Donald Wetzel
62, was killed in an accident on his farm Thursday, July 10. Having farmed in Vermontville for the past 35 years, Don was well known and will be greatly missed in the community. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gloria; children, Kim (Joel) Dixon, Pam (Mark) Root, Kevin (Lisa) Wetzel, Jeff (Chelsey) Wetzel and Chad Wetzel; grandchildren, Daniel & Jarrod Brooks, Joshua, Dakota and Elizabeth Wetzel and MacKenzie Wetzel; and mother, Donnalee. Preceding him in death are his son, Nathan, father, Dale and daughter, Cindy. Don was a member of the Charlotte congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Professing his faith since a young boy and instilling in his children a deep reverence for Jehovah God and His Son Jesus Christ and in turn their children, this will be his true legacy. Don was known as a hard working man, generous to all. His concern for his neighbor was rare in today's fast-paced world. His greatest concern was for his family whom he deeply cherished. Many not literally his children and grandchildren found his care extended to them as if they were his own.
Upon retirement from dairy farming, Don just couldn't completely leave the cows behind. Cow racing then became his passion, putting Vermontville on the map as the home of the world's fastest cow. Services will be held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Monday, July 14th at 1 pm. with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville following. Visitation is Saturday from 7-9 pm and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wetzel family in care of Kevin Wetzel.
Jeannette June Kikendall
73, died July 13, 2003. Mrs. Kikendall was born June 20, 1930 in Chester Township, Eaton County, Charlotte, MI., the daughter of Earl Harold and Lydia Myrtle (Betts) Wells. She has been living for the past three years in Columbia, TN with her daughter and son-in-law. She retired from Hayes Green Beach Hospital as an LPN several years ago. She was a member of First Congregational Church of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by beloved husband Bud Kikendall, daughter Cheryl Kay Kikendall, son Michael John Kikendall. She is survived by a son Charles Earl (Claudia) Kikendall, daughter Cindy Lou (Kevin) Carpenter, five granddaughters Missy (Courtney) Suntken, Kattie Kikendall and Garrick Williams, Katrina (Michael) Kutzleb, Jamie (Tom) King, and Elizabeth, one grandson Andrew Carpenter, three great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 16th, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte MI, with Rev. Courtney Suntken officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mrs. Thelma (Pierce) (Cousins) Maybee
age 90, of Hastings, Michigan, died Sunday, July 20, 2003, at Thornapple Manor in Hastings, Michigan. Mrs. Maybee was born October 4, 1912 in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Merlin and Elizabeth Pierce. She worked as a kitchen aide at Borgess Hospital for several years, and was a member of the Eagles Aerie and the Moose Lodge in Hastings. She is survived by her son Mr. Herman Cousins of Charlotte and daughter Virginia Staton of Muncie, Indiana; ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husbands Laverne L. Cousins and Walt Maybee and son Leroy Cousins and twelve brothers. A memorial service will be held at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the West Carmel Congregational Church.
Merrill L. "Bill" Woodbury
73 of Charlotte, died Sunday, July 20, 2003 in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Woodbury was born May 19, 1930 in Eagle, Michigan, the son of Howard M. and Lena B. (Slocum) Woodbury. Mr. Woodbury served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was a retired welder, truck driver, farmer and worked as a cook after his retirement. He is survived by his wife Rose (Pope, Longley) Woodbury, sons Merrill L. Woodbury, Jr. of Charlotte, Danny Woodbury of Washington, Tracy Woodbury of Webberville, George D. (Geraldine) Pope of Charlotte, daughters Jennifer Woodbury of Charlotte, Karen (Fred) Runken of North Carolina, Lucinda Woodbury of Sears, Michigan, sister Joyce (Carson Eugene) Spence of Owosso, 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by daughter Susan Vernon, parents, brothers Morris & Melford and sister Janice Lee. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 24 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Richard Garn officiating. Interment will be in Benton Township Cemetery, Potterville. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte Area Public Library. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Nancy Caroline Barstow Wynkoop
88, of Charlotte, died Monday, July 21, 2003. Mrs. Wynkoop was born December 17, 1914 in Alhambra, California, the daughter of Alfred and Bernice Gary Barstow. She was a devoted believer in Christ since her youth. She was married to her husband, Stratton Wynkoop, on April 10, 1943. She had a great joy of life and was enthusiastic and adventurous. She was an artist who enjoyed drawing, traveling, reading and visiting her children and grandchildren. She and Stratton enjoyed bicycling, boating and camping, crossing the country many times. She volunteered for many charitable causes, including the Community Kitchen of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She is survived by children Katrina (Richard) Wynkoop-Simmons of Olympia, Washington, Peter (Frances) Wynkoop of Atlantic Beach, Florida, Susanna W. Killian of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Linda W. Oswald and Jonathan (Christine) Wynkoop, both of Charlotte, and Mary (John) Burns of Louisville, Colorado; 12 grandchildren: Caitlin Simmons, Andrew Wynkoop, Richard (Sharon) McDowell, Susan (Darren) Cagle, Davied Killian, Peter Killian, Gina (Ty) Sanders, John Oswald, Owen Burns, James Burns, Lucy Burns, and Sophia Burns; and five great-grandchildren Patrick and Tyler McDowell, Lauren and Olivia Cagle, and Tyson Sanders. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Stratton, brother, Alfred Gary Barstow, and sister, Mary Rhodes Barstow Rockwell. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday at Evangel Christian Church, 1848 S. Cochran, Charlotte, with Pastor William R. Tate officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the church. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Allison Jean Polhamus
age 80, of Charlotte, Michigan, died peacefully on July 23, 2003. A life long resident of Charlotte, she was born August 28, 1922 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hale McDaniel and Grace Novis McDaniel. An avid cook, she enjoyed sharing her homemade goodies with family and friends. Her life long passion was playing bingo, particularly at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3552, where she was a lifetime member. She also enjoyed gardening and everyone admired her beautiful flower displays. She is survived by one sister, Virginia (Maynard) Ritter of Alma; four children, Gary (Sue) Crews of Charlotte, Sandra (Wes) Miller of Charlotte, Alan (Judy) Crews of Holt, and Elizabeth (Paul) Forsberg of Lansing, along with 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 25 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Mrs. Alice Mae (Ploof) Cronk
age 88, of Charlotte, MI, died Sunday, July 27, 2003. Mrs. Cronk was born September 29, 1914, in Chester Township, MI, the daughter of the late John Ploof and the late Lena (McLaughlin) Ploof. She was a member of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and had also been a member of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552. She had worked at Wilcox-Gay, Michigan National Bank and retired from the Lansing Candy Co., and was an avid bingo player. She is also survived by daughter, Eileen Mund of Charlotte, son, Mr. Ardon (Sharon) Cronk of Charlotte, 5 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and sister-in-law Frances Ploof of Lansing. She was preceded in death by husband Verdon Cronk in 1978, brother James Ploof in 1977, and sister Josepha Granger in 2001. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday and 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
Wanda Dolores 'Mama' Stewart
age 66, of Charlotte, MI, died Monday, August 4, 2003. Mrs. Stewart was born January 22, 1937 in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of Glenn and Olga (Showers) Goehler. She was a cook and kitchen helper for G & G. Catering and worked for Oldsmobile. She was a member of American Legion #42 Auxiliary, where she loved to play bingo while the family worked in the kitchen. She was a former member of the Char Lanes bowling league. She is survived by her husband, Jimmy Stewart of Charlotte, daughters, Karla (Randy) Ettinger of Olivet, Barbie (Joe) DenHerder of Charlotte, sons, Kim Stewart of Charlotte, Jimmy (Louise) Stewart, Jr. of Jackson, Joe Stewart of Charlotte, 21 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, sisters, Lorena Lyman of Battle Creek, Merna Grim of Olivet, Norma (Jack) Ryan of Battle Creek, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son Jay Stewart in 1995. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Charles Jenson officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Ronald H. Wibirt
84 of Hastings, died Friday, August 8, 2003. Mr. Wibirt was born August 3, 1919 in Osceola County, Michigan, the son of Herman and Carrie (Gingrich) Wibirt. He was a Chief Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force, retiring in 1973 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife Jolene (Pray) Wibirt, daughters Sue (Michael) O'Brien, Jane (David) Klein, both of Grand Rapids, six grandchildren, Michael, James and Kathryn O'Brien, and Steven, Jordan and Reid Klein, sisters Virginia Parker of Reed City, and Clara E. Fisher of California. He was preceded in death by five brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2003 at Cascade Christian Church, 2829 Thornapple River Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Cascade Christian Child Care Center in Grand Rapids.
Joan Charlotte Lett
70 of Potterville, died August 8, 2003 in Lansing. Mrs. Lett was born March 1, 1933 in East Lansing, the daughter of Shirl E. and Charlotte P. (Chase) Leathers. She graduated from Central Michigan University and enjoyed her family, grandkids and church. She is survived by sons Jerry (Patty) Lett of Lansing, Steve (Robin) Lett of Potterville, Chuck (Ann) Lett of Charlotte, daughter Janice (Rick) Dortch of Virginia, ten grandchildren, Jason Endres, Jennifer Endres, Rick Dortch, Michael Dortch, David Lett, Nicholas Lett, Brent Hanes, Jessica Lett, Jordan Lett and Shane Bozack, brothers Ed Leathers of Dimondale and Donald Leathers of Wisconsin, sisters Barb Gulick of Laingsburg, Mary Canfield of Bath, Kay Dugan of Bath, many nieces and nephews and her faithful dog, Bear. She was preceded in death by husband Ralph J. Lett in 1997. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at the Potterville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Rebecca Morrison officiating. Interment will be at Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Potterville United Methodist Church or the Capital Area Humane Society.
Richard W. Zentmyer
85 of Charlotte, died Saturday, August 9, 2003 at his residence. Mr. Zentmyer was born June 5, 1918 in Sylvan Center, Michigan, the son of Cyrus H. and Vergie (Stuver) Zentmyer. He owned an appliance repair business until he retired. He served his country during World War II in the 8th Army Infantry Division and was a life member of the VFW Maple City Post #2406 in Charlotte. He married Reatha I. Satterlee December 22, 1946 and she survives him. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lavonne in 1994. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 12, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Mr. George Howe officiating. Interment will be in West Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Sunday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Monday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
Bernarda (Bernie) V. Littich
passed away on August 12, 2003 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Bernie was born March 17, 1917, in Marceline, Missouri, daughter of Blase and Mary Sporer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Loyd D, in 1987, her parents, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by three daughters Michele LeBrun (John), Melanie Clark (Steven), and Maraloy Thomas, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Her last employment was with the State of Michigan. Bernie was a member of St. Mary's Church since 1947, an active member of the choir, past president of the Rosary Altar Society, a Liturgist, member of the 'Happy Years Club' and a Reading Grandmother at St. Mary's school. She was also a volunteer at the Hayes Green Beach Gift Basket and Meals on Wheels. Her hobbies were crocheting, bingo, cross-word puzzles, music, and her beloved cat, Tawni. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2003 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Denis R. Spitzley as celebrant. Rite of Commitment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 14th at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Rosary services will be held on Thursday 6:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or the Education Trust Fund in memory of Bernie.
