Dorothy Grace Cox
87, of Delta Township, Michigan, died Sunday, March 17, 2002. Mrs. Cox was born April 28, 1914, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of William Thomas Cavanaugh and Grace (Berry) Cavanaugh. She graduated from St. Alphonse Grade School, Creston High School, and Grand Rapids Business College. She was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, Naomi Circle, and Maple City Chapter 218 Order of Eastern Star. She is survived by daughter, Diane (Richard) Larder of Livermore, CA, 3 grandchildren: Debra Larder, Westbend, WI; Richard K. Larder, San Francisco, CA; and Jennifer Larder, Stockton, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Allen Cox, in December, 1996, and her one brother, Donald Cavanaugh. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and/or Maple City Chapter 218 Order of the Eastern Star. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan.
Ann Christine Grier
54 of Charlotte, died Saturday, March 23, 2002, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. Grier was born December 9, 1947, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hemingway) Bartolacci. She was Personnel Director for Owens Illinois Glass Plant in Charlotte for 34 years, a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a member of the Charlotte Women's Bowling Association. She is survived by daughter Amy (Jim) Flowers of Battle Creek, sons Richard of Cedar Park, TX and Robert (Jamie) of Sarasota, FL; grandson, Sean Patrick Flowers of Battle Creek; granddaughter, Kathryn Ann Flowers of Battle Creek; mother, Mary Bartolacci of Charlotte; brothers, Jeffry of Tampa, FL, James (Lou) of Mason, John (Sue) of Charlotte, and Joseph (Dianna) Bartolacci of Charlotte; sisters, Lisa (Jim) Jones of New Port Richey, FL, Nora (Tony) Bartolacci-Franzini of Tampa, FL, and Mary Jo (Tim) Bartolacci-Palmer of Indiana; brother-in-law Mike (Connie) Grier of Charlotte; sister-in-law, Susan Grier of Lansing; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Grier, March 1, 2000; son, Jeffery in November, 1984; and father, Joseph Bartolacci in August, 1996. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Denis R. Spitzley officiating. Visitation will be Sunday 7-9 p.m. and Monday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. A Parish Rosary will berecited 7:00 p.m. Monday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St.Mary Catholic Church or Eaton Community Hospice.
Margaret Lucile Baker
89, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, March 24, 2002 at her residence. Mrs. Baker was born January 27, 1913, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Irvin Powers and Emma (Gehman) Powers. She was a member of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and was affiliated with the church choir and the Ruth Circle. She had been a music teacher and had been an organist at Pray Funeral Home for many years. She had also been a music volunteer at Eaton County Medical Facility and was a member of the Just-A-Mere Club. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Leo, two sons, L. Daryl (Mary Jean) of Charlotte and D. Doyle (Jackie) of Traverse City; three daughters Marcelyn (Sherman) Kelley of Springport, Darlene (Robert) Raymer of Charlotte, Rosemary Kathleen (David) DeWaters of Texas, 14 Grandchildren, 17 Great-grandchildren, and sister, Christine Rowley of Jonesville. Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday, March 27, 2002 at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. George Fleming officiating. Interment will be in Gresham Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 pm Monday and 2-4 and 7-9 pm Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Cancer Society, Eaton Community Hospice or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Lawrence Charles Snitgen
56, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on the 26th of March, 2002 at home with his wife by his side. Larry was born November 6, 1945.
Larry retired as a 1st Sgt after 22 years, from the Army in 1986. Larry's Army career included two tours as a Combat Tracker in Vietnam with his War Dog Goldie, who was waiting for him at Heavens Gate. Larry's career also included several years in the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. Larry held many positions after retiring from the Army the last of which was with the Eaton County Sheriff Dept., working as an Animal Control officer and Corrections Officer until his death. His love of all animals was known to all who knew Larry.
Surviving relatives are his devoted wife Linda, daughter Allison Salazar and son Larry Carl Snitgen, five grandchildren, Diana Salazar, Nick Salazar, Amanda Salazar, Miranda Salazar and Phelix Lauth, brothers Robert Snitgen Jr., Jody Smith, Dick Rush, and sisters Peggy Burr and Sue Crain, mother-in-law Joan Beck, father-in-law Carl Beck, brothers-in-law Vance McCrumb and Mark McCrumb III. His parents Robert and Betty and stepfather Lionel Smith preceded Larry in death. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service, 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2002 which Travis Sybrowsky will facilitate at Pray Funeral Home. Family will receive visitors Thursday between, 1 and 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vietnam War Dog Memorial Fund c/o Vietnam Dog Handler Association P.O. Box 5658 Oceanside, CA 92052-5658 and/or Sparrow Home Hospice Services St. Lawrence Campus Lansing, MI 48915-1999.
Richard "Dick" L. Betts
48, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Wednesday, March 27, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dick was born December 11, 1953, the son of Elmer and Betty (Gemmill) Betts. He was a truck driver currently working for USF Holland. Dick drove well over 1 million accident free miles and attended numerous professional training courses and programs for which he received many awards, and was a member of the Teamsters Union. He is survived by his loving wife Christine and daughter Amy Lynn, his parents, brother Robert and sister Vickie, nephew Rob (Amy) Betts, nieces, Amy Jo Betts and Kim Harris, all of Charlotte. Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. George Fleming officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Friday 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 pm at Pray Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Dick's name to Mid Michigan Hospice. He was a good man who will be greatly missed and was loved by many.
David Mark Hathcox
43 of Lansing, died March 28, 2002. Mr. Hathcox was born August 31, 1958 in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of George C. and Shirley Ann (Martin) Hathcox. He is survived by his parents, brother Richard of Carson City, sisters Pamela Lynn Rohr and Lori Ann Wagner both of Angola, Indiana, and step-grandfather of Winfred Gilbert of Lawrence, Kansas. There will be no services at this time.
John Benjamin Wood
76 of Grand Ledge, died Thursday, March 28, 2002. Mr. Wood was born February 22, 1926 in Edmore, Michigan, the son of Jesse A. and Nettie May (Peterson) Wood. He is survived by daughters, Annette (Robert) Doner, Marie (Guy) Reynolds, sons John Wood, Jr. (Cristine), Michael Wood, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice (Jacobs) in 1994, son Melvin Jesse in 2001 and great grandson David Hill-Dupree in 1992. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Bob Doner of Salem United Church of Christ officiating. Interment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Cynthia Wetzel-Brooks
39, of Vermontville, Michigan, died Friday, March 29, 2002. Ms. Brooks was born June 26, 1962, in Alma, Michigan, the daughter of Donald and Gloria (Smith) Wetzel of Vermontville, Michigan. She most enjoyed being a mother raising her 2 sons. She also enjoyed her family's dairy farm, photography and collected cow figures and items. She was most recently employed by Balzers Tool Coating, Inc. In the past she was employed at Century Mutual Insurance Company, and as a DHIA milk tester for many years. She is survived by sons, Daniel, Jarrod, her parents, sisters, Kim (Joel) Dixon, of Connecticut, Pam (Mark) Root of Lansing, brothers, Kevin (Lisa) of Lansing, Jeff (Chelsey) of Nashville, Chad Wetzel of Vermontville, grandmother, Donnalee Wetzel of Vermontville, 4 nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Elder Larry Marlin officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Visitation will be Sunday 7-9 P.M. and Monday 3-5 & 7-9 P.M. at Pray Funeral Home.
Clare Harvey Householder
66, of Kalamazoo, died Saturday, March 30, 2002. Mr. Householder was born December 11, 1935 in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Mayford and Verna (Roach) Householder. Funeral services will be 9:30 AM Friday, April 5, 2002, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Grant Butler officiating. Visitation will be 9:00am until time of service on Friday.
Alice Huntoon
72, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, March 31, 2002. Mrs. Huntoon was born January 3, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Fred and Emaline (Magoon) Janes. She worked at the Eaton County Medical Facility for 17 years. She is survived by her husband Claude "Bill" Huntoon; daughter Linda Stubblefield of Charlotte, and sons Ted of Charlotte and William (Heather) of Kalamazoo, grandchildren Angela (Marc) Gonzales, Missy Stubblefield, Jacque and Zachary Houseman, great grandchildren Morgan and Marissa Gonzales and Thomas Copeland. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Bill McKay officiating. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. Visitation will 7-9 p.m. Monday and 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
William Leo "Bill" Schmitz
88 of Lansing, Michigan, died Sunday, March 31, 2002. Mr. Schmitz was born February 25, 1914 in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of Henry and Ora (Holland) Schmitz. He was employed by Morris Auto Parts in Lansing and formerly worked for the Lansing Police Department and C & J Transport. He is survived by son, Lee W. "Spike" (Arlinda) Schmitz of Grand Ledge, Step-son Eugene (Mona Raye) Towsley of Charlevoix, Step-daughters Ellen (Barry) Ewing of Grand Ledge, Linda (Rex) Bebee of Oak Harbor, Washington, 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great great granddaughter, brother Marvin of Farmer City, Illinois, sisters Wanda (Kenneth) Cook of Normal, Illinois and Ione Utter of Clinton, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife Harriett (Copin) Schmitz on March 16, 2002. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 4 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with R. Raymond Rossell serving as facilitator. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. on Thursday before the service. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery in Charlevoix. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and the Hospice of Lansing.
Howard Paul Battin
51, of Charlotte, Michigan died Friday, April 5, 2002. Mr. Battin was born September 9, 1950 in Mason, Michigan, the son of Earl D.C. and Louise Battin. He was a die maker for General Motors for 30 years, retiring in 2001. He enjoyed his Harley Davidson motorcycles for many years and also enjoyed golf and classic cars. He is survived by his wife Dixie, son Marcus (Leslee) of Lansing, daughters Heather (Rick) Steinhauser of Indianapolis, Indiana, Tricia Battin of Lansing, grandsons Bobby, Skyler, Trent, Harley, and Dylan, granddaughters Adeana, Katelyn and Emily, mother Louise (Bill) Every of Dansville, brothers Earl (Karen) of Leslie, Gene of Lansing, and sister Dottie Battin of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl, brother Moe and sister Janet. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rich Mitterling serving as facilitator. Visitation will be 7-9 Monday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home.
Melvin Lyle Royston
45, of Durant, Oklahoma, died Saturday, April 6, 2002. Mr. Royston was born July 31, 1956, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Lyle Sheldon and Shirley Jane (Bursley) Royston. He loved fishing and worked yard maintenance for a landscaping company. He is survived by his parents Lyle and Shirley of Clarksville, Michigan, son Shelby Royston and step-son Jeremy Foreman of Cartwright, Oklahoma, and sister Yvonne (Gary) Stults of Bellevue, Michigan, niece Laura Bracy, nephew Jerry Bracy, 2 great nieces Kerstin Linn and Brooke Bracy. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Leo and Freda Royston and George and Elsie Reed. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 12, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Interment will be in Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm Thursday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Brethren Church Missions.
