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Funeral Services:

Cody Scott Pruden, age 41, of Grand Ledge, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2024. He was born on November 9, 1982, in Charlotte, the son of Franklin Scott and Carol Ann (Starkweather) Pruden. Cody graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 2001. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served his country in the Second Persian Gulf War-Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged from the Army after fulfilling his duties. Cody was a gentle giant. He had a heart for others. His sense of humor and smile were larger than life and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He loved playing golf with family and video games with his boys. He was extremely proud of his three boys and loved each one deeply. Cody was a scientist at heart and was currently studying to become an Astrophysicist at Michigan State University. Cody touched many lives throughout his life and his loss will be keenly felt by his family and countless friends.

Cody is survived by his parents, Scott and Carol Pruden; boys, Aidan Ray Pruden, Braylen Dean Pruden, Alec Xander Scott Pruden; soulmate, Sarah Palacios; siblings, Chad (Jennifer) Loveless, Catie (Dustin) Slaght; grandmother, Claire Pruden; and many nieces, two nephews; one great-niece; service dog, Chronic; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank Pruden, Enos and Lorraine Starkweather; and aunt, Carla Jones.
A celebration of Cody’s life was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Assembly of God with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 4, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

Those desiring may make contributions to the family to be used for his three boys.
To view Cody’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Mr. Jerry Hansbarger, age 88, of Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024, at his home in Vermontville, MI. He was born in Hastings, MI, on June 12, 1935, to the late Lee and Elsie Hansbarger.
Jerry was raised in the Woodland area, graduating from Woodland High School in 1953. He continued his education at Michigan State where he studied Forestry before beginning a career at Fisher Body in Lansing, MI. Jerry had a passion for operating heavy equipment and after a short time, he left Fisher Body to pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator.

On February 8, 1958, Jerry married Anna Lou (Marcum) Hansbarger in Woodland MI. Jerry and Anna Lou began their lives together in the Vermontville area, then relocating to Colorado in 1982 where Jerry worked as a construction Superintendent. The family returned to Michigan in 1993 and Jerry began his own excavating company, Hansbarger Construction.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Jerry loved his children and grandchildren deeply and especially enjoyed attending their many sporting events whenever possible.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Lou; his two sons, Mike (Lorraine) Hansbarger, Doug (Kathy) Hansbarger; eight grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Ken Hansbarger; and his brother, Larry Hansbarger.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations: St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Foundation Fund, Maple Valley Schools – Maple Valley Athletics for Jerry Hansbarger.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M79 Highway Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Mary Helen Marietta, a beloved resident of Eaton Rapids, MI, peacefully passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on March 20, 1928, in Eaton Rapids, MI, Mary was the daughter of a first-generation Irish immigrant, Margaret (Livingston) Puffenberger, and father, Fred Puffenberger. Following the untimely loss of her parents, Mary assumed the responsibility of raising her brother Henry from the tender age of 13 and maintained a close bond with him until his passing in 2019. In 1946, Mary married Richard Marietta, and together they welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives.

Mary dedicated herself to various endeavors throughout her life. She spent many years working at Eaton Stamping and devoted over two decades to the Eaton Rapids Flower Garden. Mary and her husband shared a love for travel, often embarking on adventures in their motorhome to destinations such as Arizona and Mexico. Active in her community, Mary was a familiar face at the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center, where she organized events, sold fundraising tickets, and particularly enjoyed the Saturday evening dances.

Renowned for her strong will and spirited demeanor, Mary remained steadfast and directed until her final days. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister, cherishing the moments spent with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Wyckoff; grandchildren, Angela (Dan) Kidder, Matthew Wyckoff; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Kidder, Carson (Maddy) Kidder; as well as special nieces and nephews, Fred Puffenberger, Randy Puffenberger, and Karen Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Richard Marietta; son-in-law, Don Wyckoff; and brother, Henry Puffenberger.

The family expresses profound gratitude to Dan Guy and Brian Ross, who provided care for Mary’s home over the past decade. Special appreciation is extended to Sharon Corbeil, Jill Skinner, Brenda and Allison Wineman, Diana, June, Kim, and Mary’s neighbors for their unwavering support. They also thank Dr. Marissa Miller, Paula, and other staff for their exceptional care. Samantha from Landmark and the compassionate team at Sparrow Eaton, particularly Dr. Hillman and the nurses in Comfort Care, provided compassion during Mary’s final hours.

A memorial gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Light refreshments will be served. Those wishing to honor Mary’s memory may contribute to the First Baptist Church of Eaton Rapids or a charity of their choice. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Kenneth L. Cleeves was called to Heaven on Saturday, January 19, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born on the 7th of September 1927 to Frederick D. and Mary V. (Perrin) Cleeves.

Kenneth was a man who was very devoted to God, the Church and his wife of over 65 years, Geraldine P. Cleeves, who so sadly preceded him in death in 2013.

They were High School sweethearts that were married at Eaton Rapids Baptist Church on Nov. 26, 1947. They became active members of that very Church and raised their family together in Eaton Rapids. In their retirement, Kenneth and Geraldine had moved to Mesa, Arizona to enjoy the warmer weather and there became members of Calvary Baptist Church. They lived the rest of their lives together in Mesa.

Kenneth was also preceded in death by his loving eldest son, Thomas A. Cleeves, and is survived by his other two children, Catherine M. (Lon) Cook and Kenneth J. Cleeves. He was also blessed to have four Grandchildren, Kevin M. Cleeves, Lisa A. (Andrew) Thornsberry, Laura E. Cleeves, Jeremy T. Cook, and seven great-grandchildren, Coya, Leia, Hannah, Thomas, Cassandra, Timothy and Sebastian.

Kenneth’s siblings are all but one deceased, Robert E., Frederick O., Jack D., and Dorothy L. (King). He is survived by his sister, Ruth Ann Thuma of Eaton Rapids, and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth Cleeves was retired from his career as a Die Designer at General Motors, which he proudly did after his service in the United States Navy, where he served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Princeton Aircraft Carrier, during WW2.
Kenneth and Geraldine, lovingly known by friends and family as, ‘Ken and Gerry’ shared a strong love of God, through the Son, Jesus Christ. They often expressed this love through music. Ken played Guitar and Gerry the mandolin, at family gatherings and reunions, churches, State and County Fairs, rest homes, hospitals and rescue missions. They often sang about the love and grace of God or vibrantly played country western and folk music. Their singing brought great joy to others, and we will now carry the sound of their voices in our hearts as we remember them.

Kenneth’s Military Memorial Service was held on February 8, 2024 at his place of burial. He was buried with his loving wife Geraldine at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, at Cave Creek.

A regular Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church: 3810 E. University Dr., Mesa Arizona 85205. The date and time will be announced at a later time. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Funeral Services:

Hal Gordon Zenker of Eaton Rapids, passed away February 3, 2024, at the age of 67. He was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on November 9, 1956, the son of Basil and Ella (Tompkins) Zenker. Hal proudly served with the Army National Guard for 16 years on the Sharpshooter Team. He devoted 22 years to his son Justin, caring for him until his passing in 2022. Hal had many hobbies: hunting, fishing, cooking, photography, traveling, working in the garden and planting flowers. He had a 1969 Mercury Cougar that he enjoyed working on as well.

Hal is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; children, Brandon (Katie) Zenker of Illinois, Mike Norton of Hastings, Dustin (Heather) Schlichter of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Aidan Zenker, Tyler Norton, Preston Schlichter, Blake Schlichter; in-laws, Dale (Jain) Brecht, Paulette Vance, Kathy Brecht; siblings, Lyle (Debbie) Zenker, Greg Zenker, Beth Moser. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Justin Zenker; brothers; Wade Zenker, and William Carother.

Funeral Services were held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, February 8 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior as well as the night before. Interment followed the funeral service in Clarence Township Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Robert Floyd Burns, 95, of Dowling, Michigan, passed away on January 24, 2024 at Corwell Pennock Hospital after a brief illness.

Bob was born on April 13, 1928 to Robert S. and Avis L. (Wolfersberger) Burns of Bellevue, Michigan. After graduating from Bellevue High in 1946, he served an 18-month enlistment in the US Army, stationed in Germany. Upon his return he attended Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo studying Commercial Art before marrying the love of his life, Patricia June Six, daughter of Donald C. and Betty K. (Siler) Six. Bob worked multiple jobs to support his family but was most proud of his 30 years at Post Cereals, where he retired as a shift production supervisor, and the nearly 28 years in the US Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Sergeant Major (E9).

While Bob’s family life was of utmost importance to him, he integrated many of his personal interests into supporting his four boys’ youth activities utilizing his calligraphy skills for Cub/Boy Scout honors and badges, managing little-league softball teams, and coaching bowling teams.

During their “empty-nester” years, both Bob and Pat enjoyed motorcycling and touring around the U.S. and Canada in addition to attending several national BMW rallies around the nation. He was a long-time member of the American Motorcycling Association, BMW Motorcycle Club of Battle Creek (for which he designed logos and flyers) and was the “Resident Celebrity” for BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids Dealer where he received a 700,000-mileage badge from corporate BMW Motorrad USA. As an avid bowler, Bob participated in many local leagues (high game 299), regional tournaments and a pro-am tournament where he teamed up with Buzz Fazio, a top pro bowler of his era.

Preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and son Phillip (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), he is survived by his brother, Richard (Cleveland, TN); three sons: Robert (Judith Capper) Cocoa Beach, FL, David (Jerrie Smith) Glendale, AZ and Thomas (Natasha Euribe) of Deerfield Beach, FL; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
One of Bob’s favorite sayings was, “My wife raised five boys…our four children and me!”

A “Celebration of Life” service will be scheduled in the spring, officiated by Pastor Steve Olmstead at Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Rd., Dowling, MI 49050, where Bob and his wife attended for many years.

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Funeral Services:

Charlotte Ann Wight, age 86, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, February 5, 2024. She was born August 5, 1937, the daughter of James and Charlotte (Carlson) Hegwood in Garden City, Michigan.

She married Burrell A. Wight on September 12, 1959. Soon after their marriage they moved to Bellevue. Charlotte enjoyed traveling, all sorts of crafts, quilting, and especially cherished time spent with her family. Her presence will be missed but her love and memory will live on.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Anne) Wight, Brenda (Joel) Young, Sharon (Craig) Curtis, Annette (Andrew) Jones; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Burrell, and two brothers, Jim and Bruce.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
To view Charlotte’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:

Janet Irene Carpenter, 87 of Charlotte, a quiet woman best known for her fresh baked bread, passed away on February 3, 2024. Janet was born December 16, 1936 in Charlotte, Michigan, to Maurice and Theda (Loveland) Devenbaugh. Janet was the oldest of her siblings, and she is the last of the Carpenter family generation. She worked with her mother Theda as a nurse’s aide in the maternity ward at St. Lawrence Hospital.

Janet was best known for her bread baking. She loved to bake bread and had used the same recipe since 1955. Her favorite was cocoa and toast, so when she served her bread, it was often accompanied by cocoa. Christmas gifts from Janet often were her homemade bread. Along with her homemade bread, her grandkids fondly remember the many different kinds of fresh baked cookies in her “green Tupperware container.” That was the first place they always went when arriving at her home.

Janet also loved to go to flea markets, yard sales, and on fishing trips with her her husband and friends, the Roystons and the McCrimmons. Even after double knee surgery, she never slowed down.

Janet was always proud of the fact that she raised three “well-maintained boys.” She was proud of her grandchildren and always looked forward to them coming over to visit. While the grandkids visited, she loved to do crafting projects with them.

Janet is survived by her son, Darryl (Deb) Carpenter; grandchildren, Matt Carpenter, Samantha Carpenter, Heather Ramsay, Dustin Carpenter, Derek Carpenter, Tina Brumm, Karen Granger, April Carpenter, Staci Mason, Jessica Roberts, Auzzie Jo Miller, and Angela Wandell; great-grandchildren, Trent, Treshawn, Jenna, Ashley, Zane, Harley, Devin, Cami, Haidyn, Holdyn, Caycee, Haylee, Donavan, Tabitha, Ricki, Braydon, Kaydance, Bradley, Giovonna, Wayne, Kayli, Reid, Teagan, Lainy, Ava, Mark, Adele, Thane, and Laith; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma Jean Sharp, June McIntire, Jolene McCullough, and Kolene Dubendorf; brothers, Jerry Devenbaugh and Joel Devenbaugh; and daughter-in-law, Marty Carpenter. She was preceded in death by her husband Bruce (Mick) Carpenter of 60 years in 2011, sons Brad and Steve Carpenter, brother Gary Devenbaugh, 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 Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Duane Royston officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Hospice or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

George W. Whitaker was born on February 19, 1938 in McGuffey, Ohio to Ollie and Clarinda (Williams) Whitaker. George was one of nine children in his family. George passed away on October 6, 2023 in Harlingen, Texas.
George attended elementary school in Springport, Michigan and then attended high school at Eaton Rapids High School in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

George was married to Donis Ilene Iauch on June 27, 1959 at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, Michigan. Their first child, Julie Irene Whitaker, was born in 1960; Tamara Ilene Whitaker was born in 1963; and Eric George Whitaker was born in 1968. All three children were born at Hayes-Green-Beach Hospital in Charlotte. George and Donis’ first house was partially built by George and Donis’ father, Harold Iauch, at 2152 S. Cochran, Charlotte. They happily lived in this house and brought up their family here. After Donis’ mother, Mildred Iauch, passed away in 1986, George and Donis bought and redecorated her house and loved living there until 1994. At that time, they became permanent residents at River Bend Resort in Brownsville, Texas so that they could be closer to their children and grandchildren in Houston, Texas.

George’s first job was at Lawrence Bakery in Lansing, Michigan. He then worked for a foundation contractor in Lansing. After that, George worked for Fisher Body in Lansing, Michigan until he was laid off. He was then hired at Lindell Drop Forge in Lansing where he worked for 30 years before retiring.

George was an accomplished woodworker and made many pieces of furniture and other items for his family and friends. He loved gardening and had big gardens when he lived in Michigan and always had nice lawns with pretty flowers at their homes.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte in the summer of 2024, date to be determined.
George is survived by wife, Donis; children: Julie, Tammy, and Eric; grandchildren; and one great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

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Funeral Services:

Marilyn Ann (Sumerix) Rutter, the rock of her family that kept everyone connected, died peacefully February 1, 2024 at her home in Olivet. Marilyn, 85, was born October 23, 1938 in Charlotte, MI to Henry and Ina (Baker) Sumerix. Marilyn married Charles Rutter in June of 1957, and together they had three children that grew up knowing the love of extended family because Marilyn always made family the heart of every adventure. For the last 20 years, Marilyn put together a Sumerix family newsletter to let everyone know what was happening within their large, extended family. Travel often included a stop at family members homes to say hi, and she loved to travel…visiting most of the 50 states in her lifetime. Her children and grandchildren will remember many trips with their family, including train trips West, and an annual family fishing trip to Canada.

Marilyn had a keen eye for detail, working as a secretary at Olivet Middle School, and had also been a proofreader for the Charlotte newspaper, The Republican Tribune, and she wrote a lot of poetry. With a big heart, Marilyn would often find ways to lend a helping hand in any way she could, and was always looking after friends and family. She loved to cook for large crowds, always cooking from scratch, and made a variety of wonderful pies for family gatherings. With an adventurous spirit, she even participated in a school donkey basketball game. Marilyn and Charles served as youth group leaders at the Brookfield Church for many years, and always put God’s love as the highest priority in life.

The greatest adventure of Marilyn’s life was family. She will be greatly missed by her children, Jacquelynn Kwiatkowski, Jeffrey (Katie Collier) Rutter, and James Rutter; grandchildren, Katelyn and Stephanie Kwiatkowski and Alex Schneider; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Rutter in 2019; her siblings, Lyle Sumerix, Joyce Morgan, Betty Ross, and Harry Sumerix; and her parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, February 6, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. John Morse 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 Marilyn’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 Olivet Schools scholarship fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.