Obituaries
Marilyn Rose Beardslee
Marilyn Rose Beardslee passed on May 9, 2023, at home in Mesa, Arizona, after a short battle with cancer. Her husband Niles, son Tomas, and daughter Sandra were there to ease her into heaven.
Marilyn was born in Hillsdale County, Michigan. She married the love of her life, Niles Beardslee in Dimondale, Michigan on January 31, 1953. They were married over 70 years. They raised four children on their farm in Vermontville, Michigan: Steven Beardslee; Sandra (Griffith) and husband Rick, from Harrison, Michigan; Tomas and wife Sharon of Vernon, Arizona. Marilyn was preceeded in death by son, Tracy Beardslee of Roundup, Montana; her beloved brothers, Gerald ‘Jake’ Michael of Mesa, Arizona and Richard and Kenny Hicks of Dimondale, Michigan. Beth Kerwin is also a loved family member.
Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout her life. Niles and Marilyn were a part of the ‘Bud’s Duds’ square dance group in the 1970’s and she made her own dresses for their events. They enjoyed traveling by auto and ocean cruises and stays at their lake home. Sewing, canning, gardening, needlework and much more were just a part of her many interests. Just recently Marilyn was teaching her niece, Anna Rowden, how to tat.
Her grandchildren where the light of her life, and her eyes would literally twinkle each and every time she would see them. Marilyn has 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and three great great-grandchildren.
Cremation took place in Mesa, Arizona. Her wishes are to be interred in Montana alongside of son Tracy in the Bull Mountains. Upon Marilyn’s request, no service will take place at this time.
Angela Rene’ Crozier
Angela Rene’ Crozier, 52 of Charlotte, a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, surrounded by family. Angela was born May 14, 1970, in Charlotte, the daughter of Tina (Tim) Hart of Bellevue and Bill (Ann) Crozier of Charlotte. She is survived by her parents; sisters, Lisa (Russ) Green of Bellevue, and Laura (Mike) Fuller of Pleasant Lake; children, Derek Cuff, Christina Torre, and CJ (Bre) Torre, all of Charlotte; grandchildren, Zander, Mae, and Josiah; step-sister, Amy Schultz of Huron, OH; and her companion, Brian Burke of Charlotte. In addition to her biological family, Angela is also survived by numerous friends that she called her chosen family, and bonus kids that have become a significant part of her life over the years.
Angela loved to cook and always made everything from scratch. It was common for her to spend days making a meal for family and friends. You could taste the love in her food. She was the Charlotte Frontier Days Queen in 2004, helped coach CJO football from 2003-2007. Angela loved to travel and explore new places. A couple of her favorite and more recent trips were a month-long road trip with grandson Zander to hike West Glacier National Park in Montana the summer of 2020 and going to Ireland with her “travel buddy” Laurie in August of 2022. Angela worked as the Recruiting Manager for Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) in Okemos. She loved her career and the people she had the privilege of working with. Angela often said, “I have been blessed beyond measure to work for such an amazing organization with exceptional people.”
Angela left us far too soon, but often stated she believed her medical condition was “truly a blessing and gift from God. How many people leave this earth without any warning at all? God loved me and you enough to give us a heads up that this was coming. This allowed us time to prepare and gave me a chance to say goodbye to those closest to me. We will all leave this earth at some point, make sure your house is in order before you do! It is okay to be sad, it is not okay to stay sad. So, cry today, but remember – I am with the Father and waiting for you to join me. Make sure He knows your name!”
Friends are encouraged to support Angela’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, May 20, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Hull officiating. 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 Angela’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 Gift of Life Michigan. Angela’s family has requested that if you wish to purchase flowers to consider purple flowers because that was her favorite color. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sue E. Cleveland
Sue E. Cleveland, 81, of Bellevue, Michigan, passed away on May 8, 2023 at Medi Lodge in Marshall, Michigan.
She was born in Coldwater, Michigan to Stanley L. and Waunetta M. (Watson) Cleveland, but Sue spent most of her life in Bellevue, Michigan.
She spent most of her working life as a CNA, but her favorite work was on the farm.
Sue was a former member of the Battle Creek Eagles Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting, especially slippers. Sue was an excellent cook and would always bring a dish to pass for everyone to share. She will be fondly remembered for her compassion and caring for homeless animals. Sue was loved by many friends and family, and she will be greatly missed.
Per her request, there will be no services and to have any remembrances be given to the Humane Society of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 205 N. Elizabeth St., Bellevue, Michigan 49021. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Sara Jane Jewell
Sara “Sally” Jane Jewell, a generous and kind woman, died peacefully on May 16, 2023 at the age of 82. Sally was born in Charlotte, MI on May 28, 1940 to Huey and Evelyn (Lawrence) Stall and lived her entire life in this community that she loved and devoted time to. In 1961 she married Floyd Jewell and together they raised two sons. As a dedicated wife and mother, Sally had a spirited personality with a quiet and calm presence, and many wonderful gifts she shared with her family, including the gift of music that she shared with her beloved granddaughters. She enjoyed golf, bowling, singing in the GFWC (General Federation Women’s Club) choir, and every opportunity she had to travel with her husband Floyd (finding casinos everywhere their adventures took them) until his passing in 2008. Dedicated to her community, Sally also spent much time volunteering for events at her church (Lawrence Avenue United Methodist), the HGB Gift Shop, and Mobile Meals helping with both scheduling and deliveries. After losing Floyd, she found enjoyment with a coffee group at Evelyn Bay coffee shop, and regular card game gatherings with her friends (which often included a good glass of wine).
Sally is survived by her sons, Timothy (Heather) Jewell, and Thomas (Nicole) Jewell; granddaughters, Lacy and Lauren; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd exactly 15 years to the day before her death; infant son, Gary Allen; brother, Murray Stall; and sister, Marilyn Turner.
Friends are encouraged to support Sally’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, May 19, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, May 20, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. A luncheon will follow the interment in the Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home. 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 Sally’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 Mobile Meals. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gretchen Lee Converse
Gretchen Lee Converse, age 92, of Charlotte, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, in Summerfield, Florida. Gretchen was born on August 9, 1930, in Eaton Rapids, MI, the daughter of Arlington and Vera (VanWagner) Crawford. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school class of 1948. Gretchen worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for nine years, worked as a transport driver for Avis Rental Cars, as a real estate agent and volunteered at the Eaton Community Palliative Care Thrift Store for over 10 years. She was also a member of the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte for many years.
Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Max Converse.
Surviving are her children, Mike Love, Craig (Tina) Love, Kristine Priesman; seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at New Hope Community Church, 436 W. Harris St., Charlotte, MI. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Gretchen. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.