OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 27 Sep 1978. Miss Rebecca L. "Pepper" Adolph, 31, of 838 N.E. Capital Ave., was found dead at her residence Tuesday. Battle Creek police said there was no foul play and it appeared that she had died in her sleep. Autopsy results were not available today. She was born in Coldwater and moved to Battle Creek 11 years ago. She attended Eastern Michigan University and Kellogg Community College. For the past three years she had been employed as a clerk by the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center. Earlier she had been employed by Security National Bank. She was an active member of the Battle Creek Big Sisters. Surviving are parents, Mr. and Mrs. Derwerd L. Adolph and a brother, Mark D. Adolph, all of Union City. Services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in Riverside Cemetery, Union City. Memorial donations may be made to the Union City Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are by Jenkins Funeral Home, Union City.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1978 Deaths, #945. Died 26 Sep 1978 at Battle Creek, Rebecca Lynn Adolph, age 31, b. 27 Jun 1947 in Michigan, white, female, never married; father: Derwerd L. Adolph; mother: Bernadine Carpenter; residence: 838 Capital Avenue, N.E., Battle Creek; occupation: Clerk, Veterans Administration Hospital; buried 29 Sep 178, Riverside Cem., Union City, MI; informant: Derwerd L. Adolph.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, Thurs. May 26, 1994, Page A2. Virginia R. (Lilly) Carpenter, 70, of Union Lake, Union City, died Tuesday, May 24, 1994, at home. She was born Oct. 19, 1923, in Athens, to Clarence and Berniece (Moyer) Lilly. She graduated from Athens High School and lived in the Athens/Union City area all her life. She moved to Union Lake in August 1982. Mrs. Carpenter farmed with her husband on Arborgast Road, and was well known as a seamstress. She made wedding dresses, cheerleader uniforms and a set of uniforms for a band. She loved the Detroit Tigers and enjoyed watching sports. On Nov. 23, 1940, she married Robert J. Carpenter in Bowling Green, Ohio. He survives. Also surviving are sons, Thomas J. Carpenter of Leonidas and Gail W. Carpenter of Perry, Kan.; a daughter, Judith Carpenter of Union City; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Lilly of Athens. Preceding her in death was a sister. Private service for family members at Riverside Cemetery, Union City.
Source, "Carpenter Family Tree" compiled by Bruce Young, Cleveland, OH. Bruce Young is grandson of Clyde Carpenter. See record for Jean Arlene Rider for complete description of source.
MARRIAGE. St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI, 1926, #10,027. Married 26 Jun 1926 at Vicksburg, Kalamazoo , Howard Burdette Rider, age 22, residing in Leonidas, b. Montezuma, OH, father: James W. Rider, mother: Florida K. Baker, occupation: farmer; and Mary M. Kline, age 18, residing in Leonidas, b. Leonidas, occupation: at home, father: W. L. Kline, mother Nina Carpenter; witnesses: Virginia Braun Kaechele of Vicksburg and Marie Braun of South Rockwood, MI; officiant: Walter Kaechele, Clergyman; neither had been married previously.
In 1963 Mrs. Howard Rider was of Three Rivers according to her father's obituary.
Sources: "Carpenter Family Tree" compiled by Bruce Young, Cleveland, OH while attending Washington University in Washington, DC. He obtained early information on the Carpenter family from the Library of Congress per Mrs. Howard (LaVern) Carpenter of Battle Creek, Mich.
MARRIAGE. St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI, 1937, #11,770. The record needs to be checked for details.
Aaron was of Fulton in 1974 as his mother died at his home.
ANNIVERSARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, 5 July 1987, p 4B. Fulton - Aaron and Maurine Parlin of 14784 47th St., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the fellowship room of the Athens Congregational Church. They ask that there be no gifts. The party is being given by their children, Michael and Shirley Parlin of Nottawa, Philip Parlin of Fulton, and Gordon Parlin of Athens, and by Robert and Darlene Ling and grandchildren. Parlin and the former Maurine Simpson were married July 17, 1937, in Mendon at her mother's home. They have resided and farmed in the area since their marriage. Parlin was a self-employed truck driver and drove for Reed's Basket Factory and Superior Pallet He and Mrs. Parlin also were bus drivers for the Athens Area Schools, retiring in 1979 after 14 years of service. They are members of the Athens United Methodist Church, the Leonidas Grange and the Athens Historical Society. They have eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Saturday, March 7, 1998, p4A. Aaron E. Parlin, 84, of Fulton, died Thursday, March 5, 1998, at his residence. He was born in Athens Township on Feb 15, 1914 to Eldon D. Parlin and Neva (Carpenter) Parlin. He owned and operated the Parlin family farm in Wakeshma Twp. for many years and was a truck driver for Superior Pallet. He was also an Athens Area Schools bus driver for 15 years. He married Maurine Simpson on July 17, 1937, in Mendon. He is survived by his wife; sons, Michael A. Parlin of Centreville, Phillip E. Parlin of Leonidas and Gordon L. Parlin of Fulton; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Merle E. Parlin of Kankakee, IL. He was a member of Leonidas Grange and the Athens Historical Society. Services Monday, 9 Mar 1998, from Spencer Funeral Home. Burial in Burr Oak Cem., Athens.
Sources of information: Personal interview by Donna Hellewell with Opal Adell Mitchell Chichester in July 1981. Her memory was very sharp! She loaned me family pictures to take to Battle Creek to photograph. She was extremely helpful on the Abner and Agnes Carpenter line. Also used was the Family Pedigree Chart initially, as made by Lorna Carter.
1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI taken 15 and 16 Jun. 291/292 Opal, daughter, WF, b. Dec. 1897, age 2, is in the home of her parents.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Leroy Twp., MI, taken 15 April. 25/26 Opal A., daughter, age 13, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Book 6, p 396, #368. Married 30 May 1917 at Battle Creek, MI, Roe Mitchell, age 21, farmer, of East Leroy, and Opal Chichester, age 21, school teacher, of East Leroy. Parents of the groom: Eugene Mitchell and Harriet Roe. Parents of the bride: Bert Chichester and -- Carpenter. Married by Charles W. Fletcher, MG. Witnesses: John F. Fletcher and Mrs. Laura L. Fletcher.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, June 14, 1917. Miss Opal Chichester and M. Roe Mitchell, both of East Leroy, were united in marriage by the Rev. C. W. Fletcher, of Battle Creek, Wednesday, May 30, at 5:00 p.m. The ring service was used. The bride wore a gown of blue silk. The young couple were unattended. The bride was a graduate of Athens High School and has been a teacher in the rural schools near here for three years. She is the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Mitchell. The young people will make their home with the groom's parents near East Leroy.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Leroy Twp., MI taken 9 Jan., ED 75, sheet 11A. 259/262 Mitchell, Roe, head, age 25, married, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. IN, farm; Opal A., wife, age 23, b. MI, parents b. MI; Eldon R., son, age 1 6/12, b. MI; Eugene T., father, age 70, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. MA; Harriet E., mother, age 69, b. IN, father b. OH, mother b. IN.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, December 1986. Opal Mitchell will celebrate her 90th birthday with an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the North Athens Baptist Church, of which she is a member. Mitchell was born Dec. 17, 1896 in Burlington. She has lived in the East Leroy-Pine Creek area all her life. She has seven children, 23 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Mitchell is a member of the Sunshine Circle. She sews for the Battle Creek Needlework Guild and makes rag rugs and quilts as a hobby. She requests no gifts, please, but would like for all her friends to attend the celebration.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sept. 1995. Opal A. Mitchell, 98, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1995, at the home of her daughter in Battle Creek. She was born Dec. 17, 1896, in Burlington Twp. to Albert E. and Minnie E. (Carpenter) Chichester. She moved from Burlington Twp. to Athens in 1897, and to Pine Creek in 1908 and later to Battle Creek. She graduated from Athens High School as valdictorian in May 1914. She taught for a year in each of three one-room schools in Walker, Harmonia and Richardson. She was a homemaker most of her life. She married Roe E. Mitchell on May 30, 1917, in Battle Creek. He died in 1963. She also was preceded in death by a son, Eldon R. Mitchell, in 1990; a grandson, Larry W. Wank, in 1983; brothers, Raymond, Rolland, Roy and Lee Chichester and sisters, Marta Harris and Margaret MacDonald. Surviving are daughters, Florence "Marcelle" Wank and Fern Bishop of Battle Creek and Mary Crowell of Athens; sons, Leon Mitchell of Battle Creek, Gordon Mitchell of Fulton and Franklin Mitchell of East Leroy; 27 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Lyle Chichester of Battle Creek and a sister, Thela Henker of East Leroy. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday at North Athens Baptist Church with Revs. Marvin Savola, John R. Dosh and Rodney Crowell officiating. Burial: Leroy Congregational Church.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1995, #1006. Died 19 Sep 1995, Opal Adel Mitchell, age 98, b. 17 Dec 1896 in Burlington Twp., Calhoun , MI, wf, widow; father: Albert E. Chichester; mother: Minnie E. Carpenter; buried Leroy Congregational Cem.; informant: Florence M. Wank, 213 S. 23rd St., Battle Creek.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. The Athens Times, 1937. Roe Mitchell, well known Pine Creek man and the husband of the former Opal Mitchell, had his left arm cut off between the wrist and elbow by a circular saw at his saw mill which is located east of Abscota. He was clearing the sawdust from under the saw at noon, preparatory to shutting down for the afternoon when the accident happened. Mr. Mitchell was left-handed, and only last fall he lost some fingers on his right hand in a corn shredder accident. The community sympathizes with him in his misfortune. He has a family of seven children.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Thursday, June 20, 1963. Roe Mitchell, a resident of Leroy Township for 66 years, passed away last Thursday, June 13, at his home of a heart attack. He was born September 13, 1894. During his early days he ran a threshing machine with his father and brother and later did other custom farming with modern farm machines. He also managed a large farm of his own. Mr. Mitchell was born in Sherwood, the son of Eugene and Harriett Roe Mitchell. On May 30, 1917, he married Miss Opal Chichester, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Warren (Marcelle) Wank of 213 S. 23rd St., Battle Creek, Mrs. James (Mary) Crowell of Athens and Mrs. Bruce (Fern) Bishop of Prairie Road, Battle Creek; four sons, Eldon of East Leroy, Leon of 212 S. 20th St., Battle Creek, Gordon of Route 1, Fulton and Frank of Athens; one sister, Mrs. Iva Brininstool of Cooper, 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services were held on Saturday afternoon from the Spencer Funeral Home with the Rev. John Dosh and Dr. L. D. Funk officiating with burial in the Leroy Congregational Cemetery.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, vol. 45, p. 331A. Died 13 Jun 1963 at Battle Creek Health Center, Battle Creek, Roe Mitchell, age 68, b. 13 Sep 1894, at Sherwood, Branch, MI; wm, married; spouse: Opal; father: Eugene Mitchell; mother: Harriett Roe, residence: RFD East Leroy, MI (Leroy Twp.); occupation: farmer and machine operator; informant: Mrs. Opal Roe (Mitchell); buried 15 Jun 1963, Leroy Congregational Cem., Leroy Twp., MI.
35476. Alton Raymond Chichester
Some information was received from Mrs. Irene Chichester, Athens, Mich, in Nov. 1981.
His birth was reported as 13th and 18th. One is probably a typographical error.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Marriages, Book 8, page 13, #187. 7 April 1923 married at East Leroy, MI, Alton R. Chichester, age 24, mechanic, and Irene E. Orton, age 23. Parents of the groom: Albert Chichester and Minnie Carpenter; parents of the bride: Charles Orton and Johanna M. Madison. Married by J. H. Charles, MG. Witnesses: A. E. Chichester and C. O. Orton.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Thursday, April 12, 1923, p. 1. Chichester-Orton Wedding at East Leroy Saturday. Miss Irene Orton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Orton, of East Leroy, and Raymond Chichester, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester of Pine Creek, were united in marriage at high noon Saturday, April 7, at the home of the bride's parents. The ceremony took place in the presence of the immediate relatives of the contracting parties and a few of their intimate friends. . .being attended by Miss Elizabeth Seedorff and Leon Smith. Rev. J. H. Charles was the officiating minister, the ring service being used. . .After congratulations had been extended, the company was ushered into the two spacious dining rooms and partook of a very sumptuous dinner served by the mother of the bride, assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Seedorff and brothers of the bride and groom. A large number of pretty and useful presents were received by the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Chichester will take up housekeeping on a farm about a half mile south of the bride's former home. The many friends of the happy young couple are offering their congratulations and best wishes.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, June 30, 1969, p. A16. Athens - E. Raymond Chichester, 70, of 674 S. Capital St. died Sunday in the American Legion Rehabilitation Hospital, Battle Creek, where he had been a patient since September. He was born in Athens. Mr. Chichester was a Calhoun County deputy sheriff from 1931 to 1962 and maintenance supervisor of the Athens Public Schools from 1943 until his retirement in 1962. Mr. Chichester was a member of the Athens Masonic Lodge No. 220 and the Calhoun County Farm Bureau. Surviving are his widow, Irene; a daughter, Mrs. Gordon (Eleanor) Ambs of East Leroy; sons, Kenneth Chichester of Temperance, Earl and Robert of Athens; sisters, Mrs. Opal Mitchell and Mrs. Edwin (Thela) Henker of East Leroy, and Mrs. William (Margaret) Schragg of Burlington; and brothers, Lee Chichester of Alma, Roland of Marshall, Roy of East Leroy and Lyle of Battle Creek.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1969 Death, #752. Died 29 Jun 1969, at Springfield, Calhoun, MI, Alton Raymond Chichester, age 70, b. 13 Jan 1899 in Michigan, wm, married; father: Albert Chichester; mother: Minnie Chichester; occupation: Retired garage owner and school maintenance supervisor; buried: 3 Jul 1969, Burr Oak Cem.; informant: Mrs. Irene Chichester.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Leroy Twp., MI taken 16 April. 98/100 Orton, Irene E., daughter, FW, age 11, is in the home of her parents.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, Feb. 22, 1999, p. 3C. Caption beneath photo: Seated from left, lifelong friends Irene Chichester and Julia Case were honored at a luncheon Feb. 5 in celebration of their 100th. Headline: Lifelong friends honored at birthday luncheon. Athens - A very special birthday luncheon was held Feb. 5 in honor of lifelong friends Irene Chichester and Julia Case. The luncheon was given by Mrs. Case's daughter, Pat Glant. Mrs. Chichester will celebrate her 100th birthday on April 7, and Mrs. Case was 99 years old on Jan. 16. The two women have been friends since they were girls growing up on 6 1/2 Mile Road (Coats District). They reminisced about walking to Joppa and taking the train to Battle Creek, as well as attending each other's weddings. Their daughters, Eleanor (Chichester) Ambs and Pat (Case) Glant, also grew up as friends, attending Athens High School together.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, March 29, 1999. Celebration set April for 100th Birthday. Athens - Friends are invited to help Irene Chichester celebrate her 100th borthday at an open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at the Athens Congregational Church, 203 W. Burr Oak Street. The party will be hosted by her children, Kenneth Chichester, Eleanor Ambs, Earl Chichester, and Bob Chichester. She requests no gifts, please.
35479. Herbert Roland Chichester
Some information was received from Mrs. Opal Mitchell, E. Leroy, Mich. in Mar 1982.
The Athens Times, June 17, 1920. Pine Creek. Master Roland Chichester returned home Monday morning from Battle Creek where he has been visiting Masters Lester and Gordon Carpenter.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Book 8, page 192, #844. 11 Nov. 1925, married at Burlington, MI, Roland Chichester, age 19, Union Pump employee, of East Leroy and Grace Weimer, age 17, of Burlington. Parents of the groom: Albert Chichester and Minnie Carpenter; parents of the bride: Charles Weimer and --- DeKoeyer. Married by George C. Lockwood, MG. Witnesses: Alton Raymond Chichester and Irene Chichester.
ANNIVERSARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, November 2, 1975, p. 6D. Marshall - Mr. and Mrs. H. Roland Chichester of 100 Long Lake will celebrate their golden wedding anniversary at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. next Sunday at the Monday Club, 214 Exchange St. Hosts will be their children and families, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Chichester of Texarkana, TX, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne (Marian) Bramble and Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Chichester of Marshall, and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Chichester of Atlanta, GA. There are six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The former Grace Irene Weimer and Chichester were married Nov. 11, 1925, in Burlington and moved from East Leroy to the Marshall area in 1939. He formerly was employed by Union Steam Pump , Kendall Hardware and Marshall Furnace For the past 25 years he has owned and operated Chichester Sales and Service, farm implement and machinery. The Chichesters are members of Marshall Moose Lodge 676. He is fire chief of Fredonia Twp.. They have requested that there be no gifts.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Friday, January 27, 1978, page A3. Former Fredonia Twp. fire chief Roland Chichester dies at 69. Marshall -Roland Chichester, 69, of 100 Long Lake Road, a former Fredonia Twp. fire chief, died Thursday at his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. Calhoun County Sheriff's Department Lt. Charles Estep said that because of snow-clogged roads, it took an hour for an ambulance to reach Chichester's home. Chichester retired as Fredonia Twp. fire chief in 1976 after 10 years in the post. He was born in East Leroy and moved to Marshall in 1935. In 1966, after serving as assistant fire chief 15 years, he was appointed to replace Carl Yaudes, who died of a heart attack while fighting a fire. Chichester worked as sales manager for Minneapolis-Moline Farm Machinery Co. and also was employed by Union Pump , Kendall Hardware and Marshall Furnace For 28 years he owned and operated Chichester Implements Sales and Service in Marshall. He was a member of Marshall Moose Lodge 676 and of the Coldwater Fraternal Order of Eagles. Surviving are his wife, the former Grace I. Weimer; sons, Wendell Chichester of Marshall, Leo of Atlanta, GA, and Dale of Texarkana, TX; a daughter, Mrs. Wayne (Marion) Bramble of Marshall; brothers, Lee Chichester of Florida, Lyle of Battle Creek and Roy of East Leroy; sisters, Mrs. Roe (Opal) Mitchell of East Leroy, Mrs. Harry (Margaret) MacDonald of Union City and Mrs. Edwin (Thela) Henker of North Athens; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Court-Putnam Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the heart fund.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1978 Deaths, #105. Died 26 Jan 1978 at 100 Long Lake Road, Marshall, MI, Herbert Roland Chichester, age 69, b. 9 Apr 1908, mw, married; father: Albert Chichester; mother: Minnie Carpenter; occupation: owner, implement sales and service; spouse: Grace I. Weimer; buried 2 Feb 1978 Lyon Lake Cem., Marshall, MI; informant: Grace I. Chichester.
Some information was received from Albert's sister, Opal Mitchell, E. LeRoy, Mich. in Mar 1983. Information was also obtained from a chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, Mich.
The Athens Times. March 15, 1950. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Chichester and daughter of Alma were Saturday guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester.
In September 1959 Lee Chichester was residing in Alma, Michigan, according to his father's obituary.
OBITUARY. Albert Lee Chichester, 75, of 36 N. 28th St., died Tuesday (11 Jun 1985) in Leila Hospital where he had been a patient since May 30. He was born in Pine Creek and first moved to Battle Creek in 1931. He resided in Alma from 1948 to 1980 when he returned to Battle Creek. He was employed by Consumers Power for 42 years and retired in 1971. He was a member of Westlake Presbyterian Church and a past member of the Alma F&AM Lodge 244. Surviving are his wife, the former Mildred Martens; a daughter, Sue McVey of Rancho Murietta, Calif.; a son, Philip Chichester of Tampa, Fla; six grandchildren; brothers, Roy and Lyle Chichester, both of Battle Creek; and sisters, Margaret MacDonald of Union City, and Thela Henker and Opal Mitchell, both of East Leroy. Arrangements are pending at Royal Funeral Home. Services: Saturday, Jun 15. Burial at Memorial Park Cem..
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Wednesday, October 8, 1930. Wedding of Fulton Girl Has Been Announced. Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Martens of Fulton entertained a company of eighteen guests at an eight o'clock dinner party at their home Saturday evening, during the course of which announcement was made of the marriage of their daughter, Mildred, to Lee Chichester, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester, of East Leroy, which took place at Defiance, Ohio, on July 22, 1930. There were two tables and the decorations were in pink and white crepe paper. A beautiful cake and the brick ice cream were both pink and white to correspond with the color scheme. Miss Ruth Martens, sister of the bride, and William Harrison, acted as waiters. Following the dinner there was a short program, including a mock wedding, and several piano slections by Miss Isobel Cramer. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chichester are graduates of Athens high school, and the latter is also a graduate of Western State at Kalamazoo. Mr. Chichester is in the employ of the Consumers Power of Battle Creek and his bride is teaching her first school, in the Leggett district, near Fulton. Fulton and Athens friends extend congratulations.
BRIDAL SHOWER. The Athens Times, Wednesday, October 22, 1930. Complimenting a Bride. On Friday evening the Misses Pauline and Helen Spencer entertained a party of friends at their home, south of town, complimenting Mildred Martens Chichester, a recent bride. It was in the nature of a miscellaneous shower. Games and contests were the evening's diversions. At the beginning of theevening tiny balloons were tied around each guest's wrist. At the close of the contests these balloons revealed parts of a puzzle, which, when put together by the bride, directed her to a treasure chest. This contained a number of useful gifts, including linen, glassware, and silver. Prizes that were won by the guests were given to the bride. Light refreshments were served and at a late hour the guests departed for their homes, after extending congratulations to the bride.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, 14 Apr 1991, p2A. Mildred Chichester, 79, of Tampa, Fla., and formerly of Battle Creek, died April 11, 1991, at Centurian Hospital in Tampa, where she had been a patient a day. She had been ill several years. She was born in Fulton and came to Battle Creek in 1980 from Meridian, Miss. She had previously lived in Alma. She had been employed by Eaton Manufacturing Corp. during World War II and as a school teacher in Kalamazoo County. She was a homemaker for many years. She was an avid golfer and was a former member of Riverside Country Club. She was a former member of Westlake Presbyterian Church. Surviving are a daughter, Sue McVey of Rancho Murieta, Calif.; a son, Philip Chichester of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren, a great-grandchild; and a sister, Doris Dunlap of Battle Creek. Her husband, Albert "Lee" Chichester, died in 1985. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Royal Funeral Home. Burial in Memorial Park Cem..
35481. Carlton Lyle Chichester
Some information was received from Carlton's sister, Opal Mitchell, E. LeRoy, Mich. in Jan 1982.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, Vol. 9, page 198, #215. Lyle Chichester, age 22, of East Leroy, born in East Leroy, son of A. E. Chichester and Minnie Carpenter, occupation: laborer; and Rhea Harrison, age 19, of Fulton, born in Fulton, Kalamazoo , MI, daughter of Lyman Harrison and Sarah Youngs, married 15 Jun 1935 at Fulton, MI, by John H. Albright, Minister of the Gospel. Witnesses: Martha Shook, Julia Harrison, Richard Snyder, all of Fulton, and Mortimer Fuller of Athens.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, June 19, 1935. Harrison-Chichester Wedding at Fulton. Wedding Performed at Reformed Manse Saturday Evening - Other News of Fulton. Rhea Harrison, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Harrison of Fulton, and Lyle Chichester son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester, East Leroy were united in marriage Saturday, June 15, at 8 o'clock at the home of the officiating minister, Rev. J. H. Albright, in Fulton. The bridesmaid was Miss Julia Harrison, sister of the bride, and the groomsman was Mortimer Fuller. Others in attendance were Martha Shook and Richard Snyder. The bride wore a becoming costume of white taffeta with all white accessories. The bridesmaid wore pink crepe. Following the ceremony the bride and groom repaired to the home of the brides' mother where light refreshments were served. Guests at the function were Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chichester, East Leroy; Mrs. Vernie Rigles, Vicksburg; Mortimer Fuller, Athens, and Martha Shook, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Jenkins, Mr. and Mrs. George Fulton. The happy couple received many beautiful gifts. They will begin housekeeping in an apartment in the J. J. Snyder home in Athens.
ANNIVERSARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, 16 Jun 1985, p 3B. Lyle and Reah Chichester of 146 N. 24th St. will mark their golden wedding anniversary at open house from 2 to 4 p.m. next Sunday at the Elks Lodge, 1200 Harmonia Road. They ask that there be no gifts. They also celebrated the event at a family dinner Saturday. Hosts for the celebration are their children, Bill and Dee Chichester of Battle Creek, and Lee and Barbara Chichester of Sheridan. Chichester and the former Reah Harrison were married June 15, 1935, in the parsonage of the First Reformed Church in Fulton. Chichester was employed by Grand Trunk Western Railroad from 1935 to 1942, then by Clark Equipment , retiring in 1975. He is a member, honorary life member and past exaulted ruler of Elks Lodge 131, and a member of F&AM Lodge 419 and Ancient Scottish Rite Valley of Grand Rapids. The Chichesters are members of the First Congregational Church and its Couples Club, and she also is a member of the Betsy Williams Circle. He is a member and she is a life member of Battle Creek OES Chapter 135, both are members of Clark Retirees Club, and she is a member of Elks Vivian Club. He enjoys fishing and hunting, and she enjoys flower gardening and needlework. The couple have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
ANNIVERSARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, 11 Jun 1995, p. 6C. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Chichester will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Saturday, June 17, 1995, with a family dinner hosted by their son. Lyle Chichester married Reah Harrison on June 15, 1935, in Fulton. He was employed by Grand Trunk Western Railroad for 7 1/2 years and by Clark Equipment , retiring in 1975 after 34 years of service. They are members of First Congregational Church and the Order of Eastern Star. He is a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge 12 and a member of Elks Lodge 131, serving as a past exaulted ruler. He enjoys hunting and woodcrafts. She is a member of the Betsy Williams Circle and the Vivian Club of the Elks. She enjoys reading and gardening. The couple have two sons: Willard "Bill," who died in 1987, and Lee of Sheridan. They also have five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, 31 Dec 1996, p4A. Lyle Chichester, 84, of Battle Creek, died Monday Dec. 30, 1996 at Battle Creek Health System. He was born Aug. 7, 1912 to Albert and Minnie (Carpenter) Chichester. He came to Battle Creek from Athens in 1935. He was employed for more than seven years by Grand Trunk Western Railroad and by Clark Equipment Company for 34 years. He retired in 1975. He married the former Reah Harrison on June 19, 1935. She survives. He is also survived by a son, Lee Chichester of Sheridan; a sister, Thela Henker of East Leroy; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Willard "Bill" Chichester; sisters, Marta Harris, Margaret MacDonald and Opal Mitchell; brothers, Raymond, Roy, Lee and Roland Chichester. He was a member and past exaulted ruler of BPOE Elks Lodge 131; past president of P.E.R. Association; member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Grand Rapids, First Congregational Church and church's Couples Club; Clark Retirees; and National Rifle Association. Services January 2, 1997 at Miller Chapel of First Congregational Church; burial Memorial Park Cem., Battle Creek, MI.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1996, #1406. Died 30 Dec 1996, Carlton L. Chichester, age 84, b. 7 Aug 1912 in Pine Creek, Calhoun, MI, residence: 146 N. 24th St., Battle Creek; occupation: machinist; white, male, married; spouse: Reah Harrison; buried: Memorial Park Cem., Battle Creek; informant: Mrs. Reah Chichester.