Robert J. Buffenbarger
86, of Kalkaska, Michigan, died Monday, September 5, 2005. Mr. Buffenbarger was born July 22, 1919, in Eaton County, Michigan, the son of Emmon and Bertha (Lung) Buffenbarger. Robert retired from Maeward Coupling in 1981. He was a WWII Veteran and served 3 years in the South Pacific. Bob loved music, and played euphonium for the Central Michigan Area Concert Band for 14 years. In 2004 he performed as a guest artist with the 126th Infantry National Guard Band. He is survived by his wife Elaine of 60 years; son Robert II (Pam) of Charlotte; daughter Debra (Dion) Balliet of Kalkaska; brother Frank Budd Buffenbarger of Segola; sister Lila (Sam) Southern of Charlotte; 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildrern. He was preceded in death by sister Bernice Gilbert. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday September 8, 2005 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Reverend Larry Brown officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Mary Lemmer Scholarship Fund or Munson Hospice.
Marilyn Sue Sanders
63, of Grand Ledge, MI, died September 7, 2005. Mrs. Sanders was born July 6, 1942, in Pikeville, KY, the daughter of George and Nellie Lyons. She is survived by sons, Michael Sanders of Grand Ledge, MI and Stephen (Angela) Sanders of Mason, MI; granddaughter Emily Rae Sanders; sisters Theresa (Dale) Osborne of Georgetown, KY, Anita Justice of Georgetown, KY, brother Bennett (Marie) Lyons of Beckley, W.VA. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gary Reed Sanders in 1997 and sister Alberta Pleasant of Shelbyanna, KY. Visitation Sunday 5-7 p.m. with a Graveside Service Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Benton Township Cemetery.
Lillian Lucille Baldwin
60, of Lansing, MI, died September 7, 2005. Mrs. Baldwin was born December 9, 1944, in Kalamazoo, MI, the daughter of Carl and Madonna Davis. She provided loving care as a Nurses Aide for over 35 years. She is survived by son, Rick Baldwin of Charlotte, MI, daughter Tonda Roberts; brother Larry (Lois) Davis of Grayling, MI; 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and friend Fred Rodriguez. Graveside Service Monday 9:00 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery Charlotte, Michigan.
Rose Marie Kempf
61, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, September 8, 2005. Mrs. Kempf was born July 30, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Vernon and Mildred (Homola) Mesler. Rose enjoyed time spent with her children, grandchildren and travel. She loved to cook especially during the holiday's when she could share it with her children, family and friends. Rose never forgot a birthday or anniversary, family and friends were very important to her. She is survived by husband Michael of 44 years; sons Michael (Michelle) Kempf, Jr. of Charlotte and Ron (Jill) Kempf of Vermontville; daughter Roxanne (John) Moore of Charlotte; brothers Vernon (Nan Jackson) Mesler of Lansing and Michael Mesler of Nashville; father-in-law Richard Kempf of Lansing and grandchildren Shelby Moore, Michael Kempf III, Mindy Kempf, Jayce Kempf, John Michael Moore, Derrick Kempf, Heather Moore, Jerrod Kempf, Brandon Kempf. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Joseph and David Mesler and mother-in-law Eveylyn Kempf. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday September 12, 2005 with Reverend Steve Olmstead officiating. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo. Visitation will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be designated later.
April Anne Davis
20, of Charlotte, MI, died September 9, 2005. Ms. Davis was born September 1, 1985, in Charleston, SC, the daughter of Robert J. Fones and Georgia Davis. She enjoyed driving her car, swimming, jogging and eating. She liked spending time with her sister, Whitney and friends. She is survived by her parents, Robert J. Fones and Georgia Davis, her sister, Whitney Davis of Charlotte, two stepbrothers, Joshua Strayer and Aaron Fones of New York; grandparents, Marjorie Ross and Dorothy McHenry and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ben and Ada Mae Davis, and Frank Fones. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2005, at Pray Funeral Home with Rich Mitterling officiating.
William D. Berkompas
59, of Charlotte, Michigan died September 10, 2005 as the result of an auto accident. Mr. Berkompas was born October 2, 1945 in Grand Rapids, the son of Erwin and Donna (Williams) Berkompas. He was an avid railroad enthusiast and artist. Mr. Berkompas had been retired from Consumers Energy after 36 years and was a member of Charlotte First Baptist Church, Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan and Charlotte Optimist Club. He also served in the United States Air Force and owned Technical Press Limited-Railroad Drawings. Mr. Berkompas is survived by his wife Dotti, daughter Brenda (Dave) Tenison of Pittsburgh, PA; son, Phil (Jennifer) Berkompas of Charlotte; mother, Donna Berkompas of Grand Rapids; 3 grandchildren, Sarah and Brooke Tenison and Austin Berkompas; sisters, Cindy (Dave) Wolfert of Jenison and Peg (Sheldon) Wieland of Walker, Michigan; sister-in-law Kay McKim of Bad Axe, Michigan; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharon and Lee Swick of Clio, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Berkompas was preceded in death by his father, Erwin Berkompas in 1988. Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at Charlotte First Baptist Church with interment following at Maple Hill Cemetery. If desired Memorial contributions may be made to Charlotte First Baptist Church or Steam Railroading Institute, Owosso, Michigan.
Elsie J. Potter
63, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Tuesday, September 13, 2005. Mrs. Potter was born March 10, 1942, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of John and Genevieve (Merritt) Baas. Elsie attended Chester Gospel Church, loved singing, had a beautiful voice and sang in the Michigan Concert Choir. She was proud of her work as a volunteer at the New Beginnings Pregnancy Center and for Hospice. Elsie also enjoyed reading. She is survived by her husband Ray of 42 years; daughter Kathy (Gary) Hammond of Alaska; stepchildren Susan (John) Boyles of Charlotte, Reggie (Virginia) Potter of Charlotte, Steve (June) Potter of Charlotte; brother Orlo (Norma Jean) Baas of Battle Creek, sister Wilma Woollard of Downers Grove, Illinois, 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by stepson Sam Potter. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday September 16, 2005 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Reverend Marc Livingston and Reverend Jerry Galloway officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
James A.C. Kring
67, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, died Wednesday, September 14, 2005. Mr. Kring was born December 19, 1937, in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Gerald and Lucille Kring. James loved collecting antique tools, harvesting honey from his bees and being active in the Carpenters Union. He is survived by his sons, Bruce Kring of Potterville, James (Bethany) Kring and Raymond (Tina) Kring both of Greenville; brother Tom Kring of Texas, sister Carol Blackburn of Holt; grandchildren, B.J., Stormy, Camren, Brittney and Branden. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank Kring and sister Maryellen Hanson.
Kenneth 'Mike' C. Holden
61, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, September 15, 2005. Mr. Holden was born September 25, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Dortha (Outman) Holden. Ken was a member of the Free Methodist Church and a former member of the Charlotte Optimist Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and bowling. Ken was proudest of his children, a very giving person and will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife Marie, sons Scott Holden of Charlotte, Mark (Amy) Holden of Olivet, Brian Holden of Charlotte, daughter Amy Holden of Charlotte, mother Dortha Whitman of Augusta, sisters Pat (Mike) Flemming of Union City, Martha Lester of Battle Creek and Janice (Jerry) Dunn of Hastings, mother-in-law Illa Steward of Nashville, sister-in-laws Carol and Russell Atherton of Evart and Susan Steward of Delton, 4 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday September 19, 2005 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Reverend Glen Neal and Reverend Russell Atherton officiating. Interment will be at Bedford Cemetery in Bedford, MI. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Sunday at Pray Funeral Home. If desired memorial contributions can be made to Charlotte Church of the Nazarene or Michigan Heart Association.
Maurice 'Bill' William Haviland
of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, September 18, 2005 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Haviland was born October 9, 1932, in Bath, Michigan, the son of Maurice and Helen (Phelps) Haviland. He was a member of Bright Hope Bible Church, an Air Force cook in the Korean War and worked in final assembly at General Motors. He enjoyed helping anybody at anytime and the outdoors whether it was taking care of the farm or hunting with his boys. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Waneta M. (Rumbaugh) Haviland, sons Mark William Haviland of Ionia, Michael Alan (Michelle) Haviland of Battle Creek, William Joseph (Pamela) Haviland of Bellevue, and Michael (Elizabeth) Atchley of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Kendall, Amber, Jennifer, Irene, Elizabeth, and David Haviland, and Tony, Josh, Kaylee and Alison Atchley; brother Dale (Yvonne) Haviland of DeWitt; sisters Lucille Stone of Lansing and Carol (Dan) Holdridge of Eaton Rapids. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Leona Sellers, Doris Rauchenberger, Dortha Patterson and Francis Brown. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Terry LaDuke and Pastor Marc Livingston officiating. Interment will be at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Elma Gene Burch
80 of Sandpoint, Idaho died September 22, 2005. Elma was born February 6, 1925 in Lansing, MI. She was raised in Vestaburg, MI and has spent her last four years in Idaho. Elma was the daughter of Cornelius and Esther (Vibber) Nelson. Elma's children were a main focus in her life. She was an avid seamstress, along with making all her square dance dresses and matching husband's vests for the many dances they attended. She also made China Dolls, and enjoyed reading and gardening. She is survived by daughters Janice (Gerald) Lovejoy of Eaton Rapids, Patricia Closson of Sandpoint, Idaho, Rebecca (William) Freeman of Dewitt and son Russell Burch, Jr. of Walnut Creek California; brothers, Jack (Fran) Gifford of Riverdale, Stan Gifford of Crystal and sister Dolores Eymann of Lansing; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Russell J. Burch, Sr.; daughter, Karen Sue Burch; sisters, Viviane Nelson, Nila Nelson, Virginia Nelson and Betty Nelson and brother Bill Nelson. Funeral Services well be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2005 at St. Peters Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids with Reverend Father Bennett Constantine officiating. Interment will be at Ithaca Cemetery in Ithaca. Visitation will be Sunday, September 25, 2005 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or a Hospice organization.
Theresa M. Randazzo
75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away September 22, 2005. She was born July 23, 1930 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Jack and Hedwig (Herrig) Stillwell. Theresa was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Grand Rapids. Theresa will be remembered by many for her work at Canterbury Village Senior Community as a Resident Services provider for 8 years until 2002. She is survived by daughters; Cynthia Miskura of Grand Rapids, Catherine Rose (Tim) Newsted of Hastings, Annamarie (Matthew) Heynen of Hopkins, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Remley of Belding; sons, Joseph Michael Randazzo of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Michael Thomas (Ellie) Randazzo of Howard City and Peter James (Robin) Randazzo of Grand Rapids; sisters, Marie, Dorothy, Pat, Arlene; brothers, Michael and Thomas; 12 grandchildren and former husband and friend Joseph Randazzo. A Memorial Service will be held on October 14, 2005, at 4:00 p.m. at the Bukowski Chapel on the campus of Aquinas College. The family requests memorial contributions to the Eaton Community Hospice Home, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
Amos Weaver
71, respected dairy farmer, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at the Eaton Community Hospice House. Mr. Weaver was born March 4, 1934, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Kingman) Weaver. He earned the State Farmer Degree and the American Farmer Degree from the Future Farmers of America (FFA), was the former President of the local chapter of FFA, State Sentinel for FFA, and dedicated 4-H leader. He is survived by his children, Tim (Cindy) Weaver of Charlotte, Karl (Pamela) Weaver of Olivet, Julie (John) Getts of Charlotte, Jeff (Shelly) Weaver of Marshall, Chris (Mindy) Weaver of Charlotte, Larry (Paulette Remster) Weaver of Eaton Rapids, Lori (Fred) Dumas of Columbus, Ohio, Andy (Erin) Weaver of LeRoy, New York, Wendy (Marc) Sinclair of Olivet, Kurt (Michelle) Weaver of Charlotte; siblings, Charles (Marion) Weaver of Charlotte, Roy Weaver of Charlotte, and Jane Weaver of Dallas, Texas; 22 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and special friend, Pat Rist. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene in 1985 and son, Mark in 1959. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2005 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Elder Richard Garn and Elder Mel Crowley officiating. Interment will be at Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. on Sunday and 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Emeline Caroline Sellen
88 of Olivet, died Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Tendercare Marshall in Marshall, Michigan. Ms. Sellen was born October 25, 1916 in Kalamo Township, Michigan, the daughter of Sherman and Zadia (Rial) Garity. She is survived by children Suzanne Taylor of Coldwater and JoAnn Bowser of Lansing, Kenneth (Susan) Sellen of Northville, Irvin (Marlene) Sellen of Marshall, Ricky (Brenda) Link of Burlington, 21 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, siblings Jean Carnell of Battle Creek, Lois Guthrie of Grand Rapids, Marian Goris of Nashville, Ardith Beauchamp of Chicago, Marylou Plaunt of Nashville, Huey (Ann) Garity of Bellevue, sisters in law Audrey Garity of St. Louis, MO, Alice Garity of Eaton Rapids; and Marie Garity of Nashville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Edith Kennison, son, Conrad Sellen, siblings Thomas Garity, Carl Garity, Pierce Garity, John Garity, Lena Hughes, Alice Squires and Joyce Scott; and sister-in-law Wilma Garity. Graveside services will be held at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2005.
Elsie Elizabeth (Quayle) Ramsey
96 of Charlotte, died September 24, 2005 in Charlotte, Michigan. Mrs. Ramsey was born June 1, 1909 in Lexington Village, Michigan, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Fisher) Quayle. She married Glen O. Ramsey in 1927 and they had 5 children. Elsie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother whose life was her family and her church. She will be sadly missed by all her family and friends. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte. She is survived by children, Glen O. Ramsey, Jr. and wife Marilyn, Doris M. Jacobs and husband Cleo, Elizabeth E. Brenner, Claudette M. Myers and husband Ted, David A. Ramsey and wife Suzanne; 22 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren; sister, Gloria Fish; sisters-in-law Anna Quayle and Betty Quayle. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Glen O. Ramsey; brothers, William, Jere and Bruce Quayle; sister, Barbara McDonald; son-in-law, Alfred H. Brenner and grandson, Richard Ramsey. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Denis R. Spitzley officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27 with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Joan 'Jo' A. Beck
82, of East Lansing, Michigan, died Sunday, September 25, 2005. Mrs. Beck was born May 11, 1923, in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of Arthur and Helen (West) Van Epps. She is survived by sons Vance L. (Kathy) McCrumb of Milan, Michigan and Mark I. McCrumb III of Charlotte, Michigan; by daughter Linda L. Snitgen of Charlotte; by half-brother Norbert McKay; by special close cousin Betty Rennaker; by very special nieces and nephews and good friends Dora Romig, Rosemary Huhn and Dale Behnke. She was preceded in death by her brother Mike Van Epps and sister Zella Rademacher. There will be no services. Memorial donations may be made to Eaton Community Hospice in her memory.
Darwin 'Butch' Bolles
59, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Sunday, September 25, 2005. Mr. Bolles was born October 3, 1945 in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Leonard and Florence (Palmer) Bolles. Mr. Bolles was a machinist at Dart Container and was the owner of Bolles Cutter Grinding. He was family oriented and always had a shoulder available to lean on. Mr. Bolles enjoyed his model trains, rebuilding computers, reading and bird watching. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; sisters, Mary (Richard) Gargett of Lansing and Barbara (Martin) Greene of Spring Lake. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 2 p.m. at Potterville United Methodist Church with Pastor Becky Morrison officiating. Interment will be at Center Eaton Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. & 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Potterville United Methodist Church.
Judy G. Carter
66, of Charlotte, Michigan, died September 25, 2005. Mrs. Carter was born May 24, 1939 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Albert and Glenna (Pinch) Farquhar. Judy was a fabrication worker for AE. She is survived by her husband Lyle W. Carter; daughters, Tessa (Ned) Stoltzfus of Charlotte and Tammy Lewis of Tennessee; brothers, Larry Farquhar of California; sisters, Louann (Robert) Barnard of Florida, Janet (Regis) Michrina of Michigan, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son, Kyle Carter and brother, Glen Bemis. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 29, 2005 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Internment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Wednesday 3-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
