Kathleen Ella Couke
of Charlotte, MI was born June 7, 1916 in Chester Township, Eaton County, Michigan the daughter of Dennis and Clinda (Lamie) McCormick and passed away October 28, 2001 at age 85. She attended the Hubbard School, graduated from Charlotte High School, Western Michigan University in 1938, and did graduate work from the University of Michigan. Kathleen taught elementary grades in Jackson and Alma before retiring from the Charlotte Schools. In June 1940 she married Arthur Couke of Grand Blanc and Jackson, an experimental engineer who passed away in 1989. It was a great joy to her to work with children in school and church. She received a State of Michigan License to organize and be a supervisor of a Day Care Center in her church where she also taught Sunday School for years. She had a talent for writing skits and plays to present to the public. During her lifetime Kathleen was a member of the First Congregational Church, Mary Martha Circle, Women's Club, Care, Salvation Army Board, Upsilon Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was a Golden Key Member of the Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital and its Hospital Auxiliary. She was also a member of teacher groups, MARSP and treasurer of ECARSP for Eaton County. She was a community volunteer in other areas. She is survived by daughter Amy Couke and nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2001 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Rich Mitterling officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Charlotte, MI. Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Mildred Mae Towe
91, of Charlotte, died November 1, 2001. Mrs. Towe was born December 17, 1909 in Roxand Township of Eaton County, Michigan, the daughter of Bert and Laura (Allen) Taylor. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints and a Red Cross Volunteer for over 25 years. She enjoyed crocheting afghans for grandchildren and earned her G.E.D. at 75 years of age. She is survived by son Larry (Charlotte) Towe of Charlotte, daughter-in-law Pat Towe, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grand children, 2 great great grand children, brother Lehman Taylor of Arizona, sister Marion Peabody of Arizona, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Clare in 1978, sons Gary Towe in 1996, Blake Towe in 2000, Merle Towe and former daughter-in-law Joyce Towe in 1980. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 5, 2001 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI with Richard Garn officiating. Interment will be in Meadowbrook Cemetery in Mulliken, MI. Visitation will be Saturday 7 - 9 p.m. and Sunday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.
Christopher Eugene Mullen
18, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Friday, November 2, 2001. Christopher was born December 22, 1982, in Pontiac, Michigan. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2001 and was a member of the National Honor Society and National Vocational Honor Society and had been awarded an acedemic scholarship to Ferris State University. He was a member of the Mid Michigan Roller Hockey Association and the Douglas J. Phantoms. He was also a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. He is survived by his father Patrick Mullen, mother Debra (Foote) Mullen, sister Erin Mullen, step-father Martin Comer, maternal grandfather Eugene Foote and paternal grandmother Betty Mullen. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Jackie Foote and paternal grandfather Eugene Mullen. Funeral Mass will be Monday 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Father Denis R. Spitzley officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 7 - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm with a Family Affirmation Service at 4 pm Sunday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to McCarty Cancer Foundation.
Richard Albin Fast
"The Old Soldier", loving dad, brother and friend to many, left this life in the presence of those who returned his love. His battle is over. His struggles are finished. His faith has carried him home.
The son of Albin G. Fast and Helen (Brooks) Fast, was born January 30, 1933 in Charlotte, Michigan. Richard, commonly known as Dick, graduated from Charlotte High School in 1951. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Homer Brooks, and father, Albin Fast, he apprenticed in the Masonry Trade, receiving his Journeyman's card in the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Dick was an accomplished and master stone and brick mason, a craftsman who took pride and perfection in his work. In May, 2001, Dick was recognized for fifty years of service to his trade. He was founder and co-owner of Fast Masonry Systems; a masonry support supply company, that sold the product invented and patented by himself in his early retirement years. Dick loved to travel and his adventures often led him to Florida, Texas and New Mexico. He was also a long time member of Eagles Aerie 3552 of Charlotte. His family, his friends, and his puppy dogs were the heart of his life.
He leaves behind his "girls", daughters Sherri (Randy) Crandell, Micki Smith, Kim Fast and Tracy Symonds. Grandchildren: Chad, Nicole, Jeromi, Jared, Tyler, Kate, Ryan, and Emily. Great-Grandchildren: Natalie, Cole, Evan and Nolan. Brothers: Dennis (Sandy) Fast and Doug (Missy) Fast. Childhood partners in crime and lifetime friends: Darrell Hicks and Ken Sherman. Loving cousin, Marilyn Smith, and several other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2001 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. George Fleming officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be Monday 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlotte Public Library or Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital, Charlotte.
Alice Eunice Sharp
78, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, November 5, 2001 at her home. Mrs. Sharp was born March 4, 1923 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Darwin and Helen (Johnson) Jaquette. She was a food service employee for Olivet School District and Olivet College and belonged to the Union Church of Five Corners. She is survived by 4 daughters, Wanda (Bryan) Kleinfelt of Charlotte, Deborah Bradley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barbara Stauffer of Kalamazoo and Carolyn (Gary) Baker of Orlando, Florida, 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sister, Ruth (George) Perry, of Olivet, 2 sister-in-laws, Camilla Jaquette and Valdean Jaquette both of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her husband Coy E. Sharp, 1995, 2 brothers, Arthur Jaquette and Robert Jaquette. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M, Thursday, November 8, 2001 at Union Church of Five Corners, Charlotte, with Marten Saunders and Robert Homan officiating. Interment will be in Bosworth Cemetery, in Walton Township, Olivet. Visitation will be 7-9 PM, Wednesday, November 7, 2001 at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Union Church of Five Corners, Charlotte, Michigan.
Joyce Rosemary Morgan
68, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Wednesday, November 7, 2001. Mrs. Morgan was born August 28, 1933, in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Henry and Ina T. (Baker) Sumerix. She had been a keypuncher and data processor for Hoover/Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte. She is survived by daughters Tena (Philip) Rolfe of Charlotte and Karen Linden of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, 3 grandchildren Cory, Becky and Heath, great granddaughter Kalie Ann Marie Rahe, brother Lyle (Barbara) Sumerix of Buchanan, MI and sister Marilyn (Charles) Rutter of Olivet, MI, sister-in-law Joan Sumerix of S.C. and brother-in-law Harold Ross of St. Louis, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband Zack Morgan in 1978, sister Betty Ross and brother Harry Sumerix.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2001 at the Charlotte First Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Wilford officiating. Visitation will be Friday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. Following the funeral service Mrs. Morgan's remains will be donated to the University of Michigan Medical School to honor her request. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eaton Community Hospice, or State of Michigan Talking Books program.
Ramona Alice Fuller
72, of Olivet, died Friday, November 9, 2001. Mrs. Fuller was born April 28, 1929 in Charlotte, Michigan, the daughter of Herman and Minnie (Tripp) Cooper. She was a "Grandma" to just about everyone and enjoyed baking and cooking. She is survived by sons Tim Nelson (Debra) Snow of Olivet, Jerry R. (Valerie) Snow of Springport, Theodore H. Snow of Olivet, daughters Sylvia I. (Kip) Austin of Battle Creek, Alice L. Snow of Battle Creek, Connie A. (Daryl) Bryner Jr. of Charlotte, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, sister Agnes Haywood of Lansing, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, son Chuckie, and brother James A. Cooper. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 14 at the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God Church with Pastor Sandra Carpenter officiating. There will be no visitation. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
William Joseph Ackley
44 of Haslett, formerly of Lansing, died Monday, November 12, 2001 after a long and valiant struggle with diabetes. Mr. Ackley was born February 17, 1957 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Harry and Jessie (Grandmason) Ackley. He was a press operator for Eaton Technologies in Eaton Rapids, enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved to play the guitar. He is survived by son Christopher (Paula) Ackley of Charlotte, daughter Bethany Ackley of Muskegon, grandchildren William and Adriana Ackley, sisters Karen (Jack) Faught of Charlotte and Pam Pearson of Lansing. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2001 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Tom Haynie officiating. Interment will be in Kalamo (Hillside) Cemetery in Vermontville. Visitation will be Tuesday 7-9 PM and Wednesday, 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Wesley DeBolt
71 of DeWitt, Michigan, formerly of Vermontville, died November 16, 2001. Mr. DeBolt was born November 16, 1930 in Kalamo Township, Michigan, the son of Clarence and Esther (Kellogg) DeBolt. Wesley was an employee at Transitions North of Lansing where he made many friends. He is survived by brother Louis (Judy) DeBolt of Vermontville, sisters Eleanor (Gary) Kinnie of Dover, Tennessee, Laura DeBolt of DeWitt, several nieces, nephews, cousins and caregivers at the DeWitt Home. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 19 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Ed Linsley and Pastor Wes Emerson officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 3-5 PM Sunday at Pray Funeral Home.
James Bartholomew "Jimmy" Roher
of Charlotte died Thursday Nov. 22, 2001 from complications of a lengthy illness at the age of 22. Jimmy was born March 15, 1979 in Lansing, the son of James M. and Bonnie J. (Warner) Roher. He was a student at Meadowview School in Charlotte, and attended First Assembly of God Church of Greater Lansing with his family. Jimmy will be remembered by his family as a great kid who lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his parents James and Bonnie, his brother Jason T. Roher, and his grandparents James E. and Thelma E. Roher, of Lansing, and Dayl R. and Marilyn A. Warner of Holt. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday November 24, 2001 at the First Assembly of God Church of Greater Lansing 2717 West Road Lansing with Pastor Curt Dalaba officiating. Interment will follow in Millerburg Cemetery, Charlotte. The family will receive visitors Friday 2-4 and 7-9PM at the Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired the family has suggested memorial contributions to the Lansing Area Parents Respite Program, or to Sparrow Children's Miracle Network.
Holland Herbert Burkett
92 of Bellevue, Michigan, died Friday, November 30, 2001 in Hastings, Michigan. Mr. Burkett was born May 4, 1909 in Eaton County, Michigan, the son of Claude and Florence (Griffith) Burkett. He was an avid fisherman, loved fishing with his son-in-law and friends, and tinkering in the garage. He always had gum for everyone. He is survived by wife Isabelle, daughters Flora Cousins of Bellevue, Rachel (James) Clark of Lake Odessa, 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and brother Robert (Fern) Burkett. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 3 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Rev. Lester DeGroot officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo Township. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Frederick Donald Hinkle
75, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, December 3, 2001. Mr. Hinkle was born September 9, 1926, Delton, Michigan, the son of Albert and Gladys (Coffey) Hinkle. He worked as an electrician and had served with the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He is survived by daughters Patricia Ann and Diane, son James Alan Hinkle of Battle Creek, two step-daughters Penny Coffey of Bellevue, Michigan, Jean Makins of Holt, three step-sons, Dennis Coffey of Georgia, Steve Coffey of N. Carolina and Tom Coffey of Dewitt, 15 grandchildren, brother Arthur Hinkle of South Dakota and sister Elizabeth Fansler of Allendale, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife Myrtle (Elston) Hinkle. Mr. Hinkle requested that his body be donated to the University of Michigan Medical School. There will be no visitation or services.
