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Ernestine “Tina” Alice Ballard

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Funeral Services:

Ernestine “Tina” Alice Ballard, 99, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November  16, 2019, with family by her side.
Ernestine was born August 17, 1920, in St. Johns, to Ernest and Margaret (Eisler) Waggoner. She grew up and attended school in Lansing. On August 2, 1938, Ernestine married Charles G. Ballard in Bryan Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1991. Charles and Ernestine lived in the Lansing area prior to moving to Vermontville in 1951 and then settling on their farm in Bellevue in 1956.  Along with helping Charles on the farm, Ernestine was a stay-at-home mom to their two children, daughter Kathleen “Kay” and son Alfred, whom she lovingly referred to as “Butch.”
Tina enjoyed listening to music, especially her favorite country singer, Alan Jackson. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, playing cards and embroidery. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed listening to them on the radio. She preferred the commentators on the radio over the ones on the television. Ernestine’s happiest times were spent with friends, family and numerous family pets. She loved many animals (except snakes) but had a special place in her heart for dogs and kitty cats.
Ernestine is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Roger [deceased]) Hosey and son Alfred (Sharon) Ballard, six grandchildren: Rae Alice (Jeff) Murphy, Roger Charles (Deb) Hosey, Paula (Jeff) Light, Wendy (Jonny) Thornton, Karen (Doug) DeLand, and Jason (Amanda) Ballard; 13 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, six siblings and a granddaughter.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, November 22 at the Bellevue chapel of Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Mikki Saandlin of the Bellevue United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was planned at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Bellevue Fire Department or Bellevue Good Samaritans. To leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.

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Carol M. (Depeel) Tarr

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Funeral Services:

Carol M. (Depeel) Tarr of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 5, 2019. She was born in Branch, MI, to Ruth and Ethro Depeel. She graduated from Mason County Central High School and attended Ferris State College. She was employed as a support specialist by the State of Michigan, from which she retired.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stacey. She is survived by her four children, Robert (Barb) Tarr, Jeff (Lisa) Tarr, Sally Rankin, and Brad Tarr; six grandchildren, Jennifer Cameron, Melanie Wiegold, Casey Hussey, Bethany Rankin, Michael Tarr, and Luke Tarr; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made in Carol’s name to Sparrow Hospice. A celebration of life is being planned.

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Robert Earl Polhamus

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Funeral Services:

Robert Earl Polhamus, 72, died on November 6, 2019, in Adrian, after a struggle with lung cancer. Robert was born in Hastings on April 24, 1947. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tanya Barnes, and infant son, Robert Aaron-Earl Polhamus. Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie (Husted) Polhamus; adopted son, Gerry Polhamus; two step-children; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

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Dewight Emerson Franklin

January 17, 1946 - November 18, 2019

Funeral Services:

Dewight Emerson Franklin, 73, of Charlotte, formerly of Dimondale, died Monday, November 18, 2019, in Lansing. Dewight was born January 17, 1946, in Lansing. He worked 35 years for General Motors before retiring and settling into time on the golf course and up north on Dyer Lake fishing. He was a devoted member of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552, Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 and American Legion Post 42 of Charlotte. Dewight married Sally Schlienze on July 30, 2005, and the two enjoyed countless road trips in their 14 years of happy marriage.
Dewight is survived by his wife, Sally; sister, Eilene Fritts; two brothers, Ron (Connie) Franklin and Rex (Evelyn) Franklin; and his greatest companion, his yellow lab Luke. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Bud Fritts and several siblings. A memorial service will take place at a later date.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Dewight on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Josephine Madeline Ostrowski

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Funeral Services:

Josephine Madeline Ostrowski, 90, of Olivet, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at her home with family by her side. Josephine was born April 11, 1929 in Throop, PA, one of nine children of Maciej and Anna (Fyk) Siedlecki. She graduated from High School in Stratford, CT, in 1946, making her the first of her family to earn her diploma. Josephine worked as a file clerk at various posts until marrying John Ostrowski on February 27, 1954. Following their marriage, Josephine settled into family life in Connecticut, briefly in Florida and finally in Michigan. Her family will always remember her loving hospitality, always making sure her guests were well nourished and comfortable. Her meticulous nature meant her home was always well organized. Josephine particularly enjoyed her time at home, especially watching the birds and deer pass by while working on her latest crochet or knitting project. She was a woman of devout faith and love for family.
Josephine is survived by her daughter, Joann (Jack) Ostrowski Parrinder; sons, John (Patti) Ostrowski, Jr. and James Ostrowski; 5 grandchildren, Louann Ostrowski, Ashley (J.D.) McDaniels, Eric (Nicole) Wells, Melissa (fiancé Scott Conger) Ostrowski, and Katie Ostrowski; 2 great-grandsons, Joshua and Jaden Ostrowski; brother, Vincent (Ruth) Siedlecki; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, John Ostrowski, Sr., in 1986; her parents; and her siblings, Walter (Julia) Siedlecki, Mary (Stanley) Oldakowski, Lucille (Fred) Fischialetti, Pauline (Raymond) Kotchkowski, Catherine (Tony) Prushko, Leo (Angie) Siedlecki, and Edward Siedlecki.
A Funeral Mass was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was scheduled to take place an hour prior to Mass at the church on Friday. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Josephine on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Clara Virginia Fast

July 23, 1932 - November 21, 2019

Funeral Services:

Clara Virginia Fast, age 87, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2019, at Eaton Community Palliative Care with her family by her side. She was born July 23, 1932, in Ripley, Mississippi, the daughter of Martin and Ina (Willis) Mauney. At a young age, Clara and her family moved to Michigan. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1950. On October 20, 1951, she married Richard “Dick” Fast in Angola, IN. Clara was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored each and every member of her family and cherished every moment they spent together. In 1981, Clara moved to Sarasota and spent nearly 17 years there. While in Florida, she loved spending time at the beach and watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. In her spare time, she was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. She liked movies and watching sporting events.
Clara is survived by her daughters: Sherri (Randy) Crandell, Michaelle “Micki” Smith, Kim Fast, Tracy Symonds; grandchildren: Nicole (Troy) Jamieson, Chad (Dawn) Crandell, Katherine Harmon, Ryan (Sonya) Harmon Emily (Ryan) Berning, Jeromi (Ashley) Klont-Braatz, Tyler (Samantha) Braatz, Jared Braatz; great grandchildren: Cole Jamieson, Evan Jamieson, Nolan Jamieson, Natalie Crandell, Lily Crandell, Maddie Crandell, Faith Crandell, Samuel Crandell, Chace Braatz, Bailey Braatz, Norah Braatz, Aryah Braatz, Beau Harmon, Gwendolyn Harmon, Kelly Kolk; sister, Linda (David) Stafford; sister-in-law, Laurel E. Mauney; close friends and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; former husband, Dick Fast; and brother, Marty Mauney.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 25, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Clara’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Clara’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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US VETERAN

Peter William Tengler Jr.

December 19, 1944 - November 14, 2019

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Peter Tengler was born in December 19th 1944 in England to Peter and Dorothy Tengler. He passed peacefully in his home in Olivet, MI on November 14th 2019. Peter worked as an engineer on the Canadian National Railroad for 36 years. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, vacationing and spending time with his family. He was loved by many and cared for others deeply. He is survived by his wife, Alice Tengler and children Elizabeth Tengler, Billy Tengler, and Matthew Ward.

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Margaret Ann Fitnich

May 10, 2009 - November 4, 2019

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“Maggie” Margaret Ann Fitnich, a beloved family member and therapy dog at Eaton Rapids Medical Center, died November 4, 2019. Maggie, age 10 (or 70 in dog years), was born May 10, 2009, in a litter of 12. While her father was a Miniature Poodle, Maggie was the largest of the litter and grew to be much larger than her littermates. Maggie joined the Fitnich household shortly after she was born and brought much joy to her people parents, Trisha and Jason Fitnich. Trisha enrolled Maggie in training classes at K9 Connections at the age of two. Maggie easily earned her AKC Canine Good Citizen award and participated in several other classes, including agility. Her temperament as a natural encourager brought joy to those she met, so it was an easy decision for Maggie to be trained as a therapy dog. Maggie made many appearances at Charlotte-area nursing homes, the Eaton County Youth facility and eventually became a therapy dog at the Eaton Rapids Medical Center, where she was sought after and found in many various departments. When she was nine, she lost her eyesight. Trisha enrolled Maggie in Nose Work classes in order to “see” through her sense of smell. It was truly amazing to see Maggie navigate both at home and throughout the hospital and locate specific rooms, as well as her treats. In addition to her work at the hospital, she made appearances at Lockwood Elementary in Eaton Rapids through the mentoring program and volunteered time at the Eaton Rapids District Library with the Children’s Reading Program. She was a very patient and good listener, as children learned to improve their reading abilities by reading stories to Maggie. Trisha considers it a wonderful honor to have had this beautiful companion in her life and to be at her side when she left our world. She is proud of Maggie bringing so much joy to others, by being present with their therapy and spreading her love as only beloved pets can.

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Duane and Sharon Mears

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Funeral Services:

Duane and Sharon Mears
Duane “Dewy” and Sharon Mears of Charlotte, soul mates for 26 years, died together unexpectedly on November 11, 2019. They were married August 22, 1993, and loved many of the same activities in life. A blind date at the bowling alley is where they met, and they have been together ever since. They were extreme U of M football fans, holding season tickets for many, many years. Together, they enjoyed gardening and many other activities. They loved traveling. Their favorite time together was time spent at Grand Marais in the U.P.
Dewy, 57, was born August 6, 1962, in Yakima, WA, to Herman and Sylvia (Tefft) Mears. A sales rep for Nabisco for 29 years until his retirement, Dewy made lots of friends. He was just awesome. With a great sense of humor and a hopeless romantic, Dewy loved setting up surprises for Sharon. Small-engine repair came very naturally to Dewy, and his family was always amazed at his know-how.
Sharon, 64, was born December 7, 1954, in Battle Creek to Richard and Frances (Beatty) Jelinek. She worked at Pennock Hospital, Hastings, in home healthcare prior to her retirement. Known as funny, feisty and strong-willed, Sharon loved to have fun, and she was also a great gift-giver. She enjoyed yard sales and bargain shopping and was a collector of Boyd’s Bears and many cookbooks, which she often used to bake delicious treats. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She loved to celebrate with family for days. Sharon was also talented at making wedding cakes, something she learned to do with her sister.
Dewy and Sharon died in a tragic accident, along with Dewy’s mother, Sylvia Mears. They are survived by Dewy’s sister, Joy Martin; Sharon’s sister, Sandy Hook; Sharon’s brothers, Ron (Peg) Hook and Randy (Leona) Hook, aunts, Charlice Crane and Nila Baldwin; and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by Dewy’s father, Thurman “Sonny” Mears; Dewy’s brother, Scott; and Sharon’s parents, Richard and Frances Jelinek.
Friends are encouraged to support the Mears family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, November 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society “Lavonne’s Lame Ducks Relay for Life of Eaton County.” Friends and family are asked to share memories of Duane Mears and Sharon Mears on their Tribute Pages at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Sylvia Rose Mears

December 4, 1937 - November 11, 2019

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Sylvia Rose Mears, age 81, of Charlotte, a kind soul that lived for God, family and friends, died unexpectedly November 11, 2019. Born December 4, 1937, in Owosso to Earl and Joyce (Purdy) Tefft, she graduated from Perry High School. Sylvia enjoyed being a mother and grandmother and loved telling the story of her “miracle twin granddaughters.” Her family describes her as the sweetest lady ever. Always appreciative of the small gifts in life, Sylvia’s life reflected her beliefs as a woman of God. She was always generous and supportive of her friends and family. Sylvia truly lived for summer and yard sales and filled in her winter with thrift store shopping to get by until the next yard-sale season. A great cook, Sylvia was known for her oatmeal cake — the dish she brought to most potlucks.
Sylvia died in a tragic accident with her son and daughter-in-law, Duane “Dewy” and Sharon Mears. She is survived by her daughter, Joy Martin; granddaughters, Ashley Vaughn and Jessica Martin; and sisters, Charlice Crane and Nila Baldwin. She was predeceased by her husband, Thurman “Sonny” Mears; sister, Earline Bowen; and brother, Lloyd Tefft.
Friends are encouraged to support the Mears family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, November 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society “Lavonne’s Lame Ducks Relay for Life of Eaton County.” Friends and family are asked to share memories of Sylvia on her Tribute Pages at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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