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Funeral Services:

Larry Herbert Bates, a loving father, grandfather, husband, son and brother, 60, of Lansing, died on Sunday, March 4, 2018. He was born on February 22, 1958 to Roy “Jerry” and Dorothy (Roper) Bates in Lansing. Larry graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1976. Larry worked at Motor Wheel and later as a truck driver for Coolidge Glass before his retirement in 1997.

Larry was a family man. He adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was the grandpa that was known for spending quality time with his grandchildren, whether it was getting down to their level to play with their toys or simply passing his knowledge onto them. Larry was an avid archery and gun hunter, as well as a woodworker. He loved building things with his hands. Camping was also a passion for Larry. A memory that his family will always cherish is camping in the infield at MIS during a NASCAR race. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Sr. Larry is known for his keen sense of direction while traveling. Above all, Larry will be remembered as being a doer who was always willing to help out, and for his love for his family.

Larry is survived by his children, Tim Bates, Christina Gentilozzi, Victoria (Anthony) Singleterry, Ricky (Fiancé Skylar Hunt) Bates, Chase Bates, Paris Bates, Dimere Bates and Heavenly Bates; wife, Corrina “Cory” Bates; grandchildren, Trenton Bates, Sedric Bates, Jeremiah Maurer, Logan Maurer, Paige Allen, Emmalee Bates, Gabriella Gentilozzi, Oliver Singleterry, Alyssa Singleterry and Esmeralda Singleterry; mother, Dorothy; sister, Robin (Ken) Hill; sister in-law and brother in-law, Wanda and Jeff Bancroft, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, with Pastor Mike Arnold officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Windsor Township Fire and Ambulance Services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Merle L. Willis, 94, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018. He was born March 24, 1923 in Bellevue to Guy and Mary Pearl (Cosgrove) Willis. Merle graduated from Bellevue High School in 1940 and worked as a machinist for the Grand Trunk Railroad before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving in WW II and the Korean conflict.

He married Arlene (Hendershot) April 16, 1948. Over the years they lived in Battle Creek and Charlotte, retiring to the cottage he built on Marble Lake in Quincy. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Florida for over 20 years.

Merle was a loving husband, father, poppa, uncle, and friend to many. He was a skilled tool and die maker and a handyman, always tinkering with some project in his garage. He was a member of the VFW and the First Congregational Church in Charlotte.

Merle is survived by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Arlene; daughters, Joyce (Stan) Otto of Otsego, and Jan (John) Simonsen of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Melissa McPherson of Hawkinsville, Ga., Matthew (Elizabeth) McPherson of Otsego, Christine (Darin) DeCator of Nunica, Mich., and Paula (Greg) Falcon of Bryan, Texas; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Leo G. Thrall of Hale, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Meda Ellen Thrall.

Special thanks are extended to his loving caregiver Amanda Johnson-Hegel, the nurses at Oaklawn Wound Clinic in Marshall, and the doctors and staff at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 or Hospital Hospitality House, 1800 Henson, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.

A celebration of life will be held at later date.

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Funeral Services:

Lori Ann Like, a compassionate, hard-working wife, mother, grandmother and animal lover, died after a brief illness on February 26, 2018 in Battle Creek. Lori, 46, of Charlotte, was born March 6, 1971 in Charlotte, the daughter of Robert E “Buzz” and Diane Louise (Welch) Myers. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1989 before starting her family. Lori worked for Wildern’s Drug Store, Carl’s Supermarket, and most recently at Wal-Mart, where she greeted everyone with a smile.

Lori is survived by her husband of 12 years, Paul Allen Like; son, Brandon (Lora) Myers; daughter, Crystal Piper; grandchildren, Kelsey Myers and Karley Myers; step-children, Angela Ann Like, Paul Braford Like, and Julie Marie Braford Like; brothers, Mike Myers and Kevin Myers; and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Buzz and Diane Myers.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 5, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Tom Evans officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lori on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Elizabeth Iola Herban, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sibling, who dedicated her life to helping others, of Charlotte, died Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor. Elizabeth was born April 22, 1956 in Mason to Phillip and Iola (Baker) Hayhoe. She was a 1974 graduate of Everett High School. During high school Elizabeth met her sweetheart Gregory Herban. On April 27, 1974, Elizabeth and Greg got married and together created their legacy. With Gregory being in the military, the couple lived on numerous military bases around the world. Elizabeth worked on the civilian side of the base as a restaurant manager. She was the first to welcome the soldiers home from Desert Storm at the restaurant. This reflected Elizabeth’s heart of gold and willingness to help anyone in need. Once Elizabeth moved back to Michigan she worked as a CNA at local nursing homes. Crafting was a hobby for Elizabeth as well as cooking, an interest she passed down to her children. Above all Elizabeth cherished being a mother and grandmother.

Elizabeth is survived by husband, Gregory; children, Greg (Teraesa) Herban, Dale (Brandy) Herban, Andrew (Kelli) Herban; eight grandchildren; siblings, Eugene (Debbie) Hayhoe, Joann (Ed) Greismer, and Bonnie (Roy) Melton.

She is predeceased by her daughter, Samantha; and her parents.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Battle Creek VA Medical Center or The Wounded Warrior Project.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Elizabeth on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Patricia A. Brown, of Marshall, died Friday, February 9, 2018. Patricia was born January 1, 1935 in Charlotte to Frank and Mildred (Wonser) David. She was an Olivet High School graduate. Patricia was known for her love for clowning, whether it was teaching clowning to others or traveling to different facilities as a clown, she loved to be able to brighten people’s day. She also was a Dachshund breeder. Patricia had a big heart for animals.

Patricia is survived by grandchildren, Pete (Charity) Brown, Joe (Tracy) Brown, Jessica Brown, Laura (Josh) Brown, Ben Brown, and Chrisie (Brent) Brown; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bruce (Bonnie) David, and Joan David-Mason.

She was predeceased by sons, Steve Brown, Stan Brown and Donn Brown; grandson, Chad Brown; and her parents.

A visitation was held on Thursday, February 15 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Patricia on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Marlene Louise (Johnson) Colizzi, 85, passed away, surrounded by her children, on February 23, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. She was born August 12,1932 in Lake Odessa to Ernest and Zora (Ward) Johnson. She attended Charlotte schools, graduating high school in 1950.

She married Sam Colizzi on June 12, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. Until 1977, she and Sam resided in Charlotte with their three children, Tony, Greg and Kristina. The family relocated to Brighton; Charleston, W.V.; Richmond, Va.; and Charleston, S.C. In her early years, Marlene worked for Eaton Federal Savings Bank in Charlotte, was a troop leader for Brownies and Cub Scouts, and was the PTA President in Brighton at Hawkins Elementary. She held officer positions with Stonehenge Garden Club in Richmond and New Virginians, was an active member of the Italian American Club of Richmond, Va., and joined her husband Sam in many other clubs and activities. She enjoyed travelling, family history, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, decorating her beautiful homes, cooking and hosting many parties. Marlene kept a home so welcoming that neighborhood kids and friends didn’t hesitate to walk right in to enjoy time with her and Sam. Her words were always filled with kindness, goodness and grace, and those who knew Marlene formed an instant and lifelong bond with her. Her radiant and beautiful eyes, smile and laughter, kind soul and generous ways always touched the hearts of others. She was considerate, hard-working, committed and dedicated to all aspects of her life, and especially cherished her grandchildren and spending time with them.

Marlene is survived by her sons, Tony Colizzi of Daniel Island, S.C.; Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi of Manakin Sabot, Va.; and daughter, Kristina (Robert) Windom of Daniel Island, S.C.; grandsons, John Colizzi, Joseph Colizzi, Max Windom, and granddaughter, Morgan Windom. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marguerite (Gordon) Johnson of Charlotte; nieces, Diane (Jerry) Baum and Toni (Steve) Wildern; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in law, Don and Elaine Colizzi of Charlotte; John and Joy Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; Dan (Anne) Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nieces Nikki (Jack) Lennemann of East Lansing; Monique Colizzi of Charlotte; Neysa Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; and Angel (Richard) McCrumb of Eaton Rapids; nephew, Leonardo Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; as well as many other family members.

Marlene was predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Sam Colizzi in 2016; three sisters; and three brothers.

A funeral service will be held in Charlotte this summer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery – details forthcoming.

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Funeral Services:

Joyce Lavonne Mishler (Kennedy), 83, of Potterville passed peacefully on February 17, 2018, surrounded by her children.

She was born on February 22, 1934 in Grand Ledge, to Russell and Elma (Keesler) Kennedy and was raised in Grand Ledge, Michigan attending Grand Ledge Schools.

Joyce and husband, Donald worked side-by-side in Don’s Pharmacy of Potterville and later at Mackinac Island at the Pharmacy there. She enjoyed reading, camping and traveling with her husband and family. She was an excellent cook and made all of her food from scratch. Halloween was her favorite holiday and every year her entire family came home for her homemade chili and apple pies.

She is survived by three of her four children, Brenda Graham, Dan(Tracy) Mishler, Amy Mishler and one brother, Jim Kennedy of Bryon, Michigan.

She has nine grandchildren that she loved very much, Shelly (Brent) Rehm, Tristan Graham, Ethan (Tina) Graham, Darren (Monelle) Cobb, April (Jesse) Trout, Selena (Dan) Conklin, Russell (Amanda) Mishler, Emily Youngs and Benjamin Mishler; 13 great-grandchildren that she loved to hear about and have visit her. She was always ready for family.

She was preceded in death by husband, Donald and daughter, Gwenn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Palliative Care, 2675 S Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at Sycamore Creek-Potterville Campus, formerly, Potterville United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 17. The family will begin receiving friends at 11 a.m., with a Eulogy beginning promptly at noon, and luncheon afterward.

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Funeral Services:

Joyce A. Williams, 80, of Charlotte died at Eaton Community Palliative Care on Friday, February 23, 2018. Joyce was born March 26, 1937 in Coldwater, Mich. to Leo and Mildred (Parker) Donihue. She grew up in Coldwater and the Gull Lake area. Joyce was a 1955 graduate of Kellogg Agricultural School, where she was the drum majorette and a cheerleader.

Joyce married Richard A. Williams in 1959. Joyce was a member of the Eaton County Fair Board and helped facilitate training activities at the racetrack. She retired from the Charlotte Shopping Guide. Upon retirement, they were able to spend many years in the south during the winter months where they managed different harness horse training facilities. Most recently Joyce volunteered at the “Furniture Store” Thrift Shop for Eaton Community Palliative Care where each donation and sale helps care for terminally ill patients.

Surviving are her four children; Tim (Claudine) Williams, Dawne Cohoon, Robin Wolever, Cheryl (Trent) Smith; six grandchildren, Danielle (Jason) Cohoon (Jerome), Travis Cohoon, Raychel (Tyler) Channell, Scott Wolever, Ashia (Chris) Smith (Cosey), Hunter (Carli) Smith (Kirkham); and five great-grandchildren; Ares, Taj, Alba, Apollo and Ty Cosey.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Williams; her mother, Mildred Parker; and two brothers, Jerry and Jack Donihue.

The family will hold a private celebration of life in her honor.

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Funeral Services:

Donald Benson Turner, aka “The Fixner,” passed away on February 24, 2018 at the age of 70. The life-long Charlotte resident was born on May 28, 1947 to Robert William and Thelsa E. (Sampson) Turner in Charlotte.   His first name was chosen by his grandma, Myrtle Mae Sampson. His philosophies, insights and work ethic are to be admired. Donald never backed down from the truth. He was one to rethink or redesign for a solution, but he never quit. He would always complete the project. He could always be counted on for those who needed help.

He was a perfectionist-do it all the way. He despised the words, “I can’t.” If it’s difficult to do, we do it immediately. If it’s impossible, it will take a little longer. Not impossible, but I’m Possible! His memories of growing up were idyllic in the post-war years. You knew everyone in the neighborhood, and there was no fear.  They didn’t have much money, but enjoyed building things such as soapbox derby cars, and such. One of his favorite memories as a young boy was riding a raft “Tom Sawyer style” in the Duffy Drain. It was a “we society” back then, helping each other and the family structure reigned.

Donald was an extreme workaholic, putting in 60 to 70 hours weekly. He was a patient, thorough and disciplined teacher, teaching compliance regulations at Minor Walton Bean (where he was employed for 37 years) and was thoughtful to teach at the needed education level for the varied employees. He took responsibility for their grasping the details, and was known to say, “that if they didn’t pass, he didn’t teach them right.” He had a fantastic memory with details and an uncanny sense of direction.  One of his dreams was to fly an airplane.

He tutored for residential construction at LCC. As a final exam for an LCC class, he wrote the City of Lansing payroll computer program. He was determined to maintain the 100-year-old homestead and enjoyed gardening and the chores that went along with the family property. He restored a 1937 John Deere tractor with one of his buddies. He enjoyed attending church with his family, and loved singing the southern gospel hymns.  He had a strong bass voice, and loved to harmonize.

Donald is survived by his siblings, David Turner, and Nancy Turner.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to The Courthouse Square Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Donald’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Rex Duane Royston Sr., a hard-working farmer and jack-of-all-trades, 93, of Charlotte and formerly Vermontville, died February 23, 2018. Rex was born July 2, 1924 in Lansing to Leo and Freda (Sawdy) Royston.  Rex loved being outdoors and spending time on the farm with his grandchildren, fishing, and going to auctions.  These are his family’s fondest memories of him. He collected clocks, and loved to tinker…he was always working at something. When he did sit down, he loved reading Louis L’Amour westerns and listening to country music.

Rex is survived by his sons, Rex (Kay) Royston Jr., Gary (Kieran) Royston; daughters, Nancy (Dennis) Carpenter, and Sue Fawley; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; sister, Fern Royston; and brothers, Lyle (Shirley) Royston, and Gerald (Joan) Royston.

He was predeceased by his wife, Ruth; brothers, Donald and Loren; and sister, Leah.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lansing Hospice.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Rex on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.