Miss Mary J. Dillin
went to be with the Lord Monday, June 2, 2003. She was born January 5, 1912, the eldest daughter of George R. and Victoria (Oria) Dillin of rural Charlotte. She attended the Maurer Country School and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1931. Mary did housework in several homes and then worked in two factories including: Wilcox-Gay for a number of years. While working at Wilcox-Gay, she took courses through Moody Bible Institute. God called her to be a missionary to boys and girls in the Ozarks in Arkansas. She spent 21 years teaching the Bible to children in the schools of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Then, God sent her home to Michigan to take care of her ill father until his death. Mary also sold Watkins Products for a number of years. From the time she returned to Michigan until her death, she had a mail ministry, mailing cards of sympathy and a Gospel track to people who had lost a loved one. She was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Charlotte Gospel Church for many years and has attended Ainger Bible Church for 30 years. Here she served in many ways preparing the communion and flowers for the sanctuary. She took care of the nursery and sang in the choir. She served as President of her Sunday School then as Secretary, and Treasurer for many years. She is survived by one sister, Doris Prindle, two nephews, and 4 nieces. She is also survived by many loved grand and great grand nieces and nephews, special friends, Dixie Brand-Hegenauer, and Maxine (Ernest) Kalis. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Robert Clinton officiating. Interment will be in West Carmel Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Raymond Lindle Harper
79, Charlotte, MI. Raymond went home to be with the Lord on June 6, 2003. He was born in Benton, KY on October 28, 1923, the son of Effie Jane and George Lindle Harper. He was raised in Gleason, Tennessee. Raymond was the third child of ten, six brothers; Paul, James, L.C., Billy, George Jr., and William, 3 sisters; Elawease, Faye, and Shirley. He served in World War II, in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 on the U.S.S. Amick DE 168 ship. He was preceded in death by his first wife Katie Jean (Summers) Harper, his parents and 2 brothers, James and Paul Harper. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonita "Bonnie"; 4 children, Brenda Siefert, Ray Harper, Mary Harper, Geraldine "Geri" (Dan) Ziolkowski; 3 stepchildren, Gary (Patti) Wright, Brenda (Mark) Friar, Teresa (Robert) Lea; 19 grandchildren; Del Wright Jr., Deanna (Rick) Torres, Aaron Wright, Justin, Jared, Jami, and Jenna Harper, Tiffany and Jason Ziolkowski, Audrey Harper, Randi (Kevin) Fetterman, Heather (Josh) Coston, Jessica and Andrea Wright, Tiffany and Kimberly Friar, Robby, Christopher and Jason Lea; 12 great grandchildren; Jessica, Erica and Rick Torres, Jordan Wright, Konner and Kollin Fetterman, Courtney Moore, Samantha and Joshie Coston, Haley and Paige Lea, and Karmen Villegas. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 10 at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Lansing, Michigan. Casket-bearers were, Dan Ziolkowski, Gem Harper, Gary Harper, Rick Torres, Aaron Wright, and Jason Lea. Raymond has shown in a multitude of situations; justice sensitivity, forgiveness, and most of all love. He was a good and giving person and continued to give of himself unselfishly. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Daniel Stoyan Menovske
of Charlotte Formerly of Mason. Mr. Menovske passed away June 6, 2003 at his residence at the age of 66. Mr. Menovske was born August 12 1936 the son of Stoyan and Minnie (Green) Menovske in Lansing. Daniel worked for the Real Estate Division of the Michigan Department of Transportation until his retirement. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, and attending his grandchildren's sporting events and was an avid University of Michigan fan. Mr. Menovske held membership in the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #288 of Lansing and was a former Pop Warner Football League coach in Lansing. Daniel is survived by his children: Carole Jo Brunner of St Johns, Stephen Menovske, Denise Menovske, Matthew Menovske all of California, Dawn (Rodney) Ching of Hawaii, Debbie Schueller of Charlotte and Joseph (Marea) Menovske of Elsie. Daniel is survived by 8 grand children: Matthew and Christa Schueller; Chelsea, Joey, and Kelli Ching; Levi Menovske; Bonnie and Tyler Menovske and his sister Mary (Wendell) Parker of Traverse City. Daniel was predeceased by his parents Stoyan and Minnie and his sister Helen West. The family will receive visitors at the Pray Funeral Home of Charlotte Tuesday from 3-5 and 7-9 PM, with Funeral Services Wednesday at 1:00PM at the Pray Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Charlotte Community Library or the Mason Library.
Gary "Stubby" Arno Lightner
Charlotte, MI. Mr. Lightner passed away June 7th 2003 in Charlotte at the age of 57. Gary was born in Carmel Township November 26, 1945, the son of Harry and Janet (Macdonald) Lightner. Gary is survived by his mother Janet (Lightner) Haff, his three sisters Audrey (Bud) Ommen of Vermontville, Margaret (Roy) French of Charlotte, and Linda White of Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Lightner was predeceased by his father Harry Lightner in 1976, and his brother James Lightner in 2000. Graveside services will be held 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. The family will receive visitors at the Pray Funeral Home 7-9 PM Monday evening.
Donald Herbert Barker
87, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, June 9, 2003. Mr. Barker was born December 30, 1915, in Mulliken, Michigan, the son of Herbert and Gretta Barker. He was a foreman for Oldsmobile for 30 years retiring in 1972. He also delivered papers for the Charlotte Shopping Guide for 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Dorothy (Taylor) Barker, daughters Barb Kelly of Lansing, Donna Palmer of Lansing, step-children Renee (Rick) Smith of Marshall, John (Nancy) Holton of Olivet, Ray Holton of Olivet, Sue Lundy of Lansing, Kathy Holton of Texas, 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 9 step grandchildren. No services are planned at this time.
Louise Marian Keeley
age 91 of Charlotte, died Saturday, June 14, 2003. Mrs. Keeley was born September 30, 1911 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Gustav and Grace (Holdeman) Schleicher. She was a homemaker who always enjoyed her family. She is survived by son James (Nancy) Keeley of Charlotte, 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and sister Helen Hendrix of Corunna. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles in 1983 and daughter Barbara Sharp in 2002. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Dalton officiating. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Grove Church of Crystal, the Michigan Diabetes Association or American Diabetes Association.
Earl Wayne Harmon
died: Monday, June 16, 2003, Charlotte, Michigan at the age of 92. Born January 13, 1911, last surviving child of William C. and Rosella (VanHouten) Harmon. Earl was born in Eaton County where he resided most of his life along with his parents and siblings. Preceded in death in 1973 by his wife Mabel A. Rogers-Childs-Harmon. He was a farmer in the Vermontville area for many years, probably one of the last area farmers to thrash grain and farm with horses at the time of his retirement from farming. The Harmon's were owners and operators of the "Hill Top Riding Stable" from 1968 - 87, located on Kelly Hwy, Vermontville. You always knew Earl from the cowboy hat that he always wore during his wakened hours. His large extended family, love of singing and whistling, along with horses, were a big part of his life, work and interest over the years. Survived by sons: Theo (Judy) Harmon of Vermontville, Clinton (Rosie) Harmon of Eaton Rapids, Wayne (Fran) Childs of San Diego, CA; daughter's; Maxine (Joe) Coan of Howell, N.J., Alice (Paul) Edwards of Grand Ledge; (including step) 26 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren, sisters'-in-law: Leona Harmon of Bellevue, Lillian Harmon of Bellaire, Violet Henry of Traverse City and Doris Rogers of Eaton Rapids; along with many nieces and nephews. Services for Mr. Harmon will be 10:30 AM Thursday, June 19, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI., with Rev. Arthur Salisbury officiating. Interment will be in Freemire Cemetery in Sunfield Township. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 Wednesday, June 18. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice or Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Mrs. Inez Larena (Breidinger) Good
age 91, of "Lacy Lake" Bellevue, MI, died Wednesday, June 18, 2003. Mrs. Good was born June 24, 1911 the daughter of Dean Breidinger and Anna (Kirkey) Breidinger. Mrs. Good was the Owner of the Gresham Store from 1958 - 1972 and she loved traveling. She was a member of the Charlotte V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary and a former member of Nashville Baptist Church. She is survived by her daughters, Evelyn (Harry) Carpenter of Charlotte, MI, Lydia (James) Baker of Minneapolis, MN, sons, Gayland Good of Marshall, MI, Edward Lee (Linda) Good of Holt, MI, Loren (Wilma) Evans of Muncie, IN, Ivan R. (Betty Lou) Good of Lansing, 34 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, and many great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Gale Good in 2001, son Clifton Wayne Good and Ardnold Good. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary Street, Charlotte, MI, with Charles Jenson officiating. Interment will be at Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will be Thursday 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Charles Geoffrey "Jeff" Hartig
59, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at his home Saturday, June 21, 2003. Mr. Hartig was born August 20, 1943, in Killeen, Texas, the son of Marshall and Eileen (Foster) Hartig. He was a meat cutter at Darrell's Market in Mason for many years, known by many as the man behind the meat counter with the big smile. He enjoyed drag racing and bowling. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 238, and a member of the Forty et Eight Chateau. He is survived by his wife of 23 years Sharon (Brown) Hartig; children Tammy Brown (Thomas Farr), Shannon Hartig, Matthew Hartig, and Rachael Hartig all of Charlotte; mother-in-law Delores Brown; brothers Jon (Dawn) Hartig, David Hartig, Michael (Kimberly) Hartig, all of Holt; sisters Carol Barish of DeWitt, Cheryl (James) Ordway of Holt, Christine (Thomas) Graham of Dimondale; sister-in-law Toni Hartig of Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Eileen Hartig, and brother Joe Hartig. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Lynn Grimes officiating. Visitation will be Monday 4-7 p.m.
Donald Clyde Hoag
74 of Potterville, died Sunday, June 22 at his residence. Mr. Hoag was born May 5, 1929 in East Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert W. and Bertha M. (Clark) Hoag. He retired from General Motors in 1987 where he worked in material control. He was a Korean Conflict veteran with the U.S. Army, and a member of American Legion Post 0221 in Frankfort. He loved camping, fishing, gardening and his second home on Lake Michigan in Frankfort. He is survived by sons Donald (Guadalupe) Hoag, Jr. of Charlotte, Gerald (Teresa) Hoag of Lyons, daughter Emilee Hoag of Potterville, eight grandchildren, one great granddaughter on the way, brother Gerald (Barbara) Hoag of Grand Rapids, sister Norma Moray of Lansing, and special friend Irene Goldbeck of Frankfort. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, infant son, Richard, four brothers and two sisters. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 25 at the Potterville United Methodist Church with Rebecca Morrison officiating. Interment will be at the Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. There will be no visitation. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
Marilyn S. (Warner) (Patterson) Heinze
75, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, June 23, 2003. Mrs. Heinze was born December 1, 1927, in Riverdale, Michigan, the daughter of Harlow and Thyrza (Wiltshire) Parks. She is survived by her husband Ron Heinze of Potterville, 2 sons; Don (Janet) Warner of Plymouth, Tim (Nancy) Warner of Eaton Rapids, 3 daughters; Janet (Tim) Denton of Charlotte, Jane (Tom) Clegg of Charlotte, Candy (Gerry) Soldan of Grand Ledge, 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 step children. She was preceded in death by her first husband Donald Warner, second husband Jay Patterson, brothers Dean and Dale Parks. Memorial service will be 11 am Thursday at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Visitation will be 6 - 9 pm Tuesday, June 24th at the Pray Funeral Home. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral and church.
Brandon Thomas Kay
of Vermontville, born of Thomas Patrick and Linda Sue (Baird) Kay on 0ctober 6, 1982, at 20 years of age he was born the beloved of God on July 4th, 2003. He is survived by parents Thomas and Linda Kay of Vermontville, MI, Brother Jonathon (Robin) Kay and Niece Lillian Kay, Grand Rapids, Auntie Paulette Croghan Ypsilanti, Uncle Robert (Judith) Baird, Lowell, Aunt Janette Kay, Maryland, Cousins Lora Chapman, Ypsilanti, Paul Croghan, Howell, Paul Baird and Nina Baird, Lowell, David Kay, and Christopher Kay of DePere Wisconsin, Grandmothers Louella Baird Ypsilanti, Doris Kay, Vermontville.
Brandon was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping and paintball. He also loved anything with wheels and was happy to help his friends with autos and small engines. Brandon was also a fan of computer games. However Brandon's favorite role will always be known as "Uncle" to his niece Lillian.
Funeral Service will be Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at 11:00 AM at Grace Community Church, Nashville with Dr. Richard Currier and Pastor Rob VanEngen Officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville. Visitation will be Monday 6-9 P.M. at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
