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Mary Jane Milbourne

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Mary Jane Milbourn, age 64 from Charlotte, passed away on June 16, 2023. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.

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Pamela Ranee Paton Andrews

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Pamela “Pam” Ranee Paton Andrews, 70, of Charlotte, Michigan went to be with the Lord on June 12, 2023, after a short battle with illness. She was born September 11, 1952, to Robert and Barbara (Davis) Paton who have preceded her in death. Pam attended and graduated from Olivet High School in 1970. She was a hard-working woman with a strong will. Pam was a committed employee at Mr. D’s restaurant in Olivet, The Eaton Theatre, as well as Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation, where she worked until her retirement in 2015. She loved to collect angels, lighthouses, and carousels; she was always excited when she was able to add to her collections. Pam would frequent garage sales, always on the hunt for a new treasure. If there was a NASCAR race on TV you could always count on Pam watching it. Pam enjoyed a good word search and going on long drives. She was a loving, kind person who always put her family first. Pam had a giving heart; she would go out of her way to help others. Above all else she cherished spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Vaughn Paton. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 52 ½ years, Donald E. Andrews; children: Donald “Buck” E. (Katie) Andrews, Stacey A. (Jay) Andrews, Dawn M. (Shane) Bartlett, Shawn (Stephanie) M. Andrews; nine grandchildren: Owen, Anastasia, Ashlyn, AJ, Makkena, Cameron, Aubrie, Briley, Tristen; great-grandchild, Sa’Veregin; siblings, Diane Swift, Sheila Siefert; grand-nephew, Caiden Bailey; special friends: Kevin and Junita Thorton, Randy and Debbie Kelley, David and Dora Howe, Bob and Jackie King, Bob and Pam Curtis, Don and Stacey Lieby, Brian and Melissa Haas, Addriett Balgoyen, and Angel Lepere.
A celebration of Pam’s life will be held this summer on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church St./P.O. Box 503 Leslie, Michigan 49251. 517-878-6600.

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Barbara J. Loveless

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Barbara J. Loveless, age 88, of Olivet, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023. She was born February 9, 1935, in Charlotte, the daughter of Clayton and Goldie (Baker) Wyble. Barb was an only child and was much loved by her parents. She married the love of her life, Ward E. Loveless, in 1950. They celebrated 65 years of marriage until Ward passed away in 2015. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She worked side by side with Ward on the farm for many years. She also worked as a substitute rural mail carrier in Olivet and at the Olivet Pharmacy. Barb also served on the local election board until just three years ago and was active at the Brookfield United Methodist Church. In later years her and Ward enjoyed traveling throughout the country in their motorhome. She also loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens. Barb was diligent about keeping a daily journal of the happening of her and her families lives and did so for over 70 years, never missing a single day!
Barb is survived by her children: Larry (Julie) Loveless of Lansing; Linda Loveless of Charlotte, Lori Sedlar of Holt, Lyle Loveless of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren: Terry (Sally) Sedlar of Olivet, Chad (Jennifer) Loveless of Olivet, Jason Becker of Indiana, Brad Hoeve of Holland, Marcus Loveless of Wixom, Kassandra Loveless of Manistique; great-grandchildren: Damien Loveless, Mycaela (Rylan) Ducheney, and Tori Sedlar.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ward.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 12 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. A private burial took place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or the charity of their choice.
To view Barb’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Nancy Wotkyns

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Nancy Wotkyns of Eaton Rapids, passed away on January 20, 2023, at the age of 80. She was born on October 13, 1942, in Hastings, MI, daughter of David and Catherine (Wensloff) Barry. She was preceded in death by her parents and John Priesman, her friend of 38 years. She is survived by her sisters, Marie and Janis Barry and brother, David Barry.
Nancy enjoyed teaching and taught for a while at the Naval Base in Alaska. The vast majority of her teaching was in Eaton Rapids. Nancy had a big heart, she loved animals and children. She donated to numerous groups that helped animals and children over the years. Many Eaton Rapids families were recipients of her generosity. For 20 years she was the anonymous Christmas Angel, providing Christmas Stockings and a bag of gifts for many Eaton Rapids students and their siblings. She purchased and wrapped gifts for over 100 children yearly at her own expense hoping to make Christmas better for those kids and their families.
Traveling with friends was also something Nancy loved. She made numerous trips to Suriname and other places with the Oceanic Society tagging turtles, collecting data, and helping with other projects. Get Nancy talking about turtles, and she could talk for hours!
Nancy was a tough woman who fought through many illnesses and conditions, surprising doctors by coming back strong. When diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer six years ago she once again showed us how tough she was. Working closely with Dr. Srkalovic and the staff at Herbert Herman Cancer Center, helped her to be able to enjoy many more years. Nancy had a rough time her last few months, as she was in and out of the hospital. In the end, she was ready to join her parents, John, and her beloved dogs.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on July 1, 2023, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Barry’s Resort, 2875 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings, MI. The family would love to have her friends join them and write a note or memory on her board and enjoy some food as they celebrate Nancy. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Doris Marie Goddard

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Doris Marie (Getter) Goddard of Eaton Rapids, passed away June 14, 2023, at the age of 91. Doris was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on May 19, 1932, the daughter of Harold Getter and Bertha (Don) Phester. Doris was a stay-at-home wife who enjoyed her daily shows, gardening, shopping and going to garage sales with her daughter.
Doris is survived by her daughters, Janet Wallace and Kay (Roger) Parsons; grandchildren, Tammy (Tim) Wallace, Lyle Wallace, Candy Zenker, Kim (Robin) Ghrimes, Lisa (Bill) Adleman and Tara Parsons. She had 12 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Riverus; son, Walter James; and great-grandchild, Ashlee.
Private memorial services have already taken place. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the donor’s choice of charity in loving memory of Doris Marie Goddard. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.

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Gary Wayne Puryear

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Gary Wayne Puryear died peacefully on June 8, 2023 in hospice care at Emerson Hospital. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on April 5, 1944. He spent much of his childhood on the shores of Lake Michigan and on the farm with his grandparents near Manistee, Michigan. Gary graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a BA in Landscape Architecture, lit up the MSU field playing drums in the marching band, and met the love of his life Marcia. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and was then stationed in Germany. Marcia joined him there until the two returned home and were married in 1970. After earning his Master’s Degree as well, Gary became an accomplished landscape architect and contributed to projects around New England, including the Franklin Park Zoo. Throughout much of his career he was a civilian with the Army Corps of Engineers and traveled New England strengthening environmental safety on army bases and training soldiers, until he retired in 2004 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He and Marcia raised their family in Concord, MA, and loved to take family trips, skiing out west or traveling internationally. Gary always connected with the sights and smells of the coast, spending summers in Rockport in the post and beam seaside house that he built, and over the last 15 years relaxing in the quiet beauty of Grey Gables in Bourne, MA. From participating in Revolutionary War reenactments with the Concord Minutemen (and serving as Captain), to being a Boy Scout troop leader, to placing flags at the National Cemetery, he was an active member of his community who loved time well spent in everyday celebration with family and friends. He adored his grandchildren and loved to teach them skills in the kitchen while making good food. Gary loved a good story and a good laugh, drew joy from listening to Jimmy Buffet and cooking up lobster for family, and livened up each space he entered.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia Puryear; daughter, Kristen Puryear (Sean Donohue); son, Corey Puryear (Wendy); grandchildren, Maeve, Ellia, Morgan, and Carson; sister, Penelope VanDam (David); brother, Jeffrey Puryear (Myriam Waiser); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A visitation was held at Concord Funeral Home (74 Belknap St., Concord) on Friday, June 16 from 2-5 p.m. A wake has also been organized by Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home (40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne) on Sunday, June 18 from 2-3 p.m. with a service from 3-4 p.m., to be followed by a reception at the Puryear’s house in Bourne. Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, June 19 at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Ma.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Gary’s name to the Bourne VFW at 180 Shore Rd., Bourne, MA 02532. For directions and online condolences please visit www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com.

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Dee Terry DePue

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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.

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Betty Lou Wells

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Betty Lou Wells, born December 30, 1953, died May 29, 2023. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

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Lesley Dean Emard

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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.

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Martha Mae Frey

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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.

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