1999 Charlotte Shopping Guide obituaries

Eaton County, Michigan 

Copyright © 2006 by Charlotte Public Library. This copy contributed for use in the Eaton County MIGenWeb.

Margaret Ainsworth 

   Margaret Bethel Ainsworth, 80, of Vermontville died Oct. 19, 1999 at Lowell.

   Mrs. Ainsworth was born in Nashville Dec. 28, 1918, the daughter of Lester and Lillian (Varney) Beach.  She had been a member of the Band Boosters, Kalamo Birthday Club, Vermontville Women’s Club, and has been a 4-H leader.  She enjoyed scrapbooking and cooking.

   She is survived by one son, Larry (Julie) of Vermontville; two grandchildren, Brian (Jill) Ainsworth of Ada and Steven Ainsworth of Vermontville; and two step-grandchildren, Trinka Jeffery of Grand Rapids and Clifford Jeffery of Sturgis.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, in June 1991 and daughter-in-law, Lorie, in Aug. 1991.

   Services were Oct. 22 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating.  Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery, Nashville.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Vermontville Public Library.

Thelma Allen 

   Thelma (Stults) Allen, 91, of Brookfield Township, Charlotte, died March 1, 1999 at Golden Days AFC in Charlotte.

   Mrs. Allen was born Jan. 19, 1908 in Lee Township, Calhoun County to Adelbert and Catherine Stults.  She attended Olivet High School for three years and graduated from Marshall High School in 1925.  She married Forrest Allen in 1935.  She was a homemaker and enjoyed farm life, traveling and dancing.  She was a former member of the Emma Grange, the women of the Moose Lodge in Marshall and the Farm Bureau.

   She is survived by one son, David (Gail) Allen of Charlotte; two grandsons, Jacob Little of Indianapolis, Ind. and Justin Little of Charlotte; a sister, Alma Bingham of Nashville; and several nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Forrest, in 1984; a sister, Edna Masters; and two brothers, Lewis (Mike) Stults and Leslie (Tim) Stults.

   Services were held March 3 with Pastor Geri Litchfield officiating.  Interment was at Perry Cemetery.  Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital of Charlotte.

Lucile Alt 

   Lucile Alt, age 92, died Saturday, March 13, 1999 at the Michigan Masonic Home in Alma.  Lucile was born July 10, 1906 in Valparaiso, IN the daughter of Angus and Flora (Eldred) MacDonald.  She was a member of the Eaton Rapids First Congregational Church and a life member of the Eaton Rapids Order of the Eastern Star #241.  Lucile and her husband were the owners and operators of Alt’s Men’s Wear in Eaton Rapids for many years.  She enjoyed playing golf, bridge, and traveling in their Airstream trailer and was a member of the Wally Byram Caravan Club for 14 years.

   Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Victor H.; 2 daughters, Mary (Keith) Strang and Virginia “Ginny” (Dick) Huntington all of Eaton Rapids; 5 grandchildren who loved their Grandma “Cile”, Vicki Lease, Jane (Mark) Fitzgerald, Aaron Huntington, Amy Huntington and husband Tom Parsons, Ann (Bill “Butch”) Schultz; 2 great-grandchildren, McKenna and Alek Parsons, and “baby” Schultz; sisters-in-law, Jane (Alt) Kilgour of Bloomfield Hills and Maxine (Alt) Magle of Florence, AZ.

   Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 12 noon, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Dr. Alan Malcolm, pastor of the First Congregational Church officiating.  A memorial service will be presented by the Eaton Rapids OES #241.  Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday one-hour prior to the service.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital in memory of Lucile Alt.

John Anderson 

   John Eric Anderson, 28, of Battle Creek died June 22, 1999.

   Mr. Anderson was born July 26, 1970 in Battle Creek, the son of Richard and Greta (Church) Anderson.

   He is survived by his mother, Greta; one sister, Jill (Carl) Tobias of Kenosha, Wis.; one brother, Ronald (Lavonne) Anderson of Toledo, Ohio; his grandmother, Emma Anderson of Charlotte; and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his father in 1998 and one brother, Richard in 1964.

   Services were June 26 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Glenn Wegner and Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating.  Interment was in the Springport Cemetery, Springport. 

John A. Andreas 

   John A. Andreas, age 83, died Wednesday, December 1, 1999 in Eaton Rapids.  John was born November 22, 1916 in Saskatchewan, Canada the son of Joseph R. and Rosala (Luster) Andreas.  Mr. Andreas retired from Oldsmobile in 1976 after 23 years of service.  He was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Katherin and Margaret; and 4 brothers, Peter, Bernard, Gregory and Zelest Andreas.

   Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Arlene R.; daughter, Karen S. DuBois of Eaton Rapids; son, Michael W. Andreas of Lansing; foster son, Bryce D. Morrill of Salt Lake City, Utah; granddaughter, Rebecca A. DuBois of Lansing and brother, Daniel Andreas of Onondaga.

   Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 4, 1999 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Pastor Tom Evans of the Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment followed at Deepdale Memorial Gardens.  Casket bearers were Jerry Swift, Tim Swift, Mark Higdon, Clinton Harmon, Darrell Harmon, and Mike Swan.  Honorary casket bearer was Donald Love. 

Gloria Andrews 

   Gloria Dawn Andrews age 64 of Vermontville died Jan. 26, 1999 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital.

   Mrs. Andrews was born in St. Augustine, FL., the daughter of Perry Elton & Irene Maybelle (Green) Davis.  She was a waitress at the Executive Dining for General Motors.

She is survived by husband Ion Andrews; 2 daughters, Kay (James) Zombor of Freeport and Kim May of Nashville; son, Kirk (Tracy) Andrews of Nashville; 4 grandchildren; 2 brothers Robin Davis of Lawrenceville, GA.

   Funeral services were held Jan. 29, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with the Rev. Marc Livingston officiating. 

Mildred L. Ashcraft 

   Mildred L. Ashcraft, 94, of Olivet died May 15, 1999 in Olivet in the care of her daughter, Loretta McGillis.

   Mrs. Ashcraft was born March 16, 1905 in Kalamo, the daughter of Ira and Nellie (Wilson) Mead.  She grew up in Decatur, Ill. and moved to Battle Creek in 1935 and Olivet in 1952.  She married Raymond Ashcraft April 13, 1927 in Pekin, Ill. and had worked with him on the family farm, which she enjoyed.  She also enjoyed reading, poetry, needlework, traveling and children.

   She is survived by three daughters, Mary Jan Schriner and Loretta McGillis, both of Olivet, and Ruth Ann Phillips of Inverness, Fla.; two sons, Raymond Jr. of Nashville and Kenneth of Lansing; 23 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1978; an infant daughter, Laura Ashcraft; two sons, Donald and Robert; one sister, Mabel Cox; and one brother, Raymond Mead.

   Services were May 18 at the Craig K. Kemf Funeral Home, Marshall, with the cemetery. 

Ralph Baird 

   Ralph Baird, 82, of Sedona, Ariz., formerly of Charlotte, died Monday, June 28, 1999 in Flagstaff, Ariz.

   Mr. Baird was born June 22, 1917 in Greene County, Ind. and lived in Charlotte for over 35 years, where he was an active member of the community.  He founded C&B Silo Company in 1947 and later, Cropstore Silos and Timberset Buildings.  He was part owner of WB Farms in Mulliken and founded Horizon Cablevision.  In 1994, he married Mary Frances Zellers of Sheridan, Ind.

   He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Marcia Eileen (John Evangelisti) Baird of Denver, Colo., and Christy Ann Baird of Lansing; three sons, Alan (Cathy) of Lansing, John (Suzanne) of Idledale, Colo. and Mark of San Francisco, Calif.; five grandchildren, John Shannon (Lisa) Splawn of Dimondale, Justin Baird of Ann Arbor, Morgan Baird of Tallahassee, Fla., Lauren Baird of Lansing and Leah Iantha Baird of Idledale, Colo.; two great-granddaughters, Cassidy Marie Splawn and Lily Shannon Splawn of Dimondale; two sisters, Katherine Bucher of Bloomfield, Ind. and Ruth Bogard of Wichita, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews of several generations.

   He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Marie in 1974; one great-granddaughter, Jessica Noel Splawn in 1995; his parents; and six siblings.

   There will be memorial service Monday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Z. William Colson officiating.  A private interment will be held in Sheridan, Ind. at a later date.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association. 

Lawrence Baker 

   Lawrence Elmer Baker, 85, of Charlotte, died Jan. 8, 1999.

   Mr. Baker was born Dec. 19, 1914 in Sturgis, the son of Glenn William and Elizabeth May (Chapel) Baker.  He was employed by the state of Michigan Department of Social Services in both Lansing and Ann Arbor.

   He is survived by his wife, Betty (Downing).

   Services were Jan. 11 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Mark Booth officiating.  Interment was in the Rose Lawn Cemetery, Perry Township, Perry. 

Esther Barker 

   Esther M. Barker, 99, of Kalamo Township, died Jan. 11, 1999 at home.

   Mrs. Barker was born Jan. 27, 1900 in Wells County, Ind. the daughter of John and Mary (Perkins) Beckner.  She moved to the Bellevue area with her family in 1913 and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1917 and from Eaton County Normal School in 1918.  She taught several years in the Eaton and Barry County schools and attended Western Michigan Teachers College.  She married Conrad Barker in April 1925.  She was a member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church and Eaton County Retired School Personnel.  She enjoyed reading and bible study.  At the age of 90, she traveled to the Holy Land with the Bellevue United Methodist Church group and was baptized in the Jordan River, then she and her daughter and son-in-law traveled to Egypt and toured the pyramids.

   She is survived by three daughters, Frances (Harry) Pease of Bellevue, Carolyn (Edward) Salisbury of Clinton Township and Ruth (Norman) Dane of Troy, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad, in 1984; one sister, Laura Swayzee; two brothers, Paul and Ira Beckner; and two grandsons.

   Services were Jan. 13 at the Bellevue United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Thompson officiating.  Interment was at Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo Township.  Arrangements were made by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Bellevue United Methodist Church, Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation or Eaton Community Hospice. 

Bengta Barnes 

  Bengta “Bea” Barnes, 88, of Battle Creek, formerly of Bellevue and Bradenton, Fla., died June 20, 1999 in Fountains Nursing Home in Crystal Lake, Ill.

   Mrs. Barnes was born June 16, 1911, in Randers, Denmark to John and Catherine (Paulsen) Antenson and was a supervisor for 28 years for Michigan Bell Telephone Co. in Battle Creek.  She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and First United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed her family, friends, dancing, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and watching TV westerns.  She married Edward Barnes Oct. 23, 1936.

   She is survived by one son, Leslie Barnes of Crystal Lake, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by husband, Edward in 1978; one son, Edward “Toby” in 1991; and three sisters, Anna, Johanna Martin and Betty Budd.

   Graveside services were June 26 at the Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue, with the Rev. Darwin Kuhl officiating. 

Ethel Bartlett 

   Ethel May Bartlett, 81, of Charlotte died Saturday, Jan. 16, 1999.

   Mrs. Bartlett was born June 24, 1917 in Missouri the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Akley.  She used to do a lot of bowling and sewing.

   She is survived by three daughters, Shirley Bartlett of Charlotte, Dorothy (Duane) Winright of Eaton Rapids and Carol Ann (Dale) Garvie of Charlotte; three sons, Henry (Kathy) Bartlett of Lansing, Everett Bartlett of Florida, and Roy (Karole) of Charlotte; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Cecil Akley and Fred (Mary) Akley both of Arkansas; and a sister-in-law, Ella Akley of Arkansas.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, William and grandsons, Aaron and Ronald.

   Services were Jan. 18 at Pray Funeral Home with Chuck Jenson officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 

David Ralph “Pete” Basing 

   David Ralph “Pete” Basing, age 85, died Thursday, June 10, 1999 in Kalamazoo.  Mr. Basing was born January 13, 1914 in Luzerne the son of Oscar and Vera Basing.  He was a life long resident of Michigan and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1934.  After trying his hand at farming for many years he became an autoworker and retired from GM in 1979 after 25 years of service.  Pete was preceded in death by his first wife of nearly 30 years, Ardis M. (Wilson) Basing and his second wife of over 20 years, Lois R. (Juenker) Basing.

   Surviving are his 5 children with is wife Ardis, Mary Kopp of Colorado, Ralph (Tamara) Basing of Florida, Paul (Claudia) Basing of Kalamazoo, Terry (Lisa) Basing of Eaton Rapids, Susan (Tom) Buffham of Grand Rapids as well as 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Claude (Ann) Basing of Eaton Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services were held on Monday, June 14 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Rev. Dennis Perkins of the Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church officiating.  Interment followed at Rosehill Cemetery.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Lansing City Rescue Mission in memory of Ralph Basing. 

LaVerne Beaver 

   LaVerne Beaver, 77, of Bitely, formerly of Rockford, died Dec. 18, 1999.

   Mr. Beaver was born March 23, 1922 in Port Huron, the son of James and Julia (Griffen) Beaver.  He served in the Army during World War II and had been a self-employed painter.

   He is survived by one daughter, Jeanne (Louis) Kulpa; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one sister, Earlene Boehm of Port Huron; one brother, Norman Beaver of Kalamazoo; and several nephews and nieces.

   Services were Dec. 22 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating.  Interment was in the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta. 

Ellen Elizabeth Bellows 

   Ellen Elizabeth Bellows, age 80, of Eaton Rapids passed away March 15, 1999.  She was born February 24, 1919 in Mason the second of four children born to Porter and Bertha (Easterday) Field.  She graduated from Mason High School and went on to study general business at Eastern Michigan Business College.  She retired in 1982 from the State of Michigan, Department of State Police.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bernard.  Ellen spent many years on the family’s centennial dairy farm where she and Bernard raised their three children.  Ellen was an active and accomplished participant in a wide range of sports, particularly in regards to bowling, winning numerous area championships.

   She will be remember in the hearts of her children, Walter (Kayleen) Bellows of Eaton Rapids, Carol (Eldon) Wright of Charlotte, and Nick (Patricia) Bellows of Okemos.  Her memory will also live on with her seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as they reflect on warm summer days in Grandma’s berry patch and garden.  Also surviving are her sisters, Mary Jane (Don) Hadwin and Billie Mac (Jim) Somers along with numerous nephews and nieces.

   Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 18^th at 1 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Tom Evans of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial of cremains will follow in the Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Ellen E. Bellows. 

R. L. Bergman 

   R. L. (Bob) Bergman, 67, of Lansing, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 1999.  A veteran of Korea, he was owner and operator of R. L. Bergman Refrigeration for 31 years and a member of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 388 for over thirty years.  He had a great love for the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing, and his garden, and will be missed riding his 1917 Harley Davidson Motorcycle with a sidecar and his dog.

   He was preceded in death by his sons, Nick in January 1997, and Michael Bergman in July 1997; parents, Lennie and Gladys Bergman; sister, Clarys Elaine in 1942.  He is survived by daughter, Catherine (Don) Martin; son, Will (Molly E.) Bergman; grandchildren, Bryan Scott and Hannah Elsie Bergman; daughter-in-law, Lauri Bergman; special friend, and mother of his children, Carolynne Bergman; sisters, Floral Wheeler, Bethal Bergman, Grace (Elmer) Aseltine; and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 22, 1999 at Chapel in the Pines Funeral Home, with Pastor Arthur Salisbury of Waverly Church of the Nazarene officiating.  Interment was held at Oakridge Cemetery, Marshall.  Military honors provided by V.F.W. Post 6132 Lansing.  Contributions may be made to Sparrow Home Care Hospice or V.F.W. Home in Eaton Rapids. 

Allie Berryhill 

   Allie Junior Berryhill, 71, of Haslett, died Saturday evening, Dec. 12, 1998, at a Lansing nursing home following a long illness.  Mr. Berryhill was born Jan. 14, 1927 in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Allie and Fanny (Jones) Berryhill.  He was a retired Oldsmobile employee, member of UAW #652, former member of the Moose, and a life member of VFW Post 701.  He served in the Army during World War II.  Mr. Berryhill was preceded in death by two brothers, Stanley and Rueben “Dick” Berryhill.

   Surviving are seven brothers and sisters, Ruby (Frank) Skupien of Treasure Island, Fla., Virginia Kurnat of Greenville, Bonnie (Rex) Harrington of Lansing, Patsy (Ted) Stone of Sheridan, Katherine Delano of Duarte, CA, Chester (Shirley) Wordon of Potterville and Thomas (Norma) Moore of Fowlerville; numerous nieces and nephews.

   Graveside services were conducted Wednesday, Dec. 23 at Riverside Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant with Rev. Mark Erbes officiating.  Arrangements were handled by Field & Leik Funeral Home, Dimondale. 

Charles Betz 

   Charles Leo Betz, 76, of Vermontville, died Feb. 14, 1999 at his residence.

   Mr. Betz was born in Eaton County the son of Leon and Mary Betz.  His occupation was machine repair for Bradford-White Manufacturing Co. for 12 years, formerly he was employed at Oliver in Battle Creek, Diamond Reo in Lansing, and farmed his own farm.

   He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter, Barbara Betz of Chesterton, Ind.; two sons, Rodney Betz of Vermontville and Timothy Betz of Nashville; two granddaughters; brother, James Betz of Charlotte; and sister-in-law, Shirley (Roy) Tillery.

   Services were held Feb. 17 at Pray Funeral Home with the Rev. George Fleming officiating.  Interment was at Hillside Cemetery. 

Clarissa Beverly 

   Clarissa Beverly, 81, of Lansing, died Oct. 14, 1999.

   Mrs. Beverly was born Nov. 18, 1917 in Rosebush, the daughter of Rueben and Mary Elisa (Allen) Mogg.

   She is survived by four daughter, Jo Ann (Thomas) Cooley of Bath, Phyllis (David) Berry of Lansing, Berta (Tony) Sposito of Italy, and Mary Williams of Tucson, Ariz.; one son, Sam (Linda) of Medina, Ohio; one sister, Orrel Cluely of Lansing; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and special friends, Andee Kosloski and Angie Portt.

   Services were Oct. 18 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Thomas Peters officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Ridge Cemetery, Delhi Township. 

Nickolas Bishop 

  Nickolas Scott Bishop, of Charlotte died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998 in Lansing.

   He was the son of Douglas and Regi Bishop.

   He is survived by his parents; grandparents, Margie (Gilbert) Bishop and Adele Golding; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Golding, and one cousin, David Rosenbrook Jr.

   Services were Jan. 2 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. 

Maynard “Stub” Blankenburg 

   Maynard “Stub” Blankenburg, age 84, died October 1, 1999 in Kissimmee, FL.  He was born January 16, 1915 in Lake Orion, MI.  He retired as a shop foreman from Eaton Stamping in 1975.  Stub was an avid sportsman.  He played semi-pro baseball in his youth and later enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and golf.  He was a WWII Veteran serving as a first sergeant in Europe where he was awarded the purple heart.

   He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth of Kissimmee, FL; one son, Don (Sally) of Lansing, MI; sister, Rhea Kollasch of Tustin, CA; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Lynn and Linnea Tharp of St. Cloud, FL.

   Stub donated his body to Florida State University.  No funeral service is planned.  Donations can be made in Stub’s memory to Osceola County Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, 1099 Shady Lane, Kissimmee, FL  34744. 

Hazel Bloom 

   Hazel Piercefield Bloom, 93, of Mulliken died April 23, 1999 at a Charlotte nursing home.

   Mrs. Bloom was born Feb. 13, 1906 in Belding, the daughter of Floyd and Ida Belle (Trowbridge) Dickerson.

   She is survived by eight daughters, Joan Thompson of Charlotte, Katie Miller of Mecosta, Marian Selden of Portland, Joyce Cardinal of Saranac, Ann Woodman of Portland, Cookie Fernsler of Portland, Doris Dingler of Black Lake, and Pat Geoghagan of Louisiana; four sons, Herb Irwin of Grand Ledge, Ed Piercefield of Vermontville; Bob Piercefield of Stanwood, and Bart Piercefield of Thompsonville; 15 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 58 great-great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bart Piercefield and Ike Bloom.

   Services were April 26 at the Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken, with the Rev. Stephen Burkhart officiating.  Interment was at Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken. 

Richard Bobier 

   Richard M. Bobier, 76, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., formerly of Charlotte, died Jan. 1, 1999.

   Mr. Bobier was born Aug. 25, 1923, in Charlotte, the son of Eva and Leo Bobier.  He was a retired state of Michigan elevator inspector.

   He is survived by his wife, Donna; one daughter, Jackie Ward; two sons, Gary and Gordon; two brothers, Robert and Jack; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Leo Bobier; one brother, William, and a sister, Mary Lou Sientz.

   Private services were held.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the America Lung Association of Arizona, Inc., 102 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Ariz.  85003.

Wallace Bodell 

   Wallace Bodell, 82, of Albion died Dec. 11, 1999 in Lansing.

   Mr. Bodell was born March 2, 1917 in Eaton County, the son of Dawes and Sylvia (Sechman) Bodell.  He retired from the Oloffsson Corp., Lansing, in 1975 after 34 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverly; one daughter, Marilyn (Thomas) Baker of Albion; one son, Wallace J.R. (Cherry) Bodell of Albion; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Maurine (Arlie) Dimond of Charlotte; and two brothers, Lawrence (Florette) Bodell of Lansing and Dawes Bodell of Texas.

   He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis in 1999; one brother, Wayne; and one sister, Betty Smith.

   Services were Dec. 15 at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Tom Evans officiating.  Interment was in the East Lawn Memory Gardens, Okemos.

Kerwin Booher 

   Kerwin Darryl Booher, 62, of Lucas, died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1998 at his residence.

   Mr. Booher was born March 6, 1936 in Hastings, the son of Russell and Mabel (VanBlarcom) Booher.  In 1998, he retired from the U.S. Postal Service, where he had been a mail carrier for the Cadillac area and previously for the Manistee area.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, life member of the American Veterans Post #110 in Cadillac, and member of American Legion Post #300 and Eagles Lodge, both in Lake City.

   He is survived by two sons, Joseph (Dawn) of Middleville and Keith (Linda) of Toledo, Ohio; one granddaughter, Devann Booher of Toledo; his mother, Mabel Booher of Vermontville; two brothers, Vernon (Ann) Booher of Lake Odessa, and Durwood (Jeanne) Booher of Battle Creek; and his special friend, Pearl Mead of Lucas.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and his father, Russell Booher.

   Cremation has taken place.  Memorial services will take place at a later date.  Arrangements were made by the Terwilliger Funeral Home, Kaleva.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wexford-Missaukee. 

Mildred Boroff 

   Mildred Boroff, 80, of Lansing, died July 16, 1999 at Sparrow Hospital.

   Mrs. Boroff was born in Clayton, the daughter of Harlan and Beulah (Deline) Bovee.  She was a bookkeeper for Charlotte Auto Parts.

   Surviving are husband, Kenneth Boroff; daughter, Scharlene Bird of South Haven; son, Robert (Jackie) Boroff of Frisco, Colo.; three grandchildren, Randy Bird, Kristi Hostetler and John Boroff; and great-grandchild, Lane Hostetler.

   Funeral services were held July 19 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Art Salisbury officiating.  Interment was at Benton Twp. Cemetery.

Ellis Bracy 

   Ellis Bracy, 86, of Hastings, formerly of Charlotte, died June 28, 1999 at Pennock Hospital, Hastings.

   Mr. Bracy was born May 12, 1913 in Charlotte, the son of Leon and Rea (Love) Bracy and lived about 80 years of his life in Charlotte before moving to Hastings.  He graduated in 1930 from Charlotte High School.  He was a long-time member of the Chester Gospel Church, but attended the Hastings Baptist Church while living in that city.  His lifetime work was farming, but he had several other jobs, which helped support that venture and his family.  He was a plastering contractor for many years and later worked for Eaton County as maintenance supervisor for the old courthouse and jail from approximately 1960-75.  He was active in 4-H leadership at one time and he and his wife, Ardis, had been foster parents to 28 children over the years.  He was a Sunday School teacher and deacon during much of his life and was well respected for his love for God and God’s word – the Bible.

   He is survived by his seven children with first wife, Arnold of Lapeer, Vesta Losen of Belleville, Ronald of Nashville, Donald of Metamora, Pat Turley of Hastings, Marsha Keesling of Battle Creek and Becky Kelly of Hastings; one step-daughter, Alice Baldwin of Flint; 26 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one brother, Charles Bracy of Charlotte.

   He was preceded in death in 1969 by his wife of 32 years, Ardis Zella (Rice), and his wife of 27 years, Pauline Etta (Graham) in 1998.

   Services were July 1 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with the Rev. Barry Smith and the Rev. John Posen officiating.  Interment was in the West Carmel Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Chester Gospel Church, Charlotte. 

Beulah Briggs 

   Beulah Belle Briggs, 81, of Charlotte died June 30, 1999.

   Mrs. Briggs was born Dec. 30, 1917 in Roxand Township, the daughter of Estley and Zoie (Clark) Sinclair.  She had worked in radio assembly for Wilcox-Gay.

   She is survived by three daughters, Joyce Nisse of Vermontville, Nancy Hamilton of Charlotte, and Dolores Glaspie of Jackson; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Hildred Keeney of Holt.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Pearl in 1992.

   Services will not be held at this time.  Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Milton Briggs, Sr. 

   Milton L. Briggs, Sr., 80, of Dutton died Feb. 11, 1999.

   Mr. Briggs worked at Keeler Brass, after graduating with honors from Michigan State College in 1940, until his retirement in 1982.  He was involved in Boy Scouts for most of his life.  He inspired countless numbers of young men as a Boy Scout leader at Oakdale Methodist Church, where he also served as a trustee.  The love, patience, and caring he gave his family is a gift from God that will be treasured eternally.

   He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dolores Francis; his children, Kristi (Ted) Ransbottom, Milton Briggs, Jr., Kevin (Becky) Briggs; grandchildren, Staci, Kari, Tim (Susie) Hendershott, Christopher, Brandon, Kelsi Briggs; a great-granddaughter, Ashlei Fisher; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Perry, Vinton (Peggy) Perry, George (Ruth) Perry; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Jenny Simison.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Christene Briggs; and a brother, Charles Briggs, Jr.

   Services were held Feb. 13 with Pastor Bradley Kalajainen officiating.  Interment was at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

   Memorial contributions may be sent to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 1401 Cedar NE, Grand Rapids MI  49503. 

Irene Brija 

   Irene Brija, 80, of Charlotte died Sept. 10, 1999.

   Mrs. Brija was born July 11, 1919 in Lansing, the daughter of Wilbur and Irene (Carls) Maloney.  She was a homemaker and member of the Christ Lutheran Church.

   She is survived by her husband, Frank; one daughter, Janine (Tom) Nierenberger of Charlotte; four sons, Jerry (Judy) of Dimondale, Danny (Diane) of Clovis, N.M., George (Therese’) of Reno, Nev., and Darryl (Kim) of Potterville; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

   Services were Sept. 13 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Noel Hall-Nieman officiating.  Interment was at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home. 

Clara Briskie 

   Clara Marie Briskie, 89, of Olivet died April 22, 1999.  Mrs. Briskie was born March 15, 1910 in Parma, the daughter of Andrew and Thrusa (Burnes) Holmes.  She was adopted by James and Theressa Britten Jan. 3, 1918.

   She is survived by one granddaughter, Dana (Rick) Holland of Olivet; and four grandsons, David (Tami) Briskie of Olivet, Donn (Cindy) Briskie of Jackson, and Scott (Dawn) Briskie and Steven Briskie both of Middlebury, Ind.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, in 1998, and two sons, Donald and Douglas.

   Services were April 24 at the Bosworth Cemetery with the Rev. Todd McLane officiating.  Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Lois Britton 

   Lois A. Britton, 67, loving mother, grammy, sister, aunt and friend died Jan. 1, 1999, with her family by her side.

   Mrs. Britton was born Nov. 28, 1931 in Lansing.  She was a 1949 graduate of Lansing Sexton High School.  She married Robert Britton in 1951, and they moved to Charlotte in 1953 to raise their family.  All who knew her will remember her smile, laugh, and positive outlook on life.  She taught us many important lessons, “live well, laugh often and love much.”  Mrs. Britton was often called “mom and grammy” not only by her immediate family, but by those who she endeared to her heart along the way.  Her kind, gentle and welcoming ways always made everyone feel a part of her family.

   She is survived by two daughters, Judy (Lynn) Weaver and Robin (John) Sherman, both of Charlotte; two sons, Scott (Ann) and Kirk (Lori); 10 grandchildren, Jacob and Emily Weaver, Brindi and Christopher Britton, Brooke, Benjamin and Matt Sherman, Karli, Paige and Lindsay Britton; sister, Marian Brooks of Chapel Hill, N.C.; brother-in-law, Dr. Richard (Nel) Britton of Haslett; two sisters-in-law, Nancy (Frank) Parker of Lansing and Sherley (Roger) Hannay of Westerlo, NY; a special aunt, Edna Hess of Port Clinton, Ohio; two special cousins, Craig (Marilyn) Britton of Beaverton, Ore. And Roger (Betty) Kirk of Toledo, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; her dear friend, Kay MacDonald; and many other special friends.

   She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Geneva (Kirk) Hess, and her husband of 46 years, Dr. Robert Britton in Oct. 1998.

   Services were Jan. 3 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Dr. Peter Brenner officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Foundation Hospice House or First Congregational Church of Charlotte. 

William Brooke 

   William Brooke, 66, of Vermontville, died Nov. 17, 1999 at his home.

   Mr. Brooke was born May 28 , 1933 in Lansing, the son of Forest and Estele (Ellsworth) Brooke.  He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and married Ethel Van Zeeland Nov. 5, 1960 in Lansing.  He was employed at the Physical Plant-Maintenance Dept. at Michigan State University from 1965-91.  After retiring he enjoyed watching his grandchildren fish on Brooke Pond.  He also enjoyed planting trees on the farm, working on the sawmill, working in his wood ship, going to his grandchildren’s activities, and enjoying their company.

   He is survived by two daughters, Mary (David) Malish of Eaton Rapids and Kimberly (William) McCague of Zanesville, Ohio; two sons, Joseph (Dawn) of Nashville and Thomas (Lorna) of Germany; his grandchildren, Nicholas and Brooke Malish, Brandon, Ryan, Holley Joe, Thomas and Skyler Brooke; sister, Carolyn (Robert) Ellston of Potterville; and one brother, Carl (Betty Jane) of Coldwater.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Dec. 9, 1997; his parents; one granddaughter, Ashley Brooke; two brothers, James and Neal; and one sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Covert.

   Services were Nov. 22 at the Maple Valley Chapel, Nashville.  Interment was in the Deepdale Memorial Park, Lansing.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. 

Cora Mae Jones Brown 

   Cora Mae Jones Brown, age 83, of Eaton Rapids died Friday, April 30, 1999 at a Lansing hospital.  She was born July 20, 1916 in Casco Twp. In Allegan County the daughter of Seth and Mable (Bostader) Ely.  Cora has worked as a chef for many years for local restaurants in the area.  A member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Citizens, member of the Central Michigan Pony club and a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Wayland Michigan Chapter.  She was preceded in death by her first husband Harold “Casey” Jones in 1968.

   Surviving are her husband of 23 years, Fred Brown of Eaton Rapids; son, Harold Patrick “Harper” (Donna) Jones of Santa Fe, New Mexico; daughter, Janet (Jim) Millican of Tucson, Arizona; several grandchildren and step-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Kenneth Ely of Flint, Richard Ely of Tennessee; 1 sister, Kathryn Fury of Fenton; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ely of Phoenix, Arizona and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Memorial services will be held on Thursday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m. from the Peace Lutheran Church E.L.C.A. at 830 N. Cochran St. in Charlotte, MI.  Arrangements were made through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. 

R. Joyce Brown 

   R. Joyce Brown, age 66 of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee formerly of Eaton Rapids died Saturday, December 4, 1999 at Memorial North Park Hospital in Chattanooga.  She was born June 9, 1933 in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Benjamin and Maybell Dillingham (Bergman) Bradish.  Joyce was raised at the V.F.W. National Home in Eaton Rapids from 1937 and lived in the area until her marriage to Gerald R. Brown in 1954.  Joyce and Gerry had lived in many communities through their lives, New York, Chicago, South Africa, Indiana and Tennessee.  She was a graduate of the St. Lawrence Nursing program in Lansing and retired as a Surveyor for the State of Indiana for In-home Health Care.

   Surviving are her husband, Gerry of Soddy-Daisy, TN; 4 children, Jill (Martin Holub) Dahl of Michigan, Kim (Chris) Etheredge of North Carolina, Sue (Bill) Stohlmann of Colorado Springs and Mark Brown of South Africa; 10 grandchildren, Stephanie and Gered, Raven, Martin, Stephen, Michael, Jessica, Jennifir, Amy and Keith.

   Funeral services will be Friday, December 10^th at 1 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Tom Evans of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home. 

Rodney S. Brown 

   Rodney S. Brown, age 53, of Eaton Rapids died Tuesday, March 9, 1999 after a courageous battle with lung cancer with his family by his side.  He was born January 26, 1946 in Eaton Rapids the son of Cleo and Ilene (Miller) Brown.  Rodney was an Eaton Rapids High School graduate class of 1964.  He served in the U.S. Navy as a 2^nd Class Petty Officer Boiler Tech during the Vietnam War.  Rodney spent 23 years with General Motors in Lansing as a supervisor at plants 2 & 3 and was currently self employed as a soil specialist consultant.  He was an instructor in Plant & Soil Science at Michigan State University.  A member of the Duck Lake Country Club and an avid sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing and golfing.  His greatest pleasure was his grandchildren.

   Surviving are his wife, Connie; 5 children, Dion Brown of Eaton Rapids, Dan DeBarr of Eaton Rapids, Teri DeBarr of Vail, CO, Sherry (Dean) Brown-Hale of South Haven, MI, and Clay DeBarr of Eaton Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Dalton Hale, Rebecca Hale and Josie Brown; daughter-in-law, Bobbi Burgan; parents, Cleo and Irene Brown of Eaton Rapids; sister, Judith (George) Marr of Huntington, NY; 2 brothers, Donald (Laurel) Brown of Garden, MI and Douglas Brown of Portland; several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services were held on Friday, March 12^th at 10 a.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Klink of the Community Christian Church officiating.  For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Brown family in care of Connie Brown for extensive medical expenses during Rodney’s illness. 

Robert Bruce 

   Robert M. Bruce, 75, of Haslett, formerly of Olivet and Florida, died July 17, 1999.

   Mr. Bruce was born Aug. 4, 1923 in Olivet, the son of Douglas and Juanita Bruce.  He was a veteran of World War II and served as a navigator aboard a B-24 bomber as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.  He attended Western Michigan University and Olivet College, graduating cum laude with a degree in civil engineering from Michigan State University in 1949 and was the East Lansing City Engineer for 25 years, retiring in 1978.  He was a past president of the Michigan Chapter of American Public Works Association, Toastmasters’ Club, Ys Men’s Club of Lansing and the Crystal Beach, Fla., Community Association.  He was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity in Tarpon Springs, Fla.  He was known for his love of his grandchildren, playing a good game of bridge or golf, and his wonderful sense of humor.

   He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy; one sister, Geraldine Bruce of Lansing; one daughter, Barbara (Kevin Nicholoff) Bruce of East Lansing; two sons, Douglas (Judy) of Crystal Beach, Fla., and David (Barbara) of East Lansing; and six grandchildren, Kady Safar, Kate and Paris Nicholoff, Chelsea Bruce, Ryan Bruce and Cameron Bruce.

   He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jack.

   Mr. Bruce’s remains were willed to MSU Medical School.

   A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. in the Red Card Room, Kellogg Center, at MSU.  Those attending may share serious, funny, or joyous memories of him at that time.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw, Lansing MI  48915. 

Thomas Bruce Jr. 

   Thomas Bruce Jr., 70, of Charlotte died May 24, 1999.

   Mr. Bruce was born in Clare, the son of Thomas Sr. and Minnie Bruce.  He formerly owned the Village Bar in Bellevue and retired from General Motors in 1990.  He was a life member of VFW Post #2406 and Eagles Aerie #3552.  For eight years he was a trainer for Golden Gloves boxing and had served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS WASP 18^th.  He was a Korean War veteran.

   He is survived by his wife, Peggy; three sons, Steve Willoughby of Olivet, Gary (Sherri) Willoughby of Fla., and John (Toni) Willoughby of Lake Mary, Fla.; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Swan of Eaton Rapids; three brothers, Wallace (Myra), Dean (Jeanette), and Gary (Barbara), all of Charlotte; one sister, Shirley Swan of Eaton Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Schmidt and Elaine Packard, and two brothers, Robert and Kenneth.

   Funeral services were May 27 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Dr. Peter Brenner officiating.  Interment was in the Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet.  A Fraternal Order of the Eagle Service was held at the funeral home May 26.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Vica Bruce 

   Vica (Lare) Bruce, 103, of Charlotte, died Monday, Dec. 6, 1999 at the Stewart A.F.C. Home, Olivet.  Mrs. Bruce was born Nov. 4, 1896 in Howell, the daughter of Lafayette and Alta (Wilcox) Lare and had been a Charlotte resident since 1942, coming from Olivet.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church for over 50 years and worked at the A & P Grocery for many years.  She lived in her own home until she broke her hip at the age of 101.  Surviving are one son, George (Linda) Bruce of Charlotte; two grandsons, Jeffrey (Patty) Bruce of Lakeland, Fla., and Gordon (Pam) Bruce of Portland; and four great-grandsons.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bruce in 1958.

   Funeral services were held Dec. 9 at Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with Rev. Mark Booth officiating.  Interment was at Byron Cemetery, Byron.

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Eaton Community Hospice.  Envelopes are available at the funeral home.  Special thanks go to Stewart’s Adult Foster Care, Olivet, for the wonderful care given to Mrs. Bruce. 

Dan Bryan 

   Dan H. Bryan, 86, of Williamston, formerly of Hastings, died March 10, 1999 at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Greenlawn Campus, Lansing.

   Mr. Bryan was born Sept. 22, 1912 in Brookfield Township, Eaton County, the son of Rex and Cecile (Hawley) Bryan.  He was raised in the Charlotte area and graduated in 1930 from Charlotte High School.  Before that, he attended rural Charlotte schools.  He married Shirley O. Crittenden June 17, 1932.  They moved to Hastings in 1960 from Allegan and had previously lived in Boyne City and Charlotte.  He had lived in Williamston for the past two weeks.  He had been a tool and die maker and in quality control for the electronics industry for 50 years.

   He is survived by his wife Shirley.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ned; and two sisters, Joanne Bryan and Beryl Wilkinson.

   Services were March 13 at the Wren Funeral Home, Hastings, with the Rev. Bufford Coe officiating.

   Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Hastings.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

James A. Buche 

   James A. Buche, age 59, of Springport, passed away Sunday, September 5, 1999, at home.  He was born the son of Clarence & Evelyn Buche on July 6, 1940 in Albion.  James was a life long resident of Springport and he has worked at Diamond Reo, Springport Steel, Dairy Farmer (self employed), and employee of Leightner LTD.  James liked hunting, fishing, and gardening.

   Surviving are son, David Allen of California; 2 daughters, Annette (Robert) Ackley of Eaton Rapids and Jodie Buche of Springport; 1 grandchild; 3 brothers, Robert, Clarence (or Pete), and Lawrence (or Butch); sister, Margaret; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by sister, Edith Lindsey.

   Funeral service will be held at the Robertson Funeral Homes Springport Chapel on Thursday, September 9, 1999, at 11 a.m.  Interment will follow at Springport Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.  In memory of James, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. 

Alvin Buck 

   Alvin Buck, 78, of Bellevue died Oct. 9, 1999 at Evergreen Manor, Springfield.

   Mr. Buck was born Sept. 10, 1921 in Convis Township the son of Jesse James and Marion (Rudd) Buck.  He graduated from Marshall High School in 1940, attended Grand Rapids Bible & Music School and Kellogg Community College.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-45, attaining the rank of radioman first class, and was employed by the Battle Creek Federal Center in 1956, retiring in 1985.  He married Kathryn Wonita Bentz Jan. 6, 1945 in Maple Grove and had been a member of the Maple Grove Bible Church.

   He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; two daughters, Eloise Fletcher of Mancelona and Louise Buck of Springfield, MO.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Milford Buck of Quincy; one niece, Mary Ann Buck; and one nephew, Jay Buck.

   He was preceded in death by one brother, Aaron Buck.

   Services were Oct. 11 at the Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue.  Interment was at Bell Cemetery, Assyria Township.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Grove Bible Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Janie (Narsa Jane) Buck 

   Janie (Narsa Jane) Buck, age 51, died Saturday, September 4, 1999 at her residence.  Janie was born October 15, 1947 in Beckley, West Virginia.  She was formerly employed as an Executive Assistant with the Blind Children’s Fund.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosalee Rhodes-Tyler and son, Todd Alan Buck.

   Surviving are her husband of 17 years, R. Neal Buck; 2 sons, David Scott (Dee) Elston of phoenix, AZ and Howard Glenn Buck of Bedford, TX; 4 grandchildren, Rachele Nicole, Brandi Shea, and Jacob Scott Elston, Sara Michelle Buck; father, O.C. “Buck” Small and his wife, Barbara of Cleveland, TN; 3 brothers, Rusty (Beth) Tyler of Youngstown, Ohio, Robert Small and Bucky (Aletha) Small both of Cleveland, TN; and sister, Connie Adair Small of Springport.

   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 1999, 4:30 p.m. at the Five Corners Church, Charlotte, with Pastor Marty Saunders officiating.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 p.m. until service time at the church.  Those desiring may make contributions to either the Jackson Hospice or to the American Cancer Society in memory of Janie Buck.  Arrangements were by the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. 

Eugene Bukoski 

   Eugene J. Bukoski, 77, of Kalamo Township (Vermontville) died Jan. 25, 1999 at his home.

   Mr. Bukoski was born May 23, 1921 in Ubly, the son of Joseph George and Emma (Behr) Bukoski.  He graduated from Ubly High School and attended Ferris State University.  He served in the Army Air Force during World War II, attaining the rank of sergeant.  He married Marjorie Schuberg Nov. 5, 1948, at the Leo United Methodist Church, Leo, Ind.  He retired from Oldsmobile in Lansing in 1980.  He attended the Kalamo United Methodist Church.

   He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; one daughter, Janice (Greg) Bartlett of Moscow, Idaho; two sons, Jerry (Sandy) of Hendersonville, N.C. and Mark (Sherry) of Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren; one sister, Beatrice Shepard of Las Vegas, Nev.; one brother, Charles Bukoski of Polk City, Fla.; one sister-in-law, Margaret Miller of Ubly; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Virginia Schuberg of Big Rapids; and special niece, Susie Schuberg of Sidney.

   He was preceded in death by one brother, Harry Miller.

   Services were Jan. 30 at the Kalamo United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Thompson officiating.  Arrangements were made by the Maple Valley Chapel, Nashville.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamo UMC or American Cancer Foundation. 

Bonnie Burns 

   Bonnie Lee Burns, age 37, of Lee Township, MI died Wednesday, May 19, 1999 at her residence.

   Burns was born on April 15, 1962 in Coldwater to James and Peggy (Machine) Brubaker.  She has been a life-long resident of this area and was a 1980 graduate of Union City High School.  She had been employed at Cornwell’s Turkeyville Dinner Theater working in the dining room.  She married William “Bill” Burns in Marshall.

   Burns enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds and the company of her husband and children.  She was also a caregiver for her grandmother, Helen Hughes.

   She is survived by her husband, William Burns IV; daughters, Tesia Burns and Mollie Burns, at home; a son, William L. Burns V, at home; mother and stepfather, Peggy and Richard Ashdon of Burlington; father and stepmother, James and Nancy Brubank of Fulton; a maternal grandmother, Grandma Helen Hughes of Marshall; a paternal grandfather, Edwin Brubaker of Burlington; brothers, Michael Brubaker of Battle Creek and Eric Brubaker of Union City; four step-sisters, Tammy Baird, Pam Brunner, Jody Hart, and Julie Cole, all of Battle Creek; father-in-law, William L. Burns III of Burlington; numerous nieces and nephews.

   Friends may call 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home.  The family will be present to receive friends from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 1999 at the funeral home with Reverend James L. Sparks officiating.  Interment will follow in West Eckford Cemetery.  Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to a special fund being established for her children’s education.

   Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. 

Annie M. Bush 

   Annie M. Bush, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 1999 in Plano, TX, after a valiant struggle with leukemia.  She was born January 22, 1917 in Marion, South Carolina, the oldest child of Duncan and Irene (McCall) McDuffie.  She graduated from Marion High School in 1933 and attended Limestone College for two years in Gaffney, South Carolina.  She met Charles W. Bush of Eaton Rapids in Washington D.C. and they were married in Marion on June 22, 1940.  She lived in Eaton Rapids the next 40 years raising three children and participating in the P.T.A., teaching Sunday School, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader, and a member of several social clubs.  In 1955 she was selected Michigan Mother of the Year by the Child Study Clubs of Michigan.  After her children had grown, she was employed as a secretary at Union-Camp Paper Company for 15 years.  After retiring, she moved to Murrells Inlet in South Carolina and resided there for the last 15 years.  Her warm southern charm showed through in her wonderful smile.  She made you feel better just knowing and being around her.  She had so much vitality and love for life.  She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband Charles and 2 brothers, Duncan and Carroll McDuffie.

   Surviving are her 3 children, Frank Bush of Plano, TX, John Bush of Burlington, MI, and Carol Bush of San Francisco; 2 grandchildren, Lisa Bush and Laura Riley of Frisco, TX; and 1 great-grandchild, Connor Riley.

   A graveside memorial service will be held March 20^th, 11 a.m. at the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Dr. Alan Malcolm of the First Congregational Church officiating.  Local arrangements were made through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to Murrells Inlet/Garden City Rescue Squad of the Leukemia Society of America in memory of Annie M. Bush. 

Willis “Don” Bush 

   Willis “Don” Bush, age 72, of Eaton Rapids died Monday, May 17, 1999 at a Lansing hospital.  He was born August 27, 1926 in Owosso, MI, the son of Donald W. and Mary (Mills) Bush.  Don served 14 years and retired as a school bus driver for the Eaton Rapids School system and was currently farming.  He served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids.

   Surviving are his wife of 51 years, Doreen; 3 children, Ranae (John) Phillips, Van J. (Cathy) Bush and Douglas Donald (Lois) Bush, all of Eaton Rapids; 9 grandchildren, Jill (Mick) Koenanmann, Jennifer (Garth) Rouble, Jonni Phillips, Bradley Bush, Lucas Bush, Alana Bush, Bieselle Hurtado, Barbara Bush and Michael Bush; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Ella May Schneckenberger of San Francisco and several nieces and nephews.

   Graveside services were held on Thursday, May 20^th at the Brickyard Cemetery in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Dr. Alan Malcolm of the First Congregational Church officiating.  Full military honors were provided by the American Legion Harold Teeter Post #15, Eaton Rapids.  Honorary bearers were Dick DuBois and Don Jardot; active bearers were Bradley Bush, Lucas Buse, Jerry Fernald, Ken Johns, Mike Stahl and Don Jardot Jr.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to either the First Congregational Church, 300 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids MI  48827 or the Breslin Cancer Center, 401 W. Greenlawn, Lansing MI  48910, in memory of Don Bush.  The family was served through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. 

Lawrence F. Butler 

   Lawrence F. Butler, age 68, died Tuesday, May 18, 1999 at his residence.  Larry was born May 31, 1930 in Eaton Rapids the son of Charles William and Cheryl Ione (Morgan) Butler.  He retired from the State of Michigan, Department of Agriculture in 1992 after 27 years of service.  He was a Past Master of the Brookfield Masonic Lodge #439 and a Past Worthy Patron of the Brookfield OES #352.  Larry was preceded in death by his wife Julia “Judy” in 1988.

   Surviving are 2 daughters, Amy (James) Carter, Sally (Mark) Esterhai both of Eaton Rapids; 2 sons, James (Shending) Butler of Portland, OR, and Corey J. Butler of Eaton Rapids; 5 grandchildren; and 1 brother, Charles Max (Pat) Butler of Eaton Rapids.

   A memorial service was held on Friday, May 21, 1999, 3 p.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids.  Those desiring may make contributions to Tri County Hospice or the American Cancer Society in memory of Lawrence F. Butler. 

Clarence V. “Bill” Cady 

   Clarence V. “Bill” Cady, 87 years of age, of Eaton Rapids died Tuesday June 29^th at the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital.  Bill was born January 3, 1912 in Boyne City, MI son of Roy and Evelena (Howie) Cady.  He was a retired employee of General Motors and a member of the U.A.W. Local #652.  He was also a member of the Eaton Rapids Conservation Club.

   Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Gladys; two daughters, Karen (Daryl) Stanley of Leslie and Jeannine (Don) Faulkner of Eaton Rapids; two brothers, Perry Cady of Florida and Don (Lillian) Cady of Eaton Rapids; two sisters, Margaret Giddings and Verlie MacDonald both of Eaton Rapids; also four grandchildren, Todd (Lynn) Stanley, Troy (Anissa) Stanley, Michelle (Thomas) Hector and Aaron Faulkner and six great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held Thursday, July 1^st from the Skinner Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Fountain, Pastor of the Island City Baptist Church officiating.

John Cagle 

   John Tucker Cagle, 74, of Potterville, died Monday, Feb. 1, 1999.

   Mr. Cagle was born in Pikeville, TN, the son of John and Bessie Cagle.  John was a former employee at John Bean, and retired from Demmer Corporation in 1989.  He was a life member of VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte; member of Charlotte American Legion Post #42.  Mr. Cagle served in a Co., 14^th Battalion, 9^th Armored Division during WWII.  He fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was in one of the first tanks to cross over the Bridge at Remagen, Germany.

   He is survived by his wife Orlena and children, Sue (Jerry) Mires, Laingsburg, Sandy (David) Dimond, Grand Ledge, Lawrence (Ruth) Cagle of Ayrshire, Scotland and Conne (Craig) VanLente of Grand Rapids; 17 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Lawrence (Nancy) Cagle of Dunlap, TN; and sister, Ann (Rod) Lyons of Charlotte.

   Funeral services were Feb. 4, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Christ Bigg officiating.  Interment was at Dimondale Cemetery in Dimondale.

   The family has suggested memorial contributions to be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.

M. Elaine Calender 

   M. Elaine Calender, 83, of Bellevue, died May 3, 1999 at Battle Creek Health System.

   Mrs. Calender was born October 12, 1915 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Corbin and Christine (Derles) Cor Sette.  She retired as Convis Township Clerk in 1969 after 20 years of service.  She married Walter Calender and was a member of the Convis Union Methodist Church and the Battle Creek Historical Society.  She enjoyed cake decorating and spent winters in West Palm Beach and Lakeland, Fla.

   She is survived by one daughter, Shirley Downey of Etna, Colo.; one son, James of Bellevue; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Helen Russel of Albuquerque, N.M., and Jeanne Winer of Battle Creek.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter May 19, 1981.

   Services were May 5 at Shaw Funeral Home, Bellevue, with the Rev. Bill Brown officiating.  Interment was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 2490 S. 11^th Street, Kalamazoo MI  49009.

Catherine Campbell 

   Catherine Margaret Campbell, 91, of Potterville, died June 17, 1999.

   Mrs. Campbell was born Nov. 2, 1907 in Custer, Ohio, the daughter of Lewis and Mary (Thelen) Capelle.  She was a bingo fan, enjoyed hunting and camping, and was a cafeteria worker for G & G Catering before she retired in 1967.

   She is survived by four daughters, Helena Mowrer of Mt. Vernon, Ill., Hilda Parkhurt of Mason, Betty (John) Smalley of Potterville, and Shirley Hinckley of Charlotte; two sons, Donald (Kay) of Sumner and David (Marian) of Sunfield; 23 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband Archie in 1970 and one son, Charles in 1981.

   Services were June 22 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Woodbury and Pastor David Ames officiating.  Interment was in the Benton Township Cemetery, Potterville.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Bennett Canterbury 

   Bennett Lee Canterbury, 57, of Charlotte died April 21, 1999.

   Mr. Canterbury was born May 22, 1941 in Charleston, W.V., the son of Fuller and Mary (Wells) Canterbury.  He had been employed at Owens-Brockway Glass Containers, a division of Owens-Illinois Inc., for about 25 years.

   He is survived by one daughter, Sherry Ramirez of Allen Park; one sister, Diane Wellman of Charlotte; and two brothers, Daniel Canterbury and Larry Canterbury of Pennsylvania.

   Services were April 24 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Charles Jenson officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. 

Lucille Carey 

   Lucille Carey died July 26, 1999 at Grandma’s Pad Adult Foster Care Home, Haslett, after a long illness.

   Mrs. Carey was born in Roscommon, the daughter of Leroy and Mabel (Payne) Shirey, and had been an Olivet resident since 1956, moving there from Charlotte.  She was a co-owner, with her husband Robert, of the former Carey’s Grocery in Charlotte.  She was a member of the Olivet Congregational Church and its Amy Storr-Emma Jo Circle; Olivet Senior Citizens’ and American Association of Retired Persons.

   She is survived by one son, Kendall (Jacqueline) Carey of Bucyrus, Ohio; two stepdaughters, Laura Damgaard of Howell and Alice Buckner of Garden City; five grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Gertrude Eifert of Mason; and two brothers, Mervine Shirey of Perry and Samuel Shirey of Eaton Rapids.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1975 and two brothers, George Shirey and Kenneth Shirey.

   Services were July 28 at the Olivet Congregational Church with the Rev. Clark Hock officiating.

   Cremation has taken place.  Interment of the cremains was in the Rowley Cemetery, Williamston.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Olivet Congregational Church.

   Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Cora Carpenter 

   Cora Carpenter, 85, of Charlotte died Sunday, June 13, 1999 at the Sparrow Health Systems, Sparrow Campus, after a short illness.

   Mrs. Carpenter was born Nov. 10, 1913 in Sandusky County, Ohio, the daughter of Joacob and Samantha (Holderman) Bowser and had been an Eaton County resident for 62 years.  She was a charter member of the West Windsor United Brethren Church.

   She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Rholland (Archie) Carpenter; one daughter, Carol Carpenter of Yale; one son, David (Diane) Carpenter of Charlotte; three grandchildren, Holly (James) Shirely, Rebecca (Wade) Wertz and Michael (Amanda) Carpeneter; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Anna Knapp of Findlay, Ohio and Wilma Dangler of Big Rapids; and one brother, Charles Bowser of Dayton, Ohio.

   Services were June 16 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with the Rev. Harold Cherry and the Rev. Richard Thorp officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the West Windsor UB Church.

Howard Carpenter 

   Howard Carpenter, 88, of Lakeview died Nov. 13, 1999 at the Kelsey Memorial Hospital, Lakeview.

   He is survived by two daughters, Joyce Carpenter of Detroit and Barbara (Charles) Lucas of Lakeview; four sons, Frank (Joyce) of Farwell, Roger (Sandy) of DeSoto, Texas, Douglas (Nelda) of Potterville, and Jack (Anita) of Lakeview; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Illah French and Alice Echtinaw; and five brothers, R.S., Ed. Harry, Mick, and John.

   He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Laurel; two grandchildren, Michelle and Duane Carpenter; one sister; and five brothers.

   Services were Nov. 17 at Brockway Wesleyan Church with Pastors Roger Cooper and Randy Carpenter officiating.  Interment was in the Alton Cemetery.

   Arrangements were made by the Youngman-McCullough Funeral Chapel, Lakeview. 

Mabel Carpenter 

   Mabel A. Carpenter, 91, of Bellevue died March 18, 1999 at Tendercare-Riverside Manor, Battle Creek.

   Mrs. Carpenter was born Feb. 20, 1908, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Frank and Myra (House) Potter.  She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1925 and from Michigan Business and Normal College (Argubright) in 1925 and presently attended Davenport College.  She had been a secretary and bookkeeper for Michigan Carton Co.  She married Robert Carpenter April 4, 1931 in Angola, Ind.  She was a member of the Bellevue Grange, Senior Citizens, OOP Club, Monday Club, Happy Hawmony Club, Bellevue Historical Society and Convis Township Home Extension Group.  She was an avid reader of books, did crossword puzzles and enjoyed gardening and playing cards with her friends.  In her youth, she played baseball, tennis, basketball, golf and pool.

   She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Willbrandt of Bellevue; two grandchildren, Curt Willbrandt of Plainwell and Marcy Gunn of Battle Creek; and four great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert May 2, 1981; and two parents, Orman Potter and Harry Potter.

   Services March 22 at the Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue, with the Rev. Mark Thompson officiating.  Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

Theo “Toni” Carpenter 

   Theo “Toni” Carpenter, 71, of Charlotte, formerly of Vermontville, died Dec. 10, 1999 at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Greenlawn Campus, Lansing.

   Mrs. Carpenter was born in Fenwick, the daughter of Curtis and Beverly Mae (Lent) Teall, and lived most of her life in Eaton County.  She had been employed at Hastings Aluminum Products from 1968-83, and most recently worked for Capitol Area Community Services in Charlotte.  She was a member of the Mt. Olivet Church of Christ, Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552, the Charlotte VFW Auxiliary, and the American Association of Retired Persons.

   She is survived by three sons, Dennis (Nancy Lee) Carpenter and Ronald (Nancy) Carpenter, both of Vermontville, and Jerry (Julie) Carpenter of Bellevue; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Waneta Bell of Ionia; and one brother, Brian Teall of Jackson.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Frecks” in 1975 and one brother, Raymond Teall.

   Services were Dec. 14 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with Minister Steve Doty and the Rev. Richard Thorp officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olivet Church of Christ School. 

Virginia Carpenter 

   Virginia Carpenter, 93, of Lake City, formerly of Charlotte, died Oct. 3, 1999 at Behlen’s Adult Foster Care Home, Lake City, after an extended illness.

   Mrs. Carpenter was born in Ionia County, the daughter of Frank and Fleda (Fales) Kelner and was a Lake City resident for five years.  She was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church when she lived in Charlotte.

   She is survived by three sons, David (Carolyn) George of Hastings, Thomas (Louise) George of Roscommon and Bruce (Rebecca) Carpenter of Annandale, Va.; five grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Fay Carpenter in 1991, and by one brother, Wick Kelner.

   Graveside services and interment were Oct. 6 at the Lee Center Cemetery, Lee Township, Calhoun County with the Rev. George Fleming officiating.  Local arrangements were made by the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte.  Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

Marie Carter 

   Marie Georgia Carter, 88, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Saturday, March 13, 1999.

   Mrs. Carter was born Oct. 11, 1910 in Eaton County, the daughter of Warren and Delilah (French) Love.  She worked for General Motors and the senior citizens office transporting seniors to appointments.

   She is survived by four daughters, Delores Moist of Charlotte, Joyce (Ralph) Liston of Ravenna, Ohio, Emogene (Robert) Washburn of Phoenix, Ariz., and Nona Mix of Potterville; two sons, Larry Carter of Olivet and Paul Carter Jr. of Springport; one brother, Dorr Love of Tucson, Ariz.; 21 grandchildren; several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

   Services were March 16 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating.  Interment was in West Carmel Cemetery, Eaton County. 

Leona Casler 

   Leona Casler, age 91, of Charlotte, died December 19, 1999.  Mrs. Casler was born June 9, 1906 in Eaton County the daughter of Allen and Ethel (Challender) Chapman.

   She is survived by her daughters, Doris (Clarence) Garvie and Lillian Wells, both of Bellevue; eleven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Betty Homminga of Mesick and Marion Walsh of Marshall.  She is preceded in death by her husband Gerald Casler in 1979 and her sons Bernard Allen in 1943, Carroll Casler in 1961, and Neil Casler in 1994.

   Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 22, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Charles Jenson officiating.  Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 – 4 p.m. and from 7 – 9 p.m. 

Edna Casteel 

   Edna M. (Wheeler) Casteel, 76, of Charlotte, died Feb. 21, 1999 in Lansing.

   Mrs. Casteel was born April 22, 1922 at Portland, the daughter of Morris and Ethel (Wakley) Wheeler.  She was a member of Potterville Church of the Nazarene.  Mrs. Casteel truly enjoyed her grandchildren, cooking, baking, and traveling.

   She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Nathan; one daughter, Sandra (Scott) Sabins of Lansing; two sons, Terry (Carol) Casteel of Lansing and Mickey (Cynthia) Casteel of Woodland; six grandchildren; and one sister, Edla Sproat of Wayland.

   Services were held Feb. 25 at the Peters and Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.  Interment was at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Potterville Church of the Nazarene. 

Betty Mae Catallo 

   Betty Mae Catallo, 81, of Grand Ledge died Dec. 1, 1999.

   Mrs. Catallo was born June 23, 1918 in Warsaw, Ind., the daughter of Daniel and Letitia (Coleman) Bowman.  She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, and a registered nurse, working in obstetrics, the Visiting Nurse Association, and geriatrics, more recently at the Eaton County Medicare Facility, Charlotte.

   She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Albert of Grand Ledge; two daughters, Jude Catallo Emerson (T. Scott) Susan; four sons, Daniel (S. Margaret), Anthony (Kathleen Wolfe), Ronald (Colleen) and Leo (Cheryl Hayes); five grandchildren, Christie, Rachel, Jenna, Arielle and Matthew; one sister, Marjorie Luecke; one brother, Richard Bowman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by one son, Matthew.

   Memorial Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Msgr. Michael Murphy Dec. 4 at St. Mary Cathedral.  Arrangements were made by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Mulliken Library or St. Luke’s Medical Center, Chicago, Ill. 

Leland Challender 

   Leland Challender, 82, of Midland, formerly of Charlotte, died July 23, 1999 at Tendercare of Midland.

   Mr. Challender was born July 28, 1916 in Charlotte, the son of the late Cleora and Irene (Culp) Challender, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1935.  He married Rosalie Top March 27, 1937 in Auburn, Ind.  He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and was employed by Coastal Tank Lines as a truck driver for 20 years, retiring in 1978.  He was a member of the Midland American Legion Berryhill Post #165 and enjoyed hunting.

   He is survived by his wife, Rosalie; one daughter, Irene (Jack) McKinney of LaGrange, Ken.; two sons, F.W. “Butch” Challender of Beaverton and Donald (Sue) Challender of Charlotte; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and one half-sister, Jane Keller of Hemet, Calif.

   He was preceded in death by two half-sisters.

   Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at the end of the month.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Midland Community Cancer Services, 220 West Main Street, Suite 200, Midland, Mich., 48640 or to the charity of one’s choice. 

Dr. Peter Chiang 

   Dr. Peter Fan-tih Chiang, 81, of Bellevue, died Saturday, Jan. 23 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.  Dr. Chiang was born Feb. 26, 1917 in Peking, China to Dong Tong and Ya-Ru (Liang) Chiang.

   He came to the United States from Taiwan as an exchange researcher in 1961.  He received his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Minnesota.  He taught at Benedict College in South Carolina and at Olivet College.  He retired from the water department of the City of Detroit in 1983.  He has resided in Bellevue since 1970.  He married Theresa Ya-I in China in 1934.

   He is survived by his wife, Theresa; five daughters, Chi-Shung Chiang of Oxnard, Calif., Michelle Wu of Kalamazoo, Angie Cheng of Battle Creek, Grace Chiang of East Leroy and Lu-Shung Sheh of Cupertino, Calif.; a son, Yao-Tung Chiang of Chicago, Ill.; and 11 grandchildren.

   Dr. Chiang was recognized by the American Men and Women of Science, the Community Leaders of America and the Dictionary of International Biography.  He was an honorary member of Alpha Lambda Epsilon Society and a member of St. Ann Catholic Church.

   Services were held Jan. 26 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bellevue with Rev. Fr. Miguel Carlos officiating.  Cremation followed the services, ashes will be buried in Peking, China at a future date.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. 

Paul Clark 

   Paul Frederick Clark, 82, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, died March 16, 1999 in Renaissance Village.

   Mr. Paul was born Sept. 27, 1916 in Huntington, Ind.  He had worked at J.C. Penny’s for 22 years and was then self-employed as an accountant in Charlotte.  He was a member of Masonic Lodge #120 F&AM, Charlotte.  He was an avid golfer and enjoyed Masonic work.

   He is survived by one daughter, Janet Tellas of Ft. Wayne; one son, the Rev. Edwin Clark of Hamilton, Ind.; two sisters, Ruth Seaman of Decatur, Ind., and Millie Tullis of Orland, Ind.; four brothers, Dale and Joe, both of Andrews, Ind., Ross of Bradford, Ohio, and Jim of Glendale, Ariz.; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Ronna in 1989, three brothers, and one sister.

   Services were March 19 at the Covington Memorial Gardens, Ft. Wayne.  Interment was in the Lindenwood Cemetery, Ft. Wayne. 

Aletha R. Clarke 

   Alletha R. Clarke, age 84, of Eaton Rapids died Monday, March 15, 1999.  She was born December 15, 1914 in Aurelius Township the daughter of William J. and Minnie (Bateman) Clarke.  Aletha lived with her parents until their death and maintained their home until her death.  Aletha attended a one room school until the 8^th grade then graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1933.  She then attended Eaton County Normal and returned to a one room school as a teacher.  She started in 1934 at the Griffith School, Jackson County for $40.00 a month.  Her career in education spanned 42 years, 23 years as an elementary teacher and 19 years as the first principle at Flora List Elementary School of Jackson Northwest School District.  A believer in education was evident by the fact of her taking extension courses and by attending summer school for years, receiving her bachelor of arts and math degrees from Western Michigan University.  Aletha was a member of the Griffith United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, she also was a member of the Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma.  A life member of the Elementary Principles Organization and Jackson County Retired School Personnel Organization.  Preceded her in death are her mother and father and sister Mary M. Stanke.

   Surviving are her sister, Lita (Samuel) Gillett of Eaton Rapids; brothers, James (Dorothy) Clarke of Onondaga and Herbert (Shirley)Clarke of Port Sanilac and brother-in-law, Raymond Stanke of Charlotte; 10 nephews and 5 nieces; plus many great nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be Friday, March 19^th at 1 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Jack Fugate of the Griffith United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to either the Griffith United Methodist Church Building Fund or the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital Vision 2000 in memory of Aletha R. Clarke. 

Helen Class 

   Helen Class, 83, of Weslaco, Texas, formerly of Charlotte, died Dec. 30, 1998, at the home of her daughter, Virginia, in Dimondale following an extended illness.

   Mrs. Class was born Helen Virginia Kelly in Huntington, Ind., the daughter of William and Dolly Kelly.  She was a lifelong homemaker, devoted wife, and beloved mother.  She devoted her life to the care of her husband and children and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.  She had been a Camp Fire leader in Charlotte.  After moving to Texas upon her husband’s retirement from Fisher Body in Lansing, she collected clothing for underprivileged children in Mexico.  She also participated in retirement community activities in Weslaco, including the sport of shuffleboard, where she achieved the Women’s Championship of the valley.

   She is survived by two daughters, Virginia Class of Dimondale, with whom she lived since July 1997, and Judy Class of Charlotte; one son, Barry of Charlotte; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and one sister, Pauline McClure, of Huntington, Ind.

   She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Paul in 1988; one sister, Louise Clock; and one brother, Eli Kelly.

   Cremation has taken place.

   Interment will be in Huntington, Ind., at a future date.  Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home. 

Jason L. Clements 

   Jason L. Clements, born September 29, 1972 in Lansing, died April 24, 1999 as a result of a fatal boating accident in Eaton Rapids at the age of 26.  Jason was employed as a heavy equipment operator for E.T. MacKenzie Co. of Grand Ledge and previously for John Howell, Inc. of Dimondale.  He grew up in Eaton Rapids and was a 1990 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School.  Jason was preceded in death by his father, Larry R. Clements in November 1998.

   Surviving are his mother, Connie M. (Grandy) Clements; 1 sister, Tina M. Clements; grandparents, Ronald and Joane Clements of Lansing and Lloyd and Betty Grandy of Georgia; fiancé, Priscilla Tripp of Eaton Rapids and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 5, 1999 at 1 p.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with the Rev. David Selleck officiating.  Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Park.  Casket bearers will be Anthony McDaniel, Craig Lynch, Phil McKeachie, Jim Whipple, Dave DeClercq, and Alex Andreau.  Friends may call at the Chapel beginning Tuesday at 6 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m.  Those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society, 416 Frandor, Suite 104, Lansing MI  48912 or to any charity of their choice, in memory of Jason. 

Dale W. Cloar 

   Dale W. Cloar, 74, of Hollywood, Fla., formerly of Charlotte died March 25, 1999 in Hollywood.

   Cloar was born in Dimondale and came to Charlotte in 1947.  He and his then wife, Dolores, founded the Charlotte Shopping Guide shortly thereafter and by ’50, the business had grown to a 32-page advertising circular.  In the ‘70s, Cloar sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law, Roxanne and John Gaedert and Gordon Sparks.

   He was a life member of Charlotte American Legion Post #42, Charlotte VFW Post #2406, and the Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120.  He was a former member of the Charlotte/Battle Creek Shrine and Charlotte Rotary clubs.  He was active in community groups and worked toward improving the communities in which he lived.  He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict.

   He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Hollywood; two daughters, Roxanne (John) Gaedert and Annette (Michael) Bruce, both of Charlotte; one step-daughter, Patricia (Jim) Klynman of Marietta, Ga.; one brother, Richard (Betty) of Alma; one sister, Mary Ellen (Chuck) Robbins of Lansing; one cousin, George (Donna) Fielding of Toledo, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Brinda (Gary) Ridenour, Cindy (Pat) Gaedert-Wing, Johnny Gaedert Jr., Jennifer Bruce, Nicholas Bruce, Gregory Kristian and Kathy Klynmann, and Kelly (Michael) Union.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Cloar and Alta Orwig; two brothers, Earl Jr. and Duane, and one granddaughter, Becky Gaedert.

   Services were March 28 in Hollywood at the Panciera Memorial Home.

   Graveside services to inter the cremains are Saturday, April 24 at 3 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, with the Rev. Dr. Peter Brenner officiating.  A VFW Color Guard will also take part in the memorial service.  A luncheon follows the service at 4 p.m. at VFW Post #46.  Local arrangements are being made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Hospital Project 2000 fund or the First Congregational Church United Church of Christ Endowment Fund, both of Charlotte. 

Leon Coats 

   Leon J. Coats, 90, of Charlotte, died Friday, March 26, 1999.

   Mr. Coats was born January 24, 1909 in Calhoun County the son of Frank and Catherine (Smith) Coats.  He was a night watchman at Miller’s Dairy in Eaton Rapids.

   He is survived by wife Gladys (Holmes), daughters Wendy (Robert) Sanders and Diana Coats both of Charlotte; two grandchildren; many nephews and nieces and two sister-in-laws, Arlene Coats of Eaton Rapids and Dorothy Boekout of Florida.

   Funeral services were Monday, March 29, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Royston officiating.  Interment was at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.  Visitation is Sunday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  If desired memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

   Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Cheryl Lee (Hathaway) Cohoon 

   Cheryl, formerly of Eaton Rapids, was born July 6, 1948 and passed away April 20, 1999 at home in Hudson, Florida after a lengthy illness under the loving care of her family and Hospice.  Cheryl grew up in Eaton Rapids and was a 1966 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School.  She married Roland (Bill) Cohoon on February 27, 1970 and they moved their family to Florida in 1981.

   She is survived by her loving husband, Bill; 2 sons, David and Jason; 1 daughter, Christina; her precious grandson, David Jr. and her dear mother, Dorothy Hathaway, all of Hudson, Florida.  She was preceded in death by her father, Wendell Hathaway in 1997.

   Services were held April 24, 1999 at Grace Memorial in Hudson, Florida.  Contributions in memory of Cheryl can be sent to Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 12260 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL  34613.  Cheryl will always be remembered for her caring heart and sense of humor.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. 

Phillip R. Cole 

   Phillip R. Cole, age 55, died Sunday, June 27, 1999 in Lansing.  Phillip was born April 27, 1944 in Lansing.  He served his country in the Army, Navy, and the National Guards.

   Surviving are his mother, Frances E. Cole of Lansing; father, Robert F. Cole of DeWitt; 1 brother, David Cole of FL; 5 sisters, Yvonne Charmaine, Roberta Salazar, Sue Cole all of Lansing, Norma Faust of Leslie, Linda Fulkerson of Grand Ledge; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews; 2 special friends, Tammy Stinson and Terri Schmidt.

   Graveside services were held on Wednesday, June 30, 1999 at Oakwood Cemetery, Eaton Rapids with Mike Fountain, Pastor of the Island City Baptist Church officiating.  The family was served by Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. 

Robert Cole 

   Robert Cole, 82, of Olivet, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1999 at Tendercare of Marshall after an extended illness.

   Mr. Cole was born in Walton Twp., Eaton County, the son of Blake and Mable (Porter) Cole, and lived most of his life in the Olivet area.  He was a 1937 graduate of Olivet High School, and served as Eaton County treasurer for three terms, retiring in 1985.  He was a lifelong dairy farmer and maple syrup producer; was an independent milk hauler for many years; and in his early years he worked at Standard Oil Co. Bulk Plant in Charlotte.  He served on the Walton Twp. Board as a supervisor and assessor, and was a former member and past chairman of the Eaton County Board of Commissioners, representing Walton Twp., before being elected county treasurer in 1973.  He was a member of the Olivet Congregational Church; a member and past president of the Olivet Lions Club; a life member of the Charlotte Lodge #120 F&AM; a life member of Maple City Chapter #218 O.E.S. in Charlotte; and, served as secretary of the Eaton County Maple Syrup Association.

   Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Canfield) Cole; three sons, Jerry (Elisabeth) Cole of Eaton Rapids, R. Jeffrey Cole of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. And James (Mary) Cole of Montague; and five grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Christine Thick in 1982; two brothers, Verl and Vance Cole; and sister, Pauline Spraul.

   Funeral services were held Sept. 25 at Olivet Congregational Church, Olivet, with Rev. Clark Hock officiating.  Interment was at Olivet Cemetery.

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice.

   Arrangements by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Helen Colegrove 

   Helen Colegrove, 68, of Charlotte died May 5, 1999 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing after a courageous battle with cancer.

   Mrs. Colegrove was born in Martin, the daughter of Robert and Maggie (Terpening) Marshall.  She was a certified nursing assistant with the Pipp Community Hospital/Borgess Health Alliance, retiring after 39 years of service.  She also worked in the Charlotte area with home health care.  She enjoyed camping, crafts and quilting.

   She is survived by her husband of 52 years, David; one daughter, Robyn (Robert) Morrison of Charlotte; two sons, David (Donna) of Charlotte and Don (Nancy) of Portage; one sister, Pauline O’Brien of Asheville, N.C.; one brother, William (Paige) Marshall of Plainwell; one brother-in-law, Russell (Beverly) Colegrove of Grand Junction; 12 grandchildren, Traci (Russell) Babcock, Michael Colegrove, Sally (Tim) Steward, Melissa (Keith) Perry, Rick (Jennifer) Colegrove, Faith Colegrove, Darien Colegrove, Brandon Colegrove, Michael Colegrove, Karissa Colegrove, Jessica Morrison, and Jacob Morrison; and four great-grandchildren, Ashley Babcock, Justin Steward, Miranda Steward, and Bailey Perry.  She is also survived by her dog, Barney.

   Services were May 7 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Dr. Charles Moore and Pastor Ron Lane officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. 

Kenneth Collins 

   Kenneth B. Collins, 75, of Cheyenne, Wyo., formerly of Eaton Rapids, died Monday, Dec. 7.

   Mr. Collins was born March 27, 1923 in Eaton Rapids moving to Cheyenne in 1976.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a MSgt. And served as a 1^st Lt. in the Army National Guard.  He was a supervisor for Michigan Bell and then worked for the Wyoming Travel Commission.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion.

   He is survived by his wife, Shirley Collins of Cheyenne whom he married Feb. 23, 1959 in Indiana; seven children, Rick Collins of Eaton Rapids, Kathy Andrews of St. Louis, MO, Mark Collins and Kyle Collins both of Cheyenne, Gary Collins of Tulsa, OK and Jeff Collins of Victorville, CA; seventeen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Burns and Genevieve Collins and two brothers.

   Cremation has taken place at Cheyenne Memorial Gardens.  Arrangements were made by the Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes. 

Robert Collins 

   Robert Collins, 64, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of Charlotte, died May 13, 1999 at his residence in Bradenton.

   Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Bradenton; three daughters, Janine (Greg) Dicus of Prattville, AL, Joanie (Bobby) Levister of Abbeville, SC, and Julie (Kenny) Lewey of Bennett, CO; one son, Mickey (Sue) Collins of Charlotte; and nine grandchildren, Candace and Chance Dicus, Brook Levister, Jason, Adam, Nicole, and Ken Lewey, and Amanda and Hali Collins.

   He was preceded in death by his mother, Neta, and father, Basil, both of Charlotte.

   Graveside services were May 17 at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Prattville, with the Rev. Glenn Brock officiating. 

Bert Collum 

   Bert Collum, 68, of Charlotte, formerly of Monroe, died July 8, 1999 in Nashville.

   Mr. Collum was born July 11, 1930 in LaSalle, the son of Matt and Leona (Thompson) Collum.  He attended Monroe schools and served in the army during the Korean War.  He was a groundskeeper for the State of Michigan parks.  He was a lifetime member of the VFW and served on the national drill team for the VFW honor guard, winning many awards.  He was an excellent artist and enjoyed playing practical jokes.

   Surviving are son, Daniel (Sue) Norris of Nashville; daughters, Gloria (Randy) Rolfe of Charlotte, and Christy (Greg) Wendorf of Nashville; brothers, Harry (Alma) Collum Sr., and Allen (Nina) Collum, all of Monroe;  nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents.

   Services were July 10 at the Maple Valley Chapel, Genther Funeral Home, Nashville, with Chaplain Richard Genther officiating.  Military honors were by VFW Post #8260, Nashville.  Cremation has taken place.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Children’s Home. 

Clarence Conant 

   Clarence Conant, 68, of Narrow Lake, died Oct. 29, 1999 at the Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, after a lengthy illness.

   Mr. Conant was born Oct. 30, 1930 in Charlotte, the son of Hugh and Alberta (Paine) Conant.  He was a 1949 graduate of Olivet High School and enlisted in the Navy.  He retired from Conrail after 38 years of service.  He attended the Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church and was a member of the American Legion Lansing Chapter, Mid-Michigan Railroad Club at Turkeyville, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Eaton County 4-H Shooting Sports, Eaton County Conservation Club and the Gun Club of Grass Lake.  He was the Brookfield Township supervisor for two years and a member of the Narrow Lake Association.  He was an avid reader and knowledgeable about wars and conflicts involving the U.S., including Civil War history.  He had been a gunsmith and hunter safety instructor for many years and loved to hunt, fish and listen to country music.  He and his wife, Ruth, has private charter tours to the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tenn. for 10 years.

   He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ruth; two daughters, Sally (Howard) Troutner Sr. and Esther (David) Harns, both of Eaton Rapids; three grandchildren, Howard Troutner Jr., Jason (Cathy) Troutner, Justin Harns; great-granddaughter, Carlie Elizabeth Troutner; sister, Carol McCallum of Charlotte; and special family friend, Ann Waldron of Eaton Rapids.

   He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carol.

   Services were Nov. 2 at the Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with the Rev. Dennis Perkins officiating.  Interment was in the Perry Cemetery, Brookfield Township with full military honors provided by American Legion Harold Teeter Post #15, Eaton Rapids.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church Building Fund. 

Alice Conard 

   Alice R. (Ward) Conard, 81, of Charlotte died April 12, 1999 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Charlotte.

   Mrs. Conard was born in Vermontville Township, Eaton County, the daughter of Worth and Catherine (Green) Ward and has been a lifelong Eaton County resident.  She was a 1938 graduate of Vermontville High School and had been a Charlotte resident since 1938.  She had been employed by the former Behrens & Rowe Drug Store in Charlotte from which she retired in 1962 after 10 years of service.  She was married to Elmer Conard Sept. 27, 1942.

   She is survived by one daughter, Mary Alive (Allen) Williams of Charlotte; and several nieces.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer June 1, 1987; her parents; one brother, Allen War (killed in World War II) in 1945; and two sisters, Ruby Beaudin in 1997 and Myrtle Stillwell in 1998.

   Services were April 15 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with the Rev. Edna Fleming officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or Disable American Veterans. 

Lillie Conklin 

   Lillie Esther Conklin, age 91, died Sunday, April 18, 1999.  Mrs. Conklin was born January 21, 1908 in Kent County, the daughter of Silas and Ottilie (Fichtenau) Gates.  She was a member of the Chester Gospel Church.

   She is survived by five sons, Dwight and Philip Conklin of Charlotte, Albert Gareth Conklin of Hastings, Sidney (Joyce) Conklin of South Haven, Russell (Donna) Conklin of Stanwood; six daughters, Edna Conklin, Janet Conklin, Karen (Marshall) Hardin, Virginia (Patrick) Garvey, all of Hastings, Edith Winegar of Charlotte, Lucy Blackmon of Brewton, Alabama; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Edith Gates and Rena Gates.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Ezra Conklin, June 10, 1980.

   Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, 1999 at Chester Gospel Church with Rev. Marc Livingston officiating.  Interment will be at Union Cemetery, Barry County.  The family received visitors Monday and Tuesday from 2 – 4 p.m. and from 7 – 9 p.m.

  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Chester Gospel Church for the Mission Fund.  Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Gertrude Converse 

   Gertrude M. Converse, 84, of Charlotte, Mich., died March 24, 1999.  Mrs. Converse was born August 17, 1914 in Eaton County, the daughter, Marilyn (Larry) Royston of Charlotte; son, Ronald (Harriet) Converse; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Lewis Converse in 1986.

   Funeral services will by 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Mich.

   The family will receive visitors 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Pray Funeral Home.  If desired memorial contributions may b e made to one’s favorite charity.

   Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Samantha Cook 

   Samantha Joyce Cook, 15, of Nashville, died Monday, March 1, 1999 at her home following a long illness.

   She was born Nov. 21, 1983 in Lansing, the daughter of David Cook and Colleen Carter.  She attended Eaton Intermediate School District.

   She is survived by her parents, Colleen and Bruce Fisher, David and Helen Cook all of Nashville; brothers and sisters, Anthony, Joseph and Ryan Cook, Raymond and Kristen Hole, Abel Fisher, all of Nashville, and Nolen Fisher of Florida; grandparents, Vernie and Linda Nichols of Bellevue, Emmajean Fisher of Flushing; great-grandmother, Irene Whitaker of Charlotte; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.

   She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Virgil Carter, Nancy and Carl Sichler; and her great-grandparents, Floyd and Patricia Rush.

   Services were held March 5 at Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken, with Pastor Bruce Higdon officiating.  Interment was at Hillside Cemetery, in Kalamo. 

Charles Cooley 

   Charles Cooley, 84, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Hastings and Charlotte, died Oct. 29, 1999 in Clearwater.

   Mr. Cooley was born May 29, 1915 in Tustin, the son of Henry and Zella (Snyder) Cooley.  He was raised in the Eaton Rapids area and attended Eaton Rapids school, graduated in 1935 from Eaton Rapids High School.  He married Eula Bush April 30, 1939, and following their marriage, lived in Charlotte until 1961 when they moved to Hastings, then Clearwater in the fall of 1979.  He was employed at Consumers Power Co. for 31 years, retiring Sept. 30, 1976.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

   He is survived by three daughters, Connie (Ollen) McLane of Largo, Fla., Nancy (Clarence) Pomeroy of Hastings, and Karen (John) Despres of Hastings; one son, H. Eugene (JoAnne) of Mackinaw; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Claude of Owosso; and two brothers-in-law, Claude Cox of Jackson and Carl Cook of Lansing.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eula Dec. 21, 1998; and one sister, Maxine Cox.

   Memorial services are Monday, Nov. 8, at the Wren Funeral Home, Hastings, with the Rev. G. Kent Keller officiating.  Interment will be at Hastings Riverside Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. 

Eula Cooley 

   Eula M. Cooley, 81, of Clearwater, Fla., formerly of Hastings, died Monday, Dec. 21, 1998 at Mariner Health of Clearwater.

   Mrs. Cooley was born May 1, 1917, in Charlotte, the daughter of Will and Grace (Coats) Bush.  She was raised in the Charlotte area and attended Charlotte schools, graduating in 1934 from Charlotte High School.  She was married to Charles Cooley on Apr. 30, 1939.  She had been employed by Charlotte Appliance Store, Sears and Roebuck Store in Charlotte, Wagner and Loucks in Charlotte, Dr. Louis Nitsch office in Hastings and Moriarity Pole Buildings in Hastings.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, enjoyed bowling, word search puzzles and playing bingo.

   She is survived by her husband, Charles; three daughters, Connie (Ollen) McLane of Largo, Fla., Nancy (Clarence) Pomeroy and Karen (John) Despres both of Hastings; a son, H. Eugene (JoAnne) of Mackinaw; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Iva Bush, Eva Olmstead, Norma Cook and Bethel Stillwell; and a brother, Charles Bush.

   Services were held Dec. 28 at Wren Funeral Home with the Rev. G. Kent Keller officiating.  Interment was at Hastings Riverside Cemetery.  Arrangements were made by Wren Funeral Home of Hastings.

   Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. 

Jeanette Cooper 

   Jeanette Cooper, at 73, of Charlotte, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 1998 at Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte.

   Mrs. Cooper was born in Spencer (Kalkaska County), the daughter of Grover and Gladyce (Wheeler) Ball.  She was a homemaker.

   She is survived by her husband, Loyd; two daughters, Sandra Ellen (John) Wycoff of Columbus, GA, Kristie Lee (Leon) Aldrige of Niles; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Stanley Ball of Fife Lake and Roger Ball of Kalkaska.

   Services were held Dec. 29 at the Pray Funeral Home with the Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association. 

Jerry F. Cooper 

   Jerry F. Cooper, age 63, of Springport died November 3, 1999 at his residence.  He was born in Albion the son of Floyd E. and Gertrude (Sullivan) Cooper.  Mr. Cooper lived in Jackson County most of his life.  He worked at Union Steel for 16 ears, later working at Specialty Castings in Springport, retiring in 1992.  He enjoyed bowling, was a member of the Marshall Moose #676 and loved to hunt and fish.  He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Cooper and brother, Bob Cooper.

   Surviving are his wife, Donna; 2 sons, Floyd (Sharon Kay) Cooper of Albion and Jeff (Paula) Cooper of Springport; 3 daughters, Cheryl Reitz of Jackson, Peggy Sue (Tim) Brockwell of Horton and Julie (Lanny) Clawson of Albion; 10 grandchildren, Kevin, Steven & Craig Brasseur, Charles & Stacy Cooper, Jenny Cooper, Amy & Alicia Clawson, Travis & Joey Cooper; 2 brothers, James (Charlotte) Cooper of Horton and Jack (Donna) Cooper of Pryor, OK; and mother, Gertrude Draper of Springport.

   Funeral services were held November 8 ,1999 at the Albion Chapel of Tidd-Williams Funeral Chapels with Rev. Robert Doner officiating.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery, Parma.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Cooper Family. 

John Coppess 

   John Edward Coppess, 89, of Sunfield died Oct. 17, 1999 at Altera Clare/Bridge Assisted Living Center, Lansing.

Mr. Coppess was born Dec. 28, 1909 in Waterman, II., the son of George and Mae (Gallup) Coppess Reahm.  He lived in the Sunfield area nearly all his life and was a 1930 graduate of Sunfield High School.  He owned and worked his own farm.

   He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myrtie; three daughters, Betty (Jack) Smith of Sunfield, Doris (Darrell) Bell of Sunfield, and Ruth Ann (Ronald) Fuller of Houston, Texas; one son, Jack (Betty Lee) of Toledo, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Adelaide (Raymond) Dalton of Lake Odessa and Dorothy Steward of Lake Odessa.

   He was preceded in death by his father in 1953, his mother in 1983, a special grandfather, John Gallup in 1938, two sisters, Lucy Coppess in 1917, Ruth Coppess in 1925, and two brothers, George in 1980 and Charles in 1977.

   Services were Oct. 20 at the Rosier Funeral Home, Mapes-Fisher Chapel, Sunfield, with the Rev. Brian Sheen officiating.  Interment was in the Sunfield Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Treatment & Research. 

Myrtie Bell Coppess 

   Myrtie Bell Coppess passed away November 9, 1999 in her farm home on Round Lake Road, Sunfield, at the age of 92.  She was born on November 3, 1907 in Sunfield Township, the daughter of Ira Jay Hager and Ethel Bell (Porter) Hager.  Mrs. Coppess lived in the Vermontville area and graduated from Vermontville High School in 1926.  That same year she moved to Sunfield.  In 1927 she attended Western State Teachers College in Kalamazoo and graduated in 1930 with an Elementary Life Teaching Certificate.

   She was a teacher at Hager School, and did substitute teaching at Sunfield Elementary School for six years (1957-1963).  She was a 4-H leader for ten years.

   She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  Preceding her in death were her mother and father, Ethel Bell (Porter) Hager in 1933 and Ira Jay Hager in 1967, an infant brother (year unknown), sister Ruthie Lorita 1909, brother Merton LaVeral Hager 1989, husband John Edward Coppess 1999.

   Surviving are her four children, Betty (Jack) Smith of Sunfield, Doris (Darrell) Bell of Sunfield, Ruth Ann (Ron) Fuller of Houston, Texas, and Jack E. (Betty Lee) Coppess of Toledo, Ohio; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 12, 1999 at the Rosier Funeral Home, Mapes-Fisher Chapel, Sunfield, with the Reverend Brian Sheen of the Sunfield United Methodist Church officiating.  The pallbearers were Norman Hager, Richard Hager, Phillip Smith, Raymond Wilcox, Wayne Steward, Raymond Stambaugh and Honorary Pallbearer, Jerry Coppess.

   For those wishing, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Mrs. Myrtie Bell Coppess (Hager).  An interment service followed the service at the funeral home at the Sunfield Cemetery. 

June Covell 

   June Covell, 78, of Charlotte died Sept. 17, 1999.

   Mrs. Covell was born Feb. 12, 1921 in Lansing, the daughter of Ranger Charles and Nellie (Myers) Wilber.  She was a member of the Blue Star Mothers, Eaton County Draft and Pony Club and West Chester Extension Group.

   She is survived by her husband, Norm; three sons, Donald (Sue) of Onondaga, Norman of Mt. Pleasant, and Roger (Renee) of Lansing; one sister, Betty (Wilber) McDaniel of Lansing; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one niece, Jody McDaniel; one nephew, Rob McDaniel; and close cousin Don Wilber.

   Services were Sept. 20 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating.  Interment was in the Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham Hospice. 

Harry Craun 

   Harry Russell Craun, 72, of Vermontville died Dec. 21, 1999 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, Charlotte.

   Mr. Craun was born Aug. 8, 1927 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Harry and Bessie (Gillette) Craun and had lived in Eaton County his entire life.

   He attended the Nashville Baptist Church, was a long-time farmer, and retired in 1985 as a respected foreman at Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte after 36 years.

   He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sylvia (Swift); one daughter, Kathy Vandlen of Bellevue; two sons, Steven (Phyllis) of Mason and Gary (Pam) of North Manchester, Ind.; one brother, Virgil (Mary) of Prudenville; one sister, Irene Brown of Lansing; and grandchildren, Laura and Brandon Craun, Joshua and Caleb Craun, and Kelly and Jessica Vandlen.

   He was preceded in death by an infant son, David in 1951 and his parents.

   Services were Dec. 24 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating.  Interment was at Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville Baptist Church or charity of one’s choice. 

Halina Craven 

   Halina Craven, 73, of Lansing formerly of Charlotte, died June 5, 1999 in her sleep.

   Mrs. Craven was born March 10, 1926 in Poland, the daughter of Styanislaw and Lujca Oleszczuk.  She was displaced from Poland in November 1941 by Nazi Germany forces and forced to work as a slave laborer in Zella Melles Munitions Factory until her liberation from a labor camp near Thuringen, Germany by U.S. Army troops in April 1945.  She married Cpl. James Craven, U.S. Army in Schweinfurt, Germany Oct. 7, 1947 and moved to Charlotte in 1948, where she lived until 1953.  She then joined her husband in France, stationed in Saint Jean D’Angley, returning to Fort Monmouth N.J., then Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico until Oct. 1964.  Mrs. Craven has lived in the Lansing area for the last 35 years and was a member of the Living Word Outreach Church.

   She is survived by her husband, James; one sister, Adela Zielinska; one brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Portia Barnett of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Jeffrey (Diana) Barnett, Joy (Jack) Cummings, Robin (Bernell) Morgan and families; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, all of Poland.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Janek, and her mother-in-law, Leona Craven of Charlotte.

   Services were June 8 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. George Fleming officiating.  Interment was in the Brickyard Cemetery, Eaton Rapids Township.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s research. 

David Crawford 

   David Oscar Crawford, 76, formerly of Holt, Lansing area and had lived in Florida, 20 years, returning to Michigan in 1997 residing in Charlotte, died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999.

   Mr. Crawford was born June 18, 1922 in Lansing, the son of Robert and Vercie Crawford.  He graduated from Holt High School in 1940.  He worked as a foreman in Oldsmobile Engineering, retiring in Feb. 1977 after 30 years of service.  He was a member of the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club, Past Commander of VFW Post 8087, Eustis, FL, member of the American Legion, Order of the Moose.  He served with the US Navy during WWII in the Blimp Squadron.

   He is survived by 3 children, Mary Gardner of Lansing, Rev. W. Peter (Kay) Crawford of Elkton, and Shirley (Charles) Lett of Charlotte; brother, Carl Crawford of Point St. Lucie, Florida; 8 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Louise.

   Funeral services were Feb. 4, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Dr. Charles Moore officiating.  Interment was held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

   If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society or American Diabetes Association. 

Mary Crawford 

   Mary Alice Crawford, 89, of Charlotte, formerly of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Oct. 4, 1999.

   Mrs. Crawford was born Sept. 23, 1910 in Zienia, Ohio, the daughter of Walter and Ethel (Bails) Weaver.  She was a housewife and a seamstress.

   She is survived by one son, Charles of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; four grandchildren, Jara Adams of Charlotte, Jodie (John) VanAlstine of Vermontville, Sherri (Gregg) Hall of Charlotte, and Bob Crawford of Mason; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Mangona of Ligonier, Ind.; two brothers, Willard Weaver of Union City, Ind., and Allen Weaver of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, William; three sisters, Ruth Fuller, Pauline Ware, and Velma Weaver; and one son, Robert.

   Services were Oct. 6 at Reichard Funeral Home, Union City, Ind.  Interment was in the Union City Cemetery.  Local arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

George Benjamin Crocker 

   George Benjamin Crocker, age 87, of Eaton Rapids died Saturday, November 27, 1999 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte.  He was born September 21, 1912 in Wayne, Michigan, the son of Delbert H. and Nancy (Yoemans) Crocker.  Mr. Crocker spent most of his life doing manual labor in the area of construction and farming and in his later years would be found doing odd jobs for residents in the Eaton Rapids area.  Mr. Crocker was preceded in death by his wife Marie in 1989 and two infant children, Elsie and Frank.

   Surviving are 7 children, Jack Greening, Charles (Sue) Greening, Ethel (Garnet) Walker, James (Judy) Greening, Nancy (Leon) Johnson, Jimmie (Tammy) Crocker, and Mary (Mike) King; 16 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Alice.

   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 1999 at 11 a.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Klink of the Community Christian Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Clara Cronk 

   Clara Cronk, 81, of Bellevue, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 1999 at her home.

   Mrs. Cronk was born Sept. 9, 1918 in Kalamo, the daughter of Truman and Blanche (Roberts) Gordnier.  She married Rex Cronk on June 26, 1936; he died in 1967.  She was employed as a production worker for several years at Progressive Dynamics, retiring in 1976.  She was an avid bowler; was involved with the Eagles League, a member of Eagles Aerie #299, Grange and the Moose Lodge; was a member of the Forget-Me-Not Club in Bellevue, and was active with the American Red Cross as a volunteer and Meals on Wheels.

   Surviving are daughter, Loralie Hunter of Bellevue; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Truman “Buck” Gordnier of Calif., Gerald Gordnier of Vicksburg; sisters, Mary Perkins of Springhill, Fla., Pearl Firth, Mabel Gish and Charlene Buchanan of Battle Creek.

  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Merilouise Cronk in 1940 and a brother, Max Gordnier.

   Services were held Sept. 28 at Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, with Pastor Don Francis officiating.  Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue.

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.

   Arrangements by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel. 

Robert Cronk 

   Robert Cronk, 86, passed away Nov. 12, 1999 at his residence.

   Mr. Cronk was born in Olivet on July 22, 1913 to Wilfred and Dorothy (Bradley) Cronk.  He spent most of his adult life in the Bellevue and Charlotte areas.  He was active in Ainger Bible Church, Olivet, serving as church board member and usher for 67 years.  He was currently a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte.  He was a retired dairy farmer of over 40 years, near Bellevue, and later was employed by the Eaton County Farm Bureau Services, retiring in 1978.

   Surviving are his wife of 60 ½ years, Vera (Roberts) Cronk; a son, James (Sharon) Cronk of Otsego; a daughter, Carol (Dick) Marshall of Vermontville; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Elizabeth Gallagher of Grand Rapids.

   He was preceded in death by a twin sister, Roberta in 1927; a brother, John in 1966 and his parents.

   Funeral services were held Nov. 16 at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Booth of Calvary. 

Delmer Crosslan 

   Delmer Wayne Crosslan, 87, of Ovid, passed away March 16, 1999.  He was born May 11, 1911, in Eaton County the son of Cyrus and Ola (Hoag) Crosslan.

   He had lived most of his life in Ovid.  He worked for Ovid Public Schools in the maintenance dept. retiring in 1972.  On May 8, 1937 he married Dale Tuttle in Angola, Ind.

   Survivors include his wife Dale; two daughters, June (Marvin) Sommer of Lansing, Janice (David) Koenigsknecht of St. Johns; three granddaughters, Marci (Van) Fox of Morrice, Traci (Matthew) Bergeon of Mason and Juli Koenigsknecht of Lansing; grandson, Dace Koenigsknecht of Lansing; step-grandson, Alan Sommer of Lansing; step-granddaughter, Toni Sommer of Potterville; five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded by his three brothers and one great-granddaughter.

   Funeral services were held March 19 at Houghton Chapel-Osgood Funeral Home in Ovid with Rev. Larry Smith officiating.

   The family was served by the Osgood Funeral Homes. 

Jessie C. Crowe 

   Jessie Carolyn (McDuffie) Crowe, 56, of Lansing died Feb. 15, 1999.

   Born July 26, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, Carolyn lived in Hastings and Las Vegas, Nev., before moving to Lansing.  She was a registered nurse specializing in surgery and in ICU.

   Surviving are her son, Thomas Crowe of Evansville, Ind.; daughter, Diane (Todd) Sotala of Charlotte; grandchildren, Rachael and Karissa Sotala; and brother, John McDuffie of Georgia.

   Private services were held.  Arrangements were handled by Holihan-Atkin Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.  Contributions may be made to the Seventh-day Adventist Church Elementary School. 

Dennis Joe Culver 

   Dennis Joe Culver, age 56 of Howell, died Saturday, December 4, 1999 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Elk Rapids.  He was born January 18, 1943 in Lansing, the son of Wayne J. and Gladys (Cooke) Culver.  Mr. Culver was a building mechanic for the Lansing Board of Water and Light Public Utilities, where he had been employed for the past 26 years.  He was a loyal and active member of IBEW.  Mr. Culver enjoyed his summer residence in the Torch Lake River area where he engaged in his passion for the Northern Michigan outdoors.  He loved the water and was an avid boater.  His favorite expression was “There is nothing quite so nice as messing about the water”.  He built his life around his family and will be remembered as a loyal, loving husband, father and grandfather.

   Surviving are his wife, Melissa R. (Leonard); two children, Chad (Michelle) Culver of Traverse City and Jamie (Scot) Tatman of Lowell; four brothers, Jim (Suzanne) Culver of Vero Beach, FL, Tom Culver of Lansing, Bud (Wava) Culver of Lansing and Ted (Rosalyn) Culver of Ann Arbor; three grandchildren, Courtney Ann and Alexandra Lyn Culver and Emily Jane Tatman; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and died with his brother, Timothy D. Culver.

   Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 8, 2 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grass River Natural Area, PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI  49615. 

Timothy D. Culver 

   Timothy D. Culver, age 60, longtime resident of Eaton Rapids, died Saturday, December 4, 1999, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Elk Rapids.  He was born September 5, 1939 in Lansing, the son of Wayne J. and Gladys (Cooke) Culver.  He had served as an educator for the past 30 years, as a teacher, athletic coach, principal and assistant superintendent.  Although he was most recently employed by Concord Academy Antrim Charter School, in Mancelona, he had worked in the Eaton Rapids Public School system for 27 years.  Prior to his employment at Concord Academy, he served as Director of Island City Academy in Eaton Rapids.  Mr. Culver was an avid golfer, but also enjoyed tennis and boating.  He loved the Northern Michigan outdoors and was a loyal Spartan Fan.  He was a prolific reader and brought his enjoyment of good books to the classroom.  Mr. Culver was also active in the Eaton Rapids Kiwanis Club.  Mr. Culver was born in Lansing and lived on Cavanaugh road where he attended Forrest Road School.  He attended Pattengil Junior High School and graduated from Easter High School in 1957.  He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Michigan State University.  While attending school, he worked at WJIM-TV (now WLNS).

   Surviving are his wife, Margaret M. (Myers); two children, Barbara Jane (Robert) Nulf of Climax and Sandra Kaye Culver of Chicago; four brothers, Jim (Suzanne) Culver of Vero Beach, FL, Tom Culver of Lansing, Bud (Wava) Culver of Lansing and Ted (Rosalyn) Culver of Ann Arbor; two grandchildren, Sydney Ray Nulf and Henry Robert Nulf; as well as many nieces ad nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and died with his brother, Dennis Joe Culver.

   Memorial services will be held Wednesday, December 8,  2 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co. East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Grass River Natural Area, PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI  49615. 

Alice Cundiff 

   Alice Isabel Cundiff, 92, of Charlotte died Feb. 21, 1999 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, Charlotte, following a short illness.

   Mrs. Cundiff was born June 30, 1906 in Pontiac, the daughter of Cash and Retta (Pearsall) Walker.  She spent many years living in the rural Hillsdale area and in Charlotte the past 10 years.  She enjoyed animals and farm living.  She began driving a Model T Ford as a young girl and had an 80-year unblemished driving record.

   She is survived by two nieces, Retta (Glenwood) McNeil of Charlotte and Lillie Cundiff of Kentucky; one cousin, Beatrice Haynes of Texas; and the Craig Snyder family of Charlotte.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Eiljah; her parents; brothers and sisters.

   There were no services.  Interment was in Bankers’ Cemetery, Hillsdale.  Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Charles Cunningham 

   Charles Cecil “Chuck” Cunningham, 55, died May 3, 1999.

   Mr. Cunningham was born Aug. 17, 1943 in Lake Odessa.  He retired from Barker Fowler Electric Co. after over 24 years of service and upon retirement, opened and operated Electric Motor Repair, Inc. in Lansing.  He was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #665.  He was a kind-hearted man and a hard worker who was respected and admired by many friends and loved ones.  He was an avid outdoorsman and cherished Michigan and all its natural wonders.  His mechanical ability was respected, as most of his associates and contacts would attest to, and he was always willing to offer help and good advice, while keeping a keen sense of humor intact.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Christine; three sons, Keith and Bryan Cunningham and Brian Cagle; one grandson, Calvin Cunningham; his parents, Dareld and Rosie Cunningham of Charlotte; two sisters, Yvonne (Dr. Larry) Baker of Wisconsin and Nancy Cunningham of lake Odessa; one brother, Gary Cunningham of Lake Odessa; two brothers, Lloyd (Linda) Catey of Grand Ledge and Richard (Joy) Cagle of Kalamazoo; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

   Services were May 7 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Dave Voorhees officiating.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

Robert Curtis, Sr. 

   Robert Grover Curtis, Jr., 82, of Charlotte, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 19999.

   Mr. Curtis was born July 23, 1916 in Woodland, the son of Grover and Georgia (Follett) Curtis.

   He is survived by his wife, Hazel; daughter, Joan (Daniel) Haigh of Charlotte; son, Robert Curtis, Jr. of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Janet Curtis of Thorton, Mass.; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margie Hutchison of Grand Ledge and Hazel Bowman of Leslie; two brothers, Willard (Celine) Curtis of Potterville and John Curtis of Olivet.

   He was preceded in death by a son, Donald Curtis in 1996.

   Services were held at Pray Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Royston officiating.  Interment was in Perry Cemetery in Brookfield Township. 

Diane Cutting 

   Diane Lynn Cutting, 47, of Charlotte, died Jan. 15, 1999 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

   Mrs. Cutting was born Sept. 5, 1951 the daughter of Francis and Nettie (Lea) Baum in Battle Creek.  She married Charles Cutting on Nov. 21, 1970.  They are members of Ainger Bible Church.

   She is survived by her husband, Charles; two daughters, Carrie (Jeff) Perry of Grand Rapids and Tina (Richard) Laiz of Riverdale, N.Y.; one grandson, Robert Perry; two sisters, Joyce (Stewart) Taylor of Charlotte and Denise Pfiester of Bellevue; three brothers, Harold Baum of Mason, Rex (Loraine) Baum and David (Judi) Baum both of Charlotte.

   She was preceded in death by her mother, Nettie in 1988 and her father, Francis in Oct. 1998.

   Services were held Jan. 19 at the Ainger Bible Church with Pastor Scott Brood officiating.  Interment was in Oakwood Eaton Rapids Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Harold Dalley 

   Harold Cyreanous Dalley, 87, of Charlotte, died Oct. 31, 1999.

   Mr. Dalley was born May 12, 1912 in Marshall, the son of Scott and Lavina (Long) Dalley.  He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a member of Greenawalt-Flaherty American Legion Post #42.

   He is survived by three daughters, Iris (Frank) Barcato of Fla., Charlene Martin of Ind., and Alice (Bob) Francisco of Fla.; four sons, Barton (Janet) Dalley of Alto, Elwyn (Elsie) Dalley of Ind., Clifford Dalley of California, and Danny (Pamela) of Flint; 18 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris (Parish).

   Services were Nov. 3 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Raymond Rossell officiating.  Interment was at Delta Center Cemetery in Delta Township.

Luella Damon  

   Luella Damon, 92, of Bellevue, died Friday, Aug. 20, 1999 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.

   Mrs. Damon was born Jan. 31, 1907 in Battle Creek to Edward and Mattie (Smith) Hodges.  She married John Damon in 1925; he died June 22, 1978.  She was employed briefly in the packaging department at Kellogg’s and was a homemaker, raising seven children.  She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and story-telling.  She especially enjoyed her family and feeding the wild birds and animals.

   Surviving are her daughters, Betty Harrison of Bellevue, Susan (Paul) Coats of Battle Creek and Maxine (Donald) Collins of Charlotte; sons, Robert (Marion) Damon and John (Elaine) Damon of Bellevue, Kenneth (Shirley) Damon and Dennis (Rosie) Damon of Marshall; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Pauline Rugg of Bellevue and Rose Silvers of Mt. Pleasant.

   She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son; brothers, Maurice and Marion Hodges; two granddaughters; a great-grandson; and a great-granddaughter.

   Services were held Aug. 24 at Shaw Funeral Home, Bellevue, with Pastor Stephen Covert officiating.  Interment was at Newton Cemetery, Newton Twp.

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, Calhoun Area, or the Fountain Clinic of Marshall.

   Arrangements by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue. 

Gerald Dankenbring  

   Gerald Allen Dankenbring, 61, of Charlotte died March 18, 1999 following a lengthy illness.

   Mr. Dankenbring was born June 3, 1937 in Grand Ledge, the son of Wesley and Esther (Wood) Dankenbring.  He was employed in grounds maintenance for Charlotte Public Schools for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; one daughter, Cindy (Kevin) Burns of Ionia; three sons, Gerald (Melanie) Dankenbring of Lansing, Daniel (Manuela) Dankenbring and Robert Dankenbring, both of Nashville; two stepdaughters, Tammy Whorley and Margo Gregory, both of Ionia; two stepsons, Mark Gregory of Ionia and Kenneth Gregory of Fenwick; 10 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; one sister, Bettie Marlett of Charlotte; and one brother, Russell Dankenbring of Florida.

   Services are Monday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor David Ames officiating.  Interment will be in the Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken. 

Patty Dassance-Patterson  

   Patty Dassance-Patterson, age 42, died Sunday, September 5, 1999 in Lansing.  Patty was born September 12, 1956 in Owosso.  She was a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1974 and was employed with the Lear Corp. in Mason where she also played on their softball team.

   Surviving are 2 daughters, Jamie Patterson and Jennifer Patterson, both of Olivet; parents, Levi and Luella Dassance of Cadillac; 3 brothers, Jerry Dassance of Muskegon, Paul (Connie) Dassance of Tennessee, Mike (Laura) Dassance of Eaton Rapids; 3 sisters, Arlene Dassance of Dimondale, Diane (Daryl) Bunker of Olivet, Barbara (Ron) Adleman of Eaton Rapids, several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

   Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 9, 1999, 11 a.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Rev. Stephen Klink of the Community Christian Church officiating.  Interment will follow at Meauwataka-Dayhuff Cemetery.  Casket bearers will be Jamie Patterson, Nick Bunker, Ron Adleman, Eric Adleman, Cory Adleman and Art Troutner.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday 1-3 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.  Those desiring may make a contribution to the Patterson Family Fund in memory of Patty. 

Marion Davenport  

   Marion E. Davenport, 79, of Grand Ledge, died Tuesday evening, April 13, 1999, at her home following a long illness.

   Mrs. Davenport was born October 27, 1919 in Roxand Township, a daughter of George and Ilo (Mead) Parker.  She was a member of the Mulliken United Methodist Church.  Her sister, Marilyn Russell, preceded her in death in 1987.

   Surviving are her daughter, Carol Conley of Grand Ledge; her son, Roger (Marie) Davenport of Mulliken; five grandchildren, Amy and Jake Davenport and Randy, Trevor, and Mindy Senko; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley Patterson and Bryce Brown.

   Services were held at 1 p.m. Friday at Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken, with Pastor Steven Bohus officiating.  Interment was at Meadowbrook Cemetery.  Pall-bearers were Jake Davenport, Foye Fierce III, Dan and Robert Russell, and Randy and Trevor Senko. 

Samantha Davids  

   Samantha Marilyn Jean Davids, infant daughter of Jerry and Heather Davids of Mason, died July 16, 1999.

   Surviving are her parents; two brothers, Jason and Jody; and sister, Danielle, all of Mason; grandparents, Marilyn Stiles of Mason, Larry Davids of GA, Paula and Jim Brummer of Wis.; and great-grandparents, Otto and Mary Heikkila of Mason.

   Funeral services were held July 20, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Jeff Frost officiating.  Interment was at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mason.

   Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home. 

Evelyn Winder Davidson  

   Evelyn Winder Davidson was born to Charles and Jesse (Small) Winder in Hersher, IL on December 5, 1908.  Her father was a dentist who moved the family to Eaton Rapids when Evelyn was in 5^th grade.  She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, Class of 1927, and went on  to Michigan State College, leaving in her first year to marry Christopher Davidson, III, President of Davidson Woolen Mills and ceding her four year scholarship to another student.  After their marriage, Evelyn and Christopher lived in the same house for 60 years where Evelyn raised three children.

   She is survived by her 3 daughters, Eve Davidson, Jean Treloar, both of Lansing, Joan Treloar of Hastings; son-in-law, Nyle; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 10, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Pastor Tom Evans of the Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment followed at Rosehill Cemetery, Eaton Rapids.  Those desiring may make contributions to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund in memory of Evelyn W. Davidson. 

Marion Davidson  

   Marion “Bill” James Davidson, 86, of Brookings, Ore., formerly of the Charlotte-Potterville area, died Feb. 25, 1999 in the Crest City, Calif. hospital.

   He was born August 10, 1912, the son of James Harvey and Ulrica (Ottney) Davidson.  He made several trips to Oregon before moving there permanently.  He was a graduate of Brookings High School, a devoted Christian and loved music.  He married Josephine Norris.  After her death in 1942 he married Madelyn Smith.

   He is survived by his wife, Madelyn; two sons, Wendel (Diane) Davidson of Portland, Ore. and Alan (Lisa) Davidson of Oregon City, Ore.; one daughter, Janice (John) Stephens of Alva, Okla.; six grandchildren, Jonathan Gary Davidson, Michael Owen Davidson, Kimberly Nicole Davidson, Eric Alan Davidson, Matthew David Stephens, and Joseph Daniel Stephens; two brothers, Arthur (Marjorie) Davidson of Dundee, Ore. and James (Thelma) Davidson of Charlotte; two sisters, Marquetta (Edgar) Buckley of Charlotte and Verlee Gamble of Charlotte.

   He was preceded in death by his first wife, Josephine in 1942; his mother, Ulrica in 1980; his father, James in 1957; three brothers, Ian in 1969, Kenneth in 1993 and Donald in 1993; one sister, Nuncietta Doty in 1986.

   Interment took place in Oregon. 

Eva Davis  

   Eva Pansey Davis, 93, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Charlotte, died Jan. 7, 1999 at Park Place Living Centre, Kalamazoo.

   Mrs. Davis was born in Cooks Mills, Ill., the daughter of Frank and Anna (Carter) Wright.  She was a homemaker.

   She is survived by one daughter, Betty (William) Stoothoff of Tennessee; one son, Floyd (Mary) Lown of Charlotte; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one stepson, Stephen Davis; and one sister, Martha Dole of California.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Evan Davis, and two sons, Robert and William.

   Services were Jan. 11 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Donna Brown officiating.  Interment was in the Millerburg Cemetery, Eaton Rapids.

   Memorial contributions may be made to a fund for the blind. 

Kathleen Davis  

   Kathleen Davis, 52, of Marcellus, died May 8, 1999 in Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.

   Mrs. Davis was born May 1, 1947, the daughter of Richard Sr. and Vivian (Deal) Eggleston.  She married Richard Davis Aug. 7, 1965 in Grand Rapids.  She lived all of her life in Marcellus and Charlotte.

   Surviving are two daughters, Tammy (Brian) Reigle and Rebecca Ann Davis, both of Marcellus; four grandchildren; father, Richard Eggleston Sr. of Charlotte; sister, Donna (Donald) Brandon of Charlotte; brothers, Richard Eggleston Jr. of Decatur and Billy (Sandra) Eggleston of Charlotte; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard March 6, 1996, and one son, Richard II July 19, 1996.

   Services were May 13, 1999 in the Mater Funeral Home, Marcellus, with Pastor Raymond Hess of Trinity Bible Church officiating.  Interment was in the Marcellus Cemetery. 

R. Wayne Davis  

   R. Wayne Davis, 77, of Charlotte, died Jan. 4, 1999.

   Mr. Davis was born Jan. 9, 1921 in Eaton Township, the son of Clement and Florence Davis.  He farmed in Eaton Township all his life, retiring in 1997.  He spent several winters in Bradenton, Fla.  Next to his family and farming, his great love was playing shuffleboard and cards and making crafts he designed for relative and friends.  He was a long-time member of the Senior Center in Eaton Rapids, National Farmer’s Organization and Eaton County Farm Bureau.

   He is survived by his wife of 54 years, W. Jean (Parr); four daughters, Sue Bartlett of Grand Ledge, Nancy (Michael) Davis of Coldwater, and Pamela (Hal) Andrews and Laurie (Charles) Anderson, both of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; and one step-grandchild.

   Services were Jan. 8 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Jeffrey Bowman officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Rapids Senior Center or Hospice of Southwest Florida. 

Harry Day  

   Harry Day, 93, of Ceresco, died June 28, 1999 at Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall, following a long illness.

   Mr. Day was born on March 24, 1906 in Marshall Township, the son of William and Mina (Goodrich) Day.  He was a lifelong resident of this area and farmed all his life.  Other employment included the old Michigania Oil Co. of Marshall and Marshall Furnace Co.

   He married Ella Mae Holibaugh Aug. 21, 1927.

   He enjoyed going to county fairs and out to dinner.  For several years he served on the school board in Fredonia Township for the old Fredenburg School.

   He loved to surround himself with his large family and attend family gatherings.

   He is survived by three daughters, Eleanor Huggett of Bellevue; Donna (Richard) Geyer of Denver, Colo., and Bernice (John) Woods of Marshall; five sons, Kenneth and Harry Jr., both of Marshall, Robert of Ceresco, and Donald and Earl, both of Ceresco; 25 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by one daughter, Joyce Cummings.

   Services were July 1 at the Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall, with the Rev. Betty Melone officiating.  Interment was in the Oakridge Cemetery, Marshall.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Marshall Manor Activities Fund or American Cancer Society. 

Leo Dean  

   Leo Dean, 78, of Charlotte, died May 6, 1999.

   Mr. Dean was born in Lansing, the son of Floyd and Ruth (Knapp) Dean.  He was employed at Fisher Body for 30 years until his retirement in 1979.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of American Legion Post #42 and VFW Post #2406, of which he was a life member.

   He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty; one son, John of Vermontville; two grandsons, Shawn and Brian (Hiedi) Dean; and two great-grandchildren, Josie and Dawson Dean.

   He was preceded in death by one daughter, Roseann in 1958.

   Services were May 10 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating.  Interment was in Hillsdale Cemetery, Kalamo Township. 

Hubert Decker  

   Hubert L. Decker, 77, of Vermontville, died Feb. 17, 1999 at his home.

   He was born in Nashville on Oct. 30, 1921 the son of Clayton and Bessie (Hynes) Decker.  He graduated from Nashville High School in 1940 and married Dorothy Baker in 1959.  Following her death, in 1971, he married Leona St. Johns in 1975.  He farmed and retired from Hastings Mfg. Co. after 33 years of service, he enjoyed working around the house and bird watching.

   He is survived by his wife, Leona; children, Barbara Ann Patrone of Bellaire, Ohio, Albert Kienutske of Nashville, Betty Spaur of Charleston, W. Va., Lonnie Kienutske of Jackson, Kathy Russell of Bellevue, Sandy Luzader of Martins Ferry, Ohio, Ginny Vessels of Shady Side, Ohio, Millie Wells of Charlotte, Lorraine Palmer of Hastings, LaVern Decker of Burlington, Rose McMeen of Vermontville, Ruth Decker of Union City; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Thelma Fassett of Nashville.

   He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; and a sister, Dorothy Swift Schaibly.

   Services were held Feb. 20 at the Maple Valley Chapel in Nashville with the Rev. Susan Trowbridge officiating.  Interment was a Lakeview Cemetery, Nashville.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Society, Lions Club International or the Ronald McDonald House. 

Rollin G. DeLano  

   Rollin G. DeLano, age 88, of Bushnell, FL and formerly of Eaton Rapids died Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte.  Born July 31, 1910 in Jackson County the son of Gerald and Maude (Rhines) DeLano.  Mr. DeLano was a retired hammerman and die repairman for the Federal Drop Forge Company in Lansing.  After retirement he and his wife Myrtle moved to Bushnell, FL and had resided there since 1973.  He was a former member of the F&AM Lodge #63 in Eaton Rapids.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and the great out-of-doors and always was ready to play cards with his many friends.

   Surviving are his wife Myrtle; 3 children, Gloria DeLano of Potterville, Patricia (Jerry) Crandell of Charlotte, and David DeLano of Eaton Rapids; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

   A graveside service with interment of cremains is planned in the spring at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Leslie.  The family is being served through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. 

Pauline Dewey  

   Pauline Dewey, 92, of Charlotte, died May 16, 1999.  Mrs. Dewey was born Aug. 13, 1906 in Eaton County, the daughter of Frank and Rose (Slawson) Swift.  She had been a teacher at Washington Elementary School in Charlotte, retiring from Charlotte Public Schools in 1968; a Hayes Green Beach Hospital volunteer and Golden Key member; graduate of Olivet College; and held a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University.  She was also a member of the former Pythian Sisters, First Congregational Church of Charlotte and its Mary Martha Circle, and Altruistic Society.  She was an avid bridge player.

   She is survived by two sons, John (Verdetta) and Tom (Marcia); six grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Scott in 1985.

   Services were May 19 at the Pray Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Peter Brenner officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church or Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. 

Roberta Dewey  

   Roberta Ells Dewey, 83, of Charlotte, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 1999.

   Mrs. Dewey was born Dec. 12, 1915 in Walton Township, the daughter of Arthur and Weta (Ells) Edson.  She was a Red Cross volunteer for many years and a member of the Business Women’s Guild, the Women’s Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Congregational Church and the Mary Martha Circle.

   She is survived by sister-in-law, Pauline Dewey; nephews, John (Verdetta) Dewey and Tom (Marcia) Dewey; aunt Aletha Ells; cousins, Marilyn (Carroll) Briggs of Charlotte, Maynard (Joyce) Ells, Edward Ells of Charlotte, Donald (Kathy) Ells of Charlotte, Stanley (Ester) Horn of Olivet, Louise (Lawrence) Mott of Olivet, Julius (Margaret) Fisher of Charlotte, Mary Feazel of Battle Creek and Katherine Barger of Florida.

   She was preceded in death by husband Harlo Dewey in 1982.

   Graveside services were held on Tuesday Feb. 2, 1999 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, with Rev. Peter Brenner officiating.  If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Congregational Church or Hayes Green Beach Hospital. 

Della Dickinson  

   Della Dickinson, 66, of Charlotte, died Friday April 23, 1999.   Mrs. Dickinson was born May 16, 1932 in Vermontville, Michigan, the daughter of Dewey and Ruth (Shetenhelm) Briggs.  She married L. Dan Dickinson June 6, 2957, who preceded her in death in 1996.  She was employed by Kellogg’s in Battle Creek for 37 years, retiring in 1989.  She continued as an active member of Kellogg’s Retirees 25-Year Club.  She gave tirelessly of herself to the American Legion Post #42 Ladies Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, VFW Post #2406, and Hayes Green Beach Hospital volunteer group.

   She is survived by three sisters, Gladys (Vercel) Turk, Betty Venton, and Virginia French; one brother, Dale (Sue) Briggs; two sisters-in-law, Madeline Dickinson, and Ivadean Dickinson; and many nieces and nephews.

   Services were April 26 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating.  Interment was in the West Carmel Cemetery, Eaton County.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital or the Charlotte Public Library.  Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home. 

Miranda Dickinson  

   Miranda Shane Dickinson, infant daughter of Randall Shane and Lisa Ranee Dickinson of Charlotte, died Oct. 18, 1999.

   She is survived by her parents; one brother, Brady Christopher; her grandparents, Randall and Debra Dickinson of Potterville and Duane and Kathy Thompson of Charlotte; her great-grandparents, Lila Dickinson of Potterville, Barbara Reedy of Dimondale, Ruby Smith of Nashville, Marvin and Betty Smith of Nashville, and Floyd and Violet McCrimmon of Charlotte; her great-great-grandmother, Helen Conrad of Grand Ledge; her aunt, Stacy (Scott) Joseph of Dimondale; her uncles, Travis Dickinson of Potterville and Christopher Thompson of Charlotte; her cousins, Taylor and Taryn Joseph of Dimondale; and many great-aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Ashley A. Dillingham  

   Ashley A. Dillingham, age 81, life resident of Eaton Rapids, died Thursday, January 7, 1999.  Born October 21, 1917 in Eaton Rapids the son of Claude and Maude (Bowers) Dillingham.  Mr. Dillingham was a self employed painter in Eaton Rapids and retired in 1994.  He was a member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Citizens and enjoyed the fellowship at several different coffee groups throughout the Eaton Rapids restaurants.  He was preceded in death by his wife Hope in 1993 and a brother, Richard.

   Surviving are his son, Kent (Shelley) Dillingham of Eaton Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Angela Dillingham, Pete Dillingham and Dana Haman; 2 sisters, Leona Cadger of Eaton Rapids and Alyce Brown of Dimondale; and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services were held Saturday, January 9^th at 2:30 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Klink of the Community Christian Church officiating.  Honorary pall bearers were David Welch, Bob Welch, Steve Welch, Kevin Welch, Ned Palmer and K.C. Allan.  Private interment of ashes will be at the Rosehill Cemetery next to his wife Hope.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Citizens at 201 Grand St., Eaton Rapids, MI  48827 in memory of Ashley A. Dillingham. 

Estina L. Disbrow  

   Estina L. Disbrow, age 79, died October 21, 1999 in Lansing.  Estina was born September 8, 1920 in Eaton Rapids the daughter of Oscar Arthur and Viola Emma (Hoover) Bunker.  She was an assistant manager with the Dime Store in Eaton Rapids and retired as a school bus driver with the Eaton Rapids School District.  She and her husband were Sextons at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamlin Twp.  Mrs. Disbrow was preceded in death by her husband, J. E. Disbrow; son, Ellsworth Disbrow and his wife, Marge; and daughter, Viola Blaine.

   Surviving are her daughter, Leona (Robert) Barker of Eaton Rapids; 8 grandchildren, Robert (Brenda) Hillard of Holt, Everett (Vivian) Hillard of Eaton Rapids, Estina (Justin) Banks of Lansing, William Hillard of Mason, Peggy (Brian) MacVean of Grand Ledge, Janice Barker of Eaton Rapids, Jay (Elvira) Blaine of Lansing, Martin (Denise) Disbrow of Hastings; 11 great-grandchildren, Barbara, Ashley, and Shannon Barker, Lindsey, Kelli, and Eric Hillard, Anthony and Heather Hillard, Brittany and Christopher Hillard, David Blaine; step mother, Clorah Bunker of Aurelius; 3 brothers, Danny (Betty) Bunker of Williamston, Ruhl (Elaine) Bunker of Dansville, Ivan Bunker of Aurelius; 4 sisters, Lillian Darnell of Howell, Florence (Earl) Lauck of Eaton Rapids, Darla (Wayne) Tody, and Carol (George) Hertzfeld of Jackson.

   Funeral services were held on Monday, October 25, 1999, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Eaton Rapids Community Hospital in memory of Estina Disbrow.

Neal Dolbee  

   Neal Dolbee, 88, of Charlotte died Aug. 16, 1999.

   Mr. Dolbee was born May 11, 1911 in Mason, the son of Fred and Floy (Potter) Dolbee.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting.

   He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; one son, Charles (Kathleen); three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and special friends Tom and Virginia Smith.

   Services were Aug. 18 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Dave Kobliska officiating.  Interment was in the Greenwood Cemetery, Aurelius Township. 

John Dorman  

   John Alvin Dorman, 56, of Charlotte, formerly of Snover and Eaton Rapids, died Aug. 7, 1999 at his home in Charlotte.

Mr. Dorman was born June 17, 1943 in Marlette, the son of Winston and Florence (McKinney) Dorman.  He was a 1961 graduate of Marlette High School and received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Michigan State University.  He actively enjoyed playing baseball.  He married Shauna Wilson July 24, 1965 in Snover and she died Aug. 7, 1999.

   He is survived by one daughter, Margaret (Stephen) MacDonald of Illinois; one son, Jack (Ann) of Sandusky; his parents, Winston and Florence Dorman of Snover; one sister, Barbara (Ronald) Gerstenberger of Sandusky; and five grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Leah, Kerwin, and Dexter.

   Services were Aug. 13 at the Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky, with the Rev. Dale Woods officiating.  Interment was in the Moore Township Cemetery, Snover. 

Shauna Dorman  

   Shauna Louise Dorman, 55, of Charlotte, formerly of Snover and Eaton Rapids, died Aug. 7, 1999 at her home in Charlotte.

   Mrs. Dorman was born May 27, 1944 in Detroit, the daughter of Ealter and Elinore (Sintz) Wilson and was a graduate of Ferndale High School.  She received a bachelor’s degree in education and nursing from Michigan State University.  She married John Dorman July 24, 1965, in Snover and he died Aug. 7, 1999.  She loved helping people and was very active in the American Red Cross.  She retired from nursing in the Eaton Rapids area.

   She is survived by one daughter, Margaret (Stephen) MacDonald of Illinois; one son, Jack (Ann) of Sandusky; one sister, Ronilee (Bill) Childress of California; one brother, Clifford (Barbara) Wilson of Virginia; and five grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Leah, Kerwin, and Dexter.

   Services were Aug. 13 at the Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky, with the Rev. Dale Woods officiating.  Cremation followed the service at the Sunset Valley Crematory, Bay City. 

Irene B. Dornhecker  

   Irene B. Dornhecker, age 80, of Portland, Oregon died at home of cancer February 7, 1999.  Mrs. Dornhecker was born June 23, 1918 in Springport, as Irene Adams.  Her first husband, Glenn Garnant of Eaton Rapids died in 1980 in Tigard, Oregon.  She married Kenneth Dornhecker in 1985.  Before her retirement she worked in the housekeeping department at St. Vincent Hospital.

   Survivors include her husband, Kenneth L. Dornhecker of Portland, OR; three sons, Larry Garnant of Hillsboro, OR, Rev. Kenneth Garnant and David Barnant both of Tigard, OR; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

   A memorial service was held Wednesday, February 10, in Pegg, Paxton and Springer Beaverton Funeral Home with disposition by cremation.  The family suggests remembrances to Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, 9205 SW Barnes Rd., Portland OR  97225.  Please indicate it should be directed to the Hospice Fund. 

Winnie Douglas  

   Winnie Wanita Douglas, 82, of Charlotte, formerly of Gassaway, W. Va., died Jan. 15, 1999 after a brief illness.

   Mrs. Douglas was born Nov. 26, 1918 in Princeton, W. Va., to Edwin and Maggie LaFon.  She was a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend.  She enjoyed antiques, storytelling, crosswords and scrabble.  A collector, a seamstress, baker and housewife.  She is loved by many and will be missed by all.

   She is survived by her husband, Woodrow Douglas; son, Stephen Douglas of Charlotte; granddaughters, Michelle (Dennis) Kowalski and Josie (Dennis) Jubb; daughter-in-law, Connie Douglas-Beauvais; a brother, Howard “Duck” (Louise) LaFon; a sister, Ida Mae “Ike” (Scotty) Currey; special friend, Mike Brown.

   Services were held in Gassaway, W. Va.  Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home. 

Patricia E. Dowding  

   Patricia E. Dowding, age 63, died Tuesday, February 2, 1999 at her residence.  She was born January 11, 1936 in Jackson County, MI the daughter of Leo Kenneth and Maurine Elizabeth (Harris) Brown.  Pat had been employed as a health care aide with Jarvis Acres for 4 years and at Country Acres in Eaton Rapids for 14 years.  She was an excellent cook and loved to garden, sew and crochet.

   Surviving are her husband, Solomon J.; 4 daughters, Debra (Richard) Rowlee, Pam (Rocky) Irelan all of Eaton Rapids, Evie (Joel) Johnson of Dimondale, Lori (Gary) Fuller of Springport; 1 sons, William (Julie) Dowding of Onondaga; 20 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; step mother, Mary Ethel Brown of Grass Lake; 3 brothers, Thomas (Cricket) Brown of East Lansing, Robert (Mary) Brown of Leslie, James (Harriet) Brown of Wenona, IL; 1 step brother, Richard (Joyce) Brown of Grass Lake; 1 step sister, Helen Greene of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.

   A memorial service was held on Friday, February 5, 1999 at the Rives Baptist Church with Pastor Dyke Cyphers officiating.  Those desiring may make contributions to Jackson Hospice or the Leslie Lions Club in memory of Pat Dowding.  Arrangements by the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids.  “Whenever you see a tulip blossom in the spring, a sunflower swaying in the breeze, or smell the sweet fragrance of a rose, remember Pat’s love for life.” 

Randall Lee Dowding  

   Randall Lee Dowding, age 46, died May 3, 1999 in Washington.  Randall was born December 4, 1952 in Eaton Rapids.  He graduated from Jackson North Western High School, Class of 1971.  Randy joined the U.S. Navy in 1972 and served his country for 22 years retiring in 1994 as a Chief Gunner Mate.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved woodworking.  Randy was preceded in death by his father, Chuck Dowding in 1993; father-in-law Donald Aleo in 1988 and his nephew, Ricky Dowding in 1996.

   Surviving are his wife of 22 years, Cindy; daughter, Crystal Dowding of Bellfair, WA; son, Charles Dowding stationed on the U.S.S. Denver out of San Diego, CA: mother, Dorotha E. Dowding of Onondaga; 2 sisters, Sharyn (Thomas) Cahill of Rives Junction, Lynda Ellsworth of Leslie; mother-in-law, Virginia (Carl) Gibbs of Lake, MI; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

   A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 21, 1999, 11 a.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Rev. William Muller, Pastor of the Onondaga Community Church officiating.  Interment of cremains will follow the service at Tompkins Cemetery.  The family will receive friends 1 ½ hours prior to the service.  Military honors will be presented by the Onondaga Post #6986.  Those desiring, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Randall L. Dowding. 

George J. Doxtader 

   George J. Doxtader, age 74, of Onondaga died Monday, July 12, 1999 in Eaton Rapids.  He was born July 8, 1925 in Jackson, the son of George Sr. and Beatrice (Waite) Doxtader.  George was a retired farmer and janitor of the Springport Public Schools, retiring in 1987.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Joyce Doxtader in 1966 and 3 grandchildren.

   Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Myrtle; 5 daughters and 2 sons, Richard (Diana) Doxtader of Parma, Rosemary (Alfred) Clark of Onondaga, George (Flo) Doxtader of Eaton Rapids, Phyllis (Albert) Clark of Lincoln, Montana, Connie Portalatin of Onondaga, Jean (Dan) Cortright of Albion and Carol Doxtader of Onondaga; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild; 3 sisters, Grace Johnston of Mason, Pauline (Henry) Kroemer of Muskegon and Virgil Kendell of Jackson and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services were held on July 16^th from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Klink of the Community Christian Church in Eaton Rapids officiating.  Burial was in the North Waterloo Cemetery in Stockbridge.  Pallbearers were grandsons, William Clark, Duane Doxtader, Tom Andrades, Jose Andrades, Robby Portalatin, Edward Portalatin and Tony Portalatin. 

Anna Drabczyk 

   Anna Drabczyk, 85, of Charlotte died May 10, 1999.

   Mrs. Drabczyk was born Sept. 3, 1913 in Wyandotte, the daughter of Walter and Anna (Zudnczyk) Grabowski.

   She is survived by one daughter, Diane Maihofer of Olivet; two sons, Frank Jr. (Sandy) of Marne and Anthony (Anne) of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren, Frank (Kelle) Drabczyk III, Brian (Gina) Drabczyk, Erik Drabczyk, Robert Maihofer II, Jason (Melinda) Maihofer, and Carmen Anne Drabczyk; and four great-grandchildren, Katie, Jacie, Ariel, and Zakary.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank and son-in-law, Robert Maihofer.

   Services were May 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, with Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating.  Interment was at Bosworth Cemetery.

   Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Mary Frances Drake 

   Mary Frances Drake, age 73, of Eaton Rapids died Thursday, April 8, 1999 at the Sparrow Health System/Dimondale Center.  She was born November 14, 1925 in Greenfield, Tenne4ssee the daughter of Robert and Alice (Baker) Matheny.  Mrs. Drake was a member of the South Baptist Church in Lansing.

   Surviving are her husband, James, of Eaton Rapids; 3 children, James Gary (Marty) Drake of Lansing, Linda (Roy) Sebastian of Nashville, MI, and Gregory Allen (Tammy) Drake of Portland; 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Joy (Jerry) Riggs of Dresden, TN; 2 nephews; and 1 niece.

   Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 10^th at 2 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with Rev. Lewis Wood of the South Baptist Church officiating.  Burial followed in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing.  Casket bearers were Lew Wilson, Jeff Sebastian, Glen Sebastian, Roy Sebastian, Pete Bates and Robert Putman.

Merlin Drake 

   Merlin Drake, 94, of Charlotte, died Jan. 4, 1999.

   Mr. Drake was born July 8, 1904 in Eaton County, the son of Clarence and Helen Drake.

   He is survived by two daughters, Delilah (Cecil) Langenfeld and Wanda (Dennis) Larson, both of Lansing; five sons, Robert (Vira) of Arkansas, Calvin of Morrice, Harold (Carole) of Lansing, George (Barbara) of Harrison, and Patrick (Kathy) of Holt, 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and special friend, Hilda Davis.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude in 1989.

   Services were Jan. 7 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Dr. Charles Moore officiating.  Interment was in Deepdale Memorial Park, Lansing. 

Kyle Ducharme 

   Kyle Frederick Ducharme, infant son of Frederick and Angela Ducharme of Gaylord, died Monday, Feb. 15, 1999 at Butterworth Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.

   He is survived by his parents, two sisters, Emily and Morgan; grandparents, Walt and Maxine Ducharme of Flushing and Stanley and Mary Merritt of Charlotte; aunts and uncles, Gary and Denise Ensley of Charlotte, John and Barb Robirds of Grand Ledge, Cathy Merritt of Holt, Nancy and Dale Jacob of Gaylord, Bob and Trish Ducharme of Rochester, Jim Ducharme and Dan Ducharme, both of Flushing, Tim and Beth Ducharme of Durand, Bill Ducharme of Florida, Wally and Jan Ducharme of Grand Blanc; and many loving cousins.

   Services were held Feb. 18 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord with Fr. John McCracken officiating.  Interment was at Fairview Cemetery in Gaylord.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Kyle Ducharme Memorial Fund through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center, Gaylord MI  49735. 

Ruth Dymond 

   Ruth Angeline (Waak) Dymond, 79, of Charlotte, died Monday, April 5, 1999.  Mrs. Dymond was born April 12, 1919, on a farm in LaPorte County, Indiana the daughter of William and Lucinda (Vader) Waak.

   She married her husband of 57 years on Oct. 5, 1941.

   She was predeceased by three brothers, four sisters, plus a grandchild, Faith Dymond in 1990.

   Surviving are her husband, Alpha E. Dymond; brother, Lewis Waak of Richmond, Indiana; her five children, Diane and Cindy Dymond, both of Charlotte, Crystal Noecker of Lansing, Gary Dymond of Millett and Grace (Jeff) Ueberroth of Dimondale; six grandchildren, Dawn (Chris) Sweet of Rockford; Rochelle Noecker of Lansing, Jason and Kyle Dymond of Millett and Charles and Margaret Ueberroth of Dimondale; one great-grandchildren, Kelsey Sweet; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nacoma and Wm. Charles Spagnuolo; and brother-in-law, Eldon (Chere) Dymond of Charlotte.  Mrs. Dymond was a partner throughout life with her husband and full partner in her business, Al Dymond Color Service, for 35 years until its closing.  She was devoted to her home in the country and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her husband, children and grandchild. 

   Funeral services were Friday, April 9, at the Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Ivan L. Stubbs officiating.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity or fund of one’s choice.

   Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Editha Enquist  

   Editha Kathleen Enquist, 79, of Lake, MI, formerly of Eaton County, died Aug. 13, 1999.

   Mrs. Enquist was born Dec. 12, 1919 in Eaton County, the daughter of Arthur and Julie (Paine) Hall.  She was a member of the Lake of the Pines Ladies Association.

   She is survived by her husband of 55 years, LaVern; one daughter, Kathleen (David) Yeomans of Charlotte; one son, David (Suzanne) of Bellevue; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by one son, Bertrum in 1950.

   Services were Aug. 16 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Dr. Charles Bicy officiating.  Interment was in the Munger Cemetery. 

Evert Ensley  

   Evert “Bill” Ensley, 79, died Aug. 22, 1999.

   Mr. Ensley was born Oct. 21, 1919 in Blanchard.  He retired from Consumers Power in 1976 after 25 years of service.

   Surviving are his son, Bill of Lansing; two grandsons, Gary (Denise) Ensley of Charlotte and Barney Thompson of Lansing; one great-granddaughter, Taylor; one sister, Betty (Ernie) Zimmerman of Munising; special friend, Naomi Archer of Lansing; and many nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his wives, Dorothy on Nov. 12, 1982 and Mary on Oct. 20, 1997.

   Memorial services were held Aug. 27 at Gorsline-Runciman Co., Lansing Chapel. 

Herbert F. Esch  

   Herbert F. Esch, age 85, passed away Tuesday, September 25, 1999 at a Lansing Hospice (Mother Teresa House).  He was born in Westphalia and lived in Lansing for many years.  A baker by trade, he also service machinery for Baryamis and Launderwell.  He loved fishing, hunting, motorcycling, dancing and spending time with family and friends.  Herb was a charter member of the Holt/Mason Eagles Lodge.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Mildred; step-son, Raymond Haring; brother, Julius and three sisters, Leona, Mary, and Francis.

   He is survived by his wife, Bethel; step-children, Kenneth (Ethel) Haring, Toni Haring, Dick and Ginny Huntington, Barry and Mary Huntington, Bill and Carol White.  Grandpa Herb was loved by 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Opal Claflin and Helen McConnell.

   Memorial services were held Saturday, September 24^th, from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with Rev. David Sellick officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ingham Hospice, Mother Teresa House or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center. 

David Evans Jr.  

   David Lynch Evans, 82, of Atlantic Beach, Fla., formerly of Bellevue, died at his home July 14, 1999 after a long illness.

   Mr. Evans was born in Pennfield Township, Battle Creek, Feb. 2, 1917 the son of Leonard and Ruth (Lynch) Evans Sr.  His early life was spent on the family farm in Bellevue.  After graduation from Marshall High School in 1934, he began working at the Kellogg’s as a number two processor, a cooker man’s helper.  In July 1938, a note requesting him to see the personnel manager was attached to his timecard.  The manager explained to him that W.K. Kellogg was looking for a single young man with good health and habits who wanted to see some of the world and Evans was taken to meet Kellogg.  After many questions about his health, financial condition and if he had a savings account, Kellogg hired him as his chauffeur, personal butler, bodyguard, and traveling companion.  Evans worked for Kellogg for a year-and-a-half, living at the Gull Lake estate and taking Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg and their family back and forth to their homes in Palm Springs, Calif., and the Arabian horse ranch in Pomona, Calif.

   Mr. Evans served in the Army in World War II in the 32^nd Red Arrow Division, Company 1, 128^th Infantry.  Most of his service was in the southern Pacific and Australia.  When he returned from the service, Kellogg offered him a job in either the factory or the sales division.  Evans chose sales and lived in numerous cities and states before arriving in Jacksonville, Fla. in 1961 as  division sales manager for the southern region.  He was the only person in the history of Kellogg’s to have been on all payrolls, first on Mr. Kellogg’s personal payroll, then factory, sales, executive and the Kellogg Foundation.  On July 1, 1974 Evans made a decision to go on advisory status and retire early, due to his having Parkinson’s Disease.  Kellogg taught Evans many valuable lessons including, “It appears my business is going to prosper, so I’m going to invest in people,” as Evans remembers.  Kellogg believed strongly in good quality, affordable products and a sales force to see that the customers’ needs were met.  Evans learned from Kellogg and worked for 43 years to accomplish that goal.  He married Helen Yatalese in 1941.

   He is survived by three daughters, Sharon Counts of Battle Creek, Mary Jane Latta of Orlando, Fla. and Deborah Reed of Atlantic Beach, Fla.; two sons, Gary of Atlantic Beach, Fla. and Michael of Valparaiso, Fla.; two sisters, Virginia Furu of Ceresco and Elizabeth Miller of Ft. Myers, Fla.; one brother, Thomas of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Helen in 1996; his parents; an infant son, David Lynch Evans Jr.; three brothers, Leonard Jr., Lawrence and Richard; and two sisters, Mary Evans and Barbara Evans.

   Rosary is today, Sunday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue.

   Mass is celebrated Monday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Bellevue.

   Memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church.

Louis Evans  

   Louis Evans, 87, of Bellevue, died Friday, July 16, 1999 at home.

   Mr. Evans was born June 7, 1912 in Battle Creek, the son of Leonard and Adaleta (Dilno) Evans.  He worked as a metal lather for 49 years, with 12 years of service at B.C. Scheuman; he retired in 1976.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge #388 in Lansing, and enjoyed golf, fishing, and camping.  He played the banjo since the age of 14; he also taught banjo.  He played at the Strand, Post and Bijou theaters, and had his own band for 12 years.  Sugar Mulvaney was his piano player for many years.  He married Margaret Ormsbee, who died April 12, 1987.  He married Wilma Malipsey in Bellevue on Nov. 7, 1988; she survives.

   Also surviving is a daughter, Joan Swafford of Marshall; a stepson, Louis Malipsey of Las Vegas; a stepdaughter, Eloise Fogg of Battle Creek; five grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; half brothers, Robert and Richard Thomas and Doug Evans of Hicksville, Ohio, and David Evans of Augusta, Ga.; half sisters, Louise Werner of Garrett, Ind., Hope Osborne of Mount victory, Ohio, and Sally Nash of New Haven, Ind.

   He was preceded in death b y a son, Larry Evans; half brother, William Evans; and two  grandchildren.

   Services were held July 19 with Marlow Kesson officiating.  Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue.

   If desired, memorial contributions may  be made to Good Samaritan Hospice Care.

Beatrice P. Fairbotham  

   God looked around His garden and found an empty space.  He looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.  He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.  God’s garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best.  He knew that you were in pain.  He knew that you would never be well on earth again.  He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.  So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered…Peace be Thine.

   Loving mother and grandmother, Beatrice P. Fairbotham, died April 28, 1999, at home, at the age of 97.  Beatrice was born July 20, 1901 in Crawford County to Charles and Jennie Richardson.  She married Hersel Fairbotham on December 18, 1920.  He preceded her in death in 1994 after nearly 74 years of marriage.  Beatrice lived in Aurelius for over 65 years and after retirement spent many winters in Palmetto, FL.  She dearly loved her family, which was the center of her life.  She enjoyed her yard and flowers, and in her younger years enjoyed fishing, card playing, dancing, and berry picking.  Beatrice was also preceded in death by her son, Neil (1998); grandsons, Neil Woodman (1970) and Brad Darling (1993); 3 brothers; and  5 sisters.

   She is survived by a son, Dale (Dorna) of Palmetto, FL; 4 daughters, Audrey (Ernest) Woodman of Leslie, Hazel Sutton and Marilyn (Lyle) Darling of Eaton Rapids, and Patricia (Ted) Hall of Mason; 22 grandchildren; and 57 great-grandchildren; and 42 great-great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held Saturday, May 1, 1 p.m. at the Gorsline-Runciman Co.  Ball-Dunn Chapel, Mason, with Pastor James Keat of Grace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, Leslie, officiating.  Interment followed in Greenwood Cemetery, Aurelius Township.  Our thanks to the visiting nurses and health aids whose loving care allowed Beatrice to spend her last days at home surrounded by her family.  Those desiring may make contributions to Grace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, PO Box 511, Leslie, 49251, in memory of Beatrice Fairbotham. 

Dorothy Fall  

   Dorothy (Norton) Fall, 72, of Woodland Hills, Calif., formerly of Olivet died Feb. 10, 1999.

   Mrs. Fall was born in 1927 in Kalamo Township, the daughter of Reuben and Martha (Wyble) Norton-Axtell; and step-mother, Sylvia Norton of Olivet.

   She is survived by one daughter, Ellen Fall and granddaughter, Amanda; former husband, Jim Fall, formerly of Battle Creek; brothers, Leo (Hazel) Norton of Charlotte, Neil (Peggy) Norton of Georgia, Vern (Pat) Norton of Bellevue, Robert Norton of Battle Creek; sisters, Sarah (Ken) Umbarger of Charlotte and Iva LaPoint of Olivet; and two stepbrothers, Terry and Roland Axtell. 

Kathleen Faulkner  

   Kathleen Rose Faulkner, 92, died Friday, Jan. 15, 1999 of natural causes under the care of Tender Care Nursing Home in Marshall.

   Mrs. Faulkner was born Feb. 19, 1906 in Marshall to John and Evleen Quinn.  Mrs. Faulkner was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  A devout Catholic, Mrs. Faulkner’s family, the Quinns and Cronins of Marshall, helped build both the town’s church and parish of St. Mary’s.  She lived out her life on the family farm in Olivet until her son, grandson and dear friends were unable to provide needed care.

   She is survived by her son, Roger Faulkner of Olivet; grandchildren, David Faulkner of Newberry, Diane Faulkner of Jacksonville, Fla., Kenneth (Dean) Faulkner and Dale Faulkner, both of Springport; and great-grandchildren, Erica and Darron Faulkner of Newberry and Marion, Melissa and Miranda all of Springport.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Faulkner; son, Richard Faulkner; stepson, Donald Faulkner, all her siblings, Clarence Quinn, Grace Griffiths, Angela Quinn, and Florence White.

   Services were held Jan. 18 at Robertson Funeral Home in Springport.

   Memorial contributions may be made to have masses offered in her honor. 

Vida M. Fernald  

   Vida M. Fernald, age 88, died Monday, August 16, 1999 in Eaton Rapids.  Vida was born September 3, 1910 in Mt. Pleasant, the daughter of James Joseph and Vida Margarette Auld (Pathrich) Montgomery.  She was the owner and operator of the China Cupboard in Eaton Rapids.  Mrs. Fernald was preceded in death by her husband, June, in 1989.

   Surviving are 5 daughters, Coral (Allen) Reed of Lewlie, Marjorie (Richard) Mackinder of Jackson, Faith Maddox of Fort Worth, TX, Margarette (Ronald) Courtier of Lansing, Cynthia (Ric) Sanford of Ypsilanti; 2 sons, David C. Fernald of Jackson, Jerrold (Susan) Fernald of Eaton Rapids; 23 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Lucille Roggow of East Lansing, Jeanne (Al) Hannon of California; 2 sisters-in-law, Evelyn Montgomery of Jackson, and Gertrude Montgomery of Bloomfield Hills.

   Funeral services were held on  Thursday, August 19, 1999, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids.  Casket bearers were Michael Reed, Jeff Reed, Russell Mackiner Reed, Benn Psalms, Jon Fernald and Brian Ross.  Honorary bearers were David Fernald, Shawn Reed, Billie Maddox, Richard Mackiner, Randall Mackinder, Michael Tinken, Scott Twichell, and Matt Cooper. 

Moten Fielder  

   Moten D. “Mote” Fielder, 77, of Lansing died Dec. 14, 1998.

   Mr. Fielder was born Jan. 29, 1921 in Dickson, Tenn.  He was a member of Morley S. Oates Post #701 VFW; Capitol City Pup Tent M.O.C. #5; Potterville Lions Club; and a Past President of the Potterville Parent-Teacher Organization.  He was also active in Eaton County 4-H, having served as a leader of the Community Riders and Michigan Mustangs; and Eaton County Special Riding Volunteers Association.  He had served in World War II as a radio-gunner with the 2^nd Bomb Squadron on the 22^nd Bomb Group in the 5^th Air Force and was awarded the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Philippines Liberation Service ribbon with one Battle Star, Asiatic-Pacific Service Ribbon with five Battle Stars and the American Defense Ribbon.

   He is survived by his children, three daughters, Meredith (Robert) Kaiser and Bonnie (Dennis) Halbeisen, and Rebecca Cain; two sons, Gerald (Julie) and Daniel; 11 grandchildren, Stephanie, Joy and David Kaiser, Carli Fielder, Jessica, Joseph, and Jonathan Cain, Bethany and Douglas Halbeisen, Jon and Betsy Loveland; four great-granddaughters; nieces and nephews; two sisters, Helen Black of Lansing and Mary Rosenau of Tampa, Fla.; and one brother, Lloyd Fielder of Troy, Tenn.

   He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; an infant son, Robert, and one granddaughter, Heather Fielder.

   Services were Dec. 18 at the Oneida Gospel Church.  Interment was in the Benton Township Cemetery, Potterville, with military honors.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Special Riding Volunteers Association in his memory. 

Joan Fink  

   Joan Fink, 63, of Charlotte died Aug. 14, 1999.

   Mrs. Fink was born Oct. 8, 1935 in Lansing, the daughter of Ray and Blanche (Ankney) Riley.

   She is survived by her husband, Charles; two daughters, Scarlett Fink (Michael Budzinski) of New Haven, Conn., and Kathy (Randy) King of Charlotte; two sons, Kim of Richmond, VA, and Chris (Elisa) of New Haven, Conn.; one sister, Mary Lou (Roger) Parker of Lansing; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

   She was preceded in death by one brother, Jack riley of Lansing.

   No services were held.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Michigan Heart Association or Eaton Community Hospice.

   Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

James Fisher  

   James Fisher, 63, of Charlotte died May 19, 1999.

   Mr. Fisher was born April 5, 1936, the son of Henry and Nora Fisher.

   He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Martha Jane (Smith); and two sisters, Dorothy Henmminger Springfield, Ore., and Jennie Foss of Hastings.

   He was preceded in death by one brother, George.

   Graveside services were May 25 at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with the Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating.

   Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home. 

Harriet Mae Fisk  

   Harriet Mae Fisk, age 85, of Eaton Rapids died Sunday, April 25, 1999 at her residence.  She was born October 14, 1913 in Vermontville, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Nora (Reynolds) Wright.  Mrs. Fisk was a member of the Assembly of Yehweh Church in Eaton Rapids and had worked with the foster grandparent program at the Lockwood Elementary School in Eaton Rapids.  She was preceded in death by her husband Hubert Fisk in 1974.

Surviving are 11 children, Florabell Benedittine, Phyllis Hansen, Jean Ross, June Sorenson, Hubert James Fisk, Herbert (Sue) Fisk, Frieda Thomas, Linda (Larry) Eickenroth, Mike Fisk, Silas Nichols, and Ellabeth (Ed) Graham; 28 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Dorothy Izzard and Lillian Crandell and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be Friday, April 30^th at 1 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Pastor Samuel Graham of the Assembly of Yehweh Church officiating.  Graveside services will follow in the Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to the Assembly of Yehweh Church in memory of Harriet M. Fisk. 

Larry Fogg  

   Larry Eugene Fogg, 56, of Lansing, formerly of Potterville, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 1999.  Mr. Fogg was born March 29, 1942 in Homer, the son of Neil and Aurelia (Wallace) Fogg.

   He retired from GM-Lansing in 1998 after 30 years of service.  He enjoyed collecting cars and spending time with his family.

   He is survived by his wife, Janet of Lansing; mother, Aurelia (Harry) Purucker of Battle Creek; children, Misty (Eric) Clark and Staci Fogg, both of Potterville, and Sheri (Greg) Rees of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Eric and Courtlyn Clark and Zachary, Trevvor and Lyndsey Rees; sisters, Barbara Jean (Travis) Turner and Dodie Bennett; and brothers, Duane (Barb) Fogg, Phillip (Eloise) Fogg and Dane Fogg; and special friend, Barbara Fogg.

   He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Fogg in 1968.

   Services were held Jan. 29 at the Palmer-Bush Lansing Chapel with Pastor David Stephens of Life Christian Church officiating.

   Interment was in Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. 

Floyd Foltz  

   Floyd Foltz, 88, of Lansing, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 1999 at a Lansing nursing home.

   Mr. Foltz was born April 22, 1911 in North Adams, a son of Fred and Anna (Thomas) Foltz.  He was a retired Diamond Reo employee and a member of the Sunfield United Methodist Church.

   Surviving are his wife, Maxine; one daughter, Gail Arndt of Grand Ledge; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

   Private services were held Aug. 27 at Balcom Cemetery, near Ionia.

   Arrangements by Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken. 

Jean Fox  

   Jean Marie Fox, 74, of Vermontville died Oct. 14, 1999.

   Mrs. Fox was born June 17, 1925, the daughter of George Jr. and Mary (Rumley) Knowles.  She was co-owner and secretary/treasurer of Citizens Elevator, Vermontville, for many years.  She was a member of St. Cyril Roman Catholic Church, Nashville and its Altar Society, the Parent/Teacher Assoc. and Band Boosters secretary for Maple Valley Schools.  She was a true homemaker and loved her children and grandchildren very much who, in turn, loved her very much.  Raising her 10 children was her greatest pride and accomplishment.

   She is survived by her husband, William; seven daughters, Kathleen (Earnest) Smith of Plano, Texas, Laurine Fox of New York, NY, Mary (Jerry) Greenwood of Germantown, MD, Ann (Richard) Crow of Dripping Springs, Texas, Lizabeth (Thomas) Brott of Lansing, Sharon (Jerry) Harris of Vermontville, and Susan (Andy) Joostberns of Las Vegas, NV; three sons, David of Okemos, Christopher of Rialto, Calif., and Theodore (Pamela) of El Centro, Calif.; and 12 grandchildren.

   Visitation and Rosary are Sunday, Oct 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Services are Monday, Oct. 18 at St. Cyril Church, Nashville, with Fr. Chuck Fischer officiating.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Larry Lee Franklin  

   Larry Lee Franklin, age 68, died Sunday, July 25, 1999 in Lansing.  Larry was born April 7, 1931 in Onondaga, MI the son of Joseph W. and Susan (Stewart) Franklin.  Mr. Franklin retired from the Ingham County Road Commission in 1983 after 35 years of service.  He was a Past Master of the Onondaga Masonic Lodge #167 and a member of the Leslie Masonic Lodge #212.  Larry was a member of the Michigan Fiddlers Association and was a volunteer with the Onondaga Fire Department wearing Badge #6.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence, I 1994.

   Surviving are 3 daughters, Joanne (Brian) Owen of Eaton Rapids, Susan (Mark) Prater, Patricia (Tim) Reed both of Onondaga; 2 sons, Victor (Lois) Franklin of Onondaga and Michael (Floria) Franklin of Eaton Rapids; 11 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Harvey (Eva) Franklin of Onondaga, Jerry (Jean) Franklin of Leslie, and George (Ruth) Franklin of Brighton; 2 sisters, Wanda Kitchen of Narrow Lake and Sheila Doxtader of Leslie; and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 1999, 1 p.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Rev. William Muller, Pastor of the Onondaga Community Church UCC officiating.  Interment will follow at the Onondaga Cemetery.  Casket bearers will be Victor Franklin, Michael Franklin, Brian Owen, Mark Prater, Tim Reed,  Joseph  Owen,  and  Michael Paul Franklin.  

Honorary bearers will be Lynn Clark, Don Foote, Guy Lincoln, Lisa Franklin, Amy Franklin, Lucinda Owens, Tiffany Franklin, David Prater, Natasha Prater and Jacob Reed. 

Raymond Franks  

   “Elisha” Raymond Franks, 84, of Vermontville died Oct. 19, 1999 at his home.

   Mr. Franks was born May 25, 1915, the son of Elisha and Rosa (Schaeffer) Franks in Portland, Ind.  He attended north and south Kalamo country schools and married Dorothy Pease Feb. 25, 1938 in Bellevue.  He was a lifelong farmer and was a past master of the Maple Leaf Grange.  He attended the Kalamo United Methodist Church and enjoyed his cottage on Middle Lake, fishing and farming.

   He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Virgil (Kathy) of Bellevue and Robert (Barbara) of Vermontville; four grandchildren, Andrew Franks, Robert Franks, Lisa Mahan and Daniel Franks; and eight great-grandchildren.

   He was preceded in death by three brothers, Belva, Emerson, and Duane.

   Services were Oct. 22 at the Maple Valley Chapel, Nashville.  Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Mary Pearl French  

   Mary Pearl French, age 73, of Jackson, Michigan, died April 24, 1999.  Mrs. French was born January 16, 1926 in Lee Center the daughter of George Benjamin and Mary Ethel (Andrews) Hall.

   She is survived by sons, Frank Joe (Lois) Smedley of Jackson and William Smedley of Leominster, MA; 8 grandchildren; brother, George Z. Hall of Charlotte; sisters, Pauline Bruce of Charlotte and Ida French of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at the Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Winfred Collins officiating.  Interment will be in Lee Center Cemetery in Lee Center, Michigan.  Visitation will be Tuesday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Miland Frey  

   Miland Frank Frey, 86, died on March 24 at The Southerlands.  He was born Aug. 23, 1912 in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Louise Otilda and Frank Anthony Frey.

   He resided in Charlotte most of his life and retired there in 1974 as manager of the Community Oil Company.  He moved to Front Royal, Virginia in 1992.

   Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Janette A. Frey of Front Royal; his daughter, Margaret Frey Huber and her husband Dr. Charles M. Huber of Front Royal; a granddaughter, Anne Huber Gorham and her husband Linwood Milton Gorham, Jr. of Lorton, Virginia; a grandson, Charles Newland Huber and his wife Stephanie Lynne Huber of Hampstead, Maryland; two great-grandsons, Linwood Milton Gorham, III and Calvin Newland Huber; and his sister, Agnes Louise Gamble of Lansing.

   Services will be private.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte, at a later date.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Warren Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1000 N. Shenandoah Avenue, Front Royal, Virginia  22630. 

James D. Frisell  

   James D. Frisell, age 41, of Springport, formerly of Eaton Rapids, died suddenly Saturday, March 13, 1999 at Foote Hospital in Jackson.  He was born November 7, 1957 in Mason the son of Stanley and Clarice (Carris) Frisell.  Jim was a cook and had worked in several restaurants in the area.

   Surviving are a daughter, April Frisell of Lansing; parents, Stanley and Clarice Frisell of Eaton Rapids; brother, Dennie Frisell of Lansing; 2 sisters, Anna Ellsey of Onondaga and Trudy (Paul) Amburgey of Lansing; several nieces and nephews; a great-niece and nephew; cousins and aunts and uncles.

   Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 17^th at 1 p.m. from Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Dennis Perkins of the Eaton Rapids Wesleyan Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Beverly Fruin  

   Beverly L. Fruin, 77, of Bellevue died Aug. 7, 1999 at North Ridge Care Center, New Hope, Minn.

   Mrs. Fruin was born Sept. 22, 1921 in Bellevue, the daughter of Glen and Minnie (Gasser) McCotter.  She graduated from Bellevue High School and from Cleary Business College in Ypsilanti.  She was employed for several years in the offices of G.O. Lewis Construction Co., Battle Creek.  She married Richard Fruin June 12, 1943 in Bellevue and they purchased Wiedman Pharmacy in Bellevue and operated the Fruin Pharmacy until 1978, when he retired.

   She is survived by two daughters, Marsha Fruin of Thetford Center, Vt. And Debra Luken of St. Michael, Minn.; and five grandchildren.  She was a member of the Bellevue United Methodist Church and United Methodist Church of Englewood, Fla., the PEO Chapter CR, and the Etc. Club of Bellevue.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Oct. 1, 1996.

   Services were Aug. 12 at the Bellevue UMC with Pastor Mark Thompson officiating.  Interment was in the Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue.  Arrangements were made by the Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Bellevue UMC. 

Juana Fuentes  

   Juana Fuentes, 68, of Olivet formerly of Lansing, died Sept. 13, 1999.

   Mrs. Fuentes was born Aug. 1, 1931 in Mexico.

   She is survived by three daughters, Carmen (Paul) Morin of Texas, Juana (Ramira) Bonilla of Texas, Hortencia (Ramiro) Zuniga of Jackson; two sons, Manuel (Judy) of Olivet and Israel (Barb) of Owosso; 21 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Luis.

   Services were Sept. 16 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. William Sullivan officiating.  Interment was at Bosworth Cemetery, Walton Township. 

Waymon Fulghum  

   Waymon Fulghum, 57, of Charlotte died May 23, 1999, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

   Mr. Fulghum was born Aug. 14, 1941 in West Point, Ga., the son of Herman and Jonnie Lee (Boling) Fulghum of Mounds, Okla.  He was a member of the First Church of Christ of Owosso and had been a truck driver for Wickers and Barnhart & Sons.  He loved his work, woodworking, fishing and his grandchildren.

   He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Wilson); his parents; four daughters, Toni (Rick) Nevins, Bobbi (Garrett) Kidwell and Sue Fulghum, all of Charlotte, and Sherry Granger of Olivet; six stepchildren, Roger Rae (Carrie) Dennison Jr. of Lansing; Terri (Pete) Gearhart of Jackson, Kim Dennison of Perry, Connie (Sonny) Foster of Holt, Holly (Larry) Watson of Charlotte, and James (Kathy) Wilson of DeWitt; 16 grandchildren; his twin sister, Mary Jean (Robert) Schram of Mounds; two brothers, Don “Booty” and Charles “Mike”; and his special friend, Jerry Leonard.

   Services were May 26 at the Pray Funeral Home with Mr. Mark St. Louis officiating.  Interment was at Eastlawn Cemetery, Okemos. 

Anna Fuller  

   Anna A. Fuller, 88, of Olivet, died Jan. 3, 1999, at Tendercare of Marshall.

   Mrs. Fuller was born in County Rosecommon Ireland Sept. 18, 1910, the daughter of Patrick and Maria (Kenney) Loftus and had been an Olivet area resident since 1946, coming from Detroit.  She attended St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Bellevue, the Olivet Senior Citizens meetings and was a member of the American Association of Retired Persons.

   She is survived by two sons, William (Nancy) Parkinson of Weidman and Robert (Kathy) Parkinson of Charlotte; one stepdaughter, Marjorie Heisler of Charlotte; one stepson, Gerald (Lenore) Fuller of Marshall; numerous grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret Murphy of Detroit.

   She was preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd Parkinson; second husband, Clifford Fuller; and one son, George Parkinson.

   Services were held at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte.  Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Marshall.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Olivet Lions Club for its Blind and Sight Program. 

Louis Fuller  

   Louis Fuller, 68, of Nashville, formerly of Charlotte, died July 4, 1999 at the Battle Creek Health Systems-Community Site after an extended illness.

   Mr. Fuller was born in Lansing Township, Ingham County, the son of Herbert and May (Reynolds) Fuller and had been a Nashville resident for 25 years, moving there from Charlotte.  He was an auto mechanic most of his life and had been employed by Green Bay Foods in Eaton Rapids.  He served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

   He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Fleming) Fuller; one daughter, Lisa (Abel) Anzaldua of Potterville; three sons, Roy (Wendy) Fuller of Lansing; two stepdaughters, Margaret (Tom) Andreas of Olivet and Virginia Barrett of Charlotte; one stepson, Daniel (Cathy) Bracy of Coldwater; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Willis Fuller of DeWitt; and five sisters, Margaret Ross of DeWitt, Marie Garvey of Vermontville, Frances Fuller, Virginia Fuller, and Harriet Fuller, all of Fla.

   He was preceded in death by two sons, Neil and George, and one brother, Milborn.

   Services were July 7 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating.  Interment was in the Wilcox Cemetery, Maple Grove Township, Barry County. 

Melvin Fuller  

   Melvin T. Fuller, 72, of Olivet died Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999 in Charlotte.

   Mr. Fuller was born Nov. 22, 1926 to Herbert and May (Reynolds) Fuller in Marion.  He was employed as a driver for ATL Truck Lines of Lansing.  Mr. Fuller was also a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army.

    He is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Connie (Daryl, Jr.) Bryner; stepson, Jerry (Val) Snow of Springport; stepdaughter, Alice Snow of Olivet; granddaughter, Taylor Bryner; two step-grandsons, Robert and Kenneth Snow; two step-granddaughters, Heather and Amber-Dawn Snow; a step-great-granddaughter, Heather Snow; two brothers, Willis Fuller of DeWitt and Louis (Dorothy) Fuller of Nashville.

   Services were held Feb. 8 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. 

Betty Gallihugh  

   Betty Rose (TenBrock) Gallihugh, 69, of Olivet died Jan. 2, 1999 in the loving care of her family.

   Mrs. Gallihugh was born March 13, 1929 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of John and Hilda (Batcher) TenBrock.  As a young woman she lived in the Grand Rapids area until moving to Olivet after her marriage to Carl Gallihugh Jan. 4, 1947.  The couple was married in Grand Rapids and celebrated their wedding with a reception in Partello.  She worked beside her husband for many years on the family farm on T Drive North, between Olivet and Marshall.  She had not finished high school prior to her marriage, so returned to earn her diploma at Olivet High School in 1964, joining her four children now all in school.  She was the first graduate of the Michigan Adult Education Program.  Later, she attended and graduated from Kellogg Community College with an associate’s degree in communications.  Following graduation, she attended Olivet College and graduated from there with a bachelor’s degree in communications in May 1985.  She later finished 29 credit hours towards a master’s degree at Michigan State University.  She wrote many articles of local interest for the Community Ad-Visor and Olivet Optic.  She loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, insisting that she would always be their primary babysitter.  They went along with her on assignments for the paper, often ending up in pictures pointing out items of interest.  She also drove a school bus for the Olivet School System for a number of years.  As a result of her continuing interest in good education, she volunteered for the Olivet schools, working in their H.O.S.T. program to promote reading skills.

   Mrs. Gallihugh was a longtime member of the Rice Creek Community Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a song leader.  She was also a member of the Rice Creek Church Ladies Aide.  She was also a 4-H leader for many years and member of the Dark Corners Mothers’ Club and Dark Corners Extension.  She also enjoyed the family hobby of collecting gasoline engines and antique tractors.

   She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Carl; two daughters, Teri (Michael) Gordon of Comstock Park and Kim Griffin of Olivet; one son, Carl (Denise) of Olivet; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her mother, Hilda TenBrock of Grandville; one sister, Sally Salder of Grandville; one brother, Robert TenBrock of Comstock Park; and several nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her father, John TenBrock, and one daughter, Robin Barrus.

   Services were Jan. 14 at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home in Marshall and the Rev. Richard Gordon and the Rev. Lindsay Howan officiating.  Interment was in the Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Rice Creek Community Church. 

Evelyn Garnant  

   Evelyn Yost Garnant, 97, of Charlotte, formerly of Deckerville, died Feb. 5, 1999 at Maple Knoll Manor.

   Mrs. Garnant was born Nov. 18, 1902 in Bukin, Austria-Hungary to Paul and Veronika (Eberhardt) Singler.  She moved to Michigan in 1914.  She married Jacob Yost in 1933.  After his death she married Ralph Garnant.  She and Mr. Yost owned and operated a farm in the Deckerville area and the Deckerville Bowling Alley before retiring to Sarasota, Fla. in the 1960’s.

   She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Anne Decker of Deckerville; several stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jacob Yost in 1974; second husband, Ralph Garnant in 1997; and one brother, Joseph Singler.

   Services were held Feb. 8 in the Apsey Funeral Home with Sister Theresa Carlow officiating.  Interment was in Downing Cemetery, Deckerville.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Deckerville Community Hospital or to the donor’s choice. 

Helen Garvey  

   Helen Garvey, 80, died July 9, 1999.

   Mrs. Garvey was born Aug. 8, 1918 in Holt, the daughter of Claude and Ethel (Myers) Menger.  She was a graduate of Eastern High School and Easter Michigan University.  She was a retired elementary school teacher from Charlotte Public Schools.  She also taught in Leslie and Fremont, was a volunteer at the Hayes Green Beach Hospital Gift Basket, Charlotte, and an officer of the HGB Hospital Auxiliary.  She was a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Charlotte, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Altar Society, the Eaton County Farm Bureau, the Michigan Simmental Association, the Michigan Education Association and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.  She also worked with Charlotte’s Meals on Wheels program and worked with 4-H Clubs.

   She is survived by her husband of 51 years, William; two daughters, Linda (Jack) Brockhaus of Holt and Barbara Garvey of Okemos; one son, James (Ann) of Charlotte; three grandchildren, Kara Brockhaus, Jennifer (Kevin) Doty, and Earle Crosswait; and four great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacob, Patrick, and Daniel Doty.

   Services were held July 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, with Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating.  Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Hayes Green Beach Hospital Auxiliary. 

Lawrence Gates  

   Lawrence “L.R.” Gates, 75, of Bellevue, died May 2, 1999 at Battle Creek Health System.

   Mr. Gates was born April 4, 1924 in Grand Ledge, the son of Burton and Emma (Church) Gates.  He was a 1943 graduate of Grand Ledge High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, serving in Okinawa and China.  He was a Bellevue businessman from 1947-82 and a barber in Bellevue, operating Gates Barber Shop from 1955-82.  He married Nancy Wilkinson Sept. 7, 1944.  He was a member of the VFW Nashville Post, former member of the Bellevue Lions Club, and former volunteer fireman.  In high school he excelled in football and was proud to be a member of Grand Ledge’s only undefeated football team.  He enjoyed fishing, the Upper Peninsula, and gardening.

   He is survived by one daughter, Gay Noble of Bellevue; one son, Craig Gates of Spring Hill, Fla.; four granddaughters, Marla Prestigiacomo of Spring Hill, Fla., LaNae Noble of Bellevue, Mandy McMullin of Gainesville, Fla., and Brandi Million of Kingsland, Ga.; two great-granddaughters; three sisters, Donna Leaske and Maxine Barker of Grand Ledge, and Francis Schaibly of Indianapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

   A private family committal was held at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge.  Arrangements were made by Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue. 

Donald R. Gayton  

   Donald R. Gayton, age 87, of Eaton Rapids died Saturday, October 9, 1999 at a Lansing hospital.  He was born November 23, 1911 in Bellevue, Michigan the son of Roy and Bernice (Barber) Gayton.  Mr. Gayton served in the Army during World War II, he was a retired Supervisor for the Treasury Department for the State of Michigan serving 39 years and retiring in 1976.  A member of the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids, Don had served for many years with the Boy Scouts and was an avid golfer.

   Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Lila; son, William (Phyllis) Gayton of Jackson, Tennessee; 2 grandchildren, Jeffrey and Colleen Gayton and step brother, Glenn McMullen of Lexington, KY.

   Funeral services were Tuesday, October 12^th from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids.  For those desiring, a memorial contribution may be made to either the American Cancer Society or the National Kidney Foundation in memory of Donald R. Gayton.   

Alma Gehman  

   Alma Elizabeth “Betty” Gehman, 93, of Grand Ledge, died Dec. 29, 1998.

   Mrs. Gehman was born Sept. 16, 1905, in Gunnisonville, the daughter of Herman and Julia Kraus.  She grew up in Lansing and attended Taylor University in Upland, Ind.  Upon graduation she began teaching.  She married Earl Gehman of Vermontville June 7, 1927 and they lived on a farm south of Vermontville.  She was active in the Vermontville United Methodist Church and the community for over 50 years and was past president of the Vermontville Area Woman’s Club.  She loved Florida and to travel, the most memorable trip being an extensive tour of South American farms in 1960, about which she wrote articles.  After retiring, the Gehman’s lived at Morrison Lake near Saranac.  Since 1984 she had lived in Lansing and Holt before moving to Grand Ledge in 1998.

   She is survived by two daughters, Ann (Morris) Taber of Ann Arbor and Carole (Larry) Essenmacher of Vassar; one son, William (Cynthia) of Grand Ledge; seven grandchildren, Mark (Colleen) Taber, Steve (Polly) Taber, Janet (Ken) Staten, David (Donna) Essenmacher, Deborah (Steve) Haggerty, Melissa (Jim) Booth, and Bill (Tricia) Gehman; eight great-grandchildren will also miss their “Grandma Gehman”; and one sister, Ruth Peterson of Lansing.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, in 1984 and two sisters.

   Services were Dec. 31 with the Rev. Rae Frank officiating.  Interment was in the Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo Township, Eaton County.  Arrangements were made by Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermontville United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. 

Ronald Gemalsky  

   Ronald Gemalsky, age 52, died Thursday, March 25, 1999 in Novi.  Ron, one of God’s special children, was born August 14, 1946 in Eaton Rapids the son of Julius and Emma (Keehn) Gemalsky.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Leatha McKenzie and 3 brothers, Gayhurt, Kurt, and Irven Gemalsky.

   Surviving are his brother, Leon (Judy) Gemalsky of Eaton Rapids; 3 sisters, Ella (Jack) Ewing of Holt, Hilda Fink of Vicksburg and Gertrude Norris of Eaton Rapids.

   Graveside services were held on Monday, March 29, 1999 at Rosehill Cemetery with Rev. Stephen Klink of the Eaton Rapids Community Christian Church officiating.  Arrangements by the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. 

Shirley Ann Gibson  

   Shirley Ann Gibson, age 71, died peacefully at home on Friday, May 28, 1999.  She was born October 17, 1927 in Lansing, the daughter of Percy Lee and Myrna Jeanette (Phillips) Streeter.  Shirley enjoyed owning and operating her Antique Store in Lake City and in later years she loved to go “garage saleing” and put on many large sales of her own while setting in her wheelchair.  She loved animals and cared for all strays, none went away hungry.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy A. Dack in 1993.

   Surviving are 2 nieces, Sandra (Henry) Dowker of Onondaga, Pam Brown of Eaton Rapids; 2 nephews, Don (Shellie) Dack of Jackson, Dennie (Linda) Dack of Springport; 2 grandnieces, JoAnn Coppes, Lacy Brown; 4 grandnephews, Bobby and Aaron Dack, Karac (Claudia) and Tory Brown; 1 great-grandniece, Kierra Brown; aunt, Leona Phillips of Grand Ledge and several cousins.

   Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 1999, 1 p.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Rev. Lambert McClintic officiating.  Interment will follow at Gresham Cemetery, Charlotte.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday 1 hour prior to the service.  Those desiring may make contributions to the Jackson County Humane Society in memory of Shirley Gibson. 

Harold E. Gillett  

   Harold E. Gillett, age 86, of Grand Rapids, died Wednesday, March 10, 1999.  He was born in Eaton Rapids January 14, 1913 the son of Herbert and Emma Gillett.  He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Class of 1931.  While living in Eaton Rapids he was an assistant cashier at the First National Bank.  He moved to Grand Rapids in the 1940’s where he was a bookkeeper for the Runciman Company in Lowell and the Kentwood School System.  He was married to Eloise Love who preceded him in death in 1982.

  He is survived by his daughter, Alice (Robert) DeYoung of Grand Rapids; son, Carl (Marilyn) Gillett of Midland; twin brother, Gerald (Lillian) Gillett of Eaton Rapids; brother, Ivan (June) Gillett of Albuquerque, NM; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

   A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 23, 2 p.m. at Klise Chapel of East Congregational Church, Grand Rapids.  Memorial contributions may be made to the East Congregational Church. 

Laura May Donze Gladden  

   Laura May Donze Gladden, age 97, of Lansing formerly of Pleasant Lake, died Sunday, May 2, 1999 at Mary Avenue Nursing Home in Lansing.  She was born July 1, 1901 in Toledo, Ohio the daughter of William L. and Gretta L. (Hamilton) Knull.  Mrs. Gladden was a Grocery Store owner for many years at Pleasant Lake.  She was preceded in death by her first husband Henry Donze in 1954, daughter; Susan Harringa in 1988; three sisters and one brother.

   Surviving are two daughters, Rita R. Deason of Lansing, and Janet (Ivan) Norris of Onondaga; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

   Private graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 4^th at the Deepdale Memorial Park in Lansing with granddaughter, Pastor Susan L. Deason of the United Methodist Church of Cambridge, Ohio officiating.  Arrangements were through the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. 

Nina Glover  

   Nina M. Glover age 83, of Charlotte, formerly of Holt, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 1999 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte.

   Mrs. Glover was born Sept. 29, 1915 in Holt the daughter of Irving and Iva (Cobath) Chandler and had been a Charlotte resident since 1984 coming from St. Petersburg, FL.  Previously was a longtime Lansing area resident.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte.  Surviving are one daughter, Laurel (Don) Jones of Charlotte; one son, Robert E. Hakes, Jr. of Broken Arrow, OK; 5 grandchildren, Scott Hakes of Lansing, Barbara (Thomas) Ongstad of Charlotte, Deborah (Brad) Rinckey of Eagle River, AK, Dean Jones of Charlotte and Joe (Jennifer) Hakes of Kingsland, GA; 4 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Lawrence (Lousie) Chandler of Lansing and 1 sister, Jean Erbe of Lansing.

   She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John E. Glover in 1995, brother Russell Chandler and a sister, Marie Porter.

   Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 5, 1999 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Booth of Calvary Baptist Church officiating.  Interment was at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hayes Green Beach Hospital Building Program. 

Felix Gonzalez  

   Felix Gonzalez, 66, of Charlotte, died Sept. 17, 1999 at Sparrow Health Systems-Sparrow Campus, Lansing, after an extended illness.

   Mr. Gonzalez was born in Mission, Texas, the son of Glodelmiro and Maria (Barrera) Gonzalez, and had been a Charlotte resident for 27 years, coming from Lansing.  He was employed by General Motors in Lansing, retiring in January 1990 after 32 years of service.  He served in the U.S Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Maple City Post #2406 VFW, Charlotte.

He is survived by his wife, Irene (Santana); one daughter, Carmen Marie (Todd Belfiore) Gonzalez of Holland; three sons, Felix II (Martha) of Charlotte, Jorge (Karolyn) of Dimondale and Edelmiro (Gina) of Winnetka, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Felix Gonzalez III, Marissa Gonzalez, Victor Gonzalez, Nathan Gonzalez, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Angela Gonzalez and Claudia Belfiore; one step-grandson, James Gonzalez; one great-grandson, Quinton Gonzalez; eight sisters, Aurora, Emma, Carmen, Maria Elena, Evangelina and Rebecca, all of Texas, Estela of Calif., and Cecilia of Trenton; and two brothers, Edelmior and Jorge, both of Texas.

   He was preceded in death by one brother, Manuel Gonzalez.

   Services were Sept. 20 at the Burkhead-Green Funeral Chapel, Charlotte.  Interment was in the Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney or Diabetes associations. 

Mary Gooding  

   Mary Gooding, 56, of Charlotte died June 22, 1999.

   She is survived by her husband, Harry; one daughter, Vickie (Leonard) West of Springport; two sons, Michael (Geri) of California and Thomas (Amanda) of Owosso; five grandchildren; one brother, James Briggs of California; and one stepbrother and stepsister.

   Services were June 25 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with R. Raymond Rossell officiating.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 

Arpad Gordos, Jr.  

   Arpad J. Gordos, Jr., 71, of Charlotte died Saturday, Jan. 30, 1999 in Los Angeles, CA.

   Arpad was born on May 25, 1927 in PA the son of Arpad John and Minnie (Fellow) Gordos, Sr.  He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and retired from Leaseway Transport after 33 years of service.  Arpad loved to hunt, fish, and travel.

   Surviving are his wife, Anita M. (Cady) Gordos of Charlotte; 2 daughters, Becky (Bill) Pellegrino of Jenison, Sally Watts (John Fernald) of Eaton Rapids; 2 sons, Neil (Jane) Watts of Alburn, WA, Mark (Claudia) Watts of Pizza Italy; 5 grandchildren, including special granddaughter, Jamie Morris, Kyle and Cory Pellegrino, Tia Sayles and Sarah Watts.

   A memorial service will be held on Sat. Feb. 6, 1999 11:00 a.m. at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids with Pastor Tom Evans of the Eaton Rapids First United Methodist Church officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.  Those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society in memory of Arpad Gordos, Jr. 

Fernand Goudreault  

   Fernand Leo Goudreault, 79, of Olivet, born in Manchester, new Hampshire on June 3, 1919.

   Fernand Leo Goudreault dedicated his life to the field of education.  His passing on March 17, 1999 is grieved by his faithful wife of 48 years, Jane Linda Goudreault (DeMaso) from Battle Creek, Michigan; his loving children, Paul Richard Goudreault and Yvonne Marie Caamal Canul (Goudreault)\; daughter-in-law, Katie Grier-Goudreault and son-in-law, Victor Caamal Canul; beloved grandchildren Monet Marie Goudreault and Adrien Richard Goudreault; many life-long friends from all corners of the world; and by all who knew him.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sacre Coeur University in Granby, Quebec and continued his studies at Michigan State University for advanced degrees.  During an illustrious career spanning 50 years, he held a variety of positions including teacher in Quebec, New Hampshire and Michigan; counselor at Boys Training Schools in Bellevue, Michigan; and Cultural Attaché’ with the United States Diplomatic Corps in Fortaleza, Brazil and Guadalajara, Mexico as well as Director of Colegio Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile.  Mr. Goudreault also served as Director of Teacher Education at Olivet College before formal retirement.  Since 1988, he and Jane resided in Roswell, New Mexico where they made many caring friends and served on several school and community task forces.  As a legacy to his family and friends, Mr. Goudreault wrote his autobiography with the editorial assistance of Arend Post.  In April 1998, he and Jane returned to Lansing, Michigan to live with Yvonne and Victor.

   Visitation with the family was held on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at Shaw Funeral Home, Lehman Chapel, Bellevue.  Services, 11 a.m. was on Saturday, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Bellevue, Rev. Fr. John Klein officiating.  Burial, Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue.

   The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Mr. Goudreault’s tireless dedication to education to either; The Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation, c/o LEAF, 519 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, Michigan 48933 or The Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation, c/o 210 N. West Street, Bellevue Michigan 49021. 

Wanda Grace  

   Wanda J. Grace, of Charlotte, died Jan. 23, 1999 after a short illness.  She was born Oct. 14, 1934, the daughter of Jay and Irene Raines.

   She was a loving wife, mother and friend.  She graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in 1952.  In addition to her long career as a wife and mother, she had a life career as a legal secretary.  Wanda started with the law firm of Sinas, Dramis and Brake while a senior in high school and after raising six children continued with several law firms, Legal Air of Central Michigan and finished with a very happy 12-year stay at Thomas M. Cooley Law School Library.  Mrs. Grace’s passing will leave a large hole in the lives of the many people she touched.  However, like a star that dies out, her light and love will remain with all of us in our special way throughout the rest of our lives.  She loved her God, her family and her many friends and will be sorely missed.

   She is survived by her husband of 41 years, C. Robert Grace; children, Scott (Carolyn) Grace, Julie (Brian) Grace-Martin, Susan Grace-Fedele, Cynthia (Randy) Grace-Jewell, Katie (Jeff) Grace-Dornbos, and Robert (Janette) Grace; sisters, Dora Metzmaker and Norma (Richard) Olin; brother, Richard (Mary) Raines; sister-in-law, Betty Sulcer; and many nieces and nephews.

   She was preceded in death by her parents.

   Services were held Jan. 27 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte.  Arrangements were made by Pray Funeral Home. 

Bethel Graham  

   Bethel Graham, 83, of Kalkaska, formerly of Mulliken, died Nov. 16, 1999, near Traverse City.

   Mrs. Graham was born March 29, 1916 near Mulliken, the daughter of Vernon and Zilah (Riggs) Miller.  She was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Deeble.  She was a retired Fisher Body employee and a member of the Charlotte Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

   She is survived by four children; three daughters, Gloria (Roland) Hayes of Sparta, JoAnne Reeves-Williams of Charlotte, and Cleta (Louis) Hunt of Kalkaska; one son, Rodney (Joann) of Webberville; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Velma Putnam of Oak Park, Ill.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Cletis.

   Services were Nov. 20 at the Barker-Leik Funeral Home, Mulliken, with Elders Richard Garn and James Wiltse officiating.  Interment was in the Meadowbrook Cemetery. 

Mary Gray  

   Mary Lou (Ball) Gray, 72, of Bellevue, died March 14, 1999 at the Battle Creek Health System-Community Site after an extended illness.

   Mrs. Gray was born in Brookfield Township, Eaton County, the daughter of Gerald and Kathleen (Culver) Ball.  She was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, a member of the Olivet First Assembly of God, a retired longtime employee of the Air Way Mfg. Co. in Olivet and loved art and painting.

   She married Carrol D. Gray Oct. 21, 1950.

   She was also preceded in death by her husband, March 27, 1998, and one brother, Dwight Ball.

   She is survived by two daughters, Celia Anne “Annie” Meredith of Battle Creek and Cynthia L. “Cindy” Fenters of Bellevue; one son, Michael (Lynn) of DeWitt; and three grandchildren, Jessica and Ryan Fenters and Alta Gray.

   Cremation has taken place.  There will be no visitation.

   Memorial services were March 17 at the Olivet First Assembly of God with the Rev. Douglas Hammond officiating.  Arrangements were made by the Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Tracy Gray Jr.  

   Tracy Gray Jr., age 74, of Springport died Sunday, June 6, 1999 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease at the Ingham Medical Center in Lansing.  Born May 23, 1925 in Oklahoma the son of Tracy and Neva (Beckwith) Gray Sr.  Tracy served in the Navy as a Sea Bee during World War II and retired with 23 years as a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserves on June 1, 1985.  Mr. Gray was retired from B.O.C. in Lansing as a Foreman, retiring in 1985 and was a member of the UAW local 652.  Tracy was a farmer in the 1950’s and 60’s with his family.  He was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids and the Knights of Columbus, a member of the American Legion in Hubbardston.  Tracy enjoyed woodworking and hunting with his sons and grandsons.  Preceding him in death was a grandson, Ryan and 2 brothers, Edwin and Gerry.

   Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Mary; 5 sons, Michael (Kathy) Gray of Albion, Joseph, Thomas, and Edward (Debbie) Gray all of Springport and Mark Gray of Eaton Rapids; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; 6 brothers and sisters, Dale, Gale, Dewain, Glen, Garnet, and Bonnie; numerous nieces and nephews.

   Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 10^th at 12 noon at St. Peter Church in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Fr. Ben Constantine as celebrant.  Rosary will be recited on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids where the family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids where full military honors will be provided by the U.S. Naval Reserves.  Casket bearers will be Michael, Joseph, Thomas, Edward, Mark, and Chad Gray.  For those desiring a memorial contribution may be made to the St. Peter Catholic Church of Parkinson’s Research in memory of Tracy Gray Jr. 

Elonore Helen Gregory  

   Elonore Helen Gregory of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away September 16, 1999 at the age of 60.  Mrs. Gregory was born in Marquette, Michigan, on July 26, 1939.  She lived her early years in Chatham, Michigan, graduating from Eben High School in 1957.  She has been a long time resident of Charlotte and served many years in the Charlotte Public School system.

   She leaves her loving and devoted husband, Pete Gregory, beloved children, Daniel Gregory and his wife Terrl of DeWitt, Shellon Gregory of Miami, Florida, Laura Agemak and her husband Richard of Trenton; and three grandchildren, Jared, Alison, and Lyndan.  She also leaves her loving parents, Inea and Walter Seppanen and sisters, Carolyn Kvarda of California, Gloria Carlson of Marquette, and Marcia Tulkki of Walled Lake; brothers, David Seppanen of Skandia, James Seppanen of Chatham, Allen Seppanen of Chatham. and Jon Seppanen of Trenary along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   Her father Untio J. Keskimaki preceded her in death at an early age as did her sister Marjorie A. Seppanen.  She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

   Her family will receive friends at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Friday, September 17, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held Sunday, 2:00 p.m. at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Chatham.  Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetary.  The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice.  Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc. 

Claude Griswold  

   Claude Edward Jay Griswold, 83, of Olivet died June 1, 1999.

   Mr. Griswold was born Dec. 17, 1915 in Plano, Ill., the son of Wayne and Leonora (Clark) Griswold.  He was a member of the Charlotte Free Methodist Church and enjoyed doing word search puzzles and bowling.

   He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Chuck) Bingham of Bellevue and Bonnie (Michael) Kelly of Cambridgre, Mass.; two sons, Wayne of Phoenix, Ariz. and David of Santa Maria, Calif.; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Laraine (Marian) of Yorkville, Ill.; and four sisters, Leona Mead of Sandwich, Ill., Marcella Johnson of Sugar Grove, Ill., Alberta (Pat) Braffet of DeKalb, Ill., and Marian (Richard) Hester of Yorkville, Ill.

   He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gerald.

   Services were June 4 at the Charlotte Free Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Krueger and the Rev. Cyril Page officiating.  Interment was in the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta.  Arrangements by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Free Methodist Church. 

V. Marie Guthrie  

   V. Marie Guthrie, 96, of Charlotte died Saturday, March 20, 1999 at the Eaton Manor Nursing Home after an extended illness.

   Marie was born in Charlotte June 29, 1902 to Fred and Lillian Bowers.  After Lillian’s death she was adopted by John C. and Bertha Nichols of Charlotte at age four.  She was married to Frank J. Guthrie on April 30, 1922.

   She was preceded in death by her eight year old daughter, Phyllis Ann in 1931, her husband, Frank in 1966 and brother Louis Bowers in 1979.  She was a member of First Baptist Church where she sang in the choir for many years, was a member of the Mary Murray Circle, was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class and had served as a Red Cross volunteer at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility.  She had made a quilt square with a picture of the Old Waterworks for the large quilt which now hangs in the lobby of the Charlotte City Hall.

   Surviving are a daughter, Betty J. Butler of Charlotte; a son, Robert J. Guthrie of Walhalla; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

   Cremation has taken place.  There will be no visitation.  Memorial services are 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 1999 at the First Baptist Church, Charlotte with Rev. Dr. Charles Moore officiating.  Inurnment of cremains will be in the Rosehill Cemetery, Eaton Rapids.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Charlotte.

   Arrangements by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

George Hager  

   George Hager, 20, of Keego Harbor, died Aug. 1, 1999.

   Mr. Hager was the son of Janice (Blodgett) and Mel Hager.  He was an active member of Oakland Co. 4-H; currently a carrier for the Detroit News and Free Press; former Boy Scout, attended West Bloomfield High School; and was employed by Discount Tire Co.

   He is survived by his parents; siblings, Esther Lorraine and Earl Michael Hager; grandparent, Lorella Blodgett; and three nephews.

   Services were held Aug. 4 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville.

   If desired, a memorial contribution may be made in lieu of flowers to George M. Hager Fund, c/o National City Bank, 2907 Orchard Lk. Rd., Keego Harbor, Mich. 48320.

   Arrangements by Godhardt-Tomlinson Funeral Home, Keego Harbor. 

Dortha Haggerty  

   Dortha Elizabeth (Newland) Haggerty, 84, of Hillsdale died March 14, 1999, at the Eaton Manor Nursing Home, Charlotte.

   Mrs. Haggerty was born in Marshall Oct. 20, 1914, the daughter of Calvin & Myrtle (Gundrum) Newland.  Her family moved to Charlotte when she was six months old and she graduated from Charlotte High School in 1932.  She and her twin brother, Donald, were baptized in 1925 at the First Baptist Church, Charlotte.  A lifelong member of the Baptist Church, she believed that a Bible-centered life was the best and only way to live.  She loved people, animals, and life.  Her sense of humor helped her through the tough times.  She was opinionated and strong-willed when faced with difficulties.

   She is survived by one son, Alvin Haggerty of Denver, Colo.; one brother, Donald Newland of Charlotte; one sister, Janette Frey of Ft. Royal, Virginia; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Virgil Haggerty in 1984, one daughter, and one brother.

   Cremation has taken place and interment of the cremains was in a family plot in Litchfield.

   Memorial services will be held this summer in Hillsdale.  Arrangements were made by the George White Funeral Home, Litchfield.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief or the charity of one’s choice. 

Amos Haigh  

   Amos Haigh, 77, of Charlotte, died July 3, 1999.

   Mr. Haigh was born Dec. 18, 1921 on a farm in Benton Township, the son of Gladys (Rogers) and Carson Haigh.  He attended country school, Miers District #10, and Charlotte High School.  He also graduated from a Kellogg Agricultural Short Course at Michigan State College.  He was active in 4-H and FFA and especially interested in Belgian horses.  He helped charter three Farm Bureau discussion groups in Eaton County, was an adult advisor in 4-H, FFA and Young People of the West Benton Church.  He and his family are originators of the new West Benton Church.  He had been a prominent maple syrup producer since 1958, was a member of both the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Corp. and Michigan and International Maple Syrup Association.  He took an active part in building the Maple Leaf Barn in Vermontville and the new permanent stage on Main Street in Vermontville.  He and his wife have been in charge of the corporation’s booth at the Michigan State Fair for many years.  He and his wife joined the National Campers and Hikers in 1970 to help with the National Campvention at Irish Hills and were active in the local chapter, Charlotteers #80 Camping Club.  They had just returned from an outing at Lake City.  He was also an active member of the Jackson Steelheaders fishing club and rarely missed a meeting.  He married his high-school sweetheart, Joyce Smith, July 4, 1942.

   He is survived by his wife, Joyce; one daughter, Sandra (John) Pifer of Charlotte; five sons, twins, Larry (Karen) of Bellevue and Garry (Patricia) of Charlotte, Daniel (Joan) of Charlotte, David (Mary Pat) of Sunfield, and Scott (Ruth) of Charlotte; 21 grandchildren, Dana, Camie, Jason, Lachelle, Lynn, Jeannette, Arthur, Mary T., Sarah, Robert H., Jose, Joseph, Robert P., Andy, Levon, Jonae, Janelle, Scott, Kirk, Greg, and Lorie; 17 great-grandchildren, Jennica, Jaryn, Christopher, Justin, Kaylea, Elizabeth, Justice, Nichelle, Michaela, Jessica, Mathew, Dylan, Tessa, Bethany, Travis, Lindsey and Trevor; one sister, Cleone Burman of Grand Ledge; and one brother, Stanley (Barbara) of Charlotte.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, a daughter-in-law, and an infant grandson.

   Services were July 7 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Timothy Tanner officiating.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the West Benton Church. 

Wayne Haigh  

   Wayne S. Haigh, 72, of Lansing, formerly of Mulliken, died Tuesday morning, Jan. 5, 1999 at a Lansing Hospital.

   Mr. Haigh was born Oct. 10, 1926 in Benton Township, Eaton County, a son of Lester A. and Susie L. (Root) Haigh.  He was an Army veteran of WWII and a retired GM employee.  His wife Joyce preceded him in death in 1987.

   Surviving are nine children, Evelyn Sugar of Grand Rapids, Susan Haigh of Middleville, Roberta Gobert of Grand Rapids, Cindy (Ernest) Bolen of Hastings, Tim Haigh (fiancé Jolene) of Mulliken, Julia (Steve) Keeler of Mulliken, and Teresa Haigh of Mulliken; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Patricia) Haigh of Mulliken; two sisters, Lucille Macomber of Grand Rapids, and Lena Lowe of Washington, MI; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth Haigh of Jackson.

   Services were Jan. 7 at Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken with Pastor Don Woolum officiating.  Interment was in Meadowbrook Cemetery. 

Bethany Halbiesen  

   Bethany Rene Halbiesen, 12, of Charlotte died Feb. 25, 1999.

   Bethany was born Oct. 15, 1986 in Lansing, the daughter of Dennis and Bonnie (Fielder) Halbiesen.  She was a student at Parkview Elementary School in Charlotte and attended the Oneida Gospel Church.  She enjoyed giving to others, particularly through her hobby of making beaded jewelry for her friends and family.

   She is survived by her parents; one brother, Douglas; her grandmother, Catherine Halbiesen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

   Services are tomorrow, Monday, March 1, at the Oneida Gospel Church with the Rev. Larry Schrauger and the Rev. Jeffery Nunham officiating.  Interment will be in the West Carmel Cemetery, Carmel Township.  Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice or Sparrow Hospital Pediatrics Unit. 

Laurie Hale  

   Laurie Hale, 50, of Vermontville died June 1, 1999.

   Mrs. Hale was born Jan. 22, 1949 in Lansing, the daughter of Stanley and Lila (Flood) Green.  She was a sales representative for The Mark Travel Corp., a former manager with Spartan Travel, former beautician in Charlotte and Vermontville, and a member of the Vermontville First Congregational Church UCC.  She loved traveling and garden flowers.

   She is survived by her husband, Darryl; two daughters, Holli (J.C.) Hale-DelaGarza of San Francisco, Calif., and Robin Hale and her fiancée, Matt Murphy, of Rockford; one sister, Debbie Zakora of Charlotte; one brother, Dick Green of Sunfield; and her mother, Lila Green of Vermontville.

   Services were June 4 at the First Congregational Church, Vermontville, with the Rev. Sally Nolan officiating.  Interment was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville.

   Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Olive Hall  

   Olive “Alice” Grace Hall, 86, of Charlotte died Friday, July 23, 1999.

   Mrs. Hall was born Sept. 9, 1912 in Detroit, the daughter of James and Gertrude (Arnold) Wood.  She was a retired Bell Telephone operator in Detroit.

   She is survived by one great nephew, William Hazelrigg of Wyandotte; one niece, Louise Hazelrigg of Dearborn Heights; one great-nephew and two great-nieces; and sister-in-law, Miriam Wood of Charlotte.

   Services were July 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Charlotte, with Fr. Thomas Nenneau officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.

   Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or American Cancer Society.

   Arrangements were made by the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Agnes Halsey  

   Agnes Marie Halsey, 90, of Charlotte died July 3, 1999 in Grandville.

   Ms. Halsey was born in Carmel Township, Eaton County, the daughter of Frank and Melita (Tubbs) Halsey.  She was a schoolteacher for 40 years, retiring in 1970 from the Olivet School District.

   She is survived by two nieces, Ava Burdick of Hudsonville and Valerie Lee of San Jose, Calif.; and five nephews, Elwood Halsey of Nashville, Keith Halsey of Phoenix, Ariz., Lynn Halsey of Charlotte, Dennis Halsey of Mt. Prospect, Ill., and Willis Halsey of Tecumseh.

   Memorial services are Monday, July 12, 1999, at 1 p.m. at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with the Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating.  

Rena Mae Halsey  

   Rena Mae Halsey, 86, of Charlotte died Friday, April 16, 1999.  Mrs. Halsey was born August 21, 1912 in Fulton County, Ohio the daughter of Clair “Ted” and Mable Scott.  She was a member of Gresham United Methodist Church, Widows Club, and Just-A-Mere Club.

She is survived by sons, Stanley (Druscella) Halsey of Charlotte, David “Hap” (Geraldine) Halsey of Vermontville, Charles (Helen) Halsey of Charlotte, Stephen (Jane) Halsey of Charlotte; daughter, Rebecca Saylor of Charlotte; brothers, Archie Scott of Charlotte and Sherman Scott of Vermontville; several step-brothers and step-sisters; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Halsey, in 1987.  Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 19, 1999 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Bowman officiating.  Interment at Gresham Cemetery in Eaton County.  Visitation will be Saturday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Gresham United Methodist Church.  Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Frank Ham  

   Frank Ham, 82, of Lexington, KY died Saturday, July 31, 1999 at his home following an extended illness.

   Mr. Ham was born Jan. 6, 1917 in Scranton, PA and graduated from Nile (Mich.) High School in 1935.  After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Olivet College in 1940, he pursued graduate studies at Indiana University and coached football and track at John Adams High School (1944-47) and Olivet College (1947-52), where he also served as athletic director.  In 1952, Ham was named assistant to the president, with primary responsibilities in public and alumni relations.

   Ham spent more than a decade in private business before returning to athletics with a move to the University of Kentucky in 1968.  Initially the administrative assistant for head football coach John Ray, he remained on the football staff to coordinate the transition to Fran Curel’s staff, while also serving as project officer for UK’s Commonwealth Stadium.

   In 1978 he began a decade as assistant director of athletics for Harry Lancaster and later, Cliff Hagan.  Coach Ham retired from the University of Kentucky in 1987, only to be recalled to duty in 1992 as special assistant to UK Athletics Director C.M. Newton – a position he held until his death.

   He has been enshrined in the Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

   In 1980 he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the UK Alumni Association, and in 1991 he was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws by Olivet College.  He was a member of Southern Hills United Methodist Church, Lexington, and maintained an affiliation with the Olivet Masonic Lodge and the Saladin Shrine, Grand Rapids.

   Surviving are brothers, Robert of Niles, Jack of Edwardsburg; sister, Martha Goodsell of Edwardsburg; two sons, Michael of Fairfield, Conn., and Craig of Ocala, Fla.; two daughters, Sue Ann Ameigh of Cassopolls and Jennifer Ham Blakeley of Lexington; nine grandchildren; and three great-granddaughters.

   Preceding him in death was his wife of 51 years, Rosemary (Woods) Ham in 1992.

   Memorial services were held at Southern Hills United Methodist Church, Lexington, on Aug. 5.  Pallbearers were Larry Ivy, Robert Bradley, Dr. Hubert Hall, Rick Fromm, Jay Spurrier and John Reiner.  Honorary pallbearers are Charles Michler, Harry Miller Jr., Frank Atkins, Carroll Huntress, Cliff Hagan and Charles Blair.

   Additional services were held Aug. 7 at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Ind.  Pallbearers were Michael Ham, R. Craig Ham, James Ameigh, Philip Blakely, John Winchester and Todd Ham.  Honorary pallbearers include John Ray, Joseph Woods, Richard Woods, Robert Ham, Jack Ham, Roger Warner, Rocco Papandria, Lew Jeffries, Swede Thomas, and George Balch.

   Mr. Ham requested that friends consider donations to the Rosemary Ham Library Fund, Olivet College; the Frank and Rosemary Ham House, Olivet College; or the University of Kentucky Athletics Scholarship Fund. 

Darlene Hammond  

   Darlene F. Hammond, 67, of Nashville, went to be with her Lord April 5, 1999, at her home.

   She was born Jan. 26, 1932 in Revere, Missouri the daughter of Carl & Mary (Brown) Martin.  She attended Dennison Country School in Ovid and graduated from Ovis High School in 1949.  She married William D. Hammond on Nov. 22, 1950 near Perry.  During her working life she was employed at Nashville Putnam Public Library, Nashville Laundromat, Grandma’s Greenery Flower Shop in Nashville and Mace Pharmacy in Nashville.  She was a member of the Nashville Baptist Church, and enjoyed garaged sales, flower arranging, and feeding the birds.  Most of all she enjoyed giving to others, her farm and country living, and especially her grand kids.

   Surviving are her children, Jeri (Don) Brinks of Wyoming, Jim (Amy) Hammond of Nashville and Debra (Richard) Farrell of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jarod, Jimmy, Adam, Levon, Lucas, Kaitlyn, McKenna, Hannah and Brielle; great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Joshua, and a new baby expected soon; brothers, Larry (Margo) Martin of Ovid, Dennis (Pennie) Martin of Pensacola, Fla., Norman (Barbara) Martin of Ovid; sister, Gayle (Linn) Pontius of DeWitt.

   Preceded by husband, William D. Hammond; son, Dwaine Hammond; and brother, Warren L. Martin.

   Services were held Friday, April 9, at Nashville Baptist with Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating.  Burial was at Lakeview Cemetery, Nashville. 

Mildren Hamm-Walker  

   Mildred E. Hamm-Walker, 76, of Mesa, Ariz., died Feb. 4, 1999.

   She was born in Exira, Iowa, and spent many years as a printer and currently served on the Board of Directors of Air-Way Mfg. Co.

   She is survived by her husband, Frank; daughter, Kay Nosbisch; stepdaughter, Laurie Place; stepsons, Ronald and Larry Hamm, and Bruce, Kevin, James, and Garry Walker; sister, Angelina Aman; 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

   Services were held Feb. 8 at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Mesa. 

   Memorial contributions may be made to Paz De Cristo, in care of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 1730 E. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa, Ariz.  85202. 

Joshua Handziak  

   Joshua Paul Handziak, 16, of Decatur, Ind., formerly of Lansing, died March 1, 1999 in Jacksonville, Fla. from a drowning accident.

   He was born Oct. 13, 1982 in Lansing the son of Edward Handziak, Jr. and Denise Davis.  He was a freshman at Bellmont High School.

   He is survived by his mother, Denise Handziak of Decatur; father and stepmother, Edward and Sharon Handziak, Jr. of Silver Lake, Ind.; two sisters, Letha Handziak of Lansing and Brandy Handziak of Decatur; grandparents, Archie and Maurice Lumbert of Potterville and Edward and Mildred Handziak, Sr. of Holt; three stepbrothers, Mike and Matt Berger of Breman, Ind. and Mark Berger of Bourbon, Ind.; several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

   Services were held March 8 at Field and Leik Funeral Home in Dimondale with Pastor G. Scott Pattison officiating.  Interment was at Bosworth Cemetery, Olivet. 

Nancy Hankins  

   Nancy Marie Hankins, 52, of Eaton Township, died Oct. 1, 1999 at Tendercare West Nursing Home, Delta Township.

   Miss Hankins had attended Trinity Wesleyan Church.

   She is survived by one sister, Judy Shanes of Jackson; two brothers, Thomas (Susan) Hankins, with whom she lived for many years, and Larry (Sharon) Hankins of Jackson; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

   Services were Oct. 5 at Nichols-Arthur Funeral Home, Michigan Center, with Pastor Keith Hinton officiating.  Interment was in the Roseland Memorial Gardens, Jackson.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Special Olympics. 

George Hard  

   George Washington Hard, 63, of Nashville, died Nov. 1, 1999 at his home.

   Mr. Washington was born Jan. 5, 1936 in Evansville, Tenn., the son of Albert Henry and Ada Elizabeth (Webb) Hard.  He grew up in the Battle Creek area and served in the US Army.  He married Bettie Lou Gillespie on May 31, 1955 and had been employed by Fisher Body of Lansing, Clark Equipment Co., Smith & Gram Co., and two roofing companies, one in Texas and one in Battle Creek.  He had managed two Battle Creek Zephyr gas stations at the same time for a number of years.  He enjoyed boating, fishing, farming, and talking on citizens band radios.  He was known as “Agitatin’ Grasshopper.”

   He is survived by his wife, Bettie; four daughters, Ada Powers of Battle Creek, Cindy Lewis and Ruth (Craig) Hoffman, both of Hastings, and Daisy (Dennis) Davis of Hopkins; four sons, Gordon (Deb) of Rogers, Ark., David of Nashville, Steve (Pat) of Hastings and Tim of Nashville; a special needs sister-in-law, Evelynn Gillespie; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Cora Lee (Dennis) Johnson of Ludington and Bonnie (Bud) Griffin of Ludington; and two brothers, Jessie (Joanne) of Florida and Johnny of Battle Creek.

   He was preceded in death by one son, Terry, June 23, 1985; three brothers, Arlin, Otis, and William; and two sisters, Marie Hooker and Ella Mae Asip.

   Services were Nov. 4 at Maple Valley Chapel, with Chaplain Richard Genther officiating.  Interment was in the Bedford Township Cemetery.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the family. 

Cyril “Cy” F. Harder  

   Cyril “Cy” F. Harder, age 97, died Monday, December 6, 1999 in Dimondale.   Cy was born September 2, 1902 in Patterson, New Jersey, the son of Harold and Florence (Franklin)Harder.  He attended the Robbins United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids and was a member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.  Cy loved to collect model trains, stamps and coins and had a love for traveling.  Mr. Harder retired as a Funeral Director in New Jersey and owned and operated a liquor store at the same time.  Mr. Harder was preceded in death by his first wife, Sarah Elizabeth; second wife, Florence, 1999; son, Roger Harder, Sr., 1987; daughter-in-law, Connie Harder, 1958; and great-grandson, Robbie D. Harder, 1990.

   Surviving are his daughter-in-law, Barbara Harder of Holt; 3 granddaughters, Peggy (Dale) Sadler of Eaton Rapids, Sally Harder of Lansing, and Connie (Rick) Harder-Barker of Florida; 3 grandsons, Roger Harder, Jr. of Grand Rapids, Robert (Julianna) Harder of California, and Ronald Harder of Florida; 12 great-grandchildren, Scott, Jody, and Amanda Sadler, Cody Harder, Jillia Harder, Dominique Krugler, Brandon and Jason Harder, Lisa Harder; Jennifer, Jay and Jamie Harder; stepson, Strong (Eunice) Bateman of Eaton Rapids; step-grandchildren, David (Diane) Bateman of Charlotte, Mark (Laurie) Bateman of Owosso, and Kim (Dan) Smith of Eaton Rapids; and 8 step-great-grandchildren.

   Funeral services were held Friday, December 10, 1999, at the Shelly-Odell Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids, with Rev. Marty DeBow, Pastor of Robbins United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment followed at Delta Center Cemetery, Lansing. 

Florence J. Bateman Harder  

   Florence J. Bateman Harder, age 96, life resident of the Eaton Rapids area, died Friday, February 19, 1999 at the St. Lawrence/Dimondale Center.  She was born February 17, 1903 in Aurelius Township on the same farm her grandfather settled in 1837 the daughter of David C. and Jennie (Fountain) Strong.  Florence was a retired  teacher, who taught for 30 years, teaching 7 years in one room schools and 23 years teaching 3^rd grade in the Leslie School System.  In 1929 she married Cyril K. Bateman who preceded her in death in 1967.  Nine years later she married Cyril Harder in 1976.  She was a member of the Leslie Retired Teachers Association, a member of the Robbins United Methodist Church in rural Eaton Rapids and was an active member of the Eaton Rapids Senior Citizens Group.  Also preceding her in death were her stepson Roger Harder in 1987 and step-great-grandson, Robert D. Harder in 1990.

   Surviving are her husband, Cyril Harder of Holt; son. K. Strong (Eunice) Bateman of Eaton Rapids; 3 grandchildren, David (Diane) Bateman of Charlotte, Mark (Laurie) Bateman of Owosso and Kimberly (Dan) Smith of Eaton Rapids; 8 great-grandchildren, Jennifer and Melissa Bateman, Andrew, Evan, and Christopher Bateman, Ryan Perritt, Christina and Danny Smith; stepdaughter-in-law, Barbara Harder of Lansing; 6 step-grandchildren, Roger Harder of Grand Rapids, Robert Harder of California, Peggy (Dale) Sadler of Eaton Rapids, Ronald Harder of Florida, Sally Harder of Lansing, and Connie (Rick) Barker of Florida; 9 step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

   Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 23^rd at 1 p.m. from the Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids with the Rev. Marty DeBow of the Robbins United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Plains Cemetery in Aurelius Township.  Casket bearers will be Henry Buckingham, Roy Buckingham, David Strank, Robert Eckhart, Keith Cantine and Myron Montie.  Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Lawrence/Dimondale Center in memory of Florence. 

Elaine Harmon  

   Elaine Dorothy Harmon, 62, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Saturday, April 3, 1999.

   Mrs. Harmon was born February 27, 1937 in Vermontville, the daughter of Gerald and Ina (Hoke) Shumaker.

   She is survived by sons, Rodney Lee (Shirley) Harmon of Vermontville, Richard Karl (Debbie) Harmon of Vermontville and Eric Jordan (Shawn) Harmon of Charlotte; daughter SherLyn Mae Eggleston of Charlotte; mother, Ina Shumaker of Vermontville; sisters, Kit (Vic) Dornan of Traverse City and Carol Ann (Richard) Landes of Vermontville; brother, Robert (Ollie) Shumaker; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and companion, Dick Southern.

   She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Lee Harmon, father, Gerald Edward Shumaker, Sr. and brother, Gerald Edward Shumaker, Jr.

   Funeral services were held Wed., April 7, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Garn officiating.  Interment was at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. 

   If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.  Arrangements were prepared by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. 

Troy Harris

   Troy Curtis Harris, 63, of Charlotte, died Jan. 5, 1999.

   Mr. Harris was born Feb. 2, 1935 in Garrett, Ken., the son of George and Flora Harris.

   He is survived by his wife, Doloras; three daughters, Teresa (David) Uhl and Jodi Harris, both of Charlotte, and Angela (Joe) Russell of Olivet; two sons, Victor (Lisa) of Charlotte and Mark (Sherry) of Bellevue; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Moore of Price, Ken.; two brothers, Roy Gene Harris of Paris, Ken., and Archie Harris of Columbus, Ohio; and the Leik family.

   Services were Jan. 7 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Charles Jenson officiating.  Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. 

Calvin E. Hartline  

   Calvin E. Hartline, age 53, died Wednesday, October 20, 1999 in Lansing.  Cal was born August 9, 1946 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Russell Milton and Laura D. (McCalister) Hartline.  He retired from Oldsmobile in 1995 after 30 years of service and then worked with Dan Knickerbocker as a finishing carpente