View Announcements by Category:
Anniversaries  |  Birthdays  |  Births  |  Engagements  |  Obituaries  |  Weddings  


Eleanora R. Jarrett (Gidner)

November 15, 1919 - March 28, 2017

Funeral Services: March 31, 2017

Visitation: Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the services at the Church.

Eleanora R. (Gidner) Jarrett, 97, of Charlotte, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Eleanora was born November 15, 1919 in Eaton Township, the daughter of Leon A. and Lulu G. (Strickland) Gidner. She was a 1937 graduate of Charlotte High School. While in Battle Creek she had been employed at Woolworths and Maggie’s Hallmark, and with her husband, had owned the Koffee Klatch. She had been employed at Joanne’s Fabrics in Charlotte and had volunteered in the Tri-County Office on Aging.

Surviving are her brother, Keith (Ellen) Gidner of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Joyce Gidner, Alice Gidner, Bruce Gidner, David Gidner, Cindy (Gary) Sabo and Brian Gidner and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Jarrett; brother, Robert Gidner and nephew, Roy Gidner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, located at 550 E. Shepherd Street in Charlotte, with Pastor Timothy Olson officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the services at the Church.

Memorial contributions may go to the First Lutheran Church or to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Arrangements by: Burkhead-Green Funeral Home

Read More

David Arthur Crowner

October 8, 1931 - January 1, 1970

Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

David Arthur Crowner, 85, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 7, 2017 in Lansing. David was born October 8, 1931, in Lansing, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Shaffer) Crowner. He graduated from Dimondale High School before studying drafting at Michigan State University, a skill he took with him to General Motors. Early in his career, he was called to enlist in the Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Frechen on October 15, 1955 in Lansing. He went back to work as a crane operator for Oldsmobile for 30 years, retiring in 1981.  Many will remember David’s mechanical gifts and his love for automobiles. He was a proud member of the Mid-Michigan Street Rod Association, founding member of the Headers Car Club, and served several years as safety inspector for the National Street Rod Association. He could fix anything and served as a local encyclopedia for anything auto-related. David was a man of great integrity and humor, and would do anything for his family and his friends. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Betty, father to their three children, and loving grandfather.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; their three children; Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, and Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Greg (Amber) Rinehart, Andy (Marcie) Rinehart, Holly (Dave) Evert, Charley (Ashley) Crowner, and Nicki (Garrett) Bensinger; several great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; brother, Philip Crowner of Olivet; sister, Jane Crowner of Okemos; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two grandchildren, David Crowner in 1979 and Skye in 1980; and one great-grandchild, David Evert.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Windsor Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice.

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

Read More

Harold R. “Woody” Woodman

May 26, 1946 - January 1, 1970

Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

Harold R. “Woody” Woodman, of Charlotte, died April 11, 2017. He was born May 26, 1946 to Wallace and Doris Woodman.  He was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served in the Marine Corps.  Harold was a member of the VFW Post 2406 and American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. He loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Theressa; son, Wallace (Karen) Woodman; daughters, Sherry (Scott) Eldridge, Mary (Denny) Bassett; and 12 grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life luncheon for family and friends is planned at the American Legion Post 42, 1000 Lawrence Highway in Charlotte on Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Riders.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories of Woody on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

Read More

Norman Crabtree

January 1, 1970 - March 26, 2017

Funeral Services: March 30, 2017

Norman Crabtree, 59, of Nashville, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Ann Arbor. Norman was born August 11, 1957, in Charlotte, the son of Charles Darrah and Betty Lou (Powers) Crabtree.  He worked for more than 15 years for the Charlotte Shopping Guide, first with his own paper route and later as a delivery driver.  He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Norman also loved old western films, an interest he inherited from his father.

Norman is survived by his step-daughters, Kaitlyn and Tobi Kerley; sisters, Sharon (Troy) Foster and Lou Ann (James) Primm; brother, Charles (Deb) Crabtree; and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Dale Crabtree.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Norman on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home

Read More

Cleone Alice Keefus (Sayles)

June 19, 1929 - January 1, 1970

Funeral Services: April 14, 2017

Cleone Alice Keefus, 87, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. She was born June 19, 1929, in Eaton Rapids, to Herbert and Ellen (Leanard) Sayles. Cleone lived her life the way she wanted, and had no worries. She enjoyed playing Bingo, Keno, and scratching-off lottery tickets, as well as drinking Bud Light in long-neck glass bottles. Cleone’s caregiver over the years was her granddaughter, Jenn.  Most of all, Cleone loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and was fondly known as “Crazy Grandma.”

Cleone is survived by her children, David (Natalie) Keefus, Sharon (Keith) St. John, Terry (Steven McCloud) Fancher, Cheryl Keefus, and Patricia Driksna; six grandchildren, Marlena (Chris), Roger (Danielle), Debbie (Eric), Stacey (John) Jenn (Craig), and Brian (Erica); and numerous great- and great great-grandchildren; siblings Phyllis McDaniel, Barbara Folsom, and Herbert Sayles Jr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Keefus in 1995.

Funeral services were held Friday, April 14, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter or Children’s Miracle Network.

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

Read More

Abel Michael Clouse

- March 21, 2017

Funeral Services: March 31, 2017

Abel Michael Clouse, infant son of Corey and Kristy Clouse of Charlotte Date, died Tuesday, March 21, 2017. A brief memorial service was held Friday, March 31, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, followed by visitation until 7 p.m.

Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home

Read More


Alfreda G Kline

October 18, 1926 - November 9, 2016

Funeral Services: November 21, 2016

Visitation: from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Pray Funeral Home.

Alfreda “Freda” George Kline, 90, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in Okemos. Freda was born October 18, 1926, in Spartanburg, S.C., the daughter of Thomas Dallas and Annie Laurie (Lindsey) George. At the age of 17, Freda took the train to Washington, D.C., where she developed an interest in forensics and dreamed of working for the FBI. Upon her return home to South Carolina, she pursued that interest by attending Spartanburg Junior College, Erskine College, and Lander College (University), earning a degree in Microbiology. She married Robert “Bob” Kline on January 11, 1963 and the two settled in Charlotte. Freda retired from Sparrow Hospital microbiology lab after 27 years of service.
Freda was a skilled cook and owned an extensive recipe collection, oftentimes cooking by taste. She adored the many cats she owned over the years and considered them “fur babies,” also feeding neighborhood kitties. She enjoyed gardening, birds, and nature. She loved pansies and yellow roses, which always reminded her of her father. She was fond of the arts, literature, classical music and beautiful hymns. Her lifelong passion for music developed when she learned the piano in her youth. A minister’s daughter, Freda lived her faith, showing much kindness, love and compassion, ever generous and giving. She treasured time with her family, whether shopping with her daughter or working out with her son. She had a sense of style and fashion, and appearances and etiquette were important to her. She kept her sharp mind to the last, and wherever she went she won the hearts of those who met and knew her.
Freda is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dave) Brandreth; son, Kevin Kline; grandchildren, Sarah Wardell, Angela (Andrew) Goff, Jason (Rachel) Linn, Kevin Kline, Curtis Kline, Brooke Ibarra, and Tyler Kline; five great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (Carlos) Frick of South Carolina; and seven nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, Robert N. Kline II; son, Robert “Bobby” Kline III; sister, Charlotte Kelly; and brother, Thomas Dallas George, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating, followed by interment at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Pray Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society, specifically for the care of cats. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Freda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home

Read More

Doris Gamble (Morrison)

January 12, 1929 - November 12, 2016

Funeral Services: December 3, 2016

Doris Gamble ascended into Heaven November 12, 2016. She was born on January 12, 1929 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Elmer and Edna Morrison, and step-father, Edwin Fetterman. Doris was a lifelong resident of Bellevue until the last two years of her life where she resided on Victoria Lane at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte. Doris graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1947. Doris and Hugh lived on the family farm in Bellevue where they raised two sons and two daughters. Doris worked at Hayes Green Beach Hospital as a nursery nurse and unit clerk on the first floor for 26 years. She was the recipient of Employee of the Year in 1989. Upon retirement she became secretary for her church in Bellevue. Doris was a lifelong active member of Bellevue United Methodist Church. Through the years Doris loved creative writing. She was certified as lay speaker in the UMC in 1992. Doris felt honored and privileged to lead worship in both Bellevue and Kalamo UMC churches. In 2000 Doris was awarded Peace Sermon of the Year by the West Michigan UMC Conference. Her unconditional love with inclusion of all people, and her tenderness and compassion for others will live forever.
Doris was preceded in death by the loss of her son, Ron in 1997.
Doris is survived by her son, James (Dido) Gamble; daughters, Mary (Bethany) Gamble, Johanna (Colin) Keyworth; grandchildren, Catherine (Brian) Hayes, Sarah (Richard) Cunningham, Kerry Keyworth, Dawn Dukeman, Don Gamble, Deann Gamble, Alison (Noah) Colvin, Melissa (Alex) Potter; great-grandchildren, Alexus, Analyse, Aleigh Hayes, Samantha Cunningham, Kenneth Cunningham, Michael Dukeman, Caleb Dukeman, and Dylan Potter.
A memorial service is planed for Doris on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Bellevue United Methodist Church.

Read More

Kenneth E. Young

February 24, 1942 - November 15, 2016

Funeral Services: November 21, 2016

Visitation: Visitation is Sunday, November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday, November 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service.

Kenneth E. Young, 74, of Charlotte, died November 15, 2016 at his home. He was born February 24, 1942 in Reed City, Mich. to Clifford and Pearly (Porter) Young, one of five children. Ken worked at GM for 25 years, and retired in 1999. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, going to the casino, and loved his many pets. He was a member and former governor of the Moose Lodge. Ken loved his family and would do whatever he could for his children and grandchildren
Ken is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia (Pat) Young; sons, Dana Skinner, Donald (Pam) Skinner, Kenneth Young II, and Tim McConnell; daughter, Danette (Yul Cochrane) Young; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Durwood Young and Barney Young; and sister, Dorothy (George) Hanner.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Debbie Hawkins; sister, Glenda Carol; and his parents.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, November 21 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Rob Schneider officiating. Visitation is Sunday, November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday, November 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kenneth on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home

Read More