Zahn B. Tuckey, Jr.
77 of Haines City, Florida, formerly of Battle Creek and Charlotte, died Friday, November 19, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Tuckey was born March 31, 1927, the son of Zahn B. Sr. and Violet Jean (Metternick) Tuckey. He was a U.S. Navy veteran during WWII, serving in the Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees). He worked as an engineer for Michigan Bell Telephone until his retirement and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Haines City. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rachel J. Tuckey, sons Joel (Kathleen) Tuckey of Encinitas, California, Kevin (Nancy) Tuckey of Jackson, and Philip (Stacey) Tuckey of Carrsville, Virginia, four grandchildren, and sister Mary Tuckey of Lansing. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church, 104 Scenic Hwy., Haines City, Florida. 33844. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Cecil Robert Ames
of Charlotte, formerly of Munising, MI, died Sunday, November 21, 2004. Mr. Ames was born March 20, 1927, in Munising, MI, the son of Henry Reuben and Alice (Chartier) Ames. He served in the Navy during WWII and was a retired electrician from G.E. He was an avid fisherman and hunter of bear and deer and birds. He loved his family and enjoyed being with his grandchildren. His great joy was watching football games and games shows. He also enjoyed watching the squirrels while relaxing on the deck. He is survived by his wife Mary Ames of Charlotte, daughter Kim (Bruce) Bailey of Charlotte, daughter Elizabeth (George) Gustack of New Baltimore, MI, daughter Rose Ames and friend Lanny of Ortonville, MI, son Bill McQuaid of Covington, KY, mother Alice Ames of Renton WA, brother Douglas (Julie) Ames of Brenton, WA, sister-in-law Evelyn Ames of Appleton, WI, brother-in-law Arthur (Vivian) Normand of Munising, brother-in-law Lawrence Beauchaine of Ormond Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by father Henry Ames and brother Harold Ames. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Munising, Michigan.
Michael W. Baxter
45, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, November 29, 2004. Michael was born November 25, 1959, in Charlotte, MI, the son of Wilbur and ZoeAnn (Stark) Baxter. He resided in Alaska with his father where he graduated from high school in 1977. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and specialized in EOC, Demolition Expert. After his tour of duty, he moved to Baraboo in 1983. Michael enjoyed Tuff Truck racing and was an avid outdoorsman. Survivors include his daughter, Fawn Baxter, age 21; son, Michael Baxter, age 16; grandson Hayden Gene Schroeder, age 9 months, his mother ZoeAnn Baxter; sister, Cindy Baxter, all living in Baraboo, aunt and uncle Cy and Shirley Stark, cousins Tom, Richard, John and Bob Stark and their families of Charlotte, MI, and many friends and loved one's. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Kenneth Baxter; maternal grandparents, Norris and Dorothy Stark; paternal grandparents, Wilbur and Pauline Baxter Schafer; and his step-grandfather, Orville Schafer. A Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 3, 2004 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rago Funeral Home with pastor Steve and Deb Ohrtman officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 6, 2004 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville, MI with Rev. Michael Arnold officiating.
Patricia Ann Crandall
age 69, of Charlotte, Mich., died Wednesday, December 1, 2004. Mrs. Crandall was born July 6, 1935 in Charlotte, the daughter of the late Maurice Wilson and the late Josephine (Catey) Wilson. She was known to many students, as a home economics teacher in the Charlotte High School for two years and as an English teacher in the Junior High School for the remainder of her 25 years with the Charlotte Public Schools. She was a member of First Congregational Church where she belonged to the Blanche Moyer Circle. She was an active member of the GFWC Charlotte, helping on the Mobile Meals program and singing in the Women's Club Chorus. She is survived by her husband James Crandall, daughters, Krystn (G. Scott) Waddell of Richardson, Texas, Paige Crandall of Seattle, WA, sons, Eric (Eva) Crandall of Charlotte, Scott (Donna) Crandall of Saint Petersburg, FL, 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, and brother, Jim (Lola) Wilson of Charlotte. The family will receive visitors at the Pray Funeral Home Thursday 7-9 PM and Friday 7-9 PM. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Saturday December 4 at the First Congregational Church, Charlotte. If desired, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice, First Congregational Church of Charlotte or the House of Ruth.
Donna Arlene (Crosslan) Caswell
age 64, died Thursday, December 2, 2004, at Eaton Community Hospice House in Charlotte, Michigan. Donna was born October 8, 1940 in Charlotte, the daughter of the late Donald and the late Margaret L. (Dick) Crosslan. Donna had been employed by General Motors for 20 years where she worked in various positions. She loved nature, flowers, reading, and thoroughly enjoyed her family and life. For the past several years Donna's life and love have been centered in the lives of her grandchildren. Just to know her would brighten your day. She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Hayward and fiance' Steve Whitaker of Eaton Rapids, Lisa Easterbrook of Lansing, son, Wade Caswell of Lansing, grandchildren Travis and Tiana Hayward, and Nicole Whitaker, sister, Barbara (Les Grimm) Williams of Lansing, brothers, Keith (Althea) Crosslan of Holt, Richard (Shirley) Crosslan of Charlotte, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Joyce Jones in 2000. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Memorial Service, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 7, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice in Donna's memory.
Anna Mae Hine Lewis - Siegrist
92, formerly of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, December 5, 2004 at her daughter's home in Tucson, AZ. She was born December 30, 1911, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Howard and Elizabeth "Marie" (Van Tuyl) Hine. Anna Mae had a lifelong enjoyment and dedication to music, from being trained for the concert stage to having her own studio, as well as giving private piano lessons. A 1930 graduate of Charlotte HS, she furthered her education at Rockmont College of Denver, and Julliard Conservatory in Chicago. During WW II she attended St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Lansing, MI and served with Ship's Service in Portsmouth, VA. Her business career allowed her to serve as Human Resources Manager for Sears Roebuck in Holland MI and later as administrative assistant for Magnavox Furniture Division, Holland/Andrews NC. She is survived by a son H. William D. "Bill" Lewis of Fremont, MI and a daughter Marilee Lewis of AZ, 9 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte.
Essie M. Thompson
86, of Lansing, MI, died Thursday, December 9, 2004. Mrs. Thompson was born May 13, 1918, in Morgantown, KY, the daughter of Henry and Inez (Allen) Bratcher. When World War II broke out Essie worked making propellers for US fighter planes. She later worked at Leon's Catering Service and was also a health care provider for many years. She enjoyed making porcelain dolls from start to the finishing touches of dressing the dolls. She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy (Ralph) Moore of Charlotte, MI, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren sister, Mary McKinnon of Indiana, two brothers, George E. (and companion, Pat) Bratcher of KY, Chester (Lois) Bratcher of KY. She was preceded in death by husband William (Roy) Thompson in 1977, daughters Betty in 1971 and Margie in 1975, and sister Mable Bridwell. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, December 14, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lansing, Rev. Fr. John Byers will be officiating with interment following at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 PM Monday with a rosary service at 7:30 PM Monday at Pray Funeral Home, in Charlotte.
Ronald Charles Van Vleet
58, of Bellevue, Michigan, died Saturday, December 11, 2004. Mr. Van Vleet was born June 17, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Robert and Eva (Rice) Van Vleet. He was employed at Airway Manufacturing. He had been a Salvation Army volunteer. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon (Betz) Van Vleet; brothers Robert (Donna) of Coldwater, David (Violet) of Battle Creek, and Gerald (Shirley) of Charlotte; sister Ruby Van Vleet of Coldwater; nephews John Van Vleet of Vermontville and Jeremy Van Vleet of Wisconsin; nieces Kathy Caudill of Potterville, Diana Lake of Charlotte, Becky Reed of Eaton Rapids, and Marjory of Quincy. He was preceded in death by his father in 1984 and his mother in 1994. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. Interment will be at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet, Michigan. Visitation will be Tuesday, 3 - 5 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Virginia Marie (Hunter) (Anthony) (Epler) Tenney
formerly of Battle Creek, moved to Geneva, AL in 1985, was born March 17, 1933, in Battle Creek, MI to Earl and Lodema (Baldwin) Hunter. She passed away on Sunday, December 12 after a brief illness. She married Elwin (Gene) Epler April 15, 1967. Her home church was Harris Chapel in Gritney, FL. She is preceded in death by her son Carry Loren Anthony in Germany in 1977, followed closely by her father. Also, her husband Elwin (Gene) Epler, her mother Lodema, a sister Janet (Hunter) Weaver, and her very special friend Roy Legear in 2000. She enjoyed taking people to doctors, hospitals, grocery stores and shopping, helping through grieving times and traveling. She also loved to dance and spending time with her friends and loved ones, always greeting us with a big hug and kiss and she never failed to say, "I love you" to any of us. Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Anthony) Waling and husband Lloyd of Kalamazoo, MI, Christy (Anthony) Rose and husband Ellery of Battle Creek, MI, two sons William (Bill) Anthony and wife Alene of Tennessee, and Dennis Anthony and wife Cece of Geneva, AL, 10 grandchildren, Dustin Waling and Brandy (Waling) Nelson, Ginger (Rose) Bonney and Ellery Rose, Billy Anthony and Katie (Anthony) Norris, Stephannie (Airhart) Howard and Nichole Airhart, Olivia Anthony, and Nicole Thoma, and eight great grandchildren with two more on the way. Also surviving are three sisters, Irene Riley of Arkansas, Jeanie Wells and husband Bob of Indiana, Brenda Epler and husband Kerry of Arkansas, two brothers Norman Hunter and wife Susie of Battle Creek, MI, and Kent Hunter of Washington state, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be in Charlotte, MI at Pray Funeral Home on Friday, December 17, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. with burial at West Penfield Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI with Pastor Art Salsbury officiating.
Margaret Leone Courtright
89 of Grand Ledge, formerly of Charlotte, died December 13, 2004 at St. Lawrence Hospital. Mrs. Courtright was born July 6, 1915 in Charlotte, the daughter of A. Harold and Ruby (Sprague) Phillips. She had been a supervisor for the State of Michigan Treasury Department for many years, a member of the Charlotte Country Club for over 50 years, and a member of the Congregational Church. She enjoyed bridge, cards, golf, and bowling, and was an avid Tiger baseball fan. She is survived by her daughter Joyce Lynne (David) Johnson of Haslett, son John P. Courtright of Lansing, five grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and brother Carroll (Marilin) Phillips of Marshall. She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Bruce Courtright on April 21, 1997 and her sister Leora Allen on April 21, 2004. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association.
Roger E. Davis
84 of Charlotte, died Monday, December 13, 2004. Mr. Davis was born January 12, 1920 in Charlotte, the son of Leigh and Beatrice (Rogers) Davis King. He served in the U.S. Army under General George Patton in North Africa and Europe and was awarded a Purple Heart. He founded Davis & Sons Pontiac with his father and brothers, and later owned Davis Motor Sales, Inc. until his retirement in 1986. He had a lifelong love of traveling and of being outdoors. He also enjoyed cutting wood and panning for gold. Roger was a member of the VFW Post 2406, the American Legion of Charlotte #42, and the F.O.E. Eagles Aerie #3552. He is survived by daughter Rosemary (Michael) Long of Bailey, sons Ralph (Susan) Davis and Paul (Laurie) Davis both of Charlotte, nine grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and half brother Larry King. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn 'Kay' (Kulig) Davis in 1988, son David, brothers Richard and Robert Davis, and sister Barbara Paton. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service at 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 16, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School or Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital.
Bonita Lynn Marie 'Bonnie' Whitfield
48 of Charlotte, died Sunday, December 19, 2004, the result of an accident. Bonnie was born March 12, 1956 in St. Ignace, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Georgenia (Burton) Wartella. She was a nursing assistant at the Dimondale Center, which she enjoyed very much. She was proud of her beloved daughter who is currently serving in the United States Air Force in Iraq, grandkids and family. She is survived by her daughter Abby (Rod) Curry of Delaware, grandchildren Anthony and Caleb, sisters Shelby Wartella of Charlotte, Diane (Al) Young of Virginia and Patrice (Jerry) Hernley of Sunfield, brothers Roger (Melissa) Wartella of Gladstone and Dennis (Sherry) Wartella of Portland. She was preceded in death by brothers Bob LaRose, Sheldon Wartella and Douglas Wartella. A funeral mass will be recited at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2004 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Denis R. Spitzley officiating. Interment will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Moran, Michigan at a later date. Visitation will be from noon on Monday until time of service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
