Obituaries
Tammy Jo White
Tammy Jo White, the most cherished and courageous mother, wife, and daughter, passed away peacefully in her home on September 23, 2023. Tammy, 44, of Charlotte was born January 10, 1979, in Charlotte, the daughter of David Allen and Joan Kay (Stults) Harris. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1997 before going to work first with the Shopping Guide newspaper, and then her family business, Harris Brothers Excavating. Tammy married the love of her life, Rocky Scott White, on September 16, 2000, and the two soon started their family. She took an interest in the medical field and received training from Ross Medical School to be a medical assistant. Dr. Barry Zink soon hired her into his family practice where she remained in that same office for nearly 15 years, developing a close family-like relationship with all of her many coworkers at Family Care Specialists. Tammy first battled cancer in her 20s and was an integral part of a local breast cancer survivor group founded at the hospital. When her cancer returned, she maintained her strong work ethic and would do anything for family and friends, regardless of how she felt that day. Family was Tammy’s top priority, including her beloved dogs. She loved camping, weekend grill-outs and campfires, trips to Virginia to visit close friends, and season tickets to go as a family to watch the Kalamazoo Wings. Tammy will be dearly missed by her co-workers, her friends, dogs, and, most of all, her family.
Tammy is survived by her husband of 23 years, Rocky White; daughters, Kamryn (Lane) Glover and Peyton White; mother, Joan Harris; brothers, Allen (Kelley) Harris and Peter (Laura) Harris; several nieces and nephews; many beloved extended family and friends; and her dog, Piper. She was predeceased by her father, David Harris, in 2022.
Friends are encouraged to support Tammy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Reverend Father Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place at Benton Township Cemetery. 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 Tammy’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 Relay for Life. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Nancy L. Bonner
Nancy L. (Leiby) Bonner, age 94, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 17, 2023. She was born August 7, 1929, in Lansing, the daughter of Austin and Kathryn (Brandel) Bonner. Nancy graduated from Lansing Eastern High School with the class of 1947. While in high school Nancy was a Tennis champion for Eastern and enjoyed ice skating. Later in life she loved playing BINGO, dancing to her favorite music, trips to the casino, and watching the Detroit Tigers. Nancy was a meticulous housekeeper, tremendous baker, and was known for her famous molasses cookies. She was a devote Catholic who loved her Lord and Savior.
Nancy is survived by her children, Don (Stacy) Leiby of Charlotte, Mark (Rebecca) Leiby of Grand Ledge, Theresa (Keith) Windes of Tennessee, Robert (Jeri) Leiby of Vermontville, Missy Peterson of Arizona, Jackie Leiby of Norton Shores, Tammy (Mark) Mitchell of Eaton Rapids; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob (Velma) Bonner; sister, Mary; niece, Deb; and son-in-law, Chris Peterson.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sensations Memory Care for the exceptionally loving care that their mother received.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing.
Those desiring may make contributions in Nancy’s memory to Sensations Memory Care, 511 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813
To view Nancy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Lois Arlene Strickland
Lois Arlene Strickland, a woman who cared about everyone and never said a foul words, died on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in Magnolia, TX. Lois 89, formerly of Charlotte, was born on November 1, 1933, in Charlotte, MI. the daughter of Ted and Lavina (Stratton) Bugbee. In 1957 Lois married the love of her life Gene Strickland and together they created many last memoires until his passing in 1991. As a child Lois worked hard on the family farm in the barns with her father. At the age of 18 she began working for Wilcox-Gay, at the Alpine as a waiter, however most of her working life she worked as a Millwright at Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte. Following the death of her husband Lois moved to Carrizozo, New Mexico, to live with her daughter, then Albuquerque, and most recently Magnolia, TX. Many will remember Lois for being the bingo queen, she would play up to 80 cards and traveled around the country to play. Also, the craftsmanship she put into to her crocheted afghans, tablecloths and other homemade items. Above all her biggest passion in life was her family and the joy that they brought to her life.
Lois is survived by her children, Anita (Lorenzo) Sambrano, and Dick Strickland; four grandchildren, Diane Sambrano, Elizabeth Beaulac, Cerelia Turner, and Antonio Sambrano; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Dorr Bugbee. She was predeceased by her husband, Gene; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lois’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a favorite charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ardith J. Gloden
Ardith J. (Dowd) Gloden passed away on September 14, 2023, at Lake Isabella, MI following a brief illness. She was 75 years old.
She was born June 20, 1948, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI to parents Harold Emerson Dowd and Margaret Mae (Rader) Dowd. Ardith was born just 33 minutes after her beloved twin sister (and dearest friend) Desta Ann Dowd.
Ardith is survived by Caryl Robert (Bob) Gloden, her wonderful, always home-focused husband of 34 years. They accomplished much together. Also surviving are her stepson, Robert Scott Gloden (Theresa Bush); and grandson, Connor Scott Boucher Gloden (Cassie Castillo). Her twin sister, Desta A. Kearney (Dan) also survives, and has been a tower of support, strength and comfort to all.
Per Ardith’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service of any kind. May you remember her fondly, as she remembers you.
If you wish to make a memorial gift, please consider: your local public broadcasting station, Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS) at P.O. Box 732, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804, and Mecosta County. Commission on Aging Senior Center…12954 80th Avenue, Mecosta, MI 49332.
Kenneth Lee Ridge
Kenneth Lee Ridge, 83, of Lansing, a man of Faith, friendship, and family died peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023. Ken was born September 5, 1940, in Lansing, the son of Roscoe Duncan and Elizabeth Mae (Butler) Ridge. He graduated from Dewitt High School in 1958 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. His service took him to Pirmasens, Germany, where he met Patricia Danek, a young lady also serving in the Army. The two fell in love, returned to the States, and married on July 29, 1961. Ken and Patty settled in Charlotte, where they raised their family and Ken worked 20 years at Oldsmobile in Tool and Die. He lived a life of deep-rooted Faith, which led him to serve as lay leader for many years at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. He eventually attended Moody’s Bible College, where he became an ordained minister, thus beginning his true life’s work as a Baptist minister. He pastored at Tower Hart Baptist Church in East Lansing on two different stints, as well as sharing his ministry throughout the area. He was an active member of Cowboys for Christ, and enjoyed Cowboy action shooting, hunting and fishing, and American History. Above all, Ken’s devotion was to God and to his love for family, especially his grandchildren.
Ken is survived by two sons, Wayne (Yvonne) Ridge of Charlotte and Daniel (Debra Olney-Ridge) of East Lansing; daughter, Diane (Shawn) Smith of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Duane “DJ” McGill, Jr., Eric (Morene) McGill, Shalyne (Sean) Harris, Hailee Ridge (fiancé Russ Werner), Michael Zamora, Karis (Josh) Mayer, Mason Ridge, Matthew Ridge, Samantha (Matt) Frizzle, Alexa Smith, and Zachary Smith; five great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Karen) Ridge; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Patty Ridge; granddaughter, Jenae Ridge; brother, Roscoe David (Clare) Ridge; and sister, Geraldine (Jack) Christie.
Friends are encouraged to support Ken’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Towar Hart Baptist Church in East Lansing with Pastor Dave Liesman officiating. The service 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 Ken’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 Abigail Hospice or the Towar Hart Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.