Robert Neil Geisenhaver
63, of Potterville. After a lifetime of work and bringing joy to those who knew him, Neil has went fishing with the Great Fishers of Men, his Lord Jesus on Saturday, March 6, 2004. Neil was born October 5, 1940 and was the beloved husband of Bonnie and son of Dale and Enid Geisenhaver. Proud father to Cindy and Steve Selfridge, Joellen and Todd Wright, and Karen and Doug Garner. Doting grandfather to Katie, Matt, Clint, Luke, Chad, Craig and Dale. Brother to Denny and Mary Ellen Geisenhaver, David and Vickie Geisenhaver, Beverly and Charles Leonard, Myra and Dennis Little, Roger and Rose Broskey, Michael and Dixie Broskey, Francis Broskey, and Iva Broskey. Neil was very grateful to Moore - Trosper Construction Company for giving him a chance to make his life whole for the last 6 years. He worked for 24 years for V. A. Bliesener Construction, and farmed the land he loved and was born on. Neil leaves many nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts and cousins, and many friends that he enjoyed to the fullest. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at Potterville United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Morrison, Rev. Tom Peters and Rev. Paul Bailey officiating. Visitation will be 4 ? 8 p.m. Monday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Potterville United Methodist Church.
Arthur Lorenzo Lumbert
76, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, March 7, 2004. Mr. Lumbert was born November 16, 1927 in Portland, Michigan, the son of Harvey and Helena (Meyers) Lumbert. He married Winona 'Pat' Watson, June 11, 1965 and she preceded him in death October 20, 2003. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a truck driver for Eaton County Road Commission and a school bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools. He is survived by daughters Peggy (Rodney) Sellen of Bellevue, Penny Steketee of Haslett, son Robert (Vickie) Lumbert of Nashville, TN., 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sister Helen (Harry) McDaniels of Mulliken, niece Lorie (Roger) Smith of Vermontville, nephews Claude (Sue) Hine of Vermontville, Larry Watson of Charlotte, Ron (Leslie) Hodges of Mulliken and other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Russ, Ken, and Bill, his sisters, Marion and Lorraigne. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Tuesday 6 - 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Frances 'Fran' C. Uhl
86 of Charlotte, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004. Mrs. Uhl was born February 26, 1918 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of John F. and Letia (Clevers) Myers. She is survived by son Larry of Cloverdale, Michigan, son-in-law Ed Williams of Charlotte, daughter-in-law Pat Uhl of Lansing, five grandchildren, several great grandchildren, brother John Myers, Jr. of Olivet and sister Beverly Cole of Springport. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Uhl in 1993, daughter Charlene S. Williams in 2001 and son Charles R. Uhl, Jr. in 1975. There are no services planned at this time. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice.
Hazel May Booth
of Charlotte, Michigan, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at the age of 102. Mrs. Booth was born March 8, 1902 on the Laverty Farm in Eaton County, Michigan, the daughter of George W. and Ella Margaret (Summers) Laverty. She worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Rebekah Lodge #68 of Charlotte. She is survived by nieces Margie (Kenneth) McClurg of Jackson, Lucille (Norman) Hogle of Charlote, nephew Bill Ely of Jackson and sister-in-law Gladys Booth of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd B. Booth, her infant daughter and brother Don Laverty. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Mark Michalcewicz officiating with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Baptist Church.
Hildred Louise Kelsey Peabody
88 of Vermontville, died Saturday, March 13, 2004 at Ingham Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Peabody was born August 12, 1915 in Sunfield, Michigan, the daughter of Clare H.and Ethol May (Gearhart) Figg. A life long resident of Vermontville, Hildred graduated from Vermontville High School in 1933. She attended Eaton County Normal and began her lifelong career as a teacher in 1935, teaching at the Chance and Brown country schools. In 1940 she took a break from teaching to raise a family and to help her husband run a small town medical practice in Vermontville. She returned to her teaching career in 1958 at the Lamie country school and began working on her Bachelors degree and eventually earned a Masters degree in elementary counseling at Western Michigan University. From 1960 until her retirement in 1980 Hildred taught third grade and was the elementary counselor/special education coordinator for Maple Valley schools. An active and dedicated supporter of her community, Hildred served on the Vermontville Community Schools Board of Education, Vermontville Village Council, founding member and past president of the Vermontville Historical Society, founding member and past president of the Vermontville Woman's Club, member and past worthy matron of Vermontville Chapter of Eastern Star, and past president of United Methodist Women.. She was also an active volunteer in the annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival serving in many roles over the past sixty years from festival princess, past chair of the children's parade, program chair and as chair of the Vermontville Arts and Crafts show. Recognized for her contributions to the festival she was selected as the Syrup Festival's Honored Citizen in 1986. She was very involved in the Republican Party, serving on the Republican State Central Committee during the 1950's, and had been President of the Eaton County Republican women. She was a past District President of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, an active member and past president of the Upsilon Chapter in the Delta Kappa Gamma (Honorary Teachers) Sorority. She is survived by daughters Nancy (John) Leindecker of Lexington, Kentucky, Becky (Paul) Strange of Libertyville, Illinois, son, Douglas C. Kelsey of Vermontville, 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and many close nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband Dr. L. Donald Kelsey in 1958, and second husband R. Kenyon Peabody in 1981. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Vermontville United Methodist Church with Pastor Kathy Smith officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn 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 Maple Valley Scholarship Fund or the Vermontville United Methodist Church.
Myrtle Rice Monroe
97, of East Lansing, Michigan, died Sunday, March 14, 2004. Mrs. Monroe was born August 18, 1906, in Kenton, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Sadey (Anderson) Rice. She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church, Lansing, and was affiliated with the Sparrow Hospital Auxiliary Escort Service for over 40 years. She is survived by her son, Leon S. (Carol) Monroe II of Charlotte, Michigan and sister in law, Gertrude Coleman of Florida and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, in 1987; sisters, Edna Lantzer and Blanche Graf; and brothers Carl Rice and William Coleman. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, with Pastor Philip Hobson officiating. Additionally there will be a memorial service at Burcham Hills Retirement Center, 2700 Burcham Drive, East Lansing at 1:00 p.m. Thursday. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Howell. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 on Tuesday at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to House of Ruth, 716 Pleasant St, Charlotte, MI 48813, Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, 444 Horatio, Charlotte, MI 48813 or the charity of your choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Irvin J. Clements
96 of Holt, died March 17, 2004. Mr. Clements was born August 29, 1907 in Charlotte, the son of John and Glycine (Stratton) Clements. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1929 and was the owner and florist for Clements Flower Shop in Holt. He was a member of the Holt United Methodist Church. He loved bowling and bowled until his mid sixties. He is survived by his son Randall Clements of Holt, daughter Addie Mutch of Holt, granddaughter Misty (David) Smaltz of Davison, and brother Robert Clements. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Florence J. Clements in 1982, and brother Paul Clements. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2004 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with Rev. Karen Wheat officiating. Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Friday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lansing Residence.
Lala Mae Elliott
71 of Potterville, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Elliott was born November 20, 1932, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, the daughter of Lonnie M. and Cartha Jane (Edwards) Reaves. She always enjoyed taking care of her family and her flowers. She loved playing the piano and collecting angels. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Gerald, daughters Brenda G. Elliott of Potterville, Diane (Roger) Moening of Charlotte, Dawn Yvonne Powell of Harrison, Sherry Lynn (Jeff) Humes of Sunfield, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sisters Irene Eason of Branch County, North Carolina, Viola Warren of Smithfield, North Carolina, and Sarah Caffero of Safety Harbor, Florida. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Lloyd Scharer officiating. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2004. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Hospice.
Harry W. Carpenter
74 of Charlotte, died Thursday, March 18, 2004. Mr. Carpenter was born March 12, 1930 in Grand Ledge, Michigan, the son of Frank and Agnes Susan (Church) Carpenter. He played softball and was an All American centerfielder. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Eagles Aerie #3552 in Charlotte. He is survived by his wife Evelyn (Good) Carpenter, children Terry (Kriss) Carpenter of Charlotte, Sheila (Jerry) Eldridge of Woodland, Sherry (Lewie) Eberly of Sunfield, Thomas Carpenter of Charlotte and Sandy DePue and Ron Betts of Charlotte, 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brothers Archie, John, Mick and Ed Carpenter, sisters Allie Ecktinaw and Illah French. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and one sister. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 22 at Gresham Cemetery with Chuck Jensen officiating. There will be no visitation. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Research.
Erma Maxine Griswold
88, of Millett, Michigan, died Saturday, March 27, 2004. Mrs. Griswold was born November 10, 1915, in Kalamo Township, Michigan, the daughter of Clarence and Ruby (Briggs) Porter. She was very independent and was known as an 'Original Organic Gardener'. Among her various collectibles were wedding napkins and cameras. At Baker's Akers Park in Zephyrhills, FL, she was well known for her bocci ball and shuffleboard championship skills. She is survived by nephew and niece, Pat & Fran Weston, her beloved neighbor, Cindy Monroe, and several other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Griswold in 1982, her infant son, James Frederic in 1936, dear friend, John Gregg, of Williamston in 1991, and five brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m.Thursday, April 1, 2004, at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Ingham Visiting Nurse & Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Harry A. Eno
74, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, March 28, 2004. Mr. Eno was born August 16, 1929, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Thomas L. and Leola M. (Geller) Eno. He was a production line worker for Fisher Body for 35 years. He enjoyed his 6 grandsons, carving ducks, crossword puzzles, and playing Mexican rummy. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Genevieve (Wood) Eno, son David B.(Carla) Eno of Lansing, daughters Susan D. (Darin) Wilmore of Charlotte, and Jeanine Eno (Paul Wood) of Lansing, and 6 grandsons; Eric, Eron, Blake, Joseph, Justin and Cassidy.
Chris A. Jensen
77 of Vermontville, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 in Lansing. Mr. Jensen was born November 19, 1926 in Lakeview, Michigan, the son of Albert & Marie Jensen. He married Phyllis Schultz, December 1, 1951. He had been an employee of Fisher Body for 34 years retiring in 1989. Mr. Jensen served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He enjoyed a variety of interest including bingo, fishing, gardening, puzzles, and thoroughly enjoyed his family and life. He is survived by sons Charlie (Lynn) of Sheridan, Ernest (Tammy) of Gowen, Larry, Michael (Marianne), and John (Janice) of Vermontville, daughters Christine (James) Turner and Rebecca (Shawn) Scott of Vermontville, Susan (Jon) Villanueva of Tennessee, and Sally (Brian) Symonds of Nashville, 25 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis (Schultz) Jensen May 4, 1997 and two sons Donnie and Patrick. Funeral services will be Friday 11:00 A.M. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. Duane Royston officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Visitation will be 7-9 Wednesday and 2-4 & 7-9 Thursday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
George Dale Hennings
87 of Charlotte, died Monday, May 3, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Hennings was born May 28, 1916 in Charlotte, the son of Roy and Phebe (Sisson) Hennings. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII and was a rural postal carrier for the post office, retiring in 1985 and a bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools for over 25 years. Many may remember him working at the Hennings family Standard Oil Station and grocery until 1965 at the corner of Merritt and Shepherd. He was always known as an honest, generous and helpful man. In his earlier years he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a beekeeper, handling many 'swarms' around the area. He especially loved gardening and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy (Wenger) Hennings, son Richard (Sandy) Hennings of Charlotte, two grandchildren, Jerry Hennings and Roger (Pamela) Hennings, five great grandchildren, Kyle, Katelyn, Kristopher, Kevin and McKenzie, sister Eileen Weaver of Sun City, California, several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating. Interment will be in Needmore Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
