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Funeral Services:

Janet Marie Brown, a woman of faith who overcame so much over her lifetime, died on Friday, February 16, 2024. Janet, 83, of Charlotte, was born on June 23, 1940, in Ferndale, MI. the daughter of Clyde and Bertha (Bass) Ford. In the 8th grade Janet met Larry Brown Jr. and on November 14, 1959, she married her childhood sweetheart. They moved from Royal Oak to Gladwin where they lived for 30-plus years, where she worked for 26 years as an Office Administrator for the Gladwin Community Schools. Following the death of her husband in 2007 Janet moved to Charlotte. Janet devoted her life to volunteering around her community. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she was involved in Wrapped-in-Love-Quilters and they made quilts for the local pregnancy center and local senior living centers. The biggest joy in her life was her granddaughters. They referred to her as “Nama” and she loved to be in the front row at all of their events. The family loved spending their summers at the family condo in Suttons Bay. Hobbies that Janet enjoyed were sewing, quilting, baking her amazing apple pies, shopping, an occasional trip to the casino, and watching The Young and the Restless. Janet hoped that her job once she gets to heaven was something that involved working with children or animals. She was selfless and had a heart of gold.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Kelly Friar; granddaughters. Emily and Ashley Friar; sister-in-law, Rolland Ford; brother-in-law, Larry Sauers; and several nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Larry; son, Kirk Brown; sister, Linda Sauers; and brother, Keith Ford; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Janet’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. A funeral was held on February 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. With an internment to take place at 3:30 p.m. at Highland Cemetery in Gladwin, MI. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Janet’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 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Ronald Lee Potter, 75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, stepped into Heaven to be with his Savior and Lord on February 11, 2024. Ron’s life was guided by his faith and propelled by an intense curiosity about the world, a love and empathy for others, and an unwavering sense of humor. Ron was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, on March 26, 1948, the son of Charles Lee Potter and Elsie Geraldine (Babcock) Potter. He grew up in Bellevue, Michigan and attended Bellevue Community Schools. In his senior year of high school, he went on a blind date with Jill Van Dyke from the neighboring farm community of Olivet. They continued dating and married on July 19, 1969, in Charlotte, Michigan. Ron enrolled at Central Michigan University in a joint program with the University of Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1971. Ron pursued a fascinating career which took him to various parts of the U.S. and around the world. He nurtured many lifelong friendships along the way. During the 1970s, Ron built a foundation in project management on large engineering and construction projects. In the 1980s, he founded a firm specializing in project management software. He later served as chief executive officer at a software development firm. Meeting many groundbreaking consultants during the first two phases of his career sparked Ron’s desire to shift into the consulting business. Beginning in the 1990s until his retirement in 2019, Ron focused on executive teams, executive leadership, and corporate culture, through his company: Team Leadership Culture, LLC (teamleadershipculture.com). In 2004, Ron and his friend Wayne Hastings cowrote the book Trust Me: Developing a Leadership Style People Will Follow. It centered around leadership principles based on the Beatitudes. Above his devotion to U of M football and his passion for golf, Ron’s faith was the abiding factor in his life. Ron taught adult Sunday School classes, led small groups, sang in church choirs and served in church leadership positions in various churches. His highest honor was sharing his faith. In 2019, Ron and Jill celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a family gathering on Mackinac Island. Ron is survived by his wife, Jill; his daughters, Amy (Andrew) Hetletvedt and Lindsay (Scott) Gustafson; four grandchildren: Judah Gustafson, Ella Gustafson, Charles Hetletvedt and Greta Hetletvedt; two sisters: Dena (James) Miller and Nancy (Jimmie) Hughes; one brother, C. Edwin Potter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, with Rev. Paul Arnold officiating. A private burial was held at Riverside Cemetery, in Bellevue, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, Ron requested donations to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (give.intervarsity.org) or the Jerusalem Project at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (calvarygr.org/next-steps/giving/). Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Keith Austin Tropp of Potterville, passed away February 14, 2024, at the age of 72. Keith was born on March 25, 1951, in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Linton and Donna Jean (Baird) Tropp. He worked for the MEA and MESSA as a Computer Tech for over 30 years, he traveled all over the state of Michigan assisting with computer repair and setup. Keith was part of the Eaton County Sheriff’s Posse and a Treasurer for the Eaton County Fair Board. He had a special place in his heart for Disney memorabilia and was an avid collector of all things Disney and Elvis.

Keith is survived by his wife, Karen of Potterville; children, Scott Tropp of Potterville, Suzee Tropp of Mason; grandchildren, Sarah, Kennedy, Austin, Sawyer, Jordan; great grandchildren, Rowan, Archer, Emerson; brother-in-law, Duane (Kathy) Thompson of Charlotte, sister-in-law, Carla (Donald) Nighbert of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Linton “Wally” Tropp, Justin “Judd” Tropp.

A graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in loving memory of Keith Austin Tropp. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Martha June Metzger, 100, of Orlando Florida, and formerly of Silver Lake walked into arms of Jesus on February 13, 2024. Martha was born August 16, 1923, to F. Glenn and Allene (Phillips) McGraw. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1940.

During WWII she worked at the G.E. Super Charger Plant in Fort Wayne. On March 3, 1945 she was united in marriage to Harold D. Metzger. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Martha was the mother of three daughters, Patricia (Frank) Keller of Orlando, Fla., Connie (Terry) Rouse of Silver Lake, IN, and Cheryl (Robert) Hill of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by seven grandchildren Jay Harting, Dan Hill, Chris Hill, Erika Hill, Brad Dempsey, Mike Dempsey and Chad Keller, seven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services in celebration of Martha’s life were held at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident St., Warsaw on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Kent Harting officiating.
Burial will be next to her husband at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Silver Lake Lions Club, 108 N. Harrison St., Silver Lake, IN 46982.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.

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Funeral Services:

Lyle Sheldon Royston, a proud veteran of the Korean War, passed away February 15, 2024. He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 27, 1930, the son of Leo and Freda (Sawdy) Royston. He grew up in East Lansing, attending Quantrell Elementary School and later Charlotte High School until 11th grade before he entered the Army Forces. On March 16, 1948, Lyle entered the United States Army. He trained in vehicle mechanic school. Lyle served with the 578th MAM Company while stationed in Guam and transferred to Korea. He served with the 515th ordnance MAM Company. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Lyle was honorably discharged from the service on March 18, 1952, from Battle Creek, Michigan. He then worked for Fisher Body Company until his retirement in 1988. Hobbies that Lyle enjoyed included doing crossword puzzles, cheering on the Detroit Lions, spending time on the lake taking pontoon rides with Shirley, fishing, and taking the grandkids tubing.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Shirley (Bursley) Royston. They got married on October 25, 1952. They met at a very young age while at church. Lyle and Shirley had two children, Yvonne and Melvin. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Shelby Royston, Jerry Bracy, and Laura Crosslan; nine great-grandchildren, Breanne Paton, Brooke (Tyler) Sheppard, Kerstin (Chris) Smith, Olivia (Nathan Hussey) Rushmore, RJ and Jakob Crosslan, Gauge Linn, Abby, and Waylon; six great-great-grandchildren, Jaylinn, Colton, Paisley, and Braylee Smith, Lainey Sheppard, and Emersyn Paton. He was proceeded in death by his children, Yvonne (Gary) Stults, and Melvin Royston; siblings, Leah, Fern, Donald, Rex, and Loren; and his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Lyle’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Lyle’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 VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Nancy Jane Minich, formerly Nancy Jane Dexter, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the age of 78, at her home in Northville, MI. Nancy was born November 18, 1945 in Bellevue, MI to Mary Hamilton Dexter and William Manville Dexter, where she grew up with her three siblings. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1963 and continued her education at Olivet College and Central Michigan University, earning her teaching degree in 1967. Nancy taught at several schools in the Pinconning School District and later settled in Concord, MI. There she pursued further education earning her LPN and RN degrees and worked as a nurse at the Foote Hospital emergency room in Jackson, as a nursing educator at Hillsdale Community College, and retired from the State of Michigan as a nurse at the Jackson Correctional Facility.

Outside of work Nancy found joy in travelling around the United States, spending time with family, reading, taking nature walks, and volunteering at the library and community free store. She was known for her irreverent sense of humor and willingness to help neighbors and friends.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gary Minich of Northville; children, Timothy (Stephanie) Minich of Northville and Kristin (James) Jensen of Golden, CO; grandchildren, Henrik and Adelaide Jensen; brother, John Dexter; sister, Alexandra (Dexter) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Ellen (Dexter) Rugg; mother, Mary; father, Manville; and stepfather, Clarence Price.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 11, 2024 at the Bellevue Methodist Church in Bellevue, Michigan, with refreshments provided. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bellevue Township Library in Nancy’s honor.

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Dana Westley Telfor of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 18, 2024, at the age of 87. Dan was born in Belding, MI, on August 24, 1936, the son of Don and Lillian (LaPekes) Telfor. He joined the Marines at the age of 17 and proudly served his country in Japan. Dan worked as a supervisor for General Motors, retiring in 1988 after 30 years of service. After his retirement, he went to work in the Lawn and Garden Department at Meijer, which was right up his alley as he loved working outside in the yard and in his flower gardens. Dan also enjoyed farming. He always had pigs and his beloved Herefords. Some of his other hobbies included hunting, fishing and was very meticulous about polishing his vehicles.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Telfor of Eaton Rapids; children, Mark Telfor of Lansing, Danelle (Robert) Eckart of Kenosha, WI, Jamie (Debbie) Telfor of Eaton Rapids, Misty (Scott) Warner of Eaton Rapids; 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Roxanne) Telfor of Grant, Josephine (Jack) Reeves of Belding, Connie (Bill) Gregory of Grant. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald Telfor, Harold Telfor, Harry Telfor, Raymond Telfor; sister, Betty Williams; grandson, Colin Byars.

Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in loving memory of Dana Westley Telfor. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Brenda Kay Bly, 77, a truly “Kindhearted Woman” of deep Faith and love for her family, died Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in Lansing. Brenda was born January 15, 1947, in Hastings, the daughter of Evison Joseph, Jr. and Beverly Ann (Lord) Beck. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life, John K. Bly on July 2, 1965, at the Congregational Church of Charlotte. In her early years, Brenda worked as a waitress at the Hi-Lo, in elder care at the Faith Immanuel Nursing Home, and at Maeward Inc. in Olivet. Her true life’s calling began when she earned her massage certificate from Lansing Community College and started her own business in 1992, Kind-Hearted Woman. She served her community as a massage therapist, energy worker, and shamanic practitioner, helping people heal on all levels of their being – physical, emotional, natural and spiritual. Brenda co-created Happiness and Healing Advocates and was a member of the Charlotte Full Moon Circle and many Shamanic Circles. She was dedicated to her Charlotte Community in many other ways as well, especially by passionately serving on the Camp Francis Board.

Brenda loved the outdoors, especially gardening, and spending time with her family on the shores of Lake Michigan and immersing herself in the forest. She looked forward to vacationing with her brother, Mike and his family. She absolutely adored her beloved grandson, Scott, and treasured every moment with him. Above all, Brenda was deeply devoted to her Faith. From a young age, Brenda developed a strong, memorable relationship with God. She maintained that relationship every day in her interactions with others, and in her service to her home church, Charlotte Congregational. Brenda will forever be remembered by many for her positive energy, kind spirit, and service to others.

Brenda is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, John K. Bly; their son, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; daughter-in-law, Amy Bly; grandson, Scott James (Kara) Bly; brothers, Evison Joseph Beck III and Michael Aaron Beck; her nieces and nephews, extended family; and a whole host of friends and fellow shamans. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, James Kay Bly in 2021; and her sister, LaRae Smith.

Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Jody Betten 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 Brenda’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 Juvenile Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gary Lee Wells, age 74, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at his home on Saturday, February 10, 2024. He was born May 17, 1949, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Howard and Juanita (Maynard) Wells. Gary had a personality that was larger than life. He loved entertaining others with his singing, dancing, and playing of his guitar. Gary was an extremely hard worker and always saw to it that his family was well cared for. He will be deeply missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Katrina (Robert) Butler of Bunker Hill, Illinois, Kristina (John) Hamilton of Alton, IL, Lisa (Kraig) Bowen of Charlotte, MI, Gary Wells Jr., of Charlotte, Thomas (DeeAdra) Wells of Kansas City, MO; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Marvin (Neva) Wells of Charlotte, Sharon Wells of Wilsonville, IL, Ivan (Annette) Wells of Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jessica Cooper; and his fur-baby, Lucy.

A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813.

Those desiring may make contributions in Gary’s memory to Compassus Hospice, 800 S. Waverly Road, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

To view Gary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Martha Jean Moss, a gracious and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on Thursday, February 8, 2024. Jean, 89, of Charlotte, was born on April 7, 1934, in Philippi, West Virginia, the daughter of Mary and Charlie Manning. She graduated from Phillip Barbour High School. On June 7, 1954, she married Howard Ronald Moss Sr. and together they created many great memories until his passing in 2013. Jean was a dedicated Homemaker, and while the children attended school, she managed the school cafeteria. She was a devoted Baptist. Jean was a lifetime member of the Charlotte Eagles Aux. 3552, and an Auxiliary member of the American Legion in Philippi, W.V. Hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, reading, doing word search puzzles, and watching old western movies. In her younger years, back home in W.V. she enjoyed dancing in the dance halls with her cousins. Above all her proudest accomplishment in life was the family that she created and her marriage to Howard.

Jean is survived by her children, Deborah Moss, Ron (Jane) Moss, Jeanne (Butch) Hussey, and Keith (Sandra) Moss; grandchildren, Nick Moss, Chad Dallaire, Dar Dallaire, Megan (Matt Fisher) Andres, Mallory (Mike) Crowner, Brooke (Chad) Jacobs, Kati (Buck Andrews) Moss, Casey Hussey, Cody (Mandy) Hussey, Lindsey (Isaac) Weeks, Robert (Ashlee) Moss, Brandon (Jenn) Colegrove, and Josh (Mae) Moss; dear friend, Phyllis Christie; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Howard; siblings, Charles Reed, and Peggy Manning; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Jean’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, February 15, 2024, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Jean’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 American Diabetes Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.