Obituaries
Sheila Ann Rugg
Sheila Ann Rugg, 88 of Charlotte, Michigan went to be with her beloved Lord and Savior on Friday, October 4, 2024. Sheila was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 27, 1935, to George and Maxine Henderson.
Family was truly the corner of Sheila’s life. She loved taking road trips with her grandkids, often getting lost, calling these trips, “Going on an adventure”. Sheila was skilled at making people smile with her campy sense of humor. Even in her later years when she became homebound, she still found ways to brighten people’s days. Maybe you were one of the lucky ones to receive a singing phone call. Sheila was an avid reader and had a lifelong passion for learning. Sheila truly loved the Lord and shared that love by serving the lost and lonely in her community.
Sheila is preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick D. Rugg Jr. She is survived by her 4 children, Shanna Moran, Stacy Badger (Guy Badger), Mary Christensen (David Cantu), and Christy Long (Fred Long). She is preceded in death by her son, Daniel Rugg.
She is survived by her dear lifelong friend Mary Jo Scott. Sheila is survived by 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Sheila is also survived by two friends Will Burton and Dustin Marriner.
A memorial service was held on Monday, October 7, 2024, in Charlotte. Her family will lay her to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville at a future date.
Denise Ellyn Heisler
Denise “Dee” Ellyn Heisler, 81, of Olivet, passed away on October 5, 2024, at Sparrow Health System in Lansing. Dee was born on July 9, 1943 to Russell and Cristina (Noss) Wagoner in Albion, MI. She married Fred H. Heisler on October 5, 1963, in Homer, MI. Fred preceded Dee in death on June 23, 2016. Dee graduated from Olivet College and worked as a substitute teacher for Olivet Schools.
She was a fan of University of Michigan and Detroit Tigers. Dee liked to travel to New Orleans and Florida. She would home school kids and help out at track meets at Olivet schools. Dee loved her children most of all.
Dee is survived by her children, Sherrie (Jeff) Case of Olivet, MI, Tammy (George) Poulopoulos of Marshall, Mike Heisler of Olivet, MI, Brian (Carri) Heisler of Olivet, MI, Brett (Dawn) Heisler of Albion, MI; eight grandchildren, seven great-Grandchildren and sister, Sue (John) Dogan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Craig Wagoner.
Dee’s family had a gathering on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Lee Township Hall in Olivet.
Those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Dee may do so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Dementia Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.
Samuel LeRoy Love
Samuel LeRoy Love of Charlotte, passed away October 5, 2024, at the age of 64. Sam was born on February 13, 1960, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Norman and Phyllis (Scott) Love. He was a proud graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, class of 1978, where he showcased his athleticism by playing football, tennis, and participating in swimming. Sam’s love for sports continued throughout his life, notably as an avid Spartan fan. He could always be found tailgating at Spartan Stadium, where his infectious enthusiasm brought people together.
After a fulfilling career at General Motors, Sam retired and channeled his passion into becoming a licensed builder. His work with the Charlotte Planning Commission displayed his deep commitment to the city he loved, reflecting his desire to give back to his community. Sam’s voice could often be heard announcing Charlotte’s football, baseball, and softball games.
A lover of the outdoors, Sam enjoyed hunting and fishing, always enthusiastic about sharing these moments with his children and grandchildren. Camping trips were events full of laughter and storytelling, as he relished the time spent with family and friends. His culinary skills were apparent to all who had the pleasure of tasting his dishes, as he loved to cook for those he cherished.
Sam’s woodworking skills were admirable, handcrafting many special pieces for his loved ones. These pieces will be treasured reminders of his skill, love, and dedication. Above all, Sam will be remembered as “everyone’s handyman,” always there to lend a helping hand. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Those who knew him could always count on his support, kindness, and willingness to go the extra mile.
Sam is survived by his loving wife, Kelly (Koos) Love; children, Shalyne (Sean) Harris, Victorria (Joshua Snead) Chavez, Ashley Chavez-Ross, and Tiffaney Chavez; grandchildren, Cadence Harris, Felicity Harris, Bryce Ross, Cameron Ross, Dakota Ross, Sofia DeMasters, Lillyanna DeMasters, Mia Snead, Hayden McLean, and Landyn McLean; mother, Phyllis Love; sisters, LuAnn (Gary) Gloden and Joanie (Van Mollette) Love; sisters-in-law Kristy Koos-Volz and Kathy (Ron) Bristol; brother-in-law Kim (Paulette) Koos; special friends Karen and Jeff Beasley, Deb and Steve Shaughnessy, as well as several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman LeRoy Love and in-laws Merlin and Patricia (McConnell) Koos.
A visitation was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Tammy Jo Olney
Tammy Jo Olney, age 59, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Born on October 14, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, Tammy was the beloved daughter of Thomas and Alma (Peckham) Brooks. She grew up in Eaton Rapids, where she excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982. Tammy furthered her education at Davenport College, earning an associate degree in accounting.
On January 9, 1984, Tammy began her illustrious 40-year career at Farm Credit, starting as a related services secretary. Through her dedication and hard work, she rose to the position of senior loan accountant, retiring shortly before her passing on September 30, 2024.
In 1985, Tammy married her soulmate, Robert Olney, and together they built a beautiful life, raising two daughters. Following the heartbreaking loss of her youngest daughter, Veronica, to cancer, Tammy channeled her grief into action, organizing “relay” rummage sales to support the American Cancer Society. Over 15 years, with the help of family and friends, she raised nearly $30,000 in Veronica’s memory.
Tammy’s love of dance was evident throughout her life. Starting as a student at the age of three at Marceil’s School of Dance, she went on to teach tap and jazz at Lisa’s Island Dance Centre. She danced for 55 years, attended countless dance conventions, and helped run music for annual dance recitals, a true testament to her passion for the art.
In recent years, Tammy cherished spending time with her grandchildren, often visiting zoos and aquariums, and traveling across the country to cheer on her great-nephew at his college football games.
Tammy is preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Veronica Olney; brother, Tom Brooks; father, Thomas Brooks; and her in-laws, Thomas and Mable (Bursley) Olney.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Robert Olney; loving daughter, Brooke (James) Vredenburg; precious grandchildren, Veronica and Wilhelm Vredenburg; her dear mother, Alma Weber; and her “son from another mother,” Austyn Platte, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tammy will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her kindness and generosity.
A memorial service to honor Tammy’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Robins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI. Visitation took place at the funeral home on Friday, October 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
For those wishing to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made to Make-A-Wish Michigan, 25 Michigan St. NE #1200, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in Tammy’s memory. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
William Arden Berry
William “Bill” Arden Berry of Albion, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024, in Marshall, MI, at the age of 83. Bill was born on June 20, 1941, in Addison, MI, the son of the late Arden and Doris (Tingley) Berry. In 1974, he married the love of his life, Lynn, and together they embarked on a journey that would span five decades, filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their partnership was a testament to their commitment to each other and their family. Bill was the owner of Mid-State Industrial for many years. His passion for the outdoors was evident through his love for hunting and fishing, which he shared with his lifelong friend Bud Morton. He also enjoyed working on and around the farm his whole life. Bill and his wife enjoyed summers at their home in Michigan and traveled each winter to Marco Island, Florida, to enjoy the warmth and sunshine.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Berry; son, Mark (Brenda) Drummond, as well as his cherished grandchildren, Michelle Walker, Brittany (Ben) Durham, Sarah (Michael) Hubbard, Andrew (Jessica) Drummond, Blake Drummond, Paige Drummond, and Joshua Drummond; great grandchildren, Oliver and Theodore Hubbard; sister, Kay (James) Trosper as well as several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Arden and Doris Berry; children, Wendy Bradford and Kevin (Kelly) Drummond; grandson, Scott Drummond.
A funeral service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on October 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior and the evening before from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of William Arden Berry. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.