Christina M. 'Birdie' Bird
89, of Potterville, Michigan, died Sunday morning, December 29, 2002. Mrs. Bird was born May 12, 1913, in Cadillac, Michigan, the daughter of William and Mary (Gregg) Jenkins. She was a member of the Potterville Church of the Nazarene, Williamston W.C.T.U. and a past member of the Holt Church of the Nazarene. She graduated from Williamston High School in 1930, and attended Wexford County Normal, and the practical nursing program at Mercy Hospital in Cadillac. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. William Bird. Mrs. Bird is survived by her children, Deana (Julius) Moore of Potterville, Jeanne Parker of Williamston, Bethel (Michael) Rickle of Potterville, Richard W. (Edna) Wilson of Mabank, Texas, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Mark Slocum officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
David Paul Sloan
age 44, of Charlotte, died Wednesday, January 1, 2003 in Charlotte. David was born September 26, 1958, in Albion, the son of Eugene and Sarah (Chamberlain) Sloan. He married Colleen Tirrell, September 14, 1985, in Charlotte and was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and golf. He had worked for Lansing Board of Water and Light.
Surviving are his wife, Colleen, two children, Christopher and Anna, two sisters, Diane (Doug) Bradley of Springport, and Laurie (Tim) Hamisfar of Jackson, brother, Tim (Shelly) of Albion, half brother, Don Sloan of Dorr, half sister Barb Sloan, of Hastings, and grandmother Roberta Brown of Spring Arbor. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to an Educational Fund for the Children or Charity of Choice.
Alice Louise Boyer
92, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, January 2, 2003. Mrs. Boyer was born May 7, 1910, in Traverse City, Michigan, the daughter of Lewis L. and Minnie (Shepler) Fuller. Louise was always available to look after family and friends in need. She was an office worker for the Stockyards for 30 years and spent her life farming with her husband on the family farm northwest of Charlotte. She is survived by daughters; Wilma Hogle of Charlotte, Lola Mae Smith of Jefferson, Georgia, Mary (John) Hall of Charlotte, Martha J. Swift of Sunfield, Donna Belle (Paul) Thayer of Plainwell, son Jorum J. (Jeannette) Boyer of Sunfield, 26 grandchildren, and 40 great grandchildren. She married Lowell Arthur Boyer, September 22, 1928 who preceded her in death in 1979. She was also preceded in death by granddaughter Karen Thayer in 1989 and son Donald Boyer in 1941. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Brian Sheen officiating. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Charity of Choice.
Richard 'Dick' Vaughn Priesman
74 of Charlotte, died January 4, 2003 in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Priesman was born December 15, 1928 in Mulliken, Michigan, the son of Fred and Lillian (Wagner) Priesman. He was a welder for Oldsmobile until his retirement in 1981; he was a former private pilot and enjoyed smelt dipping and spending time in the U.P. He is survived by his wife Wilma "Jean" (Griffin) Priesman, sons Richard "Rick" Priesman of Olivet, Daniel Priesman of Charlotte, William Priesman of Grand Marais, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, step-daughters Teresa Craft of Lansing, Debra (Phil) Fisher of N. Guilford, Connecticut, Trudy (Rod) Lea of Charlotte, step-son Randy Schultz of Charlotte, 8 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, sisters Pat (Sam) Spagnuolo of Charlotte, Betty Smith of Harrison and brother Ward "Ed" (Kate) Priesman of Bellevue. Memorial services will be 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 6, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Darwin Kuhl officiating. The family will receive visitors before the service from 3 - 4 p.m Monday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Irvin William Covell
73, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, January 05, 2003. Mr. Covell was born March 6, 1929, in Osceola County, Michigan, the son of Milo William and Anna May (Bennett) Covell. Irvin served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He had worked for G.M. for 30 years as a rack repairman retiring in 1982 and was currently a member of UAW 652 retirees. He was a member of the Eaton County Draft Horse and Pony Club. He married Joyce Parks on September 4, 1953 in Holt, Michigan. Joyce preceded Irvin in death in February 1992. He is survived by daughters Lois Sensat of Charlotte and Mary Jo Covell of Charlotte and her special friend Larry Gillett, 3 grandchildren; Rick (Corie) Parker, Donna Parker and special friend Ramon Burns, Jennifer Houseman, 3 great grandchildren; Courtney and Sean Gagne and Aryan Burns, brothers; Norman Covell of Charlotte, Harry and Earl Covell of Okemos, sisters Nellie (Russell) Bloom, of Lansing, and Norma (Howard) Bristol of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by brothers; James Covell, Donald Covell, and sisters; Betty Holmes, Gladys Westbrook, and Lila Epps. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Pastor Michael Knauff officiating. Interment will be in Center Eaton Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Robert Ward Moist
76, of Lansing, died Monday, January 6, 2003. Mr. Moist was born July 18, 1926 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Myron and Vera (Russell) Moist. He was a retired drop forge worker at Motor Wheel, a former member of the State of Michigan Special Police in Lansing; he held the 1st State of Michigan license, owned "Bob's Tatooing" on Lansing Rd. and painted several murals throughout the Lansing area. He is survived by sons Robert Moist of Grand Ledge, Jerry (Connie) Moist of Eaton Rapids, daughters Robin (John) Sigourney, Charlene (Dan) Thaxton both of Charlotte, Karen King of Potterville, Debbie Waugh of Lansing, 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brother Carl Moist of Charlotte and sister Margaret Ford of Grand Ledge. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003 at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.
John Carl Smith Sr.
52, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Tuesday, January 7, 2003. Mr. Smith was born January 1, 1951, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of John D. and Julia (Muller) Smith. John was a construction worker. He is survived by sons; John Smith Jr. of White Cloud, Brian Smith of Nashville, daughters; Tammy Smith and Nannette Smith of Texas, 4 grandchildren, sisters; Virginia Schofield of Nashville, Beverly (Shane) McNary of Charlotte, and half-brother Dave Smith of Bellevue. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2003 with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Vickie Hill officiating. Interment will be in Needmore Cemetery in Roxand Township.
Thelma D. Calvin
of Charlotte, Michigan, was born September 20, 1912, in Urbana, Ohio; died Sunday, January 12, 2003 at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Ernest Calvin. She is also survived by son, Clyde Dietz, daughter, Norma Powell, step-son Dennis Calvin, step-daughter Donna Sebrell, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold E. Skiles in 1993 in Springfield, Ohio. Thelma retired from Oldsmobile in 1973. She had been a Lansing resident since 1919, and moved to Charlotte in 1975 and was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte and a member of Bastogne Luzen VFW 8715 Auxiliary in Battle Creek. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Timothy Olson officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, and after the service on Wednesday at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran, Charlotte. Those desiring may make contributions to the West Fund at Peace Lutheran Church, which helps people in need. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald R. Branch
84, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, January 12, 2003. Mr. Branch was born August 25, 1918, in Royal Oak, Michigan, the son of Archie and Matilda (Gouine) Branch. He was a Cartographic Draftsman for the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources retiring after 39 years in 1984. He fostered sportsmanship as a little league coach years ago and was a 2 time Champion bowler for State Highway Bowling League. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Elizabeth (Thompson) Branch, sons; Douglas (Dianne) Branch of Holt, David Branch of Dimondale, Thomas Branch of Lansing, daughter Janice (Kevin) DeFrates of Ionia, son Philip Branch of Charlotte, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brothers Charles (Jean) Branch of Zephyrhills, Florida and Robert Branch. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Darrell Hodge officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Tuesday, 1 - 4 and 6 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.
Stuart Eugene Windon
65, of Bellevue, Michigan, died Wednesday, January 15, 2003. Mr. Windon was born July 1, 1937, in West Millford, West Virginia, the son of John D. and Nellie G. (Windham) Windon. Stuart was a Security officer for Burns International. He is survived by daughters Penny Burt and Sharl (Steve) Aston of Bellevue, grandchildren, David (Cynthia) Pritchard, Alisha Pritchard and Tommy Potter, Faith and Joe Barrette, Megan Aston, Corrina (Caleb) Westfall, great grandchildren, Tyler and Brady Pritchard, Aaron Potter, Aysa Marie Milbourn, Caleb Richard Westfall, Cameron Joseph Barrette, sisters Margerite Harvey of Barberton, Ohio, WyNona Taylor of Cleveland, Ohio, brother Buddy Windon of Charlotte, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Kilgore) Windon in 2001 and sister Isabelle Morgan. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Donald Francis officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue. Visitation will be Friday, 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Leo James Baker
89 of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, January 19, 2003. Mr. Baker was born June 21, 1913 in Chester Township, the son of David and Grace (Rogers) Baker. He married Margaret Powers October 21, 1933 and they were married for 68 years before her death March 24, 2002. During his early years he was always ready to help out his neighbors with his excellent mechanical skills. He was a machinist at Reo Motors during WWII and then went into partnership with his brother Vance to form Baker Brothers Construction. He retired from his own contracting company, Leo J. Baker & Son Builder, and enjoyed his grandchildren. He was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. He is survived by sons L. Daryl (Mary Jean) of Charlotte, Doyle (Jackie) of Traverse City, daughters Marcelyn (Sherman) Kelley, Darlene (Robert) Raymer, all of Charlotte, Rosemary Kathleen (David) DeWaters of Texas, 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, sister Marian Kline and brother Vance (Neva) Baker both of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by brother Pearl Baker and sister Marguerite Satterly. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22 at the Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church with Rev. Verne Summers and Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Interment will be at Gresham Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice or Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
Hayden Thomas Wonnacott
5 month old son of Jeremy and Amanda (White) Wonnacott of Lansing, Michigan, died Thursday, January 23, 2003. Hayden was born August 9, 2002 in Lansing. He is survived by his parents, sister Taiya Marie Wonnacott, grandparents Suzanne Wonnacott of Olivet, Thomas and Sibyl White of DeWitt, great grandparents Gerald and Joyce Wonnacott of Charlotte, Elmer and Betty White of Grand Rapids, Mildred Henderson of Milford, Ohio and Virginia Keesling of Kalamazoo, aunts Adrienne White of East Lansing, Jenna Wonnacott of Olivet, and uncles Jared and Jamie Wonnacott of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Thomas Wonnacott in 1999. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2003 at Church of Christ, Charlotte, Michigan with David Lynch officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Visitation will be 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Ele's Place or Michigan SIDS Alliance.
