Aiden Ross McLendon
4 days old, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away at University Medical Center in Ann Arbor on Saturday, February 7, 2004. Aiden was born Tuesday, February 3, 2004, the son of Curtis and Amanda McLendon. He is survived by 2 sisters, Michaela Maree Stahl, Faith Kathryn McLendon of Charlotte, grandparents, Michael & Alana Stahl of Charlotte, Sally Stahl of Eaton Rapids, Karen McLendon of Potterville and Rex McLendon of Charlotte. Funeral services will be 4:00 PM Wednesday, February 11, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Rebecca Morrison officiating. Visitation will be 2 - 4 PM Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home.
Julius Jay Michael, Jr.
82 of Lansing, died Saturday, February 07, 2004. Mr. Michael was born September 13, 1921 in Brookfield Township, Michigan, the son of Julius Jay and Elizabeth (Toogood) Michael. Mr. Michael was a World War II veteran and a diemaker at Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte, retiring in 1985 after 21 years. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Lansing. He is survived by 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. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dimondale, MI., with Rev. Jim Mort officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Marian Alberta Barnard
92, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, February 9, 2004. Mrs. Barnard was born May 17, 1910 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of James and Rachel (Webster) Rulison. She is survived by son Robert (Lou Ann) Barnard of Ocala, Florida and granddaughter Diane. She was preceded in death by her husband Mirl John Barnard in 1958 and son Thomas James Barnard in 1997. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Interment will be Needmore Cemetery in Charlotte, Michigan.
Norma Kay Hunsaker
62 of Charlotte, died at her home. Mrs. Hunsaker was born October 16, 1941 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Lyle and Rita (Smith) Dunn. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She is survived by daughter Penny Hunsaker of Charlotte, sons Bill (Teresa) Hunsaker of Arizona, David Hunsaker of Charlotte, grandchildren Raquel Belosic, Sean, Cristina, Samantha and William Hunsaker, brothers Jim and Ralph Dunn, sister Barb Young, half sisters Doris and Joann, and half brother Lyle. She was preceded in death by her husband Everett Hunsaker, July 11, 1996, her brother Keith, half brothers Don, Lester and Lloyd, and half sister Maxine. A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2004 at the American Legion Post #42 in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Max. J. Frego officiating. There will be no visitation.
E. Ruth Ramsay
92 of Charlotte, died Saturday, February 14, 2004. Mrs. Ramsay was born December 10, 1911 in Sandusky, Michigan, the daughter of Bowen F. and Lillian May (Scott) Scouten. Ruth was an Elementary School Teacher in Corona, California from 1959 to 1976. Mrs. Ramsay is survived by sons John S. Ramsay of Charlotte, Michigan, W. Kent (Carol) Ramsay of Rogue River, Oregon, Dan (Jean) Ramsay of Epworth, Georgia, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband John Ramsay in 1993, and four brothers and two sisters. A Memorial Service will be held at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Riverside, California on February 23, 2004. If desired, Memorial Contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
William D. 'Bill' Braden
58 of Bellevue, died Thursday, February 19, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Braden was born July 7, 1945 in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Albert Jay and Helen Marie (Steward) Ainsworth. Mr. Braden was an automobile painter in the automobile repair business and was a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran. He enjoyed painting cars, snowmobiling and bowling with his family. He is survived by his wife, Diana (Bowen) Braden, daughter Dena (Jim) Meeker of Charlotte, son Billy Braden of North Carolina, grandchildren Teanne, Olivia and Lindsey, brothers Dan (Bev) Ainsworth of Battle Creek, Randy Braden of Arizona, sister Dawn Braden of Kentucky, father Albert Ainsworth of Battle Creek, and mother Helen (Andy) Branagh of Arizona. He was preceded in death by Moe 'Homer' Braden and step-mother Rosie 'PeeWee' Ainsworth. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Todd McLane officiating. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery, Walton Township, Olivet. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the family.
Phyllis Allene Knowles
90, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, formerly of Lansing, died Monday, February 23, 2004. Mrs. Knowles was born November 2, 1913, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Charles Dorr and Mabel E. (Snow) Scott. She married Ralph William 'Bill' Knowles on June 25, 1935 in Angola, Indiana. She was a beauty operator and was involved with arts and crafts. She is survived by daughter Jackie (Neil) Twichell of Eaton Rapids, son Blaine Scott (Cherri) Knowles of Oxford, Wisconsin, sister Margaret Haysmer of Charlotte, granddaughter Ingrid (James) Benward and grandson Eric Twichell both of Eaton Rapids, great grandchildren Brody and Aubrie Benward. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 1977. There will be a memorial service for family and friends at a later date.
Melvin Richard White
72, of Vermontville, Michigan, died Thursday, February 26, 2004. Mr. White was born November 14, 1931 in Mt. Morris, Michigan the son of Gordon William and Iva (Teets) White. He was a heavy equipment operator. He was a great horseman enjoying horse and pony pulling competitions and was a member of the Mid Michigan Horse Pulling Association. He also loved deer hunting and rabbit hunting with his hunting dogs. He is survived by sons Brad Richard White and Blane (Sharon) White all of Vermontville, daughters Judy (David) Lemon of Potterville, Jackie Janousek of Charlotte, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, brother Eugene (Phyllis) White of Dewitt and sister Beulah MacSoud of Sterling Heights and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by granddaughter Erica White in 1998. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Charles Jenson officiating. Interment will be Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, Michigan. Visitation will be Saturday 7 - 9 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Maurice 'Mike' Dale Cole
76, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, February 26, 2004. Mr. Cole was born May 25, 1927, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Earl and Myrtie (King) Cole. Mike was a millwright for G.M. for 38 years, retiring in 1989. He was a member of the United Auto Workers and the Eaton County Buck Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by daughter Vikki of Oregon, grandson Dan II (Charie) Bryan of Vermontville, 5 great grandchildren Dan III, Ashtin, Blaze, Brandon, Brent, several nieces and nephews, best friends Larry Towe and Joyce Johnson. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation ServiceŽ 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Interment will follow in Meadowbrook Cemetery, Mulliken, Michigan. There will be a gathering for family and friends 4 - 8 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice House.
Theodore 'Ted' John Rawson
83, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Saturday, February 28, 2004. Mr. Rawson was born February 8, 1921, in Vermontville, Michigan, the son of Cleo and Edith (Northrup) Rawson. He served with the 94th Infantry Division of Patton's 3rd Army during WW II. He married Gertrude Snoke who preceded him in death March 27, 1993. He was a member of the Charlotte Kiwanis Club and the Wellness Center at Hayes Green Beach Hospital. He was an avid MSU and Detroit Red Wings fan and also enjoyed the sport of harness racing, and was well known in the Charlotte area as a genuine old-fashioned good neighbor to everyone. He is survived by his son, Vaughn (Stephanie) Rawson of Mason; daughter Jo (Robert) McCausey of Mulliken; grandson Cam (Amy) McCausey of Mulliken; and great-granddaughter Alexa. He was preceded in death by his brothers Robert and William and sister, Meredith. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation ServiceŽ 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at Pray Funeral Home with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 - 8 p.m. on Monday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Dennis Lee Fast
63 of Charlotte, died unexpectedly in Alabama. Mr. Fast was born May 31, 1940 in Grand Ledge, Michigan, Denny was raised by his adopted parents Albin and Helen (Brooks) Fast. He was a former mason and owned his own company AD&D Masonry, and later retired as a General Maintenance worker for the Eaton County Physical Plant in 2002 and has since been affiliated with Fast Masonry. Denny held membership in the Lodge #120 F. & AM, and enjoyed travel, photography, woodworking along with many other outdoor interests, hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He is survived by his wife Sandra (Bollman) Fast, daughter Tamara Fast of Charlotte, son Timothy Fast of Chicago, brother Douglas Fast of East Grand Rapids, biological mother Yvonne Rodriguez of Grand Ledge, biological brothers Joseph Riker of Portland, Oregon, and Kenneth Smith of Desert Hot Springs, California, grand-children Derek Holmgren, Bryan Watson, Erick Watson and great grandchild Prestin Rochester, many step family members, nieces and nephews, his best friends Tink Hicks and Gene Conley, his Samoyed dog Siven, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by Helen & Albin Fast, his daughter Teresa, and brother Richard Fast. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 a.m at the Lawrence Ave. United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday & Thursday 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Ave. United Methodist Church.
Michael Dean Emenhiser
age 37 of Charlotte, died unexpectedly Sunday, February 29, 2004. Mr.Emenhiser was born March 28, 1966 in Charlotte. He worked as a mechanic for UPS and was formerly employed with Spartan Motors for 10 years and as tool distributor, MATCO Mike, for 5 years. He enjoyed assisting with his children's sports activities, custom welding, restoring and customizing his truck and was always helping others out. He is survived by his wife Katie (Wright) Emenhiser, daughter Casey, son Mickey and daughter, Tia, parents Jackie (Nolan) Spotts of Charlotte, Gary (Sharon) Emenhiser of Union City, Michigan, mother and father-in-law Milo and Karen Wright of Charlotte, sisters Marilyn (Randy) Campbell, Cheri (Mick) Paton, Teresa (Wes Redfield) Ells, all of Charlotte, Teresa (Brian) Wright of Rock, Michigan, Ginny (George) Nobbe of Indianapolis, Indiana, brothers John (Lisa) Emenhiser, Todd (Kathy) Spotts, both of Charlotte, sisters-in-law Cheryl (John) Miller, Carla (Gary) Firestone both of Charlotte, Peggy (Jerry) Thacker of Springport, brother-in-law Den (Foo) Wright of Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Rex and Dora Wehr, Delmer and Nora Emenhiser, and niece Cierra Lopez. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Robin Crouch officiating. Interment will be in Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family for the benefit of the children.
Doris Beatrice Myers
99, of Olivet, Michigan, died Thursday, March 4, 2004. Mrs. Myers was born July 4, 1904, in Chester Township, Michigan, her parents were Guy Eugene and Laura (Lamie) Ash of the Chester area and attended the Lamie school. She married Lionel (Scotty) Myers and lived most of her life on the farm in the Five Point and M-78 neighborhood. Doris was a member of the West Carmel Congregational Church and belonged to the Church Circle. Over the years she has made many friends in the rural Charlotte and Olivet neighborhood. In the past she helped many shut-in- friends and in return has been helped by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Guy and Laura Ash, her husband Lionel (Scotty) Myers in 1973 two brothers Clare Sr. and Clark Ash, sisters-in-law Eva (Curry) Ash and Thelma (Root) Ash, and great grandniece Kristin Ash. Doris is survived by nephews Clare (Shirley) Ash Jr. and Roger (Mary) Ash all of Charlotte, Kent and Dennis Ash and niece Susan (Ash) Custer all of Florida, and special cousin Louise Clay. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Darwin Kuhl officiating. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery in Walton Township. Visitation will be 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home.
Mildred Marie Adams
91, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, March 5, 2004, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Adams was born in Kalamo on November 18, 1912, the oldest daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Rowe) Keith. She was a life long resident of Charlotte and Eaton County. On May 17, 1934 she married Donald Lyle Adams. They were together fifty-one years and spent many seasons at their northern Michigan hunting retreat. In 1941 they became members of the Congregational Church. She and her husband established an electrical and appliance business known as Adams Electric, in 1947. She was an active PTA member during her children's school years. After her children were grown, she worked at Wilcox Gay and Eaton Stamping in Eaton Rapids, retiring in 1974. In addition to being a loving caregiver and excellent cook, she used her artistic talents in ceramics, sewing, knitting and crocheting. Mildred loved her children and was especially proud of her eighteen grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren. Those who preceded her into Heaven were her husband Donald, her parents Frank and Elizabeth Keith, two sisters, Bernice Keith and Helen Rockwell, and a brother Joseph Keith. Surviving family are four sons, Edwin (Jackie), Larry (Sharon), Robert (Sandra) all of Charlotte, Philip (Janice) of Jackson and daughter Sharon (Ardon) Cronk of Charlotte. Funeral services are to be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating. Burial is in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday. For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to Maple Hill Cemetery or the First Congregational Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
