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Funeral Services:

William L. Klei, born on February 12, 1945, in Detroit, MI, to Roy and Virginia Klei, passed on July 22, 2023. Bill, as he was affectionately known to his friends and family, was not one to seek the limelight, but his life was marked by quiet excellence and precision in all that he did.

Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1963, where he was a standout on the baseball team, earning the admiration of his peers. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Western Michigan University until he joined the Army and served during the Vietnam war.

After his military service, Bill worked for DBI Office Furniture in Jackson and Lansing. As a salesperson and designer, he put his meticulous nature to good use, ensuring that his work was always of the highest quality.

After he retired Bill spent his time fixing everything from household odds and ends to the tractors on his farm. In his earlier years he excelled in cross country motorcycle racing in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, earning awards and trophies for his accomplishments. He also was a great Dart player – throwing darts at competitions throughout Michigan.

When not busy with work or fixing things, Bill loved spending time with his friends, often gathering around his BBQ and smoker to prepare mouthwatering delicacies. Whether it was a family birthday celebration or any other festivity, Bill was the go-to person for orchestrating the food, making sure that everyone left with full hearts and satisfied appetites.

Bill was an active member of the community, dedicated to serving and supporting his fellow veterans and neighbors. He was a proud member of the Charlotte Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3552, where he found camaraderie and a sense of belonging among like-minded individuals. Bill’s commitment to honoring and remembering his fellow service members led him to be an esteemed member of both the Maple City VFW Post 2406 in Charlotte and the Charlotte American Legion Greenawalt-Flaherty Post 42.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia; and his stepfather, Ed Simek; his father, Roy Klei of Detroit, MI; and his loyal dog, Becky. Bill is survived by his sister, Marilyn Uhl; fiancée, Nancy Granger; his beloved dog, Sammy; and numerous cousins, and many friends, all of whom will cherish the memories of this remarkable man. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the memories he left behind.

A Memorial Life Celebration will be held at the Charlotte Eagles 3552 on August 6, 2023, 1:00 p.m. as we come together to honor the life of this humble yet extraordinary individual. Those who wish to pay tribute to Bill’s memory can make contributions to the Charlotte Eagles Aerie 3552 or share memories on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Wendell Elwood Frantz, age 94, of Charlotte, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born December 18, 1928, in Hastings, the son of Royal and Rosa (Smalley) Frantz. Wendell was raised in Sunfield and graduated from Sunfield High School with the Class of 1948. On July 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Norma Mae Grant at the Chester Gospel Church. Wendell loved all things outdoors. Whether it was farming, cutting wood, or enjoying a day fishing at the lake, he loved it all. Wendell worked the majority of his life as a farmer and grounds keeper at Michigan State University. He also loved playing softball and baseball in his younger years. Wendell’s faith was very important to him. Both he and Norma are long time members of Chester Gospel Church.

Wendell is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma; children, Thomas (Jolie) Frantz of Marshall, Timothy (Lynda) Frantz of Charlotte, Tamara (James) Dreps of Olivet, Todd Frantz of Potterville; grandchildren, Nicole (Erick) Fleming, Nisae (Jason) Williamson, Jeremy (Ellen) Dreps, Joshua (Taylor) Dreps, Emilee Steele, Allison Frantz, Darcy Frantz; six great-grandchildren; sister, Gwen Shelley; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Beverly Welton, Bethel (Raymond) Stambaugh, Eleanor (Leonard) Dayton.

A memorial service was held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Chester Gospel Church. The family received friends on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Those desiring may make contributions in Wendell’s honor to the Lansing City Rescue Mission or the Chester Gospel Church (to the benefit of Ethnos 360 for Jason and Nisae Williamson missionaries).

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Funeral Services:

David Eugene Lilly, 75, of Charlotte, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Lansing. David was born October 14, 1947, in Hinton, WV, the son of the late Ernest Rusell and Elsie Fay (Evans) Lilly. David joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school in 1966. He was stationed in South Korea. After completing his military service, he returned to West Virginia for a short time before moving to Potterville, MI. He began working at Owens-Illinois factory in Charlotte in 1968. He worked there for 37 years, retiring as Shift Supervisor in 2005. David married Joyce Ann Welsh on April 7, 1987, and the two happily combined their families. David was a huge Spartan fan, avidly following both MSU basketball and football teams. He loved country music and he could often be found enjoying old Western movies.

David is survived by his wife, Joyce Lilly; children, Eric (Angie) Lilly, Brian (Christine) Lilly, Gina (Lawrence) McWilliams, Tim Welsh, Scott (fiancé Drema Emerson) Thomas, and Nick (Casey) Thomas; nine grandchildren; brother, Gary (Marrilyn) Lilly of Haslett; sisters, Joyce Louise Stricker of Camphill, PA, Brenda (Don) Lilly of Winchester, VA, and Anna Lee (Kevin) Breese of Harrison, MI; and his close friend, Ron Crook of Charlotte. David was predeceased by his parents; sister, Carolyn Susie Lilly; and brothers, Alvin Lilly and Roger Lilly.

Friends are encouraged to support David’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the funeral. Interment took place in Benton Township Cemetery. 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 David’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 Sparrow Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Frederick Biskie, a hall of famer and late-blooming professional athlete, died July 24, 2023, at his home with his family by his side. Frederick Walter Biskie was born on May 30, 1937, in Buffalo, New York, to parents Leonard and Winifred (Sias) Biskie. After living in Jolliette, IL, then coming to Michigan and living in Dearborn, Parma, and Hudson, Fred moved to Charlotte, MI to take a teaching job. While teaching at Charlotte High School, Fred met another teacher in the building, Sara Lu (Haddon), and they were the talk of the school when they began dating and married just six months later. Fred taught for 31 years as a business educator. Fred and his wife, Sara, have been married for 55 years. They have enjoyed teaching, raising a family, camping, fishing in Canada, visiting their children and grandchildren, traveling, and in recent years, spending winters in Sebring, FL.

Fred passionately pursued his hobbies. Introduced to rabbit raising by his father, Fred raised and showed American Checkered Giant rabbits for decades. He was inducted into the American Checkered Giant Rabbit Club Hall of Fame and was an ambassador for the hobby of rabbit raising. Case in point, for years, he was captain of a local bowling team called “Biskie’s Bucks” (buck is the term for a male rabbit) and his teams had an American Checked Giant rabbit emblazoned on their bowling shirts.

Not many can say that their time as a professional athlete began in their eighth decade of life. But when Fred joined the Sebring, FL Shuffleboard Club and Battle Creek, MI Shuffleboard Club, his winters on the Florida shuffleboard courts paid off and he “accidentally” became a pro in Michigan after scoring too many points in the ProAm tournaments. He continued to compete in shuffleboard until the summer of ’23. Some of his children enjoy claiming that they have the genes of a pro athlete.

Fred was introduced to the teachings of Jesus at a young age, when he committed himself to Jesus’ way. He imperfectly strove to live out his faith through the rest of his life, assured that God’s grace would cover his deficiencies. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, MI, and a participating member of Gideon’s International. His faith in God was very important to Fred, he could be found reading scripture each morning, and he tried to live out its teachings in practical ways. If you don’t have a lived-out-trust in Jesus, he encourages you to read the Gospel of John and reflect on the claims of Jesus.

Fred is survived by his wife, Sara (Haddon) Biskie; daughter, Beth (Chris) Smith; sons, Scott, Steve, and Dave Biskie; grandchildren, Taylor, Shae and Drew Biskie, Connor Brooke and Clay Smith, Ransom and Rhys Biskie; sister-in-law, Linda Walter; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, June North and Carolyn Cooper; and grandson, Christopher Smith.

Friends are encouraged to support Fred’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, July 30, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, July 31, 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll 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 Fred’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 First Baptist Church in Charlotte, MI, Gideons International, or Youth Haven Ranch. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Terry Lee Ranshaw Sr. (77) of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on July 14, 2023. He was the son of LaRoy Ranshaw and wife Millie, of Charlotte, both of whom are deceased.

Terry was proud to be the Chief of Police in Sunfield, MI. His death has now ended a lifetime of passion and dedication to the police force where he learned to be an airplane and helicopter pilot. His memory will live on in a memorial dedication to be displayed at the National Law Enforcement Museum in Washington, DC.

He is survived by his sons, Terry Lee Ranshaw Jr. and David Wayne Ranshaw of Charlotte, Michigan. He is also survived by one brother, Rick Michalski with wife Audrey Michalski of Detroit, and one sister, Vicky Williams with husband Randy of Grand Ledge. There are several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and stepsiblings.

There will be a celebration of life held on August 5, 2023, at 3 p.m. at 7121 Granger Highway, Charlotte, Michigan. All are welcome. There will be live music and food for all. He will be buried next to his sister at Needmore Cemetery, Charlotte, Michigan.

Please no flowers, instead make a donation to the Needmore Church in Charlotte, MI.

To view Terry’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:

Joyce Marie Webber, a kind and compassionate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the Eaton Community Palliative Care surrounded by her loving family. Joyce, 81, was born on December 21, 1941, in Alton, IL, the daughter of Russell and Francis (Hampson) Admire. At an early age Joyce started her family. She was a homemaker and raised her five children on her own. Once her children were grown, she went back to school to obtain her high school diploma. After that she began working as a Housekeeper for Sparrow Hospital, HGB, and most recently at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Joyce was always able to keep a tidy house even with her five children. Many will cherish the yearly homemade birthday card that they received from Joyce. In her younger years she enjoyed reading and playing computer games. In recent years Joyce loved shopping at Goodwill trying to score a trendy purse to add to her collection. Joyce, through everything that she faced in life, always followed the Lord and the path that he laid for her. Above all, Joyce loved the Lord Jesus Christ and her family more than anything. She was a big lover of Elvis and took pride in her unique way of gift giving on every holiday and birthday.

Joyce is survived by her children, Tammi Kenney, Terri Lynn Zdanovich, and Ted Webb II; grandchildren, Tony Archer, Sarah (Eric Watson) Swank, Tawny (Vabian Ford) Webb, Hannah Zdanovich, and Josh Webb; great-grandchildren, Hayley, Bella, Little Eric, Jayden, Teagan, Nirvanah, and Kamden; and sister, Carole. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Webber; daughters, Teresa Walker, and Tracy Rutherford; son-in-law, Chuck Kenney; brothers, Bill Admire, Gordon Admire, Jerry Admire, and Joe Admire.

Friends are encouraged to support Joyce’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life for Joyce is being planned for a later date. Her family would like to extend a thank you to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services and Eaton Community Palliative Care for the care provided to their mother. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Jerry E. Goodrich, age 91, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born April 25, 1932, in Benton Township the son of Fay and Lucille (Kaplinger) Goodrich. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1950. He married Sue Ann Hale on May 1, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana. Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved animals and enjoyed working on the farm. Jerry was a master electrician and had a passion for his work. He could fix absolutely anything and was always willing and ready to help anyone in need. In later years Jerry enjoyed doing carpentry work with his family.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 73 years, Sue; children, Rodney Lee (Patricia Ann) Goodrich of Charlotte, Jerri-Lyn Upright of Charlotte, Cindy Lou (Ron Whitcomb) Goodrich of Bellevue; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Gail Lord, Kristi Ann Rastall; and sister, Phyllis (Leland) Wendell.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jerry’s memory to the Gresham United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of their choice.
To view Jerry’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

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Funeral Services:

It is with great sadness that our son, brother, uncle, and friend, Joshua Loren Ross, has unexpectedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 44.

Josh was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 17, 1979, to Larry and Sandra Ross (Simpson). As a young boy, Josh carried with him a bright and joyful smile. His demeanor was easily recognized through his smile and his bright green eyes. His contagious energy filled every room with joy.

Josh was a graduate of Charlotte Senior High School in 1997. Followed by furthering his education at Baker College and Sienna Heights University earning his Bachelor’s in Applied Science in Architectural Technology. This education afforded Josh opportunities to pursue a career in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) where he was able to start his career path with the State of Michigan, where he thrived for 15 years and moved quickly to upper management.

Soon after, Josh was able to move to sunnier shores in North Carolina in a civilian position performing GIS duties at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Most recently, Josh moved closer to home with a position at Detroit Wayne County Port Authority as a Senior GIS Analyst where he oversaw multiple projects and associates.
Joshua’s love of music played an intricate role in his life. He compiled a tremendously impressive record collection and always knew detailed knowledge of a “plethora” of artists. Josh was extremely talented and had a rare ability to play the guitar and coronet by ear.

Josh was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. He loved his family and was a strong, thoughtful humanitarian who was known for his kindness and generosity by everyone who had the luck to have encountered such a special person. Josh’s heart was made of gold, and he had strong abilities to make any difficult situation better with wit and humor. Regardless of the challenges he confronted, he continuously tried to make the world a better place.

Josh was an avid motorcyclist and inherited this love from his father. He loved to travel on day trips across the state of Michigan. He enjoyed reading on a daily basis. One of his favorite pastimes was watching classical Hollywood cinema, such as, Mommy Dearest, which is why he never kept wire hangers in his home.

Joshua was loved by many and could easily make friends wherever his wheels took him. Josh will forever be missed, and his memory will be carried on by everyone who loves him. Joshua’s spirit will live on in the hearts of his mother, Sandra (Wayne) Simpson; his father, Larry (Robyn) Ross; and his siblings, Jason (Daniel Rodquiez) Ross, Jeffrey Ross, Amber (Jeremy) Sinke, Angel (Tim King) Andrews, and Joshua Simpson.

His memory will also be carried on by his aunts and uncles, Cindy Albrect, Sheryl (Jeff) Towe, Linda (Mickey) Brown, Lori (Rick) Hart, Loretta Savoie, Donald Webb, Randy (Helen) Webb, Daryl Webb, Gary (Paula) Ross, Rodney (Lisa) Ross, Robert (Cheryl) Ross, Jay (Lisa) Ross, Kevin (Robin) Ross; as well as many cousins, his closest being Naomi (Blake) Miller. He will be missed and cherished by his nephews, Miles Sinke and Kadence Andrews; and his nieces, Penny and Lilly Sinke, and Kalli (Matt) Mongar.

Joshua is preceded in death by grandparents, Don and Joyce Webb, Harry and Velma Ross, John and Phyllis Simpson, Bill Hitshew, Don and Yvonne McClure; aunt, Rolene Hitshew; and cousins Joel Ross and Deanna Wacker.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. The family received friends from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home just prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, Joshua would appreciate that you plant a tree in his memory or make a contribution to a local Al-Anon or other peer support groups.
To view Joshua’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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Funeral Services:

Cory Lynn Rolfe, age 51, passed away July 16, 2023. Cory was born May 25, 1972, in Charlotte, Michigan to Tena Dickey. Cory graduated from Charlotte High School in 1990.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Wagner); stepsons, Jeremy Wanger and Josh (Danielle) Wagner of Louisiana; parents, Tena and Philip Rolfe; sister, Rebecca Rolfe; daughter, Kalie Rolfe; and three step-grandchildren. Cory was preceded in death by his grandparents, Cornelius (Pat) Dickey, Zack Morgan, Joyce Morgan, and Robert and Barbara Rolfe. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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Funeral Services:

Raymond Harold Black, age 78, of Charlotte, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born February 9, 1945, in Rolla, Missouri, the son of Raymond and Zola (Bartlett) Black. When Ray was young the family moved to Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1963. He was looking forward to celebrating his 60th class reunion this year. On May 25, 1968, Ray married Joy Ilene Woodhams at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Their wedding was the first held in the new sanctuary. Ray loved his Savior and served him with his whole heart and soul. He served in the church for 55 years, taught Sunday school, served as deacon, elder, and worked with the children’s ministry, all at First Baptist Church. He had a special place in his heart for all children and loved to show Christ’s love to them. He was a truly humble servant of the Lord and will be missed by his family and countless friends.

Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy; children: Ilene Beth (Jeffrey) Croll of Farmland, IN and Benjamin Ray (Tara) Black of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren: Kelsey (Nick) Urista of Allen Park, MI; Spencer Croll of Muncie, IN; Teegan Croll of Muncie, IN; Lolly Croll of Farmland, IN; Rhiannon Black of St. Paul, MN; James Harns of Charlotte; Jasmine Harns of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Armani Urista and Ellawynn Urista; and sister, Grace (Dave) Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The family received friends at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ray’s memory to First Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, 1110 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Ray’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.