Obituaries
Raymond Hickey
Raymond Hickey, age 89, passed away on September 22, 2024, in his home after a courageous fight with lung cancer.
Born August 7, 1935, to Joe and Inez (Nesbet) Hickey at their Nashville home, Raymond worked on the family farm until graduating in 1954 from Nashville High School where he participated in FFA, basketball, and football.
After graduating, he married Jean Bartholomew and continued to work at Randall Lumber Company. Shortly after, he bought his first milk route, hauling can milk and then on to bulk milk. He bought his farm and eventually became a full-time dairy farmer.
In 1980 he married Nola Jane (Wilcox-Rice) and together they enjoyed any times in their cabin in Roscommon where they enjoyed garage saling, quad riding, and going to the casino. He loved the great north. They also enjoyed traveling to Mexico with friends a few times.
Raymond is survived by his children, Deb (Jerry) Kemp, Don (Karen) Hickey, and Sue (David) Fassett-Musser, his stepchildren, Dan (Shennon) Rice and Cindy (Bruce) Carpenter, his sisters, Kay Bernash, Lois Barton, and Pat (Maynard) McClelland, his brother Bernie (Ruth) Hickey, as well as 14 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Nola Jane, his sister JoAnne, his brothers-in-law, Jim and Jack, and his stepson, Jay Rice.
Memorial contributions can be made in Raymond’s honor to St Jude.
There will be a funeral service at Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. with the family receiving visitors one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There will be a luncheon following the funeral service and interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville, MI.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E M79 Hwy, Nashville, MI. For more information, please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Harriet Laurabelle Eitniear
Harriet Laurabelle Eitniear, a strong, creative, adventurous, and loving woman, died September 18, 2024 at the age of 88. Harriet was born August 27, 1936 to Herman and Dorothy (Dickerson) Durbin Sr., one of eight children of the couple. She married her first husband, James Sinclair, in 1955 and together they had three daughters. James passed away at the age of 34, and Harriet fell in love for the second time to Roy (Harold) Eitniear, a former school mate, widower and father of three daughters himself. As the two married and blended their families, they shared their ability to love and accept everyone, enjoying many adventures together. Harriet loved all her girls, and she loved to sew. She made barbie doll clothes when the girls were young and made many of the girls’ clothes including flannel pajamas at Christmas. When the grandchildren started coming along, the flannel pajamas at Christmas tradition continued for everyone! Harriet loved quilting and made many beautiful quilts for her family and friends. Harriet always persevered and was there for her family during tough times, sharing her compassion and spunk when it was needed most.
Harriet and Harold went on many adventures together across the U.S. and even bicycled around England. She began running in her 40’s and ran in several races. Harriet also enjoyed white water rafting, canoeing (including canoe races with Roy) camping with family (two weeks every summer, rain or shine – mostly rain), bowling, and Detroit Tigers baseball, spur of the moment ice cream runs with the grandkids and quiet things like reading, quilting, crafting, flower gardening, and decorating cakes.
Harriet is survived by her children, Cathy (Michael) Larson, Laurie Savage, Sally (Mark) Coleman, Terri (Gary) Ross, Robin (Michael) McCain, and Kim Artibee; grandchildren, Jennifer Crane, Lisa Volz, Keith Ross, Deja Chavez, Staci Lowe, Jason Artibee, Matthew McCain, Joeph McCain, Rachel Hayes, Ann Larson, Rebecca Coleman, Tyler Larson, and Bailey Coleman; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Jerry) Tegethoff; sisters-in-law, Patricia Nicol and Diana Boyce. She was predeceased by her first husband, James Sinclair; second husband, Roy (Harold) Eitniear; sons-in-law, Theo Savage and Richard Artibee; her parents; and siblings, Barbara Matthews, Beverly Beals, Jean Neubert, Herman Durbin Jr., Aletha Beals, and Kathryn Tegetoff.
Friends are encouraged to support Harriet’s family by attending services or sharing memories (especially pictures of the quilts she had made) on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. The funeral will 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 Harriet’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 Sycamore Creek Food Pantry. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Hazel Anne Hart
Hazel Anne Hart, a woman who was always on the go and willing to help others, died on September 21, 2024. Hazel, 83, of Charlotte was born December 18, 1940, the daughter of Cloyd and Hazel (Bennett) Tennant. Hazel after high school earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching from Western Michigan University. While teaching one of her students introduced her to their father Roland Hart. In 1967 Hazel and Roland married and began their family together, until 1984 when Roland suddenly passed away on September 21, 1984. At this point Hazel raised their two youngest children alone. She worked as an Adult Education Teacher until her retirement. Hazel in her younger years was always doing something, from volunteering at the Senior Center, to attending Red Hat Society meetings, cooking for her family, and her love for lighthouses. In recent years with her declined health, she enjoyed browsing Facebook, and most importantly spending time with her family.
Hazel is survived by her children, Jennifer (Merle) Thurman, Marine (Penny) Boles, Roger (Lillian) Hart, and Edward (Patricia) Hart; grandchildren, James, Samantha, Christina, Michael, Scott, Trina, John, Curt, Lloyd, Laura, Buddy, Kelly, and Kandy; and several great-grandchildren, and extended family members; and her beloved cat, Bella. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; daughter, Marianne Brown; grandchildren, Tammy, and Roger; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Hazel’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, September 27, 2024, from 10-11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A funeral service followed beginning at 11:00 a.m. Following the funeral, interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford, MI. The funeral will 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 Hazel’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 the Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Thomas L. Pridgeon
Thomas L. Pridgeon, age 82, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on September 21, 2024. Tom was born on January 16, 1942, in Hillsdale, Michigan, the son of the late Glen and Lorene (Mitchell) Pridgeon. Tom was proceeded in death by his six siblings. Dean Pridgeon, Joyce (Carpenter) Pridgeon, Marcille (Dalgleish) Pridgeon, Marvin Pridgeon, Ellen (Layer) Pridgeon, and John Pridgeon.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sharron, their two adult children Jeff Pridgeon (Laurie) of Olivet, MI and Andy Pridgeon (Angie) of Williamston, MI as well as their grandchildren Jason (Madison) Pridgeon, Morgan Pridgeon, Alexis Pridgeon, Lukas Pridgeon, Ashtyn Pridgeon, Haidyn Pridgeon, Dustin (Jamie) McCarn, Taylor Hisler, Cameron (Kristal) Hisler, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tom was a graduate of Reading High School in Reading, Michigan. He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree from Adrian College, his master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and his Educational Specialist Degree from Michigan State University. A passionate educator, Tom spent his career dedicated to helping others reach their potential, shaping countless lives with his wisdom and guidance, and working to build a better tomorrow within the communities he served.
Tom had a spirit of adventure and a love for travel. He and Sharron made many fond memories exploring new places together, embracing life’s experiences to the fullest. In addition to his love for education and travel, Tom was a loyal fan of Michigan State athletics, rarely missing a game and always rooting for his Spartans.
Tom’s sense of humor, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy will live on through his family, the many students and professionals whose lives he touched, and the memories he created with loved ones.
Tom’s service was held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 on Friday, September 27. Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. with the celebration of Tom’s life beginning at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church or the 1108 Associates Scholarship Fund of Adrian College. You can either go online at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/38972/donations/new?amt=250.00 and type in “1108 Associates” in the designation box or you can send a check payable to: Adrian College, Memo: 1108 Associates Scholarship Fund, Attn: Jim Mahony at 110 S. Madison St., Adrian, MI 49221.
To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home Charlotte, Michigan.
Patrick Michael O’Brien
Patrick Michael O’Brien, better known as OB, a true patriot and loving family man, died peacefully surrounded by his wife, brother, sister-in-law, and children at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. OB, 75, of Plainwell, formerly of Charlotte, was born March 8, 1949, in Detroit, the son of Dennis Joseph and Elizabeth Louise (Merritt) O’Brien. Growing up in Dearborn, OB learned the value of hard work pumping gas and working on cars at his father’s service station. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School but was drafted into the U.S. Army before graduating. OB’s talents in mechanical problem-solving and innovative thinking landed him a role as a helicopter mechanic and door gunner aboard a Huey Helicopter in the thick of the Vietnam War. Upon his return from the war, OB found the disarray and chaos of the 1960s American homeland unbearable and volunteered immediately for a second tour of duty. He returned to the Vietnam jungles only to find his former base abandoned. He foraged his way to a new base, where he once again served his country with valor and distinction, earning countless decorations, including a Bronze Star.
Upon returning home, OB had several unusual jobs during these years, including training security dogs, going undercover for his father’s Fairlane Detective Agency, working as a bouncer and steel truck driver, and earning his welding certification to construct dune buggies. He finished his G.E.D. and went on to earn two associate degrees. He eventually found his calling, enlisting with the Army Air National Guard, where he remained for nearly forty years. He married the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Murrell, affectionately known to OB as Margaret, on October 16, 1976. A few years into their marriage, Sherry and OB welcomed their son, Shaun Patrick O’Brien, and soon after, their daughter, Tara Elizabeth O’Brien. They moved their young family to Charlotte, MI, where they would reside for 40 years.
OB continued his service as a career helicopter mechanic with the Air National Guard in Grand Ledge, eventually attaining the rank of First Sergeant. His unit was deployed to Iraq, where he served his final tour of active combat duty at Camp Anaconda in Balad. His troops trusted his combat experience and leadership, and he commanded respect from all who worked alongside him, including his superiors. OB was always known to stand up for what is right and never back down. His humility wouldn’t allow him to admit it, but to all who knew him, he was the true definition of an honorable man and a hero.
OB organized the St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the armory in Grand Ledge for many years, complete with corned beef and cabbage, serving over 100 servicemen and their families. His innate ability and natural God-given intelligence allowed him to solve problems many others couldn’t, a trait he passed on to his children. Patriotism was a top priority in OB’s life. To him, “Country is Family.” He organized and led the construction of the Memorial Wall in Grand Ledge and served as a Mercy Pilot for those in need of transportation for long-distance medical care.
Above all, OB will be remembered for his dependability, courage, and love for his family.
OB is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Sherry O’Brien; their son, Shaun (Lara) O’Brien; their daughter, Tara (Aaron) McCullough; three grandsons, Beckett and Colin McCullough, and Logan O’Brien; sister, Beth (Ron) Clark; brother, Kevin (Fran) O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Timmy O’Brien and Dennis O’Brien.
Friends are encouraged to support OB’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church and in the Parish Hall after completing military honors. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device with internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on OB’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.