Mr. Kay C. Bly
of Charlotte, died Monday April 21, 2003. Mr. Bly was born September 27, 1916, in Brookfield, Michigan, the son of Charles W. and Jennie (Kay) Bly. He married Helen L. Grimes in October 24, 1941 and they had celebrated 61 years of marriage. Mr. Bly served his country in the US Navy during World War II and had been a foreman for many years with the Michigan Department of Transportation, retiring in 1980. He was a life member of Maple City VFW Post #2406 of Charlotte and Eagles Aerie #3552 of Charlotte and was an expert gardener. He was greatly loved by his family. Surviving is his wife Helen, daughter, Rebecca "Becky" (Richard) Fain of Lennon, son, John K. (Brenda) Bly of Charlotte, grandchildren, John (Lisa) Bly, Charles (Kelly) Fain, Elizabeth (Paul) Lee, Jim (Marisa) Bly, and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Zella Rockey and Bernadine Mann. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with R. Raymond Rossell officiating with interment in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Michael Gene Strang
61, lifelong Charlotte resident, recently of Spring Hill, Florida, died April 21, 2003. Mr. Strang was born March 8, 1942 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Walter F. and Bernice (Cramer) Miner. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as an electrician through IBEW Local 665 until his retirement. He belonged to the VFW Post 6132 in Lansing and the Harley Owners of America. He is survived by sons Troy (Jody) Strang of Olivet, Travis (Jennifer) Strang of Dexter, 5 grandchildren, Trevor, Trent, Paige, Alex, and Colin, mother Bernice Miner of Lansing, sisters, Debbie Fossum of Onondaga, Candice (Hugh) Meinema of Grand Rapids, Marjorie Osborn of Kentwood, Diane Lynagh of Kalamazoo, special friends Carolyn Manns and Doug Thompson, and former wife of 27 years, Melody Eschtruth of Eaton Rapids. He was preceded in death by his father Walter "Fritz" Miner and his half brother John Strang. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Kevin Hall officiating. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Michigan. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Mid Michigan Hospice House.
Aletha Clarica Ells
95 of Charlotte, died April 21, 2003. Mrs. Ells was born January 22, 1908 in Eaton County, Michigan, the daughter of Andrew and Bertha (Garn) Root. She is survived by children, Maynard "Mickey" (Joyce) Ells of Lake Odessa, Marilyn (Carroll) Briggs, Edward "Ted" (Rosalie) Ells, and Don (Kathy) Ells all of Charlotte, 21 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 9 great great grandchildren, and her sister Mary Cooper of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by daughter Elaine Ells, son Willard Ells, husband William B. Ells, granddaughter Karen Elaine Ells, sisters Goldie Wright and Thelma Ash, and brother Carson Root. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Kendall A. Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 6-9 Wednesday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
William "Bill" Harold Hamilton
86 of Charlotte, died April 21 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte. Mr. Hamilton was born October 28, 1916 in Eaton County, the son of William Allen and Inez (Haywood) Hamilton. William graduated from Nashville High School. He worked at Wilcox Gay Radio factory and retired from Oldsmobile. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and traveling in his motor home.
In his younger days he was an aircraft pilot and enjoyed motorcycles. Bill was a life member of the Kalamo Masonic Temple and Kalamo Eastern Star Chapter. He also belonged to the Charlotte Camper Club. He is survived by his wife Marion (Callahan) Hamilton, son Richard, daughter Betty (Dan) Gaffney, grandchildren Holly Gaffney and Christopher Gaffney, 11 stepdaughters and their families: Betty Carl, Dwilda (Russell) Smith, Patricia (Chuck) Reed, Karen (Craig) Updyke, Laura (Ron) Avery, Phyllis (Robert) Homan, Virginia (Earl) Ryan, Charlene (Lynn) Preston, Maxine (Leonard) Pixley, Mildred (Rick) Whitmore, Neva (Steve) McMillon, friend and brother in law Edward Pease, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Mabel (Pease) Hamilton, Beatrice (Rittenberg) Hamilton, sister Pearl (Hamilton) Blodgett, brothers Maynard, Maurice, Frank, Emmitt, and Howard, and grandson Mark Douglas Haywood. Funeral services will be 12:00 noon Saturday, April 26, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 9:30a.m. - 12 noon Saturday prior to the funeral service. The family would especially like to thank the Eaton County Medical Care Facility staff for taking special care of Bill. He enjoyed the field trips with his friends at the facility. In lieu of floral arrangements, a donation can be made in Bill's name to either the Eaton County Medical Care Facility Activities Fund, 530 Beech Street, Charlotte, Michigan 48813, or the American Diabetes Association.
George Warren Shaull
72, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003. Mr. Shaull was born January 30, 1931, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Robert S. and Inez (Uhl) Shaull. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. George was a Diesel mechanic for Gra-Bell. He traveled the USA on motorcycle and was private pilot and loved traveling. He is survived by daughters Trisha (Eric) Pruden of Charlotte, Debra Stone of Texas, Robin Oliver of Arizona, son Steve Shaull of Charlotte, 20 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, step-children Janet Pena, Joanne Kita, Mark McIntire, Brian McIntyre, Kathy Juhola, and James Miller. He was preceded in death by his first wife Susan (Pettit) and second wife Viola (Allen), daughter Melissa, step-daughter Cindy. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Mark Woodbury officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home.
Betty L. Colby
80, of Olivet, Michigan, died Wednesday, April 23, 2003. Mrs. Colby was born August 12, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Walsh and Lelia (Redwine) Williamson. She volunteered at Siren / Eaton Shelter working with the food program. She loved her family and is survived by daughter Sandra (George) Ohannesian of Taylor, Michigan and son Robert Colby of Battle Creek, Michigan, 2 grandchildren, Michael (Nancy) and David (Joanne), 3 great grandchildren, David Polidori, Emily and Erik Ohannesian, brother Walsh (Lillie) Williamson Jr. of Kentucky and neice Joyce Ann. She was preceded in death by her husband Loyd E.Colby in 1994. Funeral services will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Nancy Oliver officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Siren / Eaton Shelter.
Elsie May Carroll
90 of Charlotte, died April 23, 2003 at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Mrs. Carroll was born February 17, 1913 in Charlotte, the daughter of John Henry and Mary Louise (Potter) Kellogg. She attended the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, enjoyed crocheting and her family. She is survived by sons Robert and Donald (Shirley) Carroll both of Charlotte, Leo (Margaret) of Nashville, daughters Barbara Rolfe of Vermontville, Doris Sherman of Allegan, and Pamela of Eaton Rapids, 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Claude in 1981 and son Richard in 1996, parents, 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Mark Booth officiating. Interment will be in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Connie June Hollandsworth Evans
was born on June 3, 1940 in Lansing, Michigan to Mary Elizabeth Odom and Olney Bartholomew Hollandsworth. She graduated from Williamston High School in 1958. Connie was active in the FHA (Future Homemakers of America), Bible Club, Drama Club and Camera Clubs while in high school. Connie and Howard were the "hit of the dance floor" anywhere they went: high school dances, wedding receptions and anniversary parties. On May 26, 1956, as a sophomore at Williamston High, Connie was crowned "Miss Williamston" at the city's Spring Festival with a vote count of 28,600 votes. Growing up, Connie was also active at the United Methodist Church of Williamston and sang in the church choir. Her favorite holidays were Easter, Christmas, and the Fourth of July celebrations. Connie married her high school sweetheart, Howard "Howdy" W.L. Evans on May 29, 1959. They have three children, Teresa (Ronald) Montague of Olivet, Todd (Cathy) Evans of Marshall, and Troy (Connie) Evans of Charlotte. She had 9 grandchildren, Angela & Ricki Evans, Jamie & Kailee Montague, Cody and Casey Jo Evans, Cari Montague, Tabetha & Jacob Bess, great grandchildren Dakota King and Carlie Troutner, sisters Bonnie (Bob) Morales of Saranac, Dorothy Mowers of Holt, Millie (Bob) Canavan of California, brother Thomas (Audrey) Hollandsworth of Saranac. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and brothers Raymond and Jerry Hollandsworth.
Connie worked at Cunningham's Drug Store and Soda Shop, then with Pediatrician Dr. Sanders, then Dairyland Insurance Company. In 1969 she began working at Lansing Automakers Federal Credit Union. She worked as a teller then in the Collections and Loan Departments. Connie represented Local #459 as a Union Steward for two years and was extremely proud to work in Lansing for this branch of the auto industry. As the patriotic person she was, she would always remind you to "Buy American" and might even tell you why. Most recently, Connie and Howard lived in Dowling, Michigan on Bristol Lake. After her hospitalization on December 9, 2002, she was cared for at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan until she chose to return home on April 22nd. Her last days were enjoyed at home at the lake with her husband, family, friends and her special friend, Diamond, the Lab. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Life Span Hospice.
Vern Gilding Jr.
81, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, May 5, 2003. Mr. Gilding was born January 27, 1922, in Eaton County, Michigan the son of Vern Sr. and Vema (Farnham) Gilding. He served in the U.S. Army and received a Purple Heart for service during World War II. He returned from the war and worked at Oldsmobile from 1946 to his retirement in 1983. Vern also raised honey bees and enjoyed gardening. He married Betty Irene Wright on January 29, 1944 and she survives. He is also survived by son David (Sandy) Gilding of Charlotte, daughter Diana (Curt) Oglesby of Wacousta, son Rod (Gloria) Gilding of Bellevue, daughter Renee Carter of Nashville, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, brothers Kenneth (Jeanie) Gilding, John Gilding, Don (Lela) Gilding all of Arizona, sisters Gerry Burrows of Detroit, Roberta Gilding of Hubbardston, and Katherine Crawford of Onondaga. He was preceded in death by sister Lanore Cole in 2002. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Roy Backus officiating. Interment will be in Gresham Cemetery in Chester Township. Visitation will be Tuesday, 3:00 - 5:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Irma Gail (Lawhead) Swan
age 81 of Charlotte, died Monday, May 5, 2003. Mrs. Swan was born June 20, 1921 in Ingham Township, Michigan, the daughter of Guy H. and Etta (Hance) Walker. She was a 1940 graduate of Dimondale High School and Western Michigan University in 1966. She was a teacher for more than 20 years in and around the Vermontville area. Irma Gail loved horses and was an accomplished equestrian, a member of Midwest Dressage Association and the owner of Freedom Winds Farms of Charlotte. Surviving are sons Jack H. (Darla) Swan of Colorado, David J. Lawhead of Onsted, Dennis J. (Olivia) Lawhead of Eaton Rapids, daughter Dorothy J. Parsley of Florida, six grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and sister Betty Laverty of Potterville. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 9 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Interment will be at Dimondale Cemetery in Dimondale. Visitation will be Thursday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Scott R. Cozart
48, of Charlotte, Michigan died Thursday, May 8, 2003. Mr. Cozart was born February 2, 1955, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cozart. He had been a resident of the Birch Hill Home for the Handicapped for 20 years. He is survived by many special friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Randy Royston officiating, with interment in Center Eaton Cemetery.
Paul Raymond Sobleskey
44, formerly of Charlotte died Friday, May 9, 2003. Paul was born November 26, 1958, in Ionia, Michigan, the son of Richard and Ellen (Asher) Sobleskey. Paul graduated from Charlotte High School in 1977 and worked for several years at Callender & Dornboss, Inc. and then later as a driver for Midwest Carpet Brokers, Potterville and then recently was employed by ETran Bus Line. He was an avid deer hunter and loved watching football and NASCAR with his son, Ryan. He is survived by two sons, Ryan and Kyle, two daughters, Courtney and Blair, grandson: Hayden, mother, Ellen Sobleskey of Charlotte, father, Richard (Elaine) Sobleskey of Charlotte, three brothers, Rick (Carrie) of Grand Ledge, Allen (Brenda) of Dimondale, Kevin (Cheryl) of Charlotte, four sisters: Carolyn (Rick) Barrera of Grand Ledge, Marcia (Tim) Ralya of Grand Ledge, Laurie (Paul) Davis of Charlotte and Kris (Matt) Petrelles of Hagerstown, MD, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Lance, September 1, 1998. Private family services will be held. Visitation will be 3-5 Monday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a fund for the family, in care of Ellen Sobleskey.
