Their time spent together as sisters will be forever cherished and remembered. Judy made all who knew her feel like family, and to know Judy was to become a better person. She brought out the best in everyone, and always remained positive, even when she lost her leg. Judy and her family loved riding horses and loved raising goats. Judy became a 4H goat leader in Eaton County for several years while her kids would show goats. She always maintained a soft spot in her heart for all animals.
Judy was also fiercely patriotic and a Faith-filled person. She maintained great pride and respect for those serving in the armed forces, even picking up the tab when she would see a service person at a restaurant. The American Flag was always close by her, and she was extremely proud of her family members who served. Judy and Larry were faithful members of Mount Hope Church of the Flags in Lansing. She lived a life of devotion to others, to God, and to her family.
Judy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Larry; their sons, Keith (Jennifer) Keefer; Scott (Virginia) Keefer and Dan (Audra) Keefer; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Kennicott; sisters, Jane (Pat) Dotson and Pat (Bob) Fuller; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Bill and Bruce Kennicott; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment has taken place in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken. 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 Judy’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 Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.