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Funeral Services:

Fish are once again safe in the Midwest. An avid, life-long fisherman, Dale Roger Briggs, known to many as “Spike,” passed away on May 20, 2018, at the age of 87 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Vermontville in 1930 to Dewey and Ruth (Shetenhelm) Briggs, Dale graduated from Vermontville High School before joining the U.S. Army in 1948. He completed four years of military service, including serving as a communications expert in Germany during the Korean War. All his life, he was a proud veteran of the American Legion. Upon completing his military service, he married his high school sweetheart, Bettyann Cole. They had four children, all of whom he taught to fish as well as to play push rummy and euchre.

He worked at Aluminum Extrusions for numerous years, and later became one of the first computer programmers, beginning work in Information Technology before there was such a thing, working for the Michigan Department of Education. Throughout his long life, Dale never lost touch with his roots, his friends, and his poker-playing buddies in Vermontville. He loved to hunt and fish, and thought nothing of sitting on a bucket on a frozen lake for hours at a time, never growing impatient when the fish didn’t bite. Every fall found him deer hunting around Vermontville, and he regularly visited his son, Mike in Montana for hunting expeditions.

He was much loved and is survived by his daughter, Kathi Eggers (Karl); sons, Jeffrey (Mary Jo), John (Wendy), and Mike (Carla); grandchildren, Kristin (Steven), Jesse (Sarah), Hayley, Clay (Kristyn), Keenan, Bethany, Tiffany (Todd), Jake, Eric (Jasmin), Kyle (Rhianna), and Marty; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Rose Briggs; and his former wife and dear friend, Eileen Briggs.

As he requested, there will be no funeral services.

Donations may be made in Dale’s name to: Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund; at barrycf.org/funds/maple-valley-memorial-scholarship-foundation-fund/Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund, Maple Valley Schools, 11090 Nashville Highway, Vermontville, MI 49096 or Heartland Hospice of Mason at heartlandhospice.com or mail to 865 S. Cedar St, Mason, MI 48854.

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

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Funeral Services:

Virginia May Wight, 83, of Bellevue, formerly of Haines, Alaska, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Eaton County on May 6, 1935, the daughter of Paul M. and Nora I. (Wood) Wight. Virginia attended the Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music and Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing.  She was employed with Community Hospital of Battle Creek as a nurse. Virginia moved to Haines, where she ran a clinic for 13 years. There she was awarded “Woman of the Year” in 1978. While residing in Alaska, Virginia traveled the state hunting moose, fishing and received her pilot’s license.  This was her absolute favorite place to live. Virginia moved back to Battle Creek where she continued her employment with Community Hospital as a House Supervisor Floor Nurse. After the merger she worked at Westbrook Hospital and here she retired in 2000 as an OB Nurse.  Virginia led a very full and eventful life. She spent time in Africa on a mission trip. She played with the Brass Band of Battle Creek and even accompanied them to England. She played baritone, flute, piano and the organ. Music was a huge part of her life. On top of all of her accomplishments, she also drove school bus, worked with the Girl Scout troops, loved watching figure skating, enjoyed watching MSU and the Detroit Tigers, cake decorating and even made her siblings wedding cakes, and was a Sunday school teacher.

Virginia is survived by her siblings, Dolores (Paul) Ford of Hammond, Wisc., Phyllis Watman of Battle Creek, Dale (Lois) Wight of Bellevue, Peggy (DeWayne) Jones of Dowling, Paul (Marie) Wight of Bellevue, and Sally Lee of Battle Creek; and sister-in-law, Charlotte of Bellevue.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Reuben and Burrell Wight.

A visitation was held at Pleasantview Family Church in Dowling, Mich. on Friday, May 25, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. A memorial service immediately followed at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating.  Interment was held at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Pleasantview Family Church or charity of one’s choice.

Friends may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

David J. “Stub” Hamilton, 85, of Charlotte, went home to Heaven May 17, 2018. Dave was born December 25, 1932, in Charlotte, the son of David M. and Eveline (Bursley) Hamilton. He was a lifelong resident of Charlotte. Dave grew up as the son of the Charlotte blacksmith. Dave and his brother Jim spent many summers on Mackinaw Island with their father, while he shod the horses on the island. He served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957. Upon his return from the Army he married Sylvia Robinson on April 12, 1958. Dave worked at AE Hoover for 36 years and farmed his entire life. He loved his horses. You would often find him working the fields or giving his grandchildren and their friends hayrides. He enjoyed participating in and watching horse pulls. Dave was a 4-H leader when his kids were young. He was incredibly proud and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia; four children, Janet (Dennis) Croff of Charlotte, John Hamilton of Charlotte, Brenda (Larry) Hall of Charlotte, Paul Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Chad (Melissa) Croff, Nick (Jennifer) Croff, Dustin (Sara) Hall, Brandon (Stephanie Frank) Hall, Ryan (Hope Hatter) Hall, Jonathon “Tom” Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Croff, Elli Croff, Easton Croff, Jemma Croff, Shane Croff, Canaan Hall; sister-in-law, Carolyn Hamilton; brother-in-law, Robert (Lilah) Robinson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ernest “Jim” Hamilton; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Clifford and Gurnarda Robinson; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Trulen) Harris.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 21, 2018, at Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte, with Pastor David Keller officiating. Interment followed at West Carmel Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dave’s honor to Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.

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

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Funeral Services:

Elaine M. Doxsie, 82, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2018, at Tendercare Alpena surrounded by her family.

On October 4, 1935, Elaine was born in Eagle, Mich. to the late Edward and Ethel (Hewson) Kransz. She married Donovan Doxsie, and worked on their family farm for 30 years. She moved to Mulliken, Mich. and later to Charlotte. Donovan preceded her in death on February 25, 2006. Elaine was a musician and enjoyed playing her accordion. She also enjoyed being a bus driver for 10 years. Elaine was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed and loved by many.

She is survived by two daughters, Cynthia (Mark) Beegle of Atlanta, Mich., and Patricia (Chris) Voight of Bellevue; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Elizabeth (Donny) Pung of St. Johns.

Elaine was preceded in death by her son Richard; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Earl and Robert Kransz.

A graveside service will be held at Sunfield Cemetery on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 1 p.m., with Rev. Greg Nitchman officiating.

Online condolences may be made at karpushuntercares.com.

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Robert “Carroll” Dane, a deeply devoted husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully on May 18, 2018 in Charlotte. Carroll, 87, of Charlotte, was born on April 19, 1931, in Lansing, the son of Harold and Ruth Dane.  He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1949 before enlisting in the U.S. Army.  He married the love of his life, Patricia Gould, on June 29, 1952, in Charlotte, and the two enjoyed 65 years of true love and partnership before Pat’s death in 2017. Carroll provided a wonderful life for his family, working 34 years as a cost estimator for A.E. Hoover in Charlotte. Many will remember Carroll as a well-dressed, soft spoken gentleman.  He enjoyed time on the golf course at the Charlotte Country Club, and playing cards and watching sports.  Above all, Carroll loved his family.

Carroll is survived by his daughters, Terry (Rod) McGilvra, Denise (Robert) McConnell, Kim (Neal) Wilmore, Robin (Karl) Dykstra-Mehlig; son, Brian (Kimberly) Dane, daughter-in-law, Carol Dane; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara (Harvey) Gray.

He was preceded in death by sons, Mark and Robert Dane; brother, Raymond; grandson, Gregory Dane; and his wife of 65 years, Patricia Bernice Dane.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation was from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, just prior to the service. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.  If desired, the family suggests memorial donations to the National Kidney Foundation.

The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Carroll’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Gerald David Binning, Sr., 82, of Charlotte, passed into eternity on May 10, 2018 in the twinkling of an eye, just like God’s word says it. Jerry was born in Nameoki, Ill. in 1934 to Everette and Verna Binning. He transferred to Charlotte in 1963 when Owens-Illinois glass factory was built here. After 43 years of service with the company, he retired then went on the road working as a millwright, installing conveyors for nine years. He enjoyed farming and gardening, fishing, painting and family vacations and gatherings.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years of marriage, Betty; four children, Vicky Binning, Gerald Binning, Jr., Debbie Zimmerman, Tommy Binning; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Connie and John Clark; brother, Ronnie (Shirley) Binning; sister-in-law, Barb Binning; and many nephews and nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice of Okemos or First Baptist Church of Charlotte.

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Charles Linn Burt, 91, of Bellevue, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, surrounded by family at home.  He was born May 23, 1926 in Lansing to Lloyd and Margaret (Parish) Burt. He proudly served during World War II, and when he returned he married his sweetheart, Leone Stetler.  His family fondly remembers him as a wonderful husband, an awesome father, and a terrific provider. Charles loved going for car rides, garage sales, and he loved to gamble. He enjoyed family camping trips around the state, being in the yard and watching birds, and he was a Detroit Tigers and NASCAR fan. Charles worked at the AE Hoover Factory, retiring in 1988.  He was always smiling, and full of life, and was a helping hand to many.

Charles is survived by his children, Randy (Valerie) Burt, Sheila (Charles) Youngs, Marsha Hayes, and Jeff (Linda) Burt; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jeane Burt.

He was predeceased by his wife, Leone; son, Dale Burt; grandson, Adam Burt; and brothers, Glen and Leo Burt.

Friends are encouraged to support Charles’ family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Monday, May 21, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Francis officiating.  Visitation is Sunday, May 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the VA Hospital.

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

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Funeral Services:

Beverly Ann Bogner, a welcoming lady who became “everybody’s mother,” of Charlotte died May 14, 2018 at the age of 94. She was born August 2, 1923 in Hastings to high school chemistry teacher Frederick Jones and his wife, Gertrude (Waters) Jones, who was a teacher at the Dowd School. Bev served during World War II in the Navy Waves as a storekeeper, and after her return, she married John R. Bogner on August 31, 1947.  Bev was a supporter of local teachers, active member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, and she was also a member of the League of Women Voters, and the Camp Fire Board for many years.  She was an award winning EATRAN bus driver, retiring in 1988.

As a young girl, Bev helped build the family home by “driving in every second nail,” and helping her father construct a stone fireplace. Family was everything to Bev, she lived vicariously through her daughters and their accomplishments. She loved camping, canoeing, swimming, boating, and life on the lake being in the family cottage. Bev loved traveling as well, including a special trip to England to trace family history. Her family will always remember her laugh, known as the “Jones Girls Laugh,” that she and her sisters all shared and sounded the same.

Beverly is survived by her loving daughters, Ann Waters, Catherine Bogner, Sara LaForge, and Jane Bogner Ventsias; granddaughters, Laurel, Heather, and Alexandra; grandson, Nick; and 2 great-grandchildren.  Beverly was preceded in death by her husband, John in 1994; and sisters, Irene (Francis) Hamilton and Willo (Joseph) Cooper.

Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family at memorial services at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte on Friday, May 18, 11 a.m., with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Camp Frances Educational and Recreational Center. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Catherine B. Carroll, 74, of Vermontville, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, surrounded by her family. She was born February 6, 1944, in Sheridan, Mich., the daughter of Donald and Aletha Husted. On June 26, 1961, she married JW Carroll in Belding at the family home. Cathy loved people. If you ever visited her home you may have come as a friend but you always left as family. Cathy loved to work outdoors and could often be found planting or weeding flowers beds. Cathy was an amazing cook and baker. Everyone always looked forward to sitting down at her table for a wonderful home-cooked meal. Cathy loved her job as a bus driver for Charlotte transportation. She made many lifelong friendships throughout her 24 years of dedicated service.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, JW; children, Annette (Terry) Frith, Jeremy (Erin) Carroll, Josh Carroll, Becky (Ed) Bruce; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Faith) Husted; and sister, Ruth Ann.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Jim Carroll; daughter, Diane Sue Carroll; and grandson, Jacob Carroll.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. Burial will take place at Evergreen Township Cemetery in Sheridan at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Cathy’s memory to Charlotte Assembly of God or the charity of their choice.

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

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Funeral Services:

Wilson “Spark” Ashley, 68, of Nashville passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018 while wintering in Florida.

A memorial service will he held at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, with Shirley Zobian officiating. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the memorial service, beginning at 1 p.m.

There will be a time of luncheon and fellowship immediately following the memorial service at the Nashville VFW Post #8260.

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