Obituaries
Mary Ellen Geisenhaver
Mary Ellen Geisenhaver, 79, of Potterville, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 18, 2024. Mary Ellen was born September 27, 1945, in Grand Ledge, one of eight children of Joseph and Alvena (Wonch) Broskey. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1964 and married the love of her life, Dennis Geisenhaver on September 12 of the same year. Growing up in a big family instilled a life-long love of togetherness with her children, grandchildren, siblings, and many nieces and nephews. She was the “neighborhood mom,” and almost always had a slew of children around her. Mary Ellen worked 10 years as a para professional with the Potterville Public Schools, a career she loved as it brought her closer to her beloved students. Throughout the years, Mary Ellen enjoyed gambling the “sizzling sevens” at many casinos with her sisters and husband, Denny.
Mary Ellen will be missed by so many, including her husband, Denny Geisenhaver; daughter, Kammy (James) Ritchey; son, Dean (Kimberly) Geisenhaver; grandchildren, Erica Blake, Jessica (Sam) Traver, J.C. Geisenhaver, Hunter (Angela) Geisenhaver, Dane Taylor, and Madelyn Geisenhaver; great-grandaughters, Kayla and Khloe Blake; sister, Myra Broskey; brother-in-law, David (Vickie) Geisenhaver; and many nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Alvena Broskey; and her siblings, Beverly Leonard, Bonnie Geisenhaver, Mike Broskey, Fran Broskey, Roger Broskey, and Iva Broskey.
Friends are encouraged to support Maryellen’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life for Mary Ellen is being planned by her family for a later date. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Timothy David Maynard
Timothy David Maynard always had a joke and was full of quiet surprises. He died with his family by his side on October 23, 2024. Tim was born in Escanaba to U.J. and Rita (Boudreau) Maynard on September 28, 1948. A graduate of Lansing Catholic Central in 1966 and later a graduate of Aquinas College, Tim got his real estate license and later went on to work for the Secretary of State as an IT manager for many years, as well as enlisting in the Army National Guard working out of the 119th Field Artillery unit in Charlotte for many years. A very kind and humble man, Tim never wanted recognition or attention, and often quietly gifted individuals that needed a helping hand and volunteered in many capacities, including many years as a statistician. He would say, “If you want to do something good, volunteer.” Tim enjoyed many outdoor activities, including Golf as his favorite sport, sailing in Thunderbay, Michigan, and going to the woods and “sort of” hunting. Tim also enjoyed bowling on a league at CharLanes. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved woodworking and making toys for them. Passing down her favorite recipe to Tim, his mother taught him how to make the best pasties which his family and friends greatly enjoyed.
Timothy is survived by his wife, Diane; sons, Eric Maynard and David (Knut Eichhorn) Maynard; step-daughter, Angie (Jeff) Locke; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Lorna Grindel; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Kay, Aldia, and Napolean.
Friends are encouraged to support Tim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, October 27, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, October 28, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Hull officiating. 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 Tim’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 Henry Ford Health. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Susan R. Brooks
Susan R. Brooks (Becky), 76, passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2024. She is survived by her sister Carol Halsey (and family), her son Brett (Cathy) Brooks, her daughter Angel (Gary) Stroik, her grandchildren, Cody, Jake (Tiffany), Cayla (John), Kaitlyn (Marco), Caleb, Conner (Alyssa), and Colton (Veronica). Becky was also a great grandmother to Odin, Freya, Everett, Lilly and Bristol. She also had a familia bond with Delia McGregor, Linda Fox, Alicia Wilcox and the Rodriguez family.
Becky was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to Lodema and Lowell Smith in 1948. She had hospitality focused careers and fostered throughout her life. She often donated to Wolf Conservation, Native American tribes and other religious groups. She had a passion for farm life and living and she was a devoted Christian.
A celebration of life will be held at Mayfair Bible Church, 5339 W. Pierson Rd., Flushing, MI on October 28, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Anna Bell Emenhiser
Anna Bell Emenhiser of Charlotte, Michigan – a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother – passed away peacefully on September 18, 2024 at the age of 77. She was born on January 7, 1947 to Juanita and Clarence Fraley in Kentucky.
Anna was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald Emenhiser, with whom she shared many cherished years. She was also preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and daughter-in-law, Jaimie Emenhiser.
Anna is survived by her children, Kim (Dan) Marple, Jim (Angel) Baker, and Shane (Sherri) Baker; and stepchildren, Don Emenhiser, Jr., Shelly (Scott) Snyder, Becky (Arnold) Dolman, and Barb (David) Emenhiser. Anna had 17 grandkids and 16 great-grandkids, and she loved them all.
Anna found joy in cooking, gardening, traveling, and playing cards and games with friends. She worked at an upholstery factory for many years, and she fulfilled a dream of running her own upholstery shop from home.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers and support from all who knew and loved her.
Anna will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in our hearts, always.
Dwight Payne
Dwight earned his angel wings on October 6, 2024. He was 77 years old. He was born and raised in Michigan. Dwight had a sharp sense of humor and had a never-ending supply of Dad Jokes. Before many significant health issues set in, he was an avid fisher and bowler, loved to cook and always welcomed a game of Cribbage.
Dwight was married to the love of his life, Claudia (Higbie) and together they had three children, Lisa, Rodney and Charles. Their love story was a little complicated, you see they married each other three times! For the rest of the story, well, you’ll have to talk to Claudia. Throughout their journey, four more children came into their lives, Robert, Peggy, Paula and Melissa. They shared a love for each one.
Dwight was loved by many and will be greatly missed but we are so thankful that he is now free of pain.
At his request there will not be a memorial service, however Claudia and the family would welcome any stories that you would like to share either via Facebook or by mail. Claudia can be reached via Facebook at Claudia Higbie-Payne or by mail at P.O. Box 1730, Prosser, WA 99350.