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Russel C. Potter
86, of Charlotte, Michigan, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, February 7, 2002. Mr. Potter was born October 20, 1915, in Jamestown Township, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Cora E. (Walton) Potter. He graduated from Lee High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1935 and had been employed by N.Y. Central Railroad in Albion. He then owned and operated a gas station in Albion for several years. He enjoyed fishing and camping. He is survived by his wife Mae (Eldridge) Potter, son Tom (Ruth Ann) Potter of Grand Rapids, daughters Ardis Perkins of Union City, Michigan, Carolyn (David) Fenley of Albion, Joyce (William) Ewing of Montgomery, Alabama; step-children, Raleigh Eldridge of Charlotte, John Eldridge of Albion, Dorlis Tooker of Georgia and Phyllis Eldridge of Charlotte, 11 grandchildren, 8 step- grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sisters Joyce (Edwin) Smith of Cedar Springs, Michigan, Avis Stoffels of Wyoming, Michigan, and Anita Gay of Greenbriar, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his first wife Johanna (Koopman) in 1986 and brother Clifford Potter and sister, Thelma Dannenberg both in 1997. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, 401 W. Seminary St., Charlotte, Michigan with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Interment will be in Georgetown Cemetery in Hudsonville, Michigan. Visitation will be 2- 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital E.M.S. or the Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte.
Robert C. Gingrich
76, of Charlotte, Michigan, died February 10, 2002. Mr. Gingrich was born November 20, 1925, in Chester Township, Michigan the son of Lee and Lita Marie (Bottomley) Gingrich. He was a farmer, truck driver and timber logger for Johnson's Lumber. He is survived by his wife Colleen (Royston) Gingrich, sons Roger (Claudia) Gingrich of New Hampshire, Larry (Vickie) Gingrich of Charlotte, Darrel (Debbie) Gingrich of Charlotte and Randall (Bonita) Gingrich of Eaton Rapids, 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, brother John (Kay Dawn) Gingrich of Charlotte, sisters Bonnie (Ed) Simek of Charlotte and Ellen (Wayne ) Dunn of Bellevue. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 14, 2002 at Gresham United Methodist Church, Charlotte with Rev. Jeffrey Bowman officiating. Visitation will be 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 p.m. Wednesday at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Gresham United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth C. Crozier
of Palmetto, Florida, formerly of Charlotte, Michigan, died February 13, 2002 after many years of wonderful care by her devoted husband Lawrence. Mrs. Crozier was born May 13, 1911 in Eaton County, Michigan. She was the eldest child of Phillip and Sadie Lula (Shumaker) Wehr. Elizabeth graduated from Charlotte High School in 1928 and the Lansing Business University. She married Lawrence D. Crozier, a farmer, on July 28, 1934 at the Center Eaton Church. She held various bookkeeping positions during her working career. During the 1930's she worked at Wilcox-Gay in Charlotte. After taking 12 years off to raise her family, she returned to the work force. During the 50's she again worked for a few years at Wilcox-Gay. She resided in Eaton County until her retirement from the Labor Department of the State of Michigan. A farm on Packard Hwy was her home for 30 years. She was a former member of the First Congregational Church and their Mary-Martha Circle. She is survived by Lawrence, her loving husband of 67 years, daughters Myrna Dehnert of Bradenton, Florida, Ann Cobb (Preston) Aylesworth of Rockton, Illinois, granddaughters Brenda (Jerry) Stanton and Janet Gearhart of Bradenton, Florida, grandsons Steven (SFC Katrina) Cobb of Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and Andrew (Jeanne) Cobb of San Antonio, Texas, 8 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, sister Doris (Cal) Fullerton, brothers Rolland (Charlotte) Wehr and Maxon (Dorothy) Wehr all of Charlotte, Michigan and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister Naomi Conard, brother Rex Wehr, son-in-law Douglas Cobb and grandson Bruce Cobb in 1990. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte with Rev. Patricia Stirling officiating. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m. Monday at Pray Funeral Home.
Alton "Al" Olmstead
57, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died February 14, 2002. Mr. Olmstead was born August 19, 1944 in Lansing, Michigan the son of Chester P. and Ruth (Abbott) Olmstead. He was a truck driver and loved to hunt and fish. He is survived by his wife Linda (Harmon) Olmstead, daughter Barbara (Stephen) Forest, son David (Anna) Olmstead, step-daughter Wendy Piffer all of Vermontville, 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brother Robert Richardson of Mulliken, and half sister Illa Cogswell of Manton. He was preceded in death by his brother Chester Olmstead in 1996. Memorial service will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Yvonne "Smoke" Miller
85, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Monday, February 18, 2002. Mrs. Miller was born May 25, 1916, in Lawson, Colorado, the daughter of Carl and Ida Mae Carlson. She was a bank teller at First Federal of Michigan in the Livonia area before her retirement in 1977. She is survived by her husband of 44 years Wilfred "Pete" Miller, son Jack (Dicie) Crabtree of Westland, Michigan, daughter Joyce (Louis) Lenart of Detroit, Michigan, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and sister Bev Hochstedler of Colorado. She was preceded in death by son Gordon "Buzzy" Crabtree in 1982. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 21, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Rev. Dr. Carol A. Spangenberg officiating. Interment will be in Spring Hill Cemetery in Deckerville, Michigan. Visitation will be 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Thursday before the service.
Teddy Nelson Cutter
Mr. Cutter, 90 years old, born on May 30, 1911 went home to be with the Lord on February 26, 2002 to join his wife Beatrice A. Cutter. Ted was a very happy, fun loving person to know and to have as father and grandfather. Surviving are a son Gilbert (Evelyn) Cutter of Charlotte, daughters Carolyn N. Waterbury of Holt, Michigan and Joyce (Woody) Rooker of Lima, Ohio. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Ted worked for Nash Kelvinator, Chore Boy Milkers and the Miller Road Bible Church. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with Mr. William Lobsiger officiating. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Charlotte First Baptist Church. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will be 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Thursday, February 28, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home.
Viola E. Barnard
age 63, went to our Lord and Savior on March 5, 2002. Mrs. Barnard was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 12, 1939 the daughter of Herman and Ruth (Donner) Weir. She enjoyed being outside, music and watching basketball. She is survived by her husband Darwin Barnard, daughter Darlene I. Austin, two sons, Edward D. Barnard and Darwin Jay Barnard, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild; sister Lillian Burton; one niece and three nephews. Funeral services will be 11 am Friday at Five Corners Church with Pastor Marten Saunders and Rev. Curtis Napier officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Charlotte. If you would like to say your good-byes, family and friends will gather at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm Thursday. If desired memorial contributions may be made to Five Corners Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Barbara A. Lewis
58, of Olivet, Michigan, died Wednesday, March 06, 2002, at Battle Creek Health Systems after a brief illness. Barbara was born October 14, 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of Leon and Gladys (Lamoreaux) Mathias. She enjoyed reading and her grandchildren. She is survived by daughters Debbie (Anthony) Massimino of Bellevue, Michigan, Christine (Timothy) DePue of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, 7 grandchildren, brothers; Jake (Mary) Mathias of Bellevue, Jim (Mary) Mathias of Napolean, Ohio, Ed Davis of East Tawas, Michigan, Walter Davis of Canton, Ohio, sisters; Phyllis (Bill) Rhoades of Charlotte, Michigan and Mary Bursley of Ft. Myers, Florida. She was preceded in death by brother Lowell Mathias and sisters Margaret, Lucille, Leona and Rosetta. Family and friends are invited to a Family Affirmation Service 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, Michigan with R. Raymond Rossell officiating. Visitation will be Thursday 7 - 9 p.m. and Friday 2- 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.
Ronald Lynn Wright
54, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Thursday, March 7, 2002. Mr. Wright was March 10, 1947, Lansing, Michigan the son of Byron and Thelma (Ryerson) Wright. He is survived by a brother Byron (Janet) Wright of DeWitt, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial service will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2002 with Rev. Deborah Johnson officiating.
Sally A. Graham
31, of Lansing, died Thursday, March 07, 2002 at her residence. Miss Graham was born September 28, 1970, in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Harold and Lynda (Carpenter) Hubka. She is survived by her mother Lynda Sales, uncles, aunts and cousins and fiancée Ryan Gardner of Lansing. She was preceded in death by her daughter and grandparents. A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Minister of Gospel, Jerry Carpenter officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Mary Bertha "Shepherd West" Colby
64, of Battle Creek, formerly of Charlotte, died March 7, 2002. Mrs. Colby was born March 20, 1937, in Grand Ledge, Michigan, the daughter of Herbert and Mary Bertha (Simms) Sheppard and foster parents Alva G. and Ethel M. (Williams) West. She was a dietary worker at Eaton Manor Nursing Home. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2002 at Gresham Cemetery with Elder Richard Garn officiating. She was preceded in death by her husband Scott Colby in 1980 and foster brother Bon M. West in 1998. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Hospice.
Joan M. Loughan
71, of Charlotte, Michigan, died Friday, March 8, 2002. Joan was born August 25, 1930, the daughter of Walter E. and Keitha (Silver) Ball. She was an avid Dale Earnhardt and auto racing fan, enjoyed bingo and also enjoyed watching wild animals. She had been an inspector at Owens Illinois for 25 years. Surviving are sons Dan (Debra) Loughan of Charlotte, Michael Loughan of Mason, Michigan, daughters Cindy Logan and husband Lyle Thompson of Charlotte, Kathy Terrill of Charlotte, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, sisters Barbara Cross of Pentwater, Marian (Chuck) Weaver of Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Allen, and longtime companion, Dennis Miller. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Visitation will be 7 - 9 pm Sunday and Monday. The family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to Hayes Green Beach Hospital for a dialysis unit.
Mildred Clements
91 of Lake Odessa, formerly of Charlotte, died March 8, 2002. Mrs. Clements was born May 29, 1910 in Olivet, Michigan, the daughter of Charles and Ida Mae (Griffin) Royston. She and her husband were lifelong residents and farmers in the community. She was a member of the Crossroads United Brethren Church and a volunteer at Eaton Manor from 1991 to 1996. She is survived by daughters Wilma (Doug) Crossan of Lakeland, Florida, Karen (Rick) Rickerd of Lake Odessa, sons Harold (Donna) Clements of Charlotte, Darrell (Marlyn) Clements of Charlotte, 19 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, 6 great great grandchildren, and sister Marie Albright of Lyons, Michigan. She was preceded in death by husband Paul in 1991, three brothers, two sisters, one great grandson and one great granddaughter. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Reverends Mark Beers and Harold Cherry officiating. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the funeral home. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Brethren Church or Ionia Hospice.
Mary Fanson Droscha
passed peacefully from her earthly home into the arms of God on March 9, 2002. Mary was the second of five children born to Fred and Eva (Isham) Fanson on January 11, 1901, in Aurelius Township. She graduated from Mason High School in 1918, attended and graduated from Ingham County Normal in 1919, and earned her bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1960. She married Harley Droscha on December 24, 1920. They farmed in the Aurelius area for 43 years. Mary taught in several Mason area rural school districts and retired after 20 years of service while teaching second grade at North Aurelius Elementary, Mason. She and Harley moved to Charlotte in 1968 after their retirement. Mary and Harley were married for 63 years. She remained in their home after Harley's death in 1984 and lived on her own until December 2001. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and corresponding with family and former students. Mary was a lifetime member of the Aurelius Baptist Church. Through the years she taught Sunday School, was Sunday School Superintendent, and active in the Baptist Women's organization. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and a member of the Mary Murray Circle of First Baptist Church, Charlotte. She was devoted to her family and was an integral part of their lives. She will be greatly missed not only for who she was, but for her wisdom and steadfast faith. She was predeceased by Harley; her son, Carl, in 1995; her parents; 2 sisters, Beatrice Smith and Ida Baker; and one brother, William Fanson. She is survived by her son Robert and his wife, Phyllis, of Charlotte, and her daughter-in-law, Mary, of Davison; her 2 granddaughters, Dana (Lynn) Green and Lynda (Jerry) Calvert; her 6 grandsons, Jim (Denise), David (Susan), Brian (Tina), Keith (Denise), Mike (fiancé, Kim Stemen), and Steve (Val); her 13 great-grandchildren, David & Dustin Green, Sarah and Ty Michael Calvert, and Jeremy, Andrew, Katie, Kaelyn, Aaron, Beth, Whitney, Jacob, and Adam Droscha; a new great-grand baby due any day; her step-great-grandchildren to- be, Haley and Brook; her older sister, Blanche Jennings of Peru IN; her sister-in-law, Glenna Droscha of Mason; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends and former students. Our many thanks to Dr. Tom Sainz and his staff of Charlotte/Potterville, the staff of Hayes Green Beech Hospital, and Mary Holz, Lisa Flower, Peg Needham and Michelle Kiss, her homecare nurses and aides, and all others for their devoted care and kindness to Mary during the past few months. The funeral will be held at Aurelius Baptist Church, 4419 W. Barnes Rd., Mason, on Wednesday, March 13, at 2:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Stephen Aikin. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eaton Rapids. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, on Tuesday, March 12, and from 11:00 AM until service time on Wednesday at the church. Contributions may be made to the Aurelius Baptist Church building fund or to the Hayes Green Beach Homecare Center. Grandma, the Lord has prepared your room and you are now home. All heaven is rejoicing! We loved you and were loved by you. Praise God. We look forward to our heavenly reunion.
