Obituaries
Dee Terry DePue
Dee Terry DePue, a man who always wanted it done his way, died on Thursday, May 25, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Terry, 85, was born on January 31, 1938, in Charlotte, the son of Gerald and Helen (Larke) DePue. Upon graduating from high school, Terry worked for a few different companies before settling in at Oldsmobile where he worked on the Line as a Painter until his retirement. On September 15, 1976, Terry married Paulette Wildt and started their legacy together. In his younger years Terry loved to help his father out on the farm. Farming was a big passion for Terry. Most people in the Charlotte, Nashville, and Vermontville area know that Terry was a big fan of the Stanton Auctions and tried not to miss any. Terry was a collector of anything that could be collected, and his pride and joy was his baseball collection. You could also find Terry out working in his vegetable gardens or mowing his lawn, he loved being outside. Terry had a love for animals, he was always willing to help any stray cats that got dropped off on the property. His biggest enjoyment in life was spending time with his wonderful family that he loved.
Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Paulette; children, Terry (Larry) Morrison, Darla (Mike) Limmer, Robin (Robert) Osenbaugh, Billie Joe (Richie) Powers, and Robert (Sandra) Wehr; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Phil) Austin; lifelong friend, Larry Gearhart. He was predeceased by his parents; and sons, John DePue and Steven Wehr.
Friends are encouraged to support Terry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life for Terry will take place later this summer at the family farm. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to any local humane society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Betty Lou Wells
Betty Lou Wells, born December 30, 1953, died May 29, 2023. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.
Lesley Dean Emard
Lesley Dean Emard, age 78, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He was born May 14, 1945, in Marquette, Michigan the son of Roy and Clarion (Loveless) Emard. Les graduated from Springport High School in 1964. Soon after graduation he served his country in the United States Navy. Everyone who knew Les could tell you that his life revolved around music. He had a passion for bluegrass music and could play and sing just about any song you could imagine. He was extremely talented on the guitar and loved entertaining others. He played with the Hallway Pickers for years and later in life joined The Ovations. Les loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time picking and singing together.
Les is survived by his siblings: Raymond Emard of Thorp, Wisconsin; Lois (Ken) Granger of Newago; Michigan, Dan (Vonda) Emard of Battle Creek; great granddaughter, Annie Haeck; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Stella; five brothers; and three sisters.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Les’s honor to the American Cancer Society.
To view Les’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Martha Mae Frey
Martha Mae Frey, 86, a caring and loving, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died on Friday, June 9, 2023, at her home. Martha was born on October 22, 1936, in Charlotte, the daughter of Cleve and Venus (Towe) Harmon. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1954. It was in school where she met Wayne Frey, and on June 16, 1956, the couple began their love story. She devoted her life to the Lord and was an active member of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, the same church where she and Wayne were married. Martha was a proud homemaker working on the farm alongside her husband and lifelong companion Wayne. In her younger years she worked as a Clerk at Revco Drug Store, Carter’s IGA and also as a PTA volunteer at Parkview Elementary School. Her pride and joy in life was being a mother. Martha made delicious meals for her family from scratch and was known for her scrumptious pies. Martha was very active as a 4-H leader, she oversaw the float making and one year her float was crowned 1st place.
Martha’s hobbies included working in her flower gardens, reading, playing cards, enjoying concerts at Shipshewana, and traveling. Every summer the family would always take a trip away from the farm. In 1976 rented a popup trailer and hit the road for Disney World, a trip that was an experience with five people in one little trailer. They also rented cabins in Northern Michigan. In recent years Martha and Wayne wintered in Florida. Above all Martha adored her time spent with her family and the home that she and Wayne built on the farm.
Martha is survived by her husband of 66 years, Wayne; children, Mark (Rhonda) Frey, Cathy Frey, William Frey, Michael (Mary) Frey; grandchildren, Christine (John) Westfall, Elizabeth (Jacob) Smith, James Frey, Amanda Morris, Stacy Morris, and Andrew Morris; great-grandchildren, John Bennett Westfall IV, and Hazel Joyce Westfall. She was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Lawrence, Gertrude, Dora, Bessie, Robert, Florence, Richard, and Mary.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jack Conklin officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’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 Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeri Allan
Jeri Allan passed away peacefully at Sparrow Hospital on June 11, 2023, while holding the hand of her beloved husband. Born on February 4,1954, she married her high school sweetheart, K.C. Allan in 1976 who was a faithful companion and loving husband for 46 years. Jeri channeled her love of reading into a fulfilling career serving as the Olivet High School Librarian. She enjoyed spending time in nature and taking walks around her pond.
Jeri is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Carolyn (Baldwin) Natusch. She is survived by her husband, K.C. Allan; daughters, Amber (David) Stiles, Bridget (Jeff) Boucher, Elizabeth (Jacob) DeMott; grandsons, Calum and Bryson Stiles; brother, David (Sandy) Natusch; sister, Joelyn (Lee Yonker) Aitken and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial gathering was held Friday, June 16, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Pawsibilities of Olivet. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.