Obituaries
Carol Ann Williams
Carol Ann Williams, 82, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1942, in Corunna, MI, to Howard and Isabelle (Foster) Slaght. Carol spent her early years in Indian River, MI, before settling in Eaton Rapids, where she graduated with the class of 1960.
Carol dedicated more than 20 years to Eaton Rapids Public Schools, retiring as the secretary for the intermediate school. In her retirement, she remained deeply engaged with her community. She served as treasurer of the Eaton Rapids Historical Society, was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, BPW, Junior Women’s Club, and participated in a weekly golf league at Bonnie View Golf Course. Carol found joy in her monthly bridge gatherings and dedicated many years as a valued volunteer for the Eaton Rapids Township Elections. She cherished her coffee gatherings with high school friends, traveling with her beloved husband, Keith, and supporting her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at their sporting events.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Floyd Ferris, and her sister Joyce Comer. She leaves behind her husband, Keith Williams; daughter Shawn Morgan; son Tony (Nicole) Williams; grandchildren Michael Morgan, Rachel Morgan, Keith Morgan, Hunter Williams, and Garrett Williams; sister Jacki Worden; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Chuck and Phyllis Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The family welcomed visitors on Monday, January 6, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Memorial contributions in Carol’s honor may be made to the Eaton Rapids Historical Society. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Janet Marie Harkness
Janet Marie Harkness, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025. She was born on June 6, 1934, in Eaton Rapids, MI, to Jarious and Marguerite (Kendell) Slentz. Janet grew up in Eaton Rapids and graduated from Eaton Rapids High School with the Class of 1952.
Janet dedicated much of her career to serving others through her work at the State of Michigan’s School Employees Retirement System, retiring in 1987. A longtime member of the First Congregational Church, Janet found joy and purpose in her faith and church community.
She cherished the winters spent with her beloved husband, John, in Lakeland, Florida. Janet was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always treasuring time with her family. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s events, dining out with loved ones, and relaxing with a good Hallmark movie.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Jarious and Marguerite Slentz, and her husband, John Harkness. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Michael (Cindy) Harkness, Bruce (Katie) Harkness, Ann (Jeff) Vealey, and Kay Harkness; her grandchildren, Daniel Harkness, John (Elizabeth) Harkness, Benjamin Harkness, Christine (Kenny) Hwang, Angela (Zach) Lankton, Derek (Kate) Harkness, and Aaron (Amanda) Harkness; seven great-grandchildren; her brothers, Jerry Slentz and John Slentz; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of Janet’s life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on May 10, 2025, at the First Congregational Church in Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in Janet’s memory. To share memories or offer condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John “Jack” Allen, age 84, of Charlotte, was welcomed home into the loving arms of his Savior on Sunday, January 5, 2025. He was born May 27, 1940, in Owosso, Michigan the son of Robert and Blanche (Gurden) Allen. Jack graduated from Owosso High School and went on to attend GM Tech where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Engineering. On July 11, 1959, he married Wanda Jean Austin. Jack gave his heart to the Lord in 1969 and was baptized in April of 1970. He enjoyed spending time with his precious family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always made it a point to attend their athletic and other school events. In his spare-time Jack enjoyed deer hunting, turkey hunting, treasure hunting with his metal detector, and watching Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers sports. Jack was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church where his church family was very important to him. He will be dearly missed by all those that knew him.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Jon) Hosek; grandchildren, Alaina Williams, Emily (Tim Arrington) Hosek, Zachary Hosek, and Noah Hosek; great-grandchildren, Mason, Keegan, and Ensley O’Connor; siblings, Robert (Shirley) Allen of Grove, Oklahoma, Calvin (Lee) Allen of Owosso, Janice (Tom) Schultz of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Wanda Jean; and grandson-in-law, Liam O’Connor; nieces, Terra Schultz, Susan Allen-Speers; and nephews, Robert Allen III, Michael Allen.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Potter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jack’s memory to Calvary Baptist Church or a college fund set up for his great-grandchildren in care of Cindy Hosek.
To view Jack’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Patricia A. McCarthy
Known for her kindness, generosity, and unique sense of humor, Patricia A. McCarthy dedicated her life to education and community service. She passed away on January 3, 2025, after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and commitment to those around her.
Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, on February 25, 1945, Patricia was proud of her family’s resilience during challenging times in their small town. She graduated from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota, earning a degree in teaching. Patricia’s passion for education led her to teach at various public schools, including positions as a substitute teacher at Battle Creek Public Schools and as a teacher at Belleville Public Schools. She also shared her love for music as a music teacher.
An active and devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Philip Catholic Central Church, Patricia found joy in volunteering at the church thrift shop, participating in bible studies, and engaging with the Council of Catholic Women. Her faith and commitment to her church communities were evident in all she did.
An avid puzzle enthusiast and sports fan, she enjoyed attending semi-pro basketball games and cherished the fellowship these activities brought. Her outgoing nature and ability to make friends easily endeared her to many.
Patricia met her husband, James McCarthy, through a local singles group. Together, they built a life rooted in love and mutual support. She is survived by her son, Shawn Levi McCarthy; sister-in-law Kathleen Kiellman; nephews, Alan and Dan Ryan; cousins, Jane Smith Gorman and Sam Smith; and dear friends, Virginia Hendrickson, Ron Petty, and Sondra Petty. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis M Ryan and Mary Ryan; her brother, James Ryan; sister-in-law, Shirley Ryan; and grandfather, Edward Ryan.
Friends are encouraged to support Patricia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service was held on January 9, 2025, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation took place from 9 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 11 a.m. with Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Patricia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or St. Philip Catholic Central Church, reflecting Patricia’s deep connection to her faith and community. The family is in care of Pray Funeral Home.
Patricia’s generous spirit and dedication to service have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to uplifting others and her lasting impact on the community.
Ellen Kay Dunn
Ellen Kay Dunn, 86 of Charlotte, passed into the presence of her savior, Jesus Christ, on January 6, 2025. Ellen was born in Charlotte to Lee and Leta Marie (Bottomley) Gingrich on March 9, 1938, growing up on the family farm and graduating from Charlotte High School. Ellen’s stories of her childhood will forever be remembered by her children; fun times she shared on the farm with her siblings Bob, Bonnie, and John, her friends Marilyn and Sharon, and classmates at Gresham school.
Ellen’s love for God began as a little girl attending Gresham Church. Ellen held steadfast in her devotion to God and loved to tell everybody about Him and the wonderful things in her life that were possible because of her relationship with Him. She became a member of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and appreciated the love and kindness shown to her by fellow members and Pastor Pete who often sent cards and visited her when she was no longer able to attend church. She also found comfort in listening to Bible Broadcasting Network daily when her vision became too impaired to read her Bible.
Ellen was a hard worker and found work fulfilling. She worked at Owens Illinois for 13 years, where she made many friends and met her husband Wayne Dunn who she described as the “handsomest man she had ever met.” Ellen and Wayne were married on December 20, 1969. Ellen went on to work as a Real Estate Agent at Charlotte Realtors and A and B Realty and found joy in helping families find and purchase their dream home. Ellen’s goal, however, was to become a psychologist. She did not let age, or any other barrier stand in her way. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Olivet College in 1991 and went on to obtain her Master’s from Western Michigan University in 2005. She worked as a Psychologist at Jackson Community Mental Health, Summit Pointe in Battle Creek, and at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital where she retired in her 70’s. A strong, independent woman with many talents, she also loved sewing clothes for her children, making over 300 garments for them over the years.
A devoted and loyal wife, she proudly took care of her husband Wayne in his final years. Ellen loved being a mother, and while stern, was also very loving and made her children feel loved and cherished in every way possible. As a grandmother she always wanted to be the first to hold a grandchild and enjoyed every moment possible with them. Ellen developed a love for Italy and the songs of Pavarotti over her lifetime and her daughter, Jane helped her fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Italy where they spent 15 days seeing the sights and making many cherished memories.
Ellen is survived by her children, Rob Thompson, Jane (Larry) Johnston, Gina (Ross) Himebaugh, Maria (John) Yeary, and Wes (Amy) Dunn; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Kay Dawn Gingrich; and brother-in-law, Bob (Maxine) Dunn. She was predeceased by her husband, Wayne Dunn; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Colleen Gingrich; sister, Bonnie LeDoux-Simek; brother, John Gingrich; infant brother, Walter Lee; nephews, Chris Ledoux and Tim Gingrich; and good friend, Alva Hall.
Ellen’s family would like to thank Hospice of Lansing and the staff at Country Living Senior Care in Portland for the excellent care they provided over the last year. Friends are encouraged to support Ellen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, January 8, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, January 9, 2:30 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral was be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ellen’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bible Broadcasting Network or a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.