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Funeral Services:

Richard “Dick” Lee Otto, 83, of Delton, passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bellevue on March 5, 1935, the son of Charles “Sid” and Doris (Augustine) Otto. Dick graduated from Bellevue High School in 1953. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division from 1954 to 1956. Upon returning from the service, he met Jean Rizor. They were married June 1, 1958 and together had four children. They recently celebrated their 60^th Anniversary. Dick was employed with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, retiring after 25 years. He owned and operated a 60-room hotel for six years while he was employed with Michigan Bell. He also owned and operated a storage building business for 21 years.

Dick was a very active member of the Bellevue Community, where he lived for 68 years. He and a friend founded the Bellevue Rescue Squad and remained a member of the Squad and served on the Board for 10 years. He served as a board member for 19 years of his 27-year membership in the Communications Workers of America. He was recognized by the Red Cross as one of only five instructors in Michigan certified to provide training for Basic First Aid through CPR and childbirth. He served as the City Police Commissioner for seven-and-a-half years. Dick was a member of the American Legion for 34 years, ELKS B.P.O.E. for five years, the Lions Club for 35 years (Board Member for six years), the Eagles for 19 years, and the Bellevue Conservation Club for 55 years.

When Dick wasn’t serving his community he enjoyed hunting and camping in Bellevue and northern Michigan, being on the great lakes with their boat in South Haven and at their cottage on Wall Lake where he now resides in the summers.  Dick spent his winters in Florida at the Polynesian Village where he had many special friends. More than anything he loved spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Jean; children, Karen (Mike) Lennon, Connie (Bob) Wagner, Brenda (Ron) Koziol, Rick Otto (Robin Ingram); 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; siblings, Bernard Otto, Marylou Vogt; sister-in-law, Marge Otto; sisters-in-law, Sue (Bruce) McClelland, Roni Rizor; brother-in-law, Gary (Carla) Rizor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Sid and Doris Otto and brother, Charles Otto; sister-in-law, Joyce Otto; and brother-in-law, Gordon Vogt.

A memorial service was held at Bellevue United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20, 2018, with Pastor Peggy Baker officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bellevue Fire Department or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.   Friends may share a memory or send condolences at kempffh.com.

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Funeral Services:

Virgie Paulette Fancher, 67, of Charlotte, a selfless and generous wife and mother, passed away on July 13, 2018 in Charlotte. She was born on December 6, 1950 to Orville and June (Thompson) Hollister in Battle Creek. She graduated in 1969 from Olivet High School. On October 3, 1970 she married Delbert Fancher and together they raised three daughters.

Paulette worked as an injection molder for 21st Century Plastics after her children were grown. She retired in 2014. In her spare time, Paulette loved to go shopping, sew and knit. Many times she was able to make cute gifts such as her version of Care Bears and Pound Puppies for her children at Christmas time. Her family will always cherish Paulette’s great sense of humor, which was demonstrated during time spent with her family and friends.  Paulette was always ready to pull together a gathering of family whether it was for birthdays, holidays, or any other excuse to get together. Her grandchildren will fondly remember the times they spent at Paulette’s house and the special treats they would share. She never missed her grandchildren’s sporting events, plays, etc.

Paulette is survived by her husband, Delbert; her three daughters, Angela (Elwin) Fulkerson, Annette (Scott Hubartt) Fancher, and Amber (John) Gibson; brother, Orville (Eileen) Hollister; sister, Judith (Gary) Jenkins; brother, Charles (Shannon) Hollister; two grandsons, Sterling Fancher and Zakary Fulkerson; two granddaughters, Breanna Fulkerson and Sophia Gibson.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Hollister; her father, Orville Marvin Hollister; and her mother, June Ellene Thompson.

Memorial services were held Thursday, July 19 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. Interment followed in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health Rehabilitation Services.

Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Paulette‘s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Sidney Fredrick Murphy, 84, of Olivet, passed away on July 15, 2018. He was born September 14, 1933, in Calhoun County, the son of Joseph C. and Freda E. (Heisler) Murphy. Sid graduated from Olivet High School with the Class of 1952. Soon after graduation, on September 21, 1952, he married Patricia Mae Henry. Sid was a proud farmer and owner of Irish Hill Farms in Olivet. He bought his first 80-acre farm in 1957 and expanded his operation to more than 1,100 acres. He was passionate about cattle and enjoyed all aspects of feeding them through to finish. Sid was a member of the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association and active in Eaton County 4-H. Both Sid and Pat were recently inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame.

Sid is survived by his children, Brian Murphy, Brenda (Peter) Blauwiekel and Denise Murphy; grandchildren, Jessica (Joshua) Darrow, Beth (Chad) Gruden and Joseph (Elizabeth) Blauwiekel; great-grandchildren, Emma Darrow, Avery Darrow, Adalee Gruden and Chandler Gruden; brother, Leon Murphy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Francis Weeks; brother, Lawerence (Charlene) Murphy; grandson, Jeremy Murphy; and sister-in-law, Sharon Murphy.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

To view Sid’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Carene Jane (Rowden) Hale, a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, died Monday, July 16, 2018. Carene, 75, was born April 11, 1943, in Charlotte to Lawrence and Catherine (Coman) Rowden. She was a Charlotte High School class of 1960 graduate and later went on to receive her Associates degree in Laboratory Technology. After going out on a blind date, Carene met Melvin Hale and on November 2, 1962 the couple started their legacy together. She was very devoted to her work; she worked at Walmart in Charlotte, retiring in 2012. Carene was meant to be a mother, the world stopped when it came to her children and grandchildren. You could never leave her house hungry, she was known for her mac and cheese, homemade bread and also her hot chocolate that she would make from scratch. When Carene’s daughters were younger, she sewed their clothing. Her other hobbies included reading, antiquing, making jam, traveling around the US, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Carene is survived by her loving children, Lawrence Hale, Brenda Hale-Taylor, and Tammy (Pete) Bryner; grandchildren, Charles Joseph Bryner, David Allen Bryner, Eric Scott Hale, and Chance Harley Taylor; great-grandchildren, Emma, Oliver, and Lewis; siblings, Barbara (Jerry) Griffin, Patricia (James) Thurston, and Diane (James) Reynolds.

Carene was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, and her parents.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Carene on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Richard J. Carrigan, 92, of Nashville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at his home. Richard was born in Sturgis, Mich. on August 4, 1925, the son of the late Andrew and Marie (Wildren) Carrigan. He was raised in the Charlotte area and attended local schools. During his junior year of high school Richard was drafted into the United States Army to defend our country in WII. Richard fought in five major battles, including D-Day on the coastline of Normandy where his unit was the third wave to hit Omaha Beach, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was the husband of Mildred Francis (Skinner) Carrigan. Richard and Mildred were married on December 24, 1946 in Charlotte. They began their lives together in the Charlotte area, then in 1963, they purchased their family farm in Nashville where they farmed together and raised their children. Richard loved being with his family and together they enjoyed traveling to Northern Michigan to camp and hunt. Richard spent the majority of his working career as a paint formulator at Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte before he retired in 1987. Dick loved to be outdoors hunting with his traditional archery equipment. His passion for archery was not limited to simply shooting bows and arrows, Richard was also an accomplish bow maker, crafting his own bows and arrows. He enjoyed making things out of wood, often creating birdhouses, benches, cabinets and gifts for his children and grandchildren. In his younger years, Richard was a star football player and avid boxer. He personally trained both of his boys, which led to his son’s achieving several state championships in the Golden Gloves tournaments.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mildred; two sons, Daniel Carrigan, and David (Christie) Carrigan; his two daughters, Jeanne Powell, Lorna (Tom) Brooke; grandchildren, Jared, Sean, Angel, Shilo, Joshua, Tommy, Skyler, Douglas, and Alexandra; great-grandchildren, China, Stone, Arizona, Austin, Cede, Bailey, Cody, Truit, Eden, Keenan, and Treyton; great great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Ellinor, Karter, Noah, and Quincy; and niece, Dawn (Brian) Gibbs.

Funeral services were held at Nashville Baptist Church at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018, with Pastor Jared Carrigan and Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating. Interment with full military honors took place following the funeral luncheon at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Sherman Ceyland Kelley, of Charlotte, a family man of integrity, passed away on July 13, 2018 in Charlotte, at the age of 84. He was born on January 26, 1934 to Ceyland and Edla (Sherman) Kelley in Charlotte. Sherm attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1952. On January 9, 1954 he married Marcelyn Baker in Charlotte. Following high school he joined the U.S. Army, where he became an instructor for soldiers during basic training, preparing them for the Korean War.

Sherman worked for General Motors for over 30 years, retiring in 1987 as a plant superintendent. His coworkers remember Sherm as a likeable, gentle person who could be tough when needed. It was through his fair treatment for all that he earned the respect of his co-workers. For a number of years he was active on the General Motors Supervisors Council, at one time serving as its chairman.

Sherm loved spending time with his family. As a loyal UofM fan in a divided household he often traded barbs with his son and granddaughters over MSU sports. He was also a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers. He loved traveling with his family throughout the United States. Marcelyn remarked that they had traveled to 49 of the United States. Their favorite ones were Hawaii and Alaska. Sherm and Marcelyn were active through their church participating in numerous work camp mission trips over the years. Above all, Sherm was most proud of his family, his children and grandchildren.

Sherman is survived by his wife, Marcelyn; daughter, Kimberly (Randy) Howe; son, Kris (Jan) Kelley; two granddaughters, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Skye Kelley; two grandsons, Jason Whetstone, Chandler Kelley; two great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; and sister, Darlene (Dwight) Pierce.

He was preceded in death by father, Ceyland Earl Kelley; mother, Edla Marie Kelley; and brother, Darwin Earl Kelley.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July18, 2018 at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorials to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice of Michigan.

Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Sherman’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Deborah Jean Clemence, 67, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018, with her family by her side. She was born December 12, 1950, in Tribune, Kan., the daughter of Delbert R. and Vada P. (Hickman) Steele Jr. On October 11, 1969 she married Lester Scott Clemence in Newport, Rhode Island. Deborah enjoyed reading, English history, flower gardening, and volunteering. She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Deborah also enjoyed her position as the wedding coordinator for the church and volunteering at the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott; children, Andrew S. (Jennifer) Clemence of Royal Oak, MI, Leslie Scott Clemence of Lansing; special granddaughter, Sophie Grace Clemence; sister, Susan L. (Eddy) Henneman of Hamburg, Minn.; niece: Kristine L. Henneman of Burnsville, Minn.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Deborah’s honor to the American Breast Cancer Foundation or the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.

To view Deborah’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Beverly Jean Meeder, of Potterville, a dedicated volunteer, died July 11, 2018. Beverly, 89, was born May 16, 1929 in Hastings to Lyman and Gertrude (Carlyon) Chamberlain. Beverly worked at Michigan State University as a secretary in various dormitories, retiring after 25 years. She was an avid volunteer, spending time with many different organizations, including the McRee House in Lansing, Hidden Trail Gift Shop, and Ingham Medical (McLaren Greater Lansing) Gift Shop for 19 years where she was a jewelry buyer. Beverly was a member of the Brookfield Eastern Stars, Potterville Lioness Club, Potterville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the church choir. Beverly enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, playing Pinochle, and she was an avid MSU and Detroit Tigers sports fan.

Beverly is survived by her children, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, and Cindy (David) Dunn; grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, and Erin Dunn; and siblings, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain; and her brother, Richard Chamberlain.

Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family at visitation and funeral services.

Funeral services are Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville, with Pastor Kathy Dobbie and Pastor Tom Fox officiating. Visitation is Sunday, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus (formerly Potterville United Methodist Church).

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Henrietta Elizabeth Rice, 91, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. She was born January 6, 1927, in Saginaw, Mich., the daughter of Floyd Henry and Jenny Elizabeth (Heliker) Moore. On September 22, 1943 Henrietta married the love of her life Estel I. Rice. Henrietta loved her family and cherished the many precious times they spent together. She was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and active member of First Baptist Church in Bellevue. She could often be found early in the morning enjoying a cup of hot tea and reading her Bible. Henrietta enjoyed working in her flower gardens and doing crafts in her free time. She was a fabulous homemaker and always saw to it that her family was well cared for.

Henrietta is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Freddie) Newsome of Charlotte, Judy (James) Dillon of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Powers, Suzie Cain, Mary Ellen (Jack) Lucas, Floyd (Diane) Moore, Sara Jean Zimmerman, Don (Shirley) Moore, Sue (Jerry) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Leatrice Lattavo, Aileen Hartney; brother-in-law, Dick Babcock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estel; siblings, Henry Moore, Bill Moore, Lillian Babcock, Bertha Rochester, Jack Moore, Tina Brophy.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Those desiring may make contributions in Henrietta’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021.

To view Henrietta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Betty Joan Ulrich, loving mother, grandmother and lifelong caregiver for others, passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86. She was born on August 17, 1931 in Charlotte, the daughter of Vera and William Shoemaker.  Betty married her true love, Bernard L. Ulrich, on November 28, 1959. Betty was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  She was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a past President.

Betty met Bernie while working at Consumers Power and went on to positions at Owens-Illinois, at St. Mary School as a school bus driver, and then retired from Charlotte Public Schools in 1989, as a secretary in the Special Education Department.

Betty enjoyed crafts, traveling, and going to their cottage that Bernie built near Harrison, on Deer Lake. She also enjoyed spending winters in Ruskin, Florida, with Bernie. They enjoyed camping, taking trips with tour groups and quick trips to the casino.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Tamara and her husband, Marcus Hartman, and Cynthia, and her husband, John Coon; grandchildren, Benjamin (Briana) Hartman, Laura (Jacob) Braun, Amanda Hartman, and Nicholas, Brooke and Zachary Coon.  Also surviving are her sister, Naomi “Sky” Cowan; sister-in-law, Margaret (Eugene) Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by husband, Bernie, in 2009; her parents, Vera and William Shoemaker; brother, Nelson Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Marian Pohl, Dolores Orweller and Burlene Schafer; and brothers-in-law, Norbert Pohl and Leon Schafer.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 12, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Betty’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.