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Funeral Services:

Charles Steve “Sonny” White, 84, of Portland, a beloved husband, father, and “papa” to the grandchildren, died peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023. Charles was born October 13, 1939, in Hazard, KY, the son of Steve and Juanita (Patrick) White. As a boy, his grandfather nicknamed him “Sonny,” a name he proudly used throughout his life. He grew up among the Kentucky coal camps and was a proud descendant of a Scottish family that made their way to America aboard the Mayflower. Although Sonny moved north at a young age, he remained proud of his family heritage and upbringing throughout his life. As a young man, he settled in Michigan, where he married and started his family. He worked as a Millwright at Fisher Body until his retirement in 1996. Sonny enjoyed a lifelong passion for automobiles, especially his corvettes. He married Sharon Ann Norton and the two enjoyed 37 years of love and adventure, traveling throughout the country and all over the world, including the Far East, Australia and Europe. In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed time in the outdoors, tending to his garden and attending Detroit Tigers games. He loved to play pool and continued to enjoy watching others play when he no longer could actively participate. Above all, he loved and cherished time spent with his family and friends.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon Norton-White; his forever friend and mother of their children, Rosalie White; children, Billy (Donetta) White, Sonny (Susan) White, Crystal White, and Ruth (Brian Porter) Henry; grandchildren, Tausha (Eric) Stiver, Nichole (Joe Bowles) White, Jeff (Fawn Larder) White, Megan Burden, Chuck (Stephanie) Moss, Zebulin (Jennifer) White, and Cody White; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Belle Emenheiser; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve White and Juanita Fraley; sisters, Doris June Wells and Barbara Sue Trowbridge; brothers, Curtis Eugene Fraley and Theodore Wayne Fraley; and son, Steven White.

Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Gathering will take place on January 6, 2024, from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3552, 116 Lansing St., Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Sara Jackson

Celebrating 97 Years
Since December 28, 2024

Happy birthday to Sara Jean Jackson from Battle Creek, Michigan, who will be celebrating her 97th birthday on December 28, 2023. A card shower in her honor would be appreciated. Cards may be sent to Sara Jackson, in care of The Haven House, 1146 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte MI 48813.

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Funeral Services:

Charlene Mae Love left this earth and entered heaven on Monday, December 4, 2023, at the Eaton County Health and Rehab. Charlene 89, of Charlotte, was born on October 9, 1934, in Charlotte, the daughter of Cecil and Donna (Davis) Deuel. She was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1952. On February 24, 1957, she married Verland Love and they created lasting memories until his passing in 1996. Charlene was very proud of the Centennial farm house that she and Verland renovated and called home. Shortly following his death, Charlene sold the house and moved into town. In her younger years she worked at Michigan Bell Telephone as a Phone Operator, later as a Secretary at First Baptist Church, and she finished her working career as a Para-Professional for Charlotte Public Schools. Charlene was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, where she took part in several bible studies, and other church activities that she was deeply proud of. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were gardening, doing crossword puzzles, reading, cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State Spartans, and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren.

Charlene is survived by her children, Laura (Chris) Thomas, Kent Love, Kirke (Debbie) Love; grandchildren, Stephen (Kailey) Thomas, Nathanael Thomas, Micah (Maria) Thomas, Courtney (Kristian) Gaedtke, and Andrea Love; 1 great-grandchild, Atlas Thomas; brother, Larry (Karen) Deuel; sister-in-law, Sharon Deuel; several nieces, nephews, and lifelong church friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Verland; siblings, Lynn Deuel, and Karen Sanders; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Charlene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with son-in-law, Rev. Christopher Thomas 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 Charlene’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 Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Edna Marie (Erickson) Sprague, 92, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023. Edna was born March 30, 1931, in Milesville, SD, the daughter of Herman Carl and Iva Jane (Garlock) Erickson. She married Glen Burdette Sprague on September 26, 1954, at the Lutheran Church in Phillip, South Dakota. To this union were born three children, Linda, Jackie, and Kelly. She loved being a mother to them. In her early years, Edna worked at various cafes and restaurants in South Dakota and Iowa. Later in life she worked at the Litchfield School District cafeteria in Arizona. She and Glen moved their family to Arizona in 1968. She proudly earned her GED on May 21, 1970. She became a grandmother in 1975, eventually having ten grandchildren who brought her great joy. She babysat neighborhood children and grandchildren beginning in 1979 while their parents worked and eventually opened her home daycare in 1985. In 1989 she and Glen moved to the family farm in Iowa after Glen’s dad passed away. After Glen passed away in 2000, she stayed in the farmhouse for a few more years until the upkeep of the land became too much for her and she moved into an apartment in nearby Frederika, IA.

In the spring of 2005, she moved to Charlotte where she spent much of her time volunteering in service to others. Edna started volunteering at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in October of 2005 and continued for 16 years. From 2005 to 2020, she completed 103 lap afghans that she crocheted and donated to care centers. She also made and embroidered baby quilts for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a devoted Lutheran, mainly active at St. John Lutheran Church Circle in Iowa where each year she made numerous quilts to donate to the Children’s Cancer camp in Florida and Peace Lutheran in Charlotte. She also enjoyed baking, especially bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies. She was especially known for making cookie filled Christmas wreaths made of cinnamon rolls that she gave to her children’s teachers, family and friends during the holidays. She loved her flowers (both inside and out) always making sure she had a hummingbird plant for the hummingbirds, along with her vegetable garden. She was always either tending them or canning and was once featured in the local newspaper with her enormous vegetables. Many will remember her for always looking for ways to help others.

Edna is survived by her daughters, Linda (Jim) Wall, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Gary) Crowe; son, Kelly (Sally) Sprague; grandchildren, Lesa (Gary) Wischmeyer, Jessica (Glen) Dever, Steven (Kendra) Andrews, Kimberly (Eric) Olsen, Scott (Shelly) Crowe, Elijah (Shannon Blanco) Sprague, Zac Sprague, Sarah (Robert) Goodwin, and Alixander Sprague; great-grandchildren, David, Alexis, and Nathan Wischmeyer, Jonathon Andrews, Sarah (Walter) Moore, Liz Kokaly, Katherine Dever, Michael Blanchard, Bailee Andrews, Adam Olsen, Auden Blanco, Elaina Warren Goodwin, Brayden Goodwin, and Brooklyn Goodwin; great-great-granddaughters, Aylah and Maya Moore; sister, Lydia Rowe; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Glen Sprague; grandson, Brian Andrews; great-grandchildren, Andrew Wischmeyer and Anastasia Wischmeyer; sister, Lillian Carlson; and brothers, Harvey Erickson, Eddie Erickson, Donald Erickson, Henry Stengel, and Robert Stengel.

Friends are encouraged to support Edna’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Neil Brady 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 Edna’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity dedicated to the treatment of Macular Degeneration. 1-888-MACULAR (1.888.622.8527). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Gary David Peterson of Tompkins Center, MI passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2023, at the age of 81. Gary was born in Charlotte, MI, August 18, 1942, the son of Benjamin and Freda (Rebhan) Peterson. He was a 1959 graduate of Springport High School. Gary took first place in his county for the Dekalb Junior Two Acre Corn Growing Contest. He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, based in Munich, Germany, where he operated the cargo trucks, Jeeps, and five-ton tractor trucks. Gary once told his family he got a ticket for going five miles over the speed limit on base, needless to say, he never did that again. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Hall in 1966. Gary worked for Nelson Tree Service for many years. He liked to hunt, fish, play the lottery and play his deuces wild tabletop game.

Gary is survived by his children, Sandi (Tim) Newman, Debbie (Jeff) Lonsbery, William Peterson; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Norma Binkowski and two nephews. He was preceded in death by, his parents and wife Charlotte Peterson in 2018.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. In memory of Gary, play a few dollars on the lottery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Dominga Perez Castaneda, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her son by her side on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. She was born March 30, 1930, in Texas, the daughter of Juan Carlos and Francis (Gonzales) Perez. Dominga spent her younger years in Texas before moving to Michigan in the 1960’s. She adored her family and cherished each and every one of them. Spending time together with them brought her heart much joy. Dominga loved playing BINGO, traveling to the casinos, especially Las Vegas. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Dominga is survived by her children, Rosa Cook of Florida, Francis Corral of Chicago, IL, John Castaneda of Mulliken, Charles Castaneda of Charlotte; 14 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos in 1989; daughter, Bertha Quijas; siblings, Mary Belmares, Ray Perez, Joe Perez, and Ralph Perez.

In keeping with Dominga’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dominga’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org.

To view Dominga’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:

Linda L. Terry, 73, of Rockford, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, died December 1, 2023. Linda was born September 12, 1950, in Battle Creek to Lloyd and Jean (Siefke) Terry, Sr. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University, where she graduated with two master’s degrees. Linda was a teacher for 40 years with the majority of her teaching career spent at Rockford Public Schools. She retired in 2008.

Linda enjoyed spending time in nature, especially working with flowers, and loved animals. She especially loved to go shopping. Every year she traveled to Mackinac Island for the “Somewhere In Time” weekend. Linda enjoyed traveling with her friends and visited many states, national parks, and countries over the years. She also attended different theater shows and concerts.

Linda is survived by her siblings, Lloyd (Susan) Terry, Jr., Mary Terry, Gail (Tom) Burd, Julie (Gary) Riegel and Annette Terry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her special companions, her cats, Kallie and Kerby. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services to celebrate Linda’s life were held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Linda D. Stoddard. Interment followed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile (cleft lip and palate organization) at www.operationsmile.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

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Funeral Services:

Vaughn Karl Buchholz, a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home on December 2, 2023, in Grand Ledge, MI, following a five-plus-year battle against pancreatic cancer. He was 65. Born on April 22, 1958, in Lansing, MI, he was a son to the late Harold and Betty (Reed) Buchholz and grew up to be a man of strength and character, touching the lives of all who knew him.

Vaughn’s life was a portrait of devotion, illustrated by his loving marriage of 43 years to his beloved wife, Debbie. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Tracy (Brian) Summers and Michelle (Garrett) Masters. His role as a grandpa was one he cherished deeply, and he shared an unbreakable bond with his granddaughters, Peyton and Regan (Summers), and Madison (Masters). He is also survived by his brother, Vance (Kristine) Buchholz; and his nephews, Brad (Christie) and Justin (Chelsea). He is preceded in death by his parents; and father and mother-in-law, Jim and Ruth VanWyk.

A proud graduate of Charlotte High School, Vaughn was a lifelong farmer who also dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors. Possessing a work ethic that never remained idle, it was in the simple things that Vaughn found the greatest joy—tinkering and fixing things, a testament to his knack for problem-solving and his desire to help others.

Vaughn was a man of faith, actively involved in the Grand Ledge Baptist Church. An avid admirer of God’s creation, Vaughn relished in the beauty of nature, whether it was farming, camping or taking the pontoon out on Gun Lake.

Vaughn never met someone who remained a stranger for long. His warm, inviting spirit drew people to him, and he had a unique ability to make anyone feel at home.

A Visitation was held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge with a lunch provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to ProMedica Hospice, Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Vaughn Buchholz. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Mary Lee Buhs, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 93 on November 26, 2023. She left behind a legacy of love and family that will forever be remembered by all that met her. Mary was born to William Estes and Eva Beula Mae Ozbun in Kane Illinois on May 20, 1930.

Mary met the love of her life, Marion Walter Buhs when the two of them were employed at Owens Illinois Glasswork (O.I.) in Alton, Ill. during the depression. They married on October 16, 1948 and had five children. They moved to Charlotte, Michigan in December of 1967 when Marion and Mary transferred to the Charlotte O.I. Plant. Mary retired from O.I after 30 years of employment and then became an entrepreneur by starting a Dog Grooming Business which she successfully managed for ten years.

Her family was her passion, and she leaves behind a sprawling family tree that includes five children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mary’s home was always filled with laughter and food as she enjoyed feeding anyone who came within the vicinity of her home, including the squirrels. She was famous for her homemade rhubarb pie. Mary Lee’s sharp wit and her not-safe-for work humor made her one of kind. She taught all her grandkids the importance of family and their first swear word. She always said what was on her mind and had the kindest heart and never let go of her southern soul.

Mary is survived by her children, Diana (Larry) Carter, Michael (Pam) Buhs, Vanessa Buhs (Michael Moran), and Alan Buhs; her grandchildren, Dameon (Jenni) Rohdy, Maggie Rohdy, Sadie Rohdy, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Brand, Lyndsay Carter, Caleb (Alison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Birchmeier, Dayton (Alisha) Buhs, Nicole (Caleb) DeBattista, Monica (Jesse) Telfer, Jessica Buhs; 19 great -grandchildren; and her special friend, Cathy Reed.

Mary Lee is preceded in death by her son, Kevin (1969) and her husband, Marion (2013); her daughter–in-law Cristine Buhs; and her siblings, Gilbert Morris, Francis Woodring, William Edward Estes, Thomas Estes, Andrew Jackson Estes, Henrietta McRae, Donald Estes, and Betty Darr.

Everyone who loved Mary Lee feels comfort knowing that she is spending time with her son Kevin, her siblings and continuing the saga of loving, fighting, and making up with Marion again as only true soulmates can.

Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no service.

A donation in Mary’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

To view Mary’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:

Marvel Rowena Wyble, a caring and loving friend and family member, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Marvel, 102, was born on June 19, 1921, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of James and Alfraetta (Smith) Robins. She created many lasting memories with the love of her life Rolland “Polly” Wyble until his passing in 1990. Marvel was a retired Line Worker from Wilcox Gay in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Marvel was very talented at crafting things, she known for taking junk and turning it into beautiful furniture and knick-knacks. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, and most importantly collecting dolls.

Marvel is survived by her nephew, Randy (Gretchen) Boehmer; caregivers, Joan Coolman, and Pat Simpson; and dear friend, Diane Triovola. She was predeceased by her husband Rolland “Polly; and special friend, Bernice.

Friends are encouraged to support Marvel’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. There will be no services held for Marvel at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.