Maria Ellena Reyna
30 of Charlotte, died Monday, May 3, 2004 at her residence. Miss Reyna was born June 8, 1973 in Lansing, Michigan. She is survived by her mother, Mary Solis of Charlotte, brothers Jose (Amy) Reyna, Jr. of East Lansing, Marcos Reyna of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, sister, Jessica (John) Lewis of Charlotte and grandmother, Maria Velasquez. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Guillermo Velasquez. A funeral mass will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 6, 2004 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Timothy Byrnes as celebrant. Interment will be in Perry Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with a Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m.
Beverly A. Beals
72 of Potterville, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Beals was born February 28, 1932 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Herman and Dorothy (Dickerson) Durbin. Mrs. Beals enjoyed gardening and the Senior Health chat room on her computer. She is survived by children, Nancy Shinabarger, Terri (Terry) Weikert, and Susan Card, all of Grand Ledge, Jill (Randy) Martin of Potterville and Russell (Becky) Beals, Jr. of Lansing, 22 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brothers and sisters, Herman (Vi) Durbin and Harriet (Roy) Eitniear both of Potterville, Dorothy (Jerry) Tegethoff of Eaton Rapids, Katheryn (Chuck) Tegethoff of Harrison, Aletha (Stanley) Beals of Charlotte and Jean Neubert of Lansing and many other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Beals in 1986 and a sister, Barbara Mathews in 1982. There will be a time of fellowship with the family at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 8th at the Potterville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall with Pastor Rebecca Morrison officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Community Hospice or the Potterville United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Raymond George Dickinson
of Vermontville passed away Friday May 7, 2004 at his residence at the age of 69. Mr. Dickinson was born May 11, 1934 in Vermontville Township to his parents Glenn and Velma (Bosworth) Dickinson. Raymond became a friend to many in the area through his 32 years at Citizens Elevator in Vermontville where he retired as the assistant manager. Raymond was an avid bowler in past years playing on the local Good Fellowship League in Charlotte for a number of years. He also enjoyed traveling throughout the country side and especially enjoyed camping. He also enjoyed spending time building things in his woodworking shop, many of which were decorated as craft items by his daughter Robin. Raymond is survived by his wife Ann (Aseltine), sons Bradley and wife Paula Dickinson of Middleville, Mark and wife Tami Dickinson of Nashville, daughters Joanne and husband (Darrell) Clements Jr. of Nashville, and Robin and husband Chris Miller of Hastings, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Mr. Dickinson was preceded in death by his first wife Faith (Walters) in 1989 and his brother Fred Junior in 1977. The family will receive visitors at the Pray Funeral Home, in Charlotte Sunday from 7 to 9 PM. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Monday at the Pray Funeral Home with Rev. George Spease of Lake Odessa officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Raymond George Dickinson.
Della Serene
age 43 of Vermontville, died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at her residence. Della was born July 22, 1960 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Allan O. and Teresha (Morehouse) Serene. Della graduated from Michigan State University and had been a free lance writer for websites. She was a member of the Writer's Guild and thoroughly enjoyed being with children. She is survived by her mother Teresha and stepfather Thomas VanAuken of Vermontville, her sister, Dena (Paul) Lahr of Charlotte, two nieces, Denise and Rebecca Lahr of Charlotte, Grandmother, Idella Morehouse of Vermontville, Step-grandparents, Don and Aleta VanAuken of Vermontville, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Allan in 1969, fraternal grandparents, maternal grandfather, two aunts and an uncle. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Jeff Swift officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Kalamo. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Ingham Hospice.
David Bruce Springs
68 of Charlotte, died Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Springs was born March 13, 1936 in Corunna, Michigan, the son of Hubert and Iscah (Swihart) Springs. He was a machinist at Aluminum Extrusions for 30 years and then retired from Franchino Mold and Engineering of Lansing in 1999. Among the great joys of his life were hunting, fishing, gardening and playing euchre. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bonnie (Bodell) Springs, children, Julee (William) Emenhiser of Sunfield, David (Brenda) Springs of Brooklyn, Michigan, Cliff Root of Charlotte, and Lisa (Gary) Hamilton of Olivet, 11 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and brother, Roy (Maxine) Springs of Corunna. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Horton Springs who died in 1984. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Tim Olson officiating. Interment will be in West Carmel Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice or Hayes Green Beach Hospital.
Vicki Jo (Wilmore) Watson
age 50 of Charlotte, passed away suddenly, May 14, 2004 as the result of an automobile accident. Vicki was born on January 13, 1954 in Charlotte, the daughter of Norman and Joan Wilmore. Vicki was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister and grandmother, who touched the lives of all she knew with her love, humor and caring. She worked for Farm Bureau in Charlotte for the past eight years and was a member of the Gresham United Methodist Church, where she served as a trustee and as a member of the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed cooking and gardening and her two special grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, always loved and always remembered. She is survived by her parents, Norman and Joan Wilmore, husband, James "Jim" Watson, daughters, Jessica (Jason) Hettich Parrott, Meghan Hettich, and Jamie (Rob) Watson Grier, grandchildren, Jackson Parrott and Kayla Grier, sisters, Connie (Chuck) Corbin, Karen Scott, Pam (Fred) Todd, brother Kirby (Kate) Wilmore, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends and members of the Watson and Hettich families. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Hettich. Funeral services will be 10am Monday, May 17, 2004, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Kathy Smith officiating. Interment will be in Gresham Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7-9 pm Saturday and 2-4 and 7-9 pm Sunday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Gresham United Methodist Church, 5055 Mulliken Road, Charlotte, Michigan 48813 in memory of Vicki Watson.
Sharolynn 'Shari' (Ells) Brewer
44 of Ann Arbor, formerly of Charlotte, died Friday, May 14, 2004 in Ann Arbor, after a long and courageous battle with illness. Mrs. Brewer was born February 10, 1960, in Charlotte the daughter of Willard and Sharon (Kiplinger) Ells. Shari served with the U.S. Army. She is survived by her husband Danny, daughters Brandy Swope and Kelsey Rachilla of Pennsylvania, her mother, Sharon (Ells) and Martin Rachilla of Charlotte, two sisters Valerie Ells of Potterville, Tara Ells of Charlotte, brother, Rick Ells of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her father and grand parents. Funeral services will be held 1 pm Tuesday, May 18 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Chuck Jenson officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. Visitation will be 7 - 9 p.m. Monday and noon until time of service on Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
William Lee 'Willee' Piepkow
of Olivet, died Tuesday May 18th at the age of 5 years. Willee was born July 21, 1998, in Marshall, Michigan to his parents Travis and Heather (Chaney) Piepkow. He had endured a number of health challenges over the past three years until his passing on Tuesday in Foote Hospital in Jackson. Willee enjoyed being around his many family members and especially loved the excitement of the family card parties, and tagging along while his dad and grandpas played golf. He was thrilled to watch the animals in the barnyard of the family farms and was overjoyed Tuesday when he caught his first fish all by himself. Willee is survived by his mother and father, his brother Mason and sister Brooke, his Paternal Grandmother Carol Davis of Olivet, his Paternal Grandfather William and Melanie Piepkow of Olivet, his Maternal Grandparents Carol and Terry Chaney of Charlotte, and his great grandparents Paul and Blanche Piepkow of Charlotte, and Robert and Winona Davis of Battle Creek, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his best friend a Black Lab named Buddy. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Keith Laidler officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the 'Willee Fund' at Eaton Federal Savings Bank.
Linda Jean Emery
48 of Vermontville, died Sunday, May 23, 2004. Mrs. Emery was born August 18, 1955 in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Richard C. Marshall and Helen L. DeMaio. She owned and operated Emery's Adult Foster Care Home from 1992 until 2001, worked for Aluminum Extrusions/Hoover for 10 years and the Food Bank in Vermontville. She took care of her children and guided them with love and respect. She learned to play the mandolin beautifully and always retained her sense of humor. She is survived by her husband, Eugene Emery, daughters Lorraine Emery (fianc?e Brent Fleck) and Janette (Jeremy) Shaffer and son Matthew Emery (fianc?e Zania Smith), grandchild Alexandra Emery, mother Helen (Frank) DeMaio of Charlotte, father Richard C. (Carol) Marshall of Vermontville, brother Scott C. (Laurie) Marshall of Charlotte, niece Amanda and many aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Grace Community Bible Church in Nashville, with Pastor Larry Fulton officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m Tuesday, May 25th. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
Alpha E. 'Al' Dymond
84 of Charlotte, died Sunday, May 23, 2004. Al was born October 19, 1919 in Lansing, Michigan. He was the son of Alpha E. and Martha Jane (Lutes) Dymond of Charlotte. He graduated from Lansing Eastern High School, in 1937. He was a veteran of World War II, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army with the 669th Engineer Topographic Company and 566th Engineer Company. He served in Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan. He also served in the Michigan National Guard for three years. Mr. Dymond was a partner throughout life with his wife, Ruth and they owned and operated Al Dymond Color Service for 35 years until its closing. He was devoted to his home in the country and was a loving father and grandfather to his children and grandchildren. He was a life member of VFW Post 2406 and a member of the Lansing Area Printing and Graphics Club. At 15, he became a member of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and had a life long love of music. He enjoyed gardening, his apple orchard and playing his accordion. He is survived by daughters, Diane and Cindy of Charlotte, Crystal Noecker of Lansing, Grace (Jeff) Ueberroth of Dimondale; son, Garry Dymond of Lansing, brother Eldon Dymond of Charlotte and brother-in-law Charles Spagnuolo of Lansing. He is also survived by grandchildren Dawn (Chris) Sweet, Rachelle Noecker, Jason and Kyle (Sara) Dymond, Charlie and Maggie Ueberroth and great grandchildren, Kelsey and Trevor Sweet. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Faith Dymond, in 1990, his wife Ruth in 1999 and sisters Letha Denihan in 1990 and Nacoma Spagnuolo in 2000. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with George Howe officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with full military honors. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 2406 or the Charlotte Public Library in memory of Mr. Dymond.
Maurice Edward Devenbaugh
88 of Charlotte, died Sunday, May 23, 2004 in the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. Mr. Devenbaugh was born January 7, 1916 in LaPorte City, Iowa, the son of Walter and Lillian (Hansen) Devenbaugh. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. and retired from Skilled Trades at Oldsmobile in 1974 after nearly 34 years. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, a volunteer for Helping Hands, and was a former Boy Scout Master in Grand Ledge. He is survived by his wife Theda (Loveland) Devenbaugh, daughters Janet (Bruce) Carpenter, of Charlotte, Norma Jean (Albert) Sharp of Alma, June (Marshall) McIntire of Eaton Rapids, Jolene (Terry) McCullough of Lake Odessa, Kolene (Dennis) Dubendorf of Bradenton, Florida, sons Jerry (Candace) Devenbaugh of Grand Ledge, Joel (Deb) Devenbaugh of Lansing, 22 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and sister Josephine Brown of Frederick, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his son Gary in 1950 and grandson Brad in 2002. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastors Glenn Neal and Duane Royston officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-5 p,.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Nazarene in Charlotte.
Larry Thomas Arras
62, of Springport, Michigan, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004. Mr. Arras was born May 15, 1942, in Jenera, Ohio, the son of Orlen and Bonnie (Baughman) Arras. Larry served in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War. He worked for Oldsmobile for 35 years retiring in 2001. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is survived by his wife Simone (Bonewits), daughter Theresa Arras of Charlotte, son Christopher (Marlena) Arras of Charlotte, daughter Laura (Kenneth) Coats of Springport, daughter Jeannette Arras of Marshall, son James Orlen Arras of Onondaga, 6 grandchildren, brother Ronald Arras of Lansing, sister Diana Goodrick of Nevada, brother Gregory Arras of Mason, mother Bonnie Arras of Mason, mother-in-law Jeannette Bonewits of Charlotte, father-in-law James Edwin Bonewits of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his father Orlen Arras and sister Sally Arras. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 29, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Kevin Hale officiating. Interment will be in Jones Cemetery, Rives Junction, Michigan. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at Pray Funeral Home.
Betty Lou (Peters) Brandon
76, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Tuesday, June 1, 2004. Mrs. Brandon was born May 5, 1928, in Charlotte, the daughter of Charles Elgin and Helen Marie (Spicer) Peters. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1946 and married Robert Loyd Brandon on June 22, 1946. She worked at Wilcox-Gay and Recordio Corporations for approximately 10 years, until they closed their doors in 1961. Betty went to work for Century Mutual Insurance Company as a receptionist and then Claims Secretary for the next 29 years, retiring December, 1990. Then in July 1994 Joe Pray called and asked her to work part-time at the funeral home which she did until her health would not allow her the past couple of months. She belonged to Charlotte First Congregational Church, Mary Martha Circle, Charlotte Rebekah Lodge #68, Southside Mothers Club and a life member of the Eaton Area Senior Center. She is survived by 2 sons, Charles Robert (Barbara) Brandon of Charlotte, Kevin Lee (Kathy) Brandon of West Virginia, 2 daughters, Pamela Lynn (Gerald) Johnson of Olivet, Susan Marie (Larry) Pifer of Charlotte, 17 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sister Sandra Jean Peters of Arizona, brother Richard Duane (Marcella) Peters of Frankenmuth, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 51 years, Robert Brandon in 1997 and her parents. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Thomas Jones 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 American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or the First Congregation Church.
