Obituaries

Sandra E. (Hazen) Probst

Sandra E. (Hazen) Probst

Sep 27, 2024

Sandra E. (Hazen) Probst, 73, of Winter Haven, Florida, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 27, 2024.

She was born July 15, 1951 in Hastings, Michigan to LaVern and Violet (Edger) Hazen. She grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan with her brothers Roy and Gary, and her sister Patty.

After graduating from Battle Creek Central High School, she...

Lynwood Malcolm Gray

Lynwood Malcolm Gray

Feb 17, 2025

Lynwood Malcom Gray, 85 of Houston, Texas and formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan departed this life on February 17, 2025.

He was born on August 29, 1939, in Battle Creek to Ronald and Dorothy (Curtis) Gray. He grew up in Athens and Vermontville and was a 1958 graduate of Vermontville High School. He attended Argubright Business College in Battle Creek and...

Mary Ellen Bearden

Mary Ellen Bearden

Jun 2, 2025

Mary Ellen Bearden, age 89 of Richland, Michigan passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025. She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 24, 1936, the daughter of Henry and Johanna (Rottschafer) Scholten. Mary Ellen received her nursing degree from Blodgett School of Nursing in Grand Rapids and her Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies from the University...

Norman Gale Lamer

Norman Gale Lamer

Jul 5, 2025

Norman Gale Lamer

7-22-1939 - 7-5-2025

It is with heavy hearts our family must announce the passing of Norman Gale Lamer, who gained his wings with joy on July 5th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving Husband, Brother, Father, Grandfather (gramps) and Great-Grandfather and his family will dearly miss him.

Norman was born to Peter and Rachel (Geukes) Lamer...

Barbara Marie (Walker) Anderson

Barbara Marie (Walker) Anderson

Jul 4, 2025

Barbara Marie (Walker) Anderson, age 96, left for her final journey on July 4, 2025. She loved fireworks, so it was fitting that she passed in time to view the pyrotechnics from a front row seat. Barbara was a force of nature and a world traveler who visited many countries around the globe. She visited most of the countries in...

Richard A. Bentley

Richard A. Bentley

Jul 3, 2025

Richard (Dick) Bentley, was born on June 20, in 1948. He peacefully returned to our Lord on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at the age of 77.

Dick was a lifetime resident of Battle Creek. He was a Boy Scout and attended Franklin Elementary School, Southeastern Junior High, and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1967.

After graduation, Dick married the...

Robert Glenn Millard

Robert Glenn Millard

Jul 3, 2025

Robert Glenn "Bob" Millard, age 94 of Gull Lake (Richland,MI) passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo on Thursday afternoon, July 3, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 25th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, Ml with Father David Pinto, Celebrant. Private, family interment will be...

Johnny Lee Prentice

Johnny Lee Prentice

Jul 3, 2025

Johnny Lee Prentice, 70, of Battle Creek, died Thursday, July 3, 2025. Johnny was born September 4, 1954 in Battle Creek to Lenwood and Ida (Young) Prentice. He was raised in Battle Creek and attended Pennfield schools. Johnny always had a very strong work ethic. Over the years, he worked at United Steel and Wire, Battle Creek Wire and most...

Margaret A. Miner

Margaret A. Miner

Jul 2, 2025

Margaret A. Miner, age 96 of Battle Creek died Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Bronson Battle Creek.

Margaret, the daughter of John and Mary (Belle) Wigham was born in Blyth, England on November 16, 1928, and faithfully served as a member of the Royal British Navy and Air Force. Margaret was an incredible cook and also enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling &...

LaRita J. "Rita" (Elliott) Finney

LaRita J. "Rita" (Elliott) Finney

Jul 2, 2025

LaRita J. “Rita” Finney, 94, of Battle Creek, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at The Villa in Marshall, with her family at her side.

LaRita Jeannette “Rita” Elliott and Charles Delaine Finney were united in marriage on October 20. 1951, at Lakeview Baptist Church. Rita was preceded in death by Charlie, her husband of 68+ years. Surviving are their...

Donald Dale Carley

Donald Dale Carley

Jul 1, 2025

Donald Dale Carley, age 85 of Delton, passed away at home Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

Don was born in Battle Creek on July 25, 1939, the son of Dale and Winnie (Betts) Carley. He was a truck driver for many years, working for L.C. Howard, A&C Carriers and Davis Oil among others. Don also owned and operated Don Carley and Sons...

Deborah "Debbie" Frantz

Deborah "Debbie" Frantz

Jun 28, 2025

Deborah Mae “Debbie” Frantz, born on October 30, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025 surrounded by her family and friends, after battling illness over the years and a brief battle with Cancer.

Debbie was a proud graduate of the Pennfield High School Class of 1974. Throughout her life, she worked diligently, dedicating many...

Maria Nina Gesmundo

Maria Nina Gesmundo

Jun 26, 2025

Maria was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Serafino “Gus” Gesmundo and Marian “Midge” Gesmundo, one of 13 children born into a large and loving Italian family that became an integral part of the Richland/Gull Lake community.

Maria had a love for God, and the teachings of Jesus. She lived these beliefs - she was kind, compassionate, generous, forgiving, faithful, courageous, and...

Thomas Alan Balluff

Thomas Alan Balluff

Jun 26, 2025

Thomas A. Balluff April 1, 1951– June 26, 2025

Thomas A. “Tom” Balluff, 74, passed away of natural causes at home in Battle Creek, Michigan on Thursday evening, June 26, 2025.

Born and raised in Battle Creek, Tom enjoyed a happy childhood alongside his beloved sister, Ruth Balluff (Justesen). He was the son of the late Frank and Thera Balluff, and he...

Dale Wayne Wagner

Dale Wayne Wagner

Jun 23, 2025

Dale Wayne Wagner, 91, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at Kairos Dwelling on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Dale was born December 21, 1933, in Battle Creek, the son of Paul and Irene (Kelley) Wagner. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1952 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Dale Wayne Wagner and Mary Ann Paulson were united...

Becky Sue Sherman

Becky Sue Sherman

Jun 23, 2025

Becky Sue Sherman, 66, of Battle Creek passed away Monday, June 23, 2025.

Becky was born in Battle Creek on July 9, 1958, the daughter of John and Carolyn Jane (Reick) Barker. She attended Pennfield High School and worked for Michigan Paperboard. She loved her family and was a good-hearted person.

Becky is survived by her daughter, Stacy Barker; sister, Brenda Barker;...

Marilyn Dee Stoddard

Marilyn Dee Stoddard

Jun 23, 2025

MARILYN DEE STODDARD moved into her heavenly mansion on June 23, 2025 with Jesus as her Guide.

Born Minerva Marilyn Thompson to Oscar Lee Thompson and Minerva Madge Hopkins in Wardell, MO on November 17, 1947, she was one of seventeen children (including a twin sister who died in infancy).

Forced to leave high school to care for her younger siblings after...

Michael Eugene Walker

Michael Eugene Walker

Jun 19, 2025

With great sorrow we announce Michael Eugene Walker, 69, died at his home in St. Joseph, MI with his wife, Kathy (Rayburn) Walker, by his side. On June 19, 2025 his fight against ILD ended in peace.

Michael was born November 25, 1955, to Omar and Marian (Hussey) Walker in Battle Creek, MI. He is preceded in death by his daughter,...

LeRoy Earl "Roy" Oliver, Jr.

LeRoy Earl "Roy" Oliver, Jr.

Jun 19, 2025

LeRoy Earl “Roy” Oliver, Jr., 60, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully, after a long illness, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Majestic Care.

Roy was born July 7, 1964, in Battle Creek, Michigan to LeRoy Earl and Sandra Jan (Hamilton) Oliver, Sr. He grew up in Athens, Michigan and was a 1982 graduate of Athens High School. Roy became his...

Sharon Lee (Chivington) Schele

Sharon Lee (Chivington) Schele

Jun 17, 2025

Sharon L. Schele, 84 of Battle Creek passed away June 17, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born January 24, 1941, in Dayton, Ohio to Raymond and Ruth (Cruzen) Chivington. As a small child, she moved to Battle Creek with her family and was a 1959 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Sharon loved all kinds of dance...