Elizabeth 'Betty' Mitchell
83, formerly of Charlotte and Midland, died Saturday, September 6, 2003, in Charlotte. Mrs. Mitchell was born October 21, 1919 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the daughter of Frederick Alexander and Elizabeth May (Devine) Forney. She attended Colorado Springs High School graduating in 1937. She attended the University of Denver and University of Michigan and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority where she held several offices. She married J. Ernest Mitchell on July 17, 1939, who preceded her in death in 2001. She lived in Midland for 41 years and during those years was active in the Red Cross, Midland Hospital Auxiliary; AAUW, past president of the Zoe Club and was a distinguished woman of Northwood University. She was Michigan Library League Chairperson, greeting and helping entertain guest speakers and entertainers and was chairperson of Town and Campus and helped start up the Northwood Gallery. While in Charlotte she was a member of the Charlotte Women's Club and attended St. John Episcopal Church. She and her husband spent their retirement years until 1995 between Torch Lake, Michigan and Sun City, Arizona. Surviving are her son, John F. Mitchell; daughter, Shirley M. Potts; 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorial Services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 14, 2003, at St John Episcopal Church in Charlotte, with The Rev Dr. Carol Spangenberg officiating. Interment will be in Midland Cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. If desired memorial contributions maybe made to Hayes Green Beach Hospital or Northwood University.
Janet Kay Nighbert
61, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, September 11, 2003. Janet was born April 7, 1942, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of O'Dean and Madaline (Yeargin) Harris. She is survived by nephews Ken (Becky) Harris of Delton, MI. and Michael (Theresa) Harris of Charlotte, mother Madaline Harris of Charlotte, and brother Ken W. Harris of Illinois. Memorial service will be 2:00 PM Saturday, September 13, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. William Haggard officiating. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from Noon to 2:00 PM Saturday before the service.
Charlotte Lee Barrette
51 of Charlotte, Michigan, died September 13, 2003. Mrs. Barrette was born April 29, 1952 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Jack and Rosemary Wallace. She was a Teachers Aid at Eaton Intermediate School District and formerly worked at House of Ruth, was involved in many aspects of special education in the Eaton area and Special Olympics Volunteer. She is survived by her husband, Michael, sons, Kenneth 'Ken', Daniel 'Dan' (fiance' Stephanie), both of Fenton, Joseph 'Joe' (fiance' Faith ) of Charlotte, daughter, Tammera 'Tammy' of Fenton, grandson, Cameron, Mother Rosemary (Don) Frary of Battle Creek, sisters Marjorie Goins, Cindy Gilson, brother Bryan Wallace, all of Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her father Jack Wallace in 1994. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 17, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Reverend Glenn Litchfield officiating. Interment will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan. Visitation will be 7-9 PM, Monday and 2-4 & 7-9 PM, Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan. The family suggest memorial contributions to Special Olympics.
Marion Ilene Whitinger
age 64 of Charlotte, Michigan died Sunday, September 14, 2003. Marion was employed by the Charlotte Public Schools for more than twenty-five years. She organized the Charlotte Paraprofessional Support Association/MEA local and served as its president and MEA Representative Assembly delegate for several years. She enjoyed working at Galewood Elementary School where she used her artistic talent, creativity and love of reading to make the media center a special place for children to learn. She especially valued her friendships with the Galewood Elementary School faculty, staff and many friends. Marion was preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Whitinger; father, Elwood Whitinger; and nephew, Daniel Tuckey and is survived by four sisters, Lucille Tuckey of Charlotte, Wilma Campbell of Charlotte, Leila (Dick Grossman) Whitinger of Anoka, Minnesota, Linda (Matt) Silvas of Charlotte, and one brother, John (Sue) Whitinger of Odessa, Florida. She will be deeply missed by nephews and nieces Brian Tuckey, Sue Pion, Sara Powers, Julie Wertz, Steve Tuckey, Robert Tuckey, Edward Tuckey, Lori Baum, Andrew Campbell, Mary Jo Mills, Jodi Driver, Robert Silvas, Amy Sawatski, Angel Bartlett, Lisa Whitinger and Nick Whitinger, great-nieces and nephews Megan, Courtney, Travis, Joey, Trent, Neisha, Eric, Shane, Zane, Spencer, Alisha, Eric, Owen, Ryan, Patrick, Holly, Corey, Kindra, Jason, Jenny, Kenny, Robbie, Rikki, and Randi and Great-great nieces and nephews Jedediah, Brody, Sydney, Christina, and Martina. She is also survived by her Uncle George Whitinger; Aunts Maemie Ronning and Alberta Whitinger; Whitinger cousins, and Fladeboe cousins.
Marion will be remembered for her love of children, loyalty to her family and friends, artistic talent, her musicianship and her generosity of spirit. A Memorial service will be at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 17, at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Dr. Rev. Roy Backus officiating. Visitations will be on Monday from 7:00-9:00 P.M. and Tuesday from 3:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 P.M. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, contributions in her memory may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice or the Galewood Elementary Media Center (check payable to Galewood Elementary), 512 E. Lovett, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Richard Floyd Smith
67, of Sunfield, Michigan, died Thursday, September 25, 2003. Mr. Smith was born August 17, 1936 in Charlotte, Michigan the son of Leon R. and Elizabeth (Dean) Smith. He worked in construction as a cement finisher and roofer. He is survived by his wife Debra K. (Hartin) Smith and 16 children. There will be no services.
Edith Marian Hodges
99 of Davison, Michigan, formerly of Charlotte, died September 26, 2003. Mrs. Hodges was born September 11, 1904 in Douglas, Michigan, the daughter of Frank and Ella (Barnes) Conklin. She is survived by daughter Evelyn Bodell of Eaton Rapids, daughter-in-law Phyllis Hodges of Taylor, 9 grandchildren; Larry (Vickie) Bodell of Charlotte, Judith (Stephen) Turner of Eaton Rapids, Dennis (Sandra) Bodell of Eaton Rapids, Marian (Greg) McClellan of Goodrich, Roy (Judith) Bodell of Eaton Rapids, Richard (Joan) Hodges of Florida, Randy Hodges, Jerry Hodges and Caroline (James) Buford, all of Taylor, 17 great grandchildren, 27 great great grandchildren, and sister-in-law Vera Conklin of Hickory Corners. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Hodges in 1981, son Richard Hodges in 1998, granddaughter Anna May Bodell in 1996 and son-in-law Leonard Bodell in 1998. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Stephen Klink officiating. Interment will be in Munger Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
Marie 'Vicki' Victoria Lea
55, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Friday, October 03, 2003. Ms. Lea was born September 18, 1948, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of Robert and Marie (Bisel) Lea. Ms. Lea enjoyed the local Grange dances, round dancing, square dancing, knitting and crocheting. She is survived by her father Robert, brother Robert (Teresa) Lea Jr. of Charlotte, nephews Robert Lea III and his fiance' Rene Boynton, Christopher Eugene Lea, and Jason Carroll Lea and his girl friend Tonya Patterson, great nieces Halie Michelle Lea and Paige Marie Lea. She was preceded in death by her mother Marie in 1995. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home.
Robert Allen Tomlinson
59, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, October 9, 2003. Mr. Tomlinson was born March 2, 1944, the son of William and Mildred (Dimond) Tomlinson. He retired from G. M. Parts Division in 1998 and worked on the Eaton County Handicapped Parking Enforcement. He loved taking pictures at family gatherings and loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed surfing the net, gardening, visiting at the Eaton Place and helping Chuck with his woodworking projects. He is survived by his wife of 33 years Florence (Schwab), daughter Stacey Tomlinson (Robert Rautio), sons Robert Allen (Patty) Tomlinsion II of Jackson, Rex (Celena) Tomlinson of Charlotte, Paul William Tomlinson of Saginaw, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, step-mother Edna Tomlinson, mother-in-law Bernice Schwab of Charlotte, sisters Patti Villanueva and Sherry (Mike) Sparks of Vermontville, and brothers Ron (Pat) Tomlinson and Chuck (Brenda) Tomlinson of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his father William Tomlinson, mother Mildred Carter in 1996 and brother Bill Tomlinson. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Bret McAtee officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, Michigan. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, at Pray Funeral Home.
Isabelle Loretta King
81, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Friday, October 10, 2003. Mrs. King was born November 12, 1922, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Bertha (Piper) Griswold. She worked for Aluminum Extrusions. She is survived by daughter Candice (Ernie) Woofter of Charlotte, sons Paul (Sunun) King of Charlotte, Calvin R. King of Olivet, Terry (Earlene) King of Vermontville, 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brother Milo (Ruth) Griswold of Greenville, and sister Margaret Stevens of Cadillac. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold King in 1972. A graveside service was held Saturday, October 11, 2003 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association.
Mary Anna Smith
95 of Charlotte, died Friday, October 10, 2003. Mrs. Smith was the eldest child of Frank and Josefa (Pospisil) Vrbensky, born February 11, 1908 in Clarkson, Nebraska. She and her husband Joseph F. Smith, who preceded her in death in 1957, were Charlotte area farmers. She was a member of the Eaton County Farm Bureau and St. Mary Catholic Church. She is survived by her daughters, Frances Madry, Mary (Donald) Wadsten, Anne (Gerald) Kent, four grandchildren, Mary (Glenn) Shook, Kristine (Jeffrey) Hynes, Teresa (Thomas) Gloden, John (Denise) Kent and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, daughter, Elsie in 2002, son in law Louis Madry in 2000, brothers Frank, Joseph, John, and sister Ann. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2003 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Building Fund, Eaton County Medical Facility Activities Fund or Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital.
David L. Heilman
of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died at home on Friday, October 10, 2003. David was born June 3, 1971, in Charlotte, Michigan. David graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1994. He worked for Earth Tech in Grand Rapids, Michigan. David was active with the Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, going on mission trips to Albania and Okinawa, and holding Bible studies in his home. He also volunteered his time at Camp Beechpoint in Allegan, Michigan and DeGage Ministries, a soup kitchen in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His interests involved biking, camping, softball and snow skiing. Surviving are his parents Stephen and Paula (Wiley) Heilman of Charlotte, Michigan; sister Krista (Rob) Sheldon of Nashville, Michigan; grandparents Paul and Mavis Stults of Weslaco, Texas and Royal and Mildred Kirby of Ionia, Michigan; aunts and uncles Craig (Jean) Wiley of Georgia, Mark Wiley of Charlotte, Michigan, Eileen (Troy) TenEyck of Nashville, Michigan, Raeann Volkmann of Phelps, Wisconsin, Sandra LaMont of Carson City, Michigan, Valerie (Dan) Schmitz of Ionia, Michigan, Gail (Paris) Carpenter of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Nathan Wiley in March 1972 and Calvin Heilman in July 1993. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Pastor Doug Smith of Calvary Church officiating. Interment will be in West Carmel Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation is Friday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Camp Beechpoint, 3212 125th, Allegan, Michigan, 49010 or DeGage Ministries, 144 S. Division, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Charles Harold Rickerd
80, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, October 13, 2003. Mr. Rickerd was born February 18, 1923, in Charlotte, the son of Merton and Edith Mae (Seavolt) Rickerd. Charles was a production worker for Oldsmobile for 34 years retiring on May 31, 1983. He attended the Crossroads United Brethren Church and was a member of the UAW Local #652. He was married for 57 years to Beatrice Clark Rickerd, who survives him. He is survived by his son Harold 'Rick' (Karen) Rickerd of Lake Odessa, daughter Charlene Sparks of Charlotte, 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Barbara Jeanne in 1972, granddaughter Tricia in 1975, and brother Donald in 2002. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2003 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Richard Raab and Pastor Mike Arnold officiating. Interment will be in 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 Eaton County Medical Care Facility.
Martin L. Nagengast
60 of Charlotte, died October 17, 2003 in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Nagengast was born April 22, 1943 in Ft. Benton, Montana, the son of Christopher and Lillian (Steinbacher) Nagengast. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked as an electrician for General Motors for 31 years, retiring October 1, 2003. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Local 602 of the UAW. He was a model airplane enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and raised standard bred race horses. He is survived by his wife Kathy (Stegenga); son, Daniel; daughters, Anita, Sonja and Victoria; step-children Jerry (Catie) Hamm of Olivet, Marie (Sean) Brisson of Marshall; 11 grandchildren; brother Tim (Gail) of St. Charles, Illinois; sisters Judy Blenkarn of Ft. Benton, Montana, Pam (Noel) Davidson of Big Sandy, Montana, Nancy (Wayne) Monroe of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Becky (Dale) Stone of Geraldine, Montana and Lorna (Morten) Antonsen of Plano, Texas. He was preceded in death by brothers, Mike and Henry. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Patrick Murphy officiating. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Monday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. A parish rosary recited 7:00 pm Tuesday. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery, Walton Township, Olivet, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
