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Funeral Services:

Carene Jane (Rowden) Hale, a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, died Monday, July 16, 2018. Carene, 75, was born April 11, 1943, in Charlotte to Lawrence and Catherine (Coman) Rowden. She was a Charlotte High School class of 1960 graduate and later went on to receive her Associates degree in Laboratory Technology. After going out on a blind date, Carene met Melvin Hale and on November 2, 1962 the couple started their legacy together. She was very devoted to her work; she worked at Walmart in Charlotte, retiring in 2012. Carene was meant to be a mother, the world stopped when it came to her children and grandchildren. You could never leave her house hungry, she was known for her mac and cheese, homemade bread and also her hot chocolate that she would make from scratch. When Carene’s daughters were younger, she sewed their clothing. Her other hobbies included reading, antiquing, making jam, traveling around the US, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Carene is survived by her loving children, Lawrence Hale, Brenda Hale-Taylor, and Tammy (Pete) Bryner; grandchildren, Charles Joseph Bryner, David Allen Bryner, Eric Scott Hale, and Chance Harley Taylor; great-grandchildren, Emma, Oliver, and Lewis; siblings, Barbara (Jerry) Griffin, Patricia (James) Thurston, and Diane (James) Reynolds.

Carene was preceded in death by her husband Melvin, and her parents.

Funeral services were held Friday, July 20, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.

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

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Funeral Services:

Richard J. Carrigan, 92, of Nashville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at his home. Richard was born in Sturgis, Mich. on August 4, 1925, the son of the late Andrew and Marie (Wildren) Carrigan. He was raised in the Charlotte area and attended local schools. During his junior year of high school Richard was drafted into the United States Army to defend our country in WII. Richard fought in five major battles, including D-Day on the coastline of Normandy where his unit was the third wave to hit Omaha Beach, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was the husband of Mildred Francis (Skinner) Carrigan. Richard and Mildred were married on December 24, 1946 in Charlotte. They began their lives together in the Charlotte area, then in 1963, they purchased their family farm in Nashville where they farmed together and raised their children. Richard loved being with his family and together they enjoyed traveling to Northern Michigan to camp and hunt. Richard spent the majority of his working career as a paint formulator at Aluminum Extrusions in Charlotte before he retired in 1987. Dick loved to be outdoors hunting with his traditional archery equipment. His passion for archery was not limited to simply shooting bows and arrows, Richard was also an accomplish bow maker, crafting his own bows and arrows. He enjoyed making things out of wood, often creating birdhouses, benches, cabinets and gifts for his children and grandchildren. In his younger years, Richard was a star football player and avid boxer. He personally trained both of his boys, which led to his son’s achieving several state championships in the Golden Gloves tournaments.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mildred; two sons, Daniel Carrigan, and David (Christie) Carrigan; his two daughters, Jeanne Powell, Lorna (Tom) Brooke; grandchildren, Jared, Sean, Angel, Shilo, Joshua, Tommy, Skyler, Douglas, and Alexandra; great-grandchildren, China, Stone, Arizona, Austin, Cede, Bailey, Cody, Truit, Eden, Keenan, and Treyton; great great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Ellinor, Karter, Noah, and Quincy; and niece, Dawn (Brian) Gibbs.

Funeral services were held at Nashville Baptist Church at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018, with Pastor Jared Carrigan and Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating. Interment with full military honors took place following the funeral luncheon at Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Funeral Services:

Sherman Ceyland Kelley, of Charlotte, a family man of integrity, passed away on July 13, 2018 in Charlotte, at the age of 84. He was born on January 26, 1934 to Ceyland and Edla (Sherman) Kelley in Charlotte. Sherm attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1952. On January 9, 1954 he married Marcelyn Baker in Charlotte. Following high school he joined the U.S. Army, where he became an instructor for soldiers during basic training, preparing them for the Korean War.

Sherman worked for General Motors for over 30 years, retiring in 1987 as a plant superintendent. His coworkers remember Sherm as a likeable, gentle person who could be tough when needed. It was through his fair treatment for all that he earned the respect of his co-workers. For a number of years he was active on the General Motors Supervisors Council, at one time serving as its chairman.

Sherm loved spending time with his family. As a loyal UofM fan in a divided household he often traded barbs with his son and granddaughters over MSU sports. He was also a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers. He loved traveling with his family throughout the United States. Marcelyn remarked that they had traveled to 49 of the United States. Their favorite ones were Hawaii and Alaska. Sherm and Marcelyn were active through their church participating in numerous work camp mission trips over the years. Above all, Sherm was most proud of his family, his children and grandchildren.

Sherman is survived by his wife, Marcelyn; daughter, Kimberly (Randy) Howe; son, Kris (Jan) Kelley; two granddaughters, Melissa (Sivad) Howard, Skye Kelley; two grandsons, Jason Whetstone, Chandler Kelley; two great-grandchildren, Ashton Whetstone and Londyn Howard; and sister, Darlene (Dwight) Pierce.

He was preceded in death by father, Ceyland Earl Kelley; mother, Edla Marie Kelley; and brother, Darwin Earl Kelley.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July18, 2018 at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorials to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice of Michigan.

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

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Funeral Services:

Deborah Jean Clemence, 67, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018, with her family by her side. She was born December 12, 1950, in Tribune, Kan., the daughter of Delbert R. and Vada P. (Hickman) Steele Jr. On October 11, 1969 she married Lester Scott Clemence in Newport, Rhode Island. Deborah enjoyed reading, English history, flower gardening, and volunteering. She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Deborah also enjoyed her position as the wedding coordinator for the church and volunteering at the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott; children, Andrew S. (Jennifer) Clemence of Royal Oak, MI, Leslie Scott Clemence of Lansing; special granddaughter, Sophie Grace Clemence; sister, Susan L. (Eddy) Henneman of Hamburg, Minn.; niece: Kristine L. Henneman of Burnsville, Minn.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte, with Pastor Phil Hobson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Deborah’s honor to the American Breast Cancer Foundation or the Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center.

To view Deborah’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Beverly Jean Meeder, of Potterville, a dedicated volunteer, died July 11, 2018. Beverly, 89, was born May 16, 1929 in Hastings to Lyman and Gertrude (Carlyon) Chamberlain. Beverly worked at Michigan State University as a secretary in various dormitories, retiring after 25 years. She was an avid volunteer, spending time with many different organizations, including the McRee House in Lansing, Hidden Trail Gift Shop, and Ingham Medical (McLaren Greater Lansing) Gift Shop for 19 years where she was a jewelry buyer. Beverly was a member of the Brookfield Eastern Stars, Potterville Lioness Club, Potterville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the church choir. Beverly enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, playing Pinochle, and she was an avid MSU and Detroit Tigers sports fan.

Beverly is survived by her children, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, and Cindy (David) Dunn; grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, and Erin Dunn; and siblings, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain; and her brother, Richard Chamberlain.

Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family at visitation and funeral services.

Funeral services are Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville, with Pastor Kathy Dobbie and Pastor Tom Fox officiating. Visitation is Sunday, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus (formerly Potterville United Methodist Church).

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

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Funeral Services:

Henrietta Elizabeth Rice, 91, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. She was born January 6, 1927, in Saginaw, Mich., the daughter of Floyd Henry and Jenny Elizabeth (Heliker) Moore. On September 22, 1943 Henrietta married the love of her life Estel I. Rice. Henrietta loved her family and cherished the many precious times they spent together. She was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and active member of First Baptist Church in Bellevue. She could often be found early in the morning enjoying a cup of hot tea and reading her Bible. Henrietta enjoyed working in her flower gardens and doing crafts in her free time. She was a fabulous homemaker and always saw to it that her family was well cared for.

Henrietta is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Freddie) Newsome of Charlotte, Judy (James) Dillon of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Powers, Suzie Cain, Mary Ellen (Jack) Lucas, Floyd (Diane) Moore, Sara Jean Zimmerman, Don (Shirley) Moore, Sue (Jerry) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Leatrice Lattavo, Aileen Hartney; brother-in-law, Dick Babcock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estel; siblings, Henry Moore, Bill Moore, Lillian Babcock, Bertha Rochester, Jack Moore, Tina Brophy.

Funeral services were held on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Those desiring may make contributions in Henrietta’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021.

To view Henrietta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Betty Joan Ulrich, loving mother, grandmother and lifelong caregiver for others, passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86. She was born on August 17, 1931 in Charlotte, the daughter of Vera and William Shoemaker.  Betty married her true love, Bernard L. Ulrich, on November 28, 1959. Betty was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  She was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a past President.

Betty met Bernie while working at Consumers Power and went on to positions at Owens-Illinois, at St. Mary School as a school bus driver, and then retired from Charlotte Public Schools in 1989, as a secretary in the Special Education Department.

Betty enjoyed crafts, traveling, and going to their cottage that Bernie built near Harrison, on Deer Lake. She also enjoyed spending winters in Ruskin, Florida, with Bernie. They enjoyed camping, taking trips with tour groups and quick trips to the casino.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Tamara and her husband, Marcus Hartman, and Cynthia, and her husband, John Coon; grandchildren, Benjamin (Briana) Hartman, Laura (Jacob) Braun, Amanda Hartman, and Nicholas, Brooke and Zachary Coon.  Also surviving are her sister, Naomi “Sky” Cowan; sister-in-law, Margaret (Eugene) Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by husband, Bernie, in 2009; her parents, Vera and William Shoemaker; brother, Nelson Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Marian Pohl, Dolores Orweller and Burlene Schafer; and brothers-in-law, Norbert Pohl and Leon Schafer.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 12, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Betty’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Mary Ellen Kenyon, 67, of Charlotte, who lived a life of generosity and caring, died June 27, 2018. Mary was born June 12, 1951 in Detroit to Leo and Marie (O’Neil) Stelly. She was a social worker at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for 25 years, retiring in January 2018. Mary was extremely crafty and loved woodworking, embroidery, and was a master calligrapher. She enjoyed eating out, yard sales, and “GoodWilling,” as well as watching birds in her sunroom for relaxation. She often showed her compassionate and generous nature by making donations to different charitable organizations. Mary devoted her life to caring for others. She was a great mom that loved her boys and was very close friends with them.

Mary is survived by her sons, Jonathon (Amanda) Kenyon and Andrew Kenyon; brothers, John (Joan) Stelly and Paul (D’Ann) Stelly; grandchildren, Aurora, Jordan, and Austin; as well as several nieces and nephews; and best-friend, Randi Colestock.

She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Marie Stelly; and her brother, Francis.

Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family at visitation and memorial services on July 10, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. on July 10, with Memorial Services following at 1 p.m.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to National Public Radio (NPR), or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activities Department.

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

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Funeral Services:

Bruce Burleson Hart, a man of integrity and service to others, died peacefully at the age of 78 on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Charlotte. Bruce was born April 19, 1940 in Charlotte, the son of Max and Esther (Burleson) Hart.  As a 12-year-old boy, he met his life-long friend and future wife, Marilyn, on the 4^th of July.  They remained best friends through high school and participated together in many activities. Bruce played trombone in the band and was a talented member of the debate team. After graduating from Olivet High School, Bruce attended one year of Olivet College before transferring to Western Michigan University. Concurrently, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving summers in officer candidate school. He graduated from WMU in 1962 before serving four years active duty from 1962-1966 in Newport, Rhode Island. Bruce would remain in the Navy reserves until 1984, retiring after 22 years of service to his country.

Following his service in Rhode Island, Bruce moved to Washington D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University. During his second year, he was honored to be asked to be a member of the Law Review. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1969 before working briefly for the Internal Revenue Service.  He moved to Dallas, Texas, where he opened his own private law practice and taught law at Southern Methodist University. During this time, he served as a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Bruce and Marilyn, despite decades living separate lives, both returned home to Charlotte within a few years of each other. They were married January 1, 2000 and lived a life of love, Christian Faith and community service.  They were members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte and volunteered for many local groups and helped countless people in many capacities. Bruce was active in the Gideons and Charlotte Rotary Club. He received the volunteerism award for Guiding Harbor in 2018 and served 20 years on the Board of InterVarsity Christian Club. He operated his own private practice law firm in Charlotte, using his expertise to help many in need and organize countless service organizations. Many will remember Bruce for his service to others, to his country, and to his Faith.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughter, Alexandra Hart; brothers, Barry (Mary) Hart and Ben Hart; a niece; two nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Bruce’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, July 14, at 1 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to John MacArthur’s Ministry “Grace to You” PO Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412, or to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.

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

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Funeral Services:

Brian Vern Hillard, a loving father, grandfather, son and friend, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Grand Rapids. Brian, 54, of Nashville, was born February 26, 1964 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Howard Dean and Carole Jean (Fox) Hillard. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982 before working over 20 years as a mechanic at Spartan Motors in Charlotte. He then worked seven years at Potpouri Trailer in Charlotte before his illness. Brian was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and will be remembered for his constant willingness to help others in need. Above all, Brian loved his family.

Brian is survived by his children, Dustin (Jennie) Hillard, Dan (Heather Granger) Hillard, Brittany (Brandon) VanLiew, and Jeff Hillard; grandchildren, Hogan, Dayton, Kacen, Rowan, Crewin, Leo and Daxon; father, Howard Hillard; brother, Blake (Carol) Hillard; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole and his granddaughter, Koeli.

Friends are encouraged to support Brian’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, just prior to the service.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids.

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