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Clyde B. Ray
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Funeral Services:
Clyde B. Ray, age 100, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, at his home. He was born November 11, 1919, in Blanchard, MI. Clyde grew up on the family farm in rural Montcalm County. He graduated from high school in Blanchard in 1937. He lived in the thumb for a brief time in his teens with his brother and his wife. Soon after graduating from high school, he went to live with the local county agent and his family. During this time, he attended Arenac County Normal School to obtain his teaching certificate. After receiving his certificate, he enrolled at Michigan State College. It was there that he would go on to earn a bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree. While he was attending Michigan State College, he met a charming young lady by the name of Violet Nelson. During Clyde’s time at Michigan State College, he was also enrolled in ROTC. After his time there, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. Before being sent overseas, he returned home to Michigan for one final visit. While there, he and Violet decided to make a bus trip to the thumb so she could meet Clyde’s brother and sister-in-law. On the ride home, Violet asked Clyde if he would marry her before he was to be shipped out in just a few short weeks. He agreed, and the two were soon married at Violet’s family home in Brookfield Township. Clyde served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 with the 28th Infantry in Germany and later with the 355th Engineer Battalion. He earned three Bronze Service Stars for his heroic service to his fellow man and country.
When he returned home from active duty, he began his teaching career in Vocational Agriculture at Hanover-Horton Schools and later Lake Odessa. Violet was also teaching home economics at the same time in Lake Odessa. When an opening for teachers came up in Charlotte, the couple jumped at the opportunity. Clyde would teach Vocational Agriculture for 28 years before retiring, and Violet taught on and off for 20 years. Clyde loved his students and the opportunity he had to be a positive influence in their lives.
Clyde is survived by his sons: Roger of Lansing, Nelson and (Rochelle) of Hillsdale; grandchildren: Adrian (Cassandra) Ray, Aimee (David) Cole, Aubrey (Louis) Harper, Anderson Emmillie (Jonah) Boot; great-grandchildren: Bailey Ray, Teagan Ray, Emmerson Ray, Merik Slovacek, Adaline Flint, and Viola Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Violet in 2006; and nine siblings.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Burial was scheduled to take place at Danby Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Clyde’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans or Charlotte FFA Scholarship Fund, 378 State St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Clyde’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz
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Funeral Services:
Duane L. “Pete” Shrontz, age 83, of Marengo Township, the current Marengo Township Supervisor, passed away in the love and care of his family at his home on Monday afternoon, December 9, 2019.
Pete was born on June 20, 1936, at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte to Dale and Mildred (Goodwin) Shrontz. He graduated in 1954 from Olivet High School. His first job after graduation was driving school bus for the Olivet schools. In 1955, he started to drive for Michigan Milk Haulers while helping his father with his farming operation in Walton Township.
On January 21, 1968, he married Joyce (Kreger) Scripter. The couple moved to where their home is now in Marengo Township. In 1969, Pete and his wife Joyce began Shrontz Milk Service. The couple operated the milk hauling operation from their home until they retired and sold the business in 2004.
Pete served his township in several capacities during his lifetime to help insure his family and neighbors a well-deserved quality of life. From 1988 until 2002, he served with the Marengo Township Fire Department, responding to calls for help both day and night. He served as a Marengo Township trustee, first being appointed to fill a term in 2003. In November of 2004, he won the seat in the general election.
While serving on the township board, he was appointed to fill the position of supervisor on Feb. 3, 2012. The township residents elected him to the supervisor’s position in November of 2012, and he still currently served in that office until his death.
Pete and Joyce enjoyed several vacations, which included trips to Amsterdam, Hawaii and London, besides a multitude of trips to Las Vegas. They enjoyed camping, playing cards and going out to eat.
Pete was a dedicated fan of Michigan State University sports, Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Lions and high-school sports. Many games were rehashed with his daughter Lorie, with Pete’s slant on what would have been the proper coaching!
Pete is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Joyce; daughter Lorie (Dean) Hartley of Lansing; step-children Donna (Doug) Miller of Concord, Phyllis Hoffman of Albion, Bob (Sue Taylor) Scripter of Spring Arbor, and Roxanne (Michael) Gifford of Miller, MO; his son-in-law Al Denbrock of Albion; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Pete with Joyce enjoyed their family roles as grandparents over the years with the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mildred Shrontz, his sister Joyce Ott and his step-daughter Diane Denbrock.
Friends were invited to call at the Marshall Chapel of Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, at 723 US Hwy. 27 N. in Marshall, on Friday, Dec. 13. from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Paul Koehn officiating. Interment will follow in Albion Memory Gardens. A luncheon will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church after interment.
The family suggests you remember Pete with a contribution to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Luther Blvd., Albion MI 49224; Marengo Township Fire Department, 14201 23 Mile Road, Albion MI 49224; or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, www.heartlandhospicefund.org.
To leave a message for the family, visit kempffuneralhome.com.
Dennis Eugene Wertz
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Funeral Services:
Dennis Eugene Wertz, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at McLaren Hospital in Lansing. He was born August 14, 1935, in Charlotte the son of Duane E. and Martha L. (Welch) Wertz. Denny graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1954. On May 15, 1955, he married Carla Gene Powers at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Denny, along with his family, owned and operated Wertz and Company John Deere in Charlotte for many years. He also served on the Charlotte Fire Department for the majority of his life as assistant chief. Denny loved racing Polaris snowmobiles. He also enjoyed raising a menagerie of animals for everyone to enjoy but had a special place in his heart for Weimaraner dogs. He also played and sponsored the Wertz and Company men’s fast-pitch softball and bowling teams. Denny loved his family but was especially fond of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters: Deniece (Bill) Kellogg of Grand Ledge, Deanna Wertz of Olivet, Darci (Todd Hogeland) Wertz of Charlotte, Darla (Troy) Scott of Lansing; grandchildren: Mikel Kellogg, Corie (Eric) Lawrence; Billy (Malori Grantham) Kellogg, Deni Swinton, Dustin Scott; great grandchildren: Laityn Kellogg, Dawson Kellogg, Miles Lawrence; siblings: Darry (Delores) Wertz, Angie (Fred) Earl, and Donald (Linda) Wertz.
Denny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carla in 2006; and sister, Marcia (Thomas) Dewey.
In keeping with Denny’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Denny’s honor to the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue, PO Box 372, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
To view Denny’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
David M. Sutherland
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Funeral Services:
David M. Sutherland, of Florida, died at 11:30 a.m. on December 6, 2019, in Fort Myers. David was born on December 28, 1957, in Hastings, MI, the son of Mile and Mary (Nielsen) Sutherland. He attended Lakewood and Eaton Rapids schools. He served his country in the Navy. He was a very talented handyman.
David is survived by his brother, James R. Sutherland. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his son, David J. Sutherland.
Services will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Mills Funeral Home — Shelly Odell Chapel for their assistance.
Skyler James Dyer
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Funeral Services:
Skyler James Dyer of Eaton Rapids passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at the age of 26. Skyler was born on January 11, 1993, in Lansing, the first of three children to Brent and Babe (Shelden) Dyer. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School, class of 2011, and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he was currently enrolled studying computer science. Skyler was passionate about music and sports, especially European soccer and MSU, attending the basketball games in the Izzone and football and hockey in the student sections. He was a talented photographer and tap dancer and enjoyed video games and Friday-night movies with his friends. Skyler made numerous friends that became more like family, throughout the United States and abroad, through his memberships with the Tennessee Squires Association and the Michigan Grand Prix Club. Skyler also loved to travel with his family and spend time at Lake Odessa.
Skyler is preceded in death by his grandparents, Ken Dyer, Sr., Gram and Pa Rogers; great-grandparents, Vi and Joe Simmons.
He is survived by his parents, Babe and Brent; brother, Brody Dyer; sister, Breann Dyer; grandparents, Merrill “Bird” and Trudy Shelden, Bob and Barb Kurtz; aunts and uncles, Angel (Chris) Thomas, Kenny (Heather) Dyer, Snapper (Sara) Shelden, Sid (Christie) Shelden; cousins, T.J. Dyer, Meghan Dyer, Amiah Thomas, Noelle Thomas, Braylen Thomas, Ebony Shelden, Noah Shelden, Teleri Shelden, Emmalynn Shelden, Ian MeClellan; his cat, Zane and dogs, Motlow and Peaches.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 12, at the Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the family’s Go Fund Me page or to the Capital Area Humane Society in memory of Skyler. To share memories or condolences, visit www.skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Betty Lou (Moubray) Danford
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Funeral Services:
Betty Lou (Moubray) Danford, age 90 — a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend — passed away December 2, 2019, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Born October 25, 1929, in Lansing to Carlos and Hazel (Levis) Moubray, she attended Miller Road elementary in her early years and later graduated from Dimondale High School. A lifetime member of Dimondale United Methodist Church, Betty was married there in August of 1953 to George William Danford, and remained active with many church groups and activities throughout her lifetime. Betty lived in the Dimondale area for 80 years, residing at her home where she and George raised their family together for 61 years. Following her desire to become a nurse, Betty graduated from Mercy College, St. Lawrence in 1953, where she began her nursing career and taught nursing classes. She ended her nursing career at Ingham Medical Center (Ingham Sanitarium) with over 38 years of service.
Betty will be missed dearly by her beloved children, Catherine (Jerry) Timmons, Larry (Kimi) Danford; George Danford; and Bruce (Christine) Danford; grandchildren, Corey (Sara French) Danford, Kiersten (Crist Webb) Danford, Justin (Eleni) Danford, Katelyn (Thomas Huber) Danford, Jeri Lynn (Mark) Lauer, Laura (Carl) Logan; great-grandchildren, Malachi and Esther Lauer; sister, Doris (Jim) Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Moubray; brothers, Thomas (Cheryl) Moubray, Jim Moubray; Charles Steven (Carolyn) Moubray, and Ronald (Karen) Moubray; cousin, Gary (Cathy) Moubray; and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 2008; her parents; and brother, Richard (Dick) Moubray; and sister-in-law, Joyce Moubray. The family appreciates the tender loving care and support Betty received from the Sparrow Hospice team and the Eaton Community Palliative Care staff.
A celebration of Betty’s life was scheduled to be held at the Dimondale United Methodist Church on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Linda Farmer-Lewis officiating. Visitation was held prior to the Life Celebration, from 9-11 a.m. Interment will be at Dimondale Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care in Betty’s memory. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Betty on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ellen Anne Gidner
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Funeral Services:
Ellen Anne Gidner, a very humble and caring lady, died December 4, 2019, at the age of 90. Born October 17, 1929 in Jackson to Lyle and Anna (Whiting) Hartley, she graduated from Holt High School in 1946. She married Keith Gidner in 1951, and together they created a legacy of love and caring for others. Ellen was very proud of her 28 years as an employee at Eaton Federal Bank, starting as a teller and retiring from the accounting department as a bookkeeper. After retirement, Ellen and Keith were very busy, camping with friends in the summer and winters in Texas. Never one to complain, Ellen was very easy to get along with and made many friends over the years. She was very proud of her family and loved spending time with them, making every event special and full of love.
Ellen is survived by her husband of 68 years, Keith; children David Gidner, Cindy (Gary) Sabo, and Brian Gidner; grandchildren, Jessica, Lindsay, Julia, Jill, Josie, Cody, and Connor; and 6 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sisters, Janice and Esther.
Friends are encouraged to support Ellen’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Gary Wales officiating. Visitation is Friday, December 6, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ellen on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Mary Clarice Harris
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Mary Clarice Harris, age 73, a warm and caring woman of deep Faith and a loving mother and grandmother, died Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at her home in Charlotte. Mary was born January 22, 1946, on Selfridge Field Airforce Base in Harrison Township, MI, the daughter of William Richard and Mary Lisette (Leitz) Stephens. During her childhood, the family moved often with her father’s Air Force assignments. She graduated high school from Rome Free Academy in Rome, NY, before eventually returning to Michigan and taking a job with Michigan Bell Telephone Company, where she met Michael Duane Harris. The two married six months later on February 21, 1970. They settled in Charlotte, where Mary served as a troop leader for both boy scouts and girl scouts, and she began her career in education as a volunteer for Potterville schools. Following her time in Potterville, she started with Charlotte Public Schools in juvenile corrections, eventually moving on as a para professional at the high school, Galewood Elementary and, finally, the middle school before retirement after over 15 years.
Mary devoted much of her time and talent to Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. As a longtime member, she served as head of the Altar Guild and helped prepare meals through the church for the Eaton Area Senior Center Thanksgiving dinners. She lived a busy lifestyle in retirement, mostly through the workings of her Faith. She enjoyed swimming at the Aquatic Center and Tuesday trips to the movie theater with her best friend Chris Stough. Chris and Mary also travelled the country together, visiting family members and friends. Above all, Mary loved and cherished her family.
Mary is survived by her husband of 49 years, Michael; son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughter, Alice Harris, and another granddaughter due in January; brother, Robert (Nancy) Stephens; sisters-in-law, Beverly Stephens and Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, William Stephens, Jr. and Barry Stephens.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor David Keller officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019, at the funeral home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charlene Candice Moore
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Funeral Services:
Charlene Candice Moore, age 91, an eternal optimist and center of her family, died on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, 2019, in Petoskey. Born in Potterville on July 31, 1928, to Ray and Bonnie (Bramble) Laverty, Charlene grew up there and graduated from Potterville High School in 1946. She married Donald Moore and worked at Michigan Bell as an operator until they expanded their family. A few years later, she returned to work at AT&T at their switch station in Charlotte, retiring with 32 years of service. Over the years, Charlene enjoyed lots of activities in the Charlotte community, including membership at the Charlotte Country Club (where she had a hole in one), bowling and dancing with Don. Charlene and Donald loved to travel to Bradenton, FL in the winters after their retirement.
Charlene is survived by her daughters, Candace (Ron) Karr of Petoskey and Connie Burgess; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Donald, in 2013; and her son, Rocco Moore, in 2007.
A spring 2020 interment at Benton Township Cemetery is being planned. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Charlene on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.