Maxine L. (Messimer) Hawkins
Charlotte, MI, passed away August 12, 2003 at the age of 82. Maxine was born August 25, 1920 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Howard & Bernice (Miller) Messimer. She spent all her life in the Charlotte and Hastings areas, retiring from Owens-Illinois in 1985. She was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed good music, crocheting and playing cards. Ms. Hawkins was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Lee Lane, niece Linda Mathis and nephew Dale Lamie. Surviving are four children Roger (Yvonne) Wolfe of Bradenton, FL; Sharri Phillips of Hastings, MI; David (Brinda) Hawkins of Nashville, MI; and Deborah Cogswell (Donald Stahl) of Rives Junction, MI; six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rich Mitterling officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mid-Michigan Hospice House St. Lawrence Campus 1210 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48915 or any United States Veteran's Organization.
Richard James
71 of Charlotte, died Wednesday, August 13, 2003 in Lansing. Mr. James was born April 18, 1932 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He was in the Navy and was a tax accountant. He is survived by his significant other, Sue Brown of Lansing, daughters, Karen Aguilar, Cara James and Joni James, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2003 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with Rev. Leonard Brinkmoeller officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
Lawrence A. Gee
78 of Charlotte, died Friday, August 15, 2003 at his home. Mr. Gee was born September 8, 1924 in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Jacob and Roberta (Kenyon) Gee. He worked as a supervisor at the Eaton County Road Commission, retiring in 1986. He married Marie Pratt in 1945 and she survives him. He is also survived by daughter Pam (Richard) Martin of Tennessee, sons Barry (Rose) Gee of Virginia Beach, Neal (Diane) Gee of the Upper Peninsula, seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, brother Hale (Betty) Gee of Spring Lake and sister Joyce Shue of Fairgrove. He was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 18 at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing, with Rev. Rae Franke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson Foundation.
Beatrice Laura Michael
85, of Dimondale, Michigan, died Sunday, August 17, 2003. Mrs. Michael was born June 12, 1918, in Findley, Ohio the daughter of Chester and Sadie (Hardwick) Eitinear. Mrs. Michael was the manager of the Waters Shoe Store in Charlotte for 25 years. She attended Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed crocheting and was a wonderful cook, famous for her peanut butter fudge and potato salad. She is survived by her husband Julius Jay Michael, sons Gary Michael of Olivet, MI, Douglas (Helen) Michael of Olivet, MI, Gerald (Dianne) Michael of Ocqueoc, MI, James (Jean) Michael of Evart, MI, daughter Marilyn (Niles) Beardslee of Arizona, 14 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and sister Geraldine Steers of Indiana. Private family services have been held. If desired memorial contributions maybe made to the American Heart Association.
Maynard 'Mickey' Ells
73, of Lake Odessa, died August 19, 2003, as a result of an automobile accident. Mr. Ells was born September 19, 1929, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of William and Aletha (Root) Ells. He was the store manager of the Felpausch Food Center, in Eaton Rapids, for many years. Mickey was an avid bowler and a 'semi professional golfer'. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter, Jan White of Holt, three sons, Gary Ells of Grand Rapids, Steve (Laura Jo) Ells of Commerce Twp, Kevin Ells of West Bloomfield, eight grandchildren, sister Marilyn (Carroll) Briggs of Charlotte, two brothers, Edward 'Ted' (Rosalie) Ells, Don (Kathy) Ells, both of Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Ells in 1971, and brother, Bill Ells in 1978, and sister Elaine Ells in 1928. A memorial service will be 11 am Friday, August 22, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Kendall A. Lewis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to time of service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Boyd Lee Woodbury
67, of Potterville, Michigan, died Thursday, August 21, 2003. Mr. Woodbury was born December 16, 1935, in West Branch, Michigan the son of Oswell and Verna (Wonser) Woodbury. He worked as a blacksmith and raised and trained horses. He had been active in 4H and other horse associations and assisted with the Handicapped Riders Association. Surviving are his wife Barbara Simpson, step-daughter Cinnamon Simpson, brother Lester (Norma) Woodbury of Vermontville, sister Phyllis (Edgar) Smith of Charlotte and a step-grandchild Abbigail. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Wayne Woodbury. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Norman John Campbell
went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 21, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer. Norm retired from Oldsmobile as a Quality Engineer Manager in 1988 after a very successful 32-year career. Norm also served his country proudly in the National Guard for 14 years and retired as Battery Commander of the Charlotte Unit. Norm, and his beloved wife Wilma of 47 years, were blessed with 15 healthy years of retirement together. They attended many memorable functions with family and friends during that time. They recently moved from their Florida home back to Charlotte, and have spent a great deal of family time at their lakefront home near Gladwin, Michigan. Norm had a great passion for golf and played many championship courses around the country over the years. He shared his love of the game with many of his family members and friends, as he was great teacher of the sport. He also enjoyed fishing, which he learned from his father. He and four brothers enjoyed growing up on Pine Lake in his boyhood hometown of Olivet, Michigan. Norm was always eager to engage in a good political discussion, or any other controversial subject that came about. He also enjoyed studying history, philosophy, and bible study. He was passionate about discussing his Christian life with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Norm was preceded in death by his father, George Campbell in 1995. Norm is survived by his mother Beatrice Campbell of Olivet, his wife Wilma of Charlotte, and three children Lori (Rex) Baum of Charlotte, Andy (Cammi) Campbell of Eaton Rapids, and Mary Jo Campbell Mills of Lansing. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Ryan, Patrick, and Holly Baum, Corey and Kindra Campbell, and Jason Mills. Norm is also survived by four brothers: David (Judy) of Olivet, Gerald (Shirley) of Bellevue, Daniel of Lansing, and Brian (Sharon) of Gross Point Farms. Norm is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, August 25, 2003, at the First Congregational Church of Olivet, with Pastor Jack Skirvin and Dr. Roy Backus officiating. Visitation will be Saturday 7-9 P.M. and Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Richard 'Rick' Clay Asher
54, of Potterville, MI, died Wednesday, August 27, 2003. Mr. Asher was born February 11, 1949, in Barbourville, Kentucky, the son of Aubrey Clay and Miriam (Tappan) Asher. Rick was a Conservation Officer for the Department of Natural Resources for 29 years, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved outdoors, camping and reading. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Carol (Grahl), daughters Becky (Shawn Hope) Asher-Hope of Chicago, IL, Melissa Asher of Medford, OR, Amanda Asher of Potterville, mother Miriam Asher of Hope, MI, brothers Phillip (Toni) Asher of Houston, TX, Alan Asher of Southgate, MI, and sisters Joan (Stanley) Cieslak of Clarkston, MI, Jennifer (Dennis) Secord of Alan Park, MI. Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Potterville United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Morrison officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church, the American Cancer Society, or to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association.
Colleen Lucile Davis
of Charlotte and Venice Florida, died Sunday August 31, 2003 at the age of 77. Colleen was born March 25, 1926 in Clifton Arizona to her parents Colin and Lucile (Hill) McNeill. Colleen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II where she met her husband Richard Davis. They were married May 19, 1946 in Long Beach, California and moved to Charlotte. Mrs. Davis was a member of the American Legion Post #42 for 56 years, American Legion Auxiliary 57 years, V.F.W. Auxiliary for 46 years, a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aries #3552, and a member of the Women of the Moose Lodge of Venice Florida since 1991. She is survived by her son Colin (Nancy) Davis, her granddaughter Angela Davis, grandson Colin II (Alain) Davis and great-grandson Blake Davis, all of Charlotte. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service to be held 2:00 PM Thursday September 4th at the Pray Funeral Home. The Davis family will receive visitors Wednesday from 5 - 8 PM at the funeral home. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice in memory of Colleen.
Eustaquio 'Rod' Landin Rodriguez
78, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Wednesday, September 03, 2003. Mr. Rodriguez was born April 19, 1925, in New Braunfels, Texas, the son of Reyes and Maclovia (Landin) Rodriguez. He was best known for his music 'The Rod Rodriguez Band', 'Los Embajadores' and 'Trio Los Amigos'. He worked as a parts manager for Charlotte Ford Dealerships and retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation. He served in the Army during WWII. He was a member of the Charlotte American Legion #42, V. F. W. #2406, Eagles Aerie #3552 and Knights of Columbus. After a whirlwind romance Rod swept Bertha Bosquez off her feet and two weeks later they were married on May 20, 1954. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Bertha, sons; Joe Rodriguez, Ricardo (Darlene) Rodriguez, daughters; Linda Fox, Delia McGregor, Alicia (Douglas) Wilcox, Rosario (Ken) Debler, seven grandchildren; Gabriel Fox, Veronica Rodriguez, Stephanie Fox, Martin Rodriguez, Brianna Rodriguez, William Rodriguez, and Kegan McGregor, sister Jobita Tamez, brother Antonio Rodriguez, sister Juanita Wells, and brother Anselmo Rodriguez. He was preceded in death by son-in-law Stephen Fox in 1987 and daughter-in-law Patricia Rodriguez in 1995. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2003 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Father Frederick L. Thelen celebrant. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Family will receive visitors Friday and Sunday 3 - 5 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice or Mid Michigan Regional Dialysis Center.
Charles M. Garvey
88, of Hastings, Michigan, died Thursday, September 4, 2003. Mr. Garvey was born July 19, 1915, in Charlotte, Michigan. He enjoyed gardening, his dogs and decorating his home. Charles served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He is survived by sister Arlene King of Hastings and two nephews; Ronald (Carol) Snyder of Delton and Charles (Joni) Snyder of West Branch. Private graveside services to be held at a later date.
William Milton Adams
81 of Scottsdale, Arizona, died at his residence on September 4, 2003. William, a long time resident of Royal Oak and Rochester Hills, Michigan, was a World War II veteran serving with the 10th Armored Division in Europe. After graduating from Michigan State College (University) in 1946 with a Journalism degree, William spent his entire 34-year career in the field of industrial public relations and publicity. Eighteen of those years were spent with General Motors Public Relations. Bill and his wife were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak for over 40 years. Other past memberships included Sigma Delta Chi, Public Relations Society of Detroit, Detroit Press Club and the 10th Armored Veterans Association. He was born July 21, 1922, the son of the late Milton Pray Adams and Marian Adams of Lansing, Michigan. Survivors include his wife of 57 years Mary Gore Adams, a sister Marilyn Britton, of Beaverton Oregon, a daughter, Mary Lynn (Brent) Wilcox of Brown City, Michigan, two sons William Milton (Patricia) Adams Jr, of Fountain Hills, Arizona and Matthew Gore (Pamela) Adams of Bowling Green, Kentucky and 6 grandchildren. Bill will be sincerely missed for all the lives he touched with his love, quick wit and humanity. A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, September 11, 2003 at the Munger Cemetery, Eaton Rapids, Michigan. If desired memorials maybe made to the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation, 30161 Southfield Road, Suite 119, Southfield, Michigan 48076-9775.
Galen G. Tibbett
72, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Saturday, September 6, 2003. Mr. Tibbett was born June 21, 1931, in Lyons, Indiana, the son of Clayton and Dorothy (Yancey) Tibbett. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Charlotte Masonic Lodge #120, O.E.S. Chapter #218, Eaton County Shrine Club, and Rotary Club of Charlotte. Mr. Tibbett served on the Charlotte Industrial Development Board for many years and was always willing to help others. He was Co-owner of Gale Briggs, Inc. retiring in 1990. He enjoyed golfing and outings to Mt. Pleasant and Las Vegas. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Mary Alice (Briggs); daughter Margo (John) Whalen of Houghton Lake; and brother Clyde (Barbara) Tibbett of Bloomfield, IN. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2003, at First Congregational Church of Charlotte with Pastor Tom Jones officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Monday, 6 - 8 p.m.; and Tuesday, 2 - 4, and 6 - 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church Endowment Board and Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
