Obituaries
Elizabeth Leslie Spaeth
Elizabeth “Liz” Leslie Spaeth, a woman known for being a vibrant Jesus Freak which led to her fierce love of others, died on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. Liz, 71, of Charlotte, was born on January 8, 1953, in Arlington, MA, the daughter of Ralph and Anne (Stanley) Scribner. She graduated from Waverly High School and later earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. On June 8, 1974, she married Hal Spaeth and together they spent the next 50 years creating their legacy. Liz was known as a Triple Threat as a homemaker, accountant, and a talented seamstress. Over the years Liz ran a sewing and alterations business out of her home. She made her own wedding gown and the bridesmaids dresses. Liz devoted her life to the Lord. She was a self-proclaimed Jesus Hippie. With her love for others she cared for lots of children, and helped several troubled young adults over the years. She was an avid swimmer and taught her children and grandchildren how to swim. For over 20 years she and her husband went to serve at the Jamaican Deaf Village where she set up a profitable sewing business that the residents could run themselves. Hobbies that she enjoyed included playing classical guitar, collecting rocks and fossils, camping, reading, and anything hummingbirds. Liz was an adjunct Judo instructor at Michigan State University and was a Women’s Masters World Judo Champion, National Champion, and Kata Master. Above all Liz was very thankful for the family God blessed her with.
Liz is survived by her husband, Hal; children, Rachel (Rob) Wood, Chris (Jenny) Spaeth, and Rosemary Neumeister; grandchildren, Youngju, Ace, Grace, Kelvin, Ellie, Cassie, Donna, Kallie, Alex, Emma, Sophia, Livie, and Daryl; sisters, Judy Scribner, Elaine (Steve) Scribner-Wagner, and Katey (Scott) Van Allsburg; niece and nephews, Ian (Melanie), Everett, and Jessica (Tim); and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents; and son-in-law, Ben Neumeister.
Friends are encouraged to support Liz’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 4-5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Pete Kroll officiating, with a dinner following the service. 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 Liz’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 Answers in Genesis. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Virginia May Burlison
Virginia “Jenny” May Burlison, 68 of Eaton Rapids, an extraordinarily proud grandma and caring individual, died September 23, 2024. Jenny was born February 4, 1956 in Hastings. She was an on-site manager for the Barry County Commission on Aging. Some of the activities she enjoyed include knitting, going to the casino, and bowling on a Sunday night bowling league called “Holy Rollers.” Many activities were centered around her grandchildren, including weekly trips to McDonalds for chicken nuggets, making cookies and rock candy.
Virginia is survived by her sons, Nickolas Wolf and Carl “CJ” Wolf; grandchildren, Carter, Haellie, and Miranda Wolf; siblings, Norma (Roger) Claypool, Sandy (Harry) Rollins, and Steve Reid; many nieces and nephews; many “adopted” grandbabies, including Isaac Snyed; her fur babies, Fumble and Chloe; and her fur grandbabies. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Burlison; parents, Lyle Reid, and Jean and Ernest Withey; and fur babies, Bobby Jo and Daisy Mae.
Friends are encouraged to support Virginia’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, September 30, 3-5:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, October 1, 11:00 a.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ with Pastor John Bailey 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 Virginia’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests contributions to Potterville Athletics “Youth Wrestling Club” or Crosswalk Teen Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James Scott Bernheisel
James “Jim” “Jimmy” Scott Bernheisel, a man who lived his life to the fullest even with all odds against him at birth, died on Friday, September 20, 2024. Jim 52 was born on September 27, 1971 in Charlotte, the son of Arthur Bernheisel and JoAnn (VanDorpe) Lefever. He was a 1991 graduate of Charlotte High School, and after began working at different places around town. Many will remember Jim as being a people person and a ladies’ man. If there was Bingo around town Jim was there. He played every week at the Senior Center and was a caller at the American Legion. Jim also enjoyed trips to baseball games, bowling, and skydiving with his buddy Stewart. He was also very lucky when it came to trips to the casino. Above all Jim was very proud that he was able to live the life that he did with the cards he was dealt.
Jim is survived by his mother, JoAnn Lefever; siblings, John (Candace) Bernheisel, and Betty Jo Adams; special friends, Pat Yockey, and the entire Osier Family; and several extended family members. He was predeceased by his father, Arthur Bernheisel; and brother, Jeffery Lynn Bernheisel.
Friends are encouraged to support Jim’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 4-6:00 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dena J. Cowick
Dena J Cowick (Potter), age 52, of Jackson, passed away after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. She was born March 2, 1972, in Charlotte, the daughter of Reginald and Virginia (Brandon) Potter. Dena loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Brody, and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Dena had a huge heart for others. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.
Dena is survived by her son, Brody Boone; father, Reginald Potter; brother Jason (Lindsay) Potter; brother Adam (Jill) Potter, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her second son Dillon Boone; husband Robert Cowick; and mother Virginia Potter.
In keeping with the wishes of her family, cremation has taken place.
Emily Elizabeth Hansen
Gone too soon, Emily Elizabeth Hansen, age 26, of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on September 10, 2024. She was born June 25, 1998 in Kalamazoo, MI to Edwin L. Hansen, Jr. and Wendy (Hagerman) Cornish.
Emily was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine. She was an old soul that touched everyone she knew. She found joy in greeting and chatting with the community at Oriole Nutrition in Charlotte, knowing them all by name. She loved to sit and talk with the elderly she helped take care of at The Oaks in Battle Creek. Serving others is what made her heart happy.
Emily was an extremely proud dog mom to Pumpkin, the love of her life. She also loved the Detroit Red Wings, Harry Potter, Legos, Halloween, scary movies, elephants, Christmas, and all the Christmas movies.
She is survived by her mother, Wendy (Dwayne) Cornish of Charlotte, MI; her fur-baby, Pumpkin; siblings, Lindsay (Jamie) Rokita of Parma, MI, Bethany Cornish of Marshall, MI, Landon Cornish of Dorr, MI, and Ashley (Tyler) Six of Portage, MI; grandparents, Calvin Bates, Sr. of Albion, MI and Mike (Sandy) Cornish of Albion, MI; aunts and uncles, Joe (Teresa) Hagerman of Albion, MI, Brandie (Jimmy) Owens of Camden, MI, Dawn (Tom) Hoyt of Albion, MI, Kathleen Hansen of Albion, MI, Jason (Niki) Hansen of Albion, MI, Tracy (Rob) VanHove of Detroit, MI, Leslie (Sherman) Price of Bronson, MI, Warren Hagerman of Camden, MI, Calvin Bates, Jr. of Washington, and Mallisa Cunha of Washington; many loving cousins, and her godmother, Sherill (Buff) Swanson of Mt. Iron, MN.
She is preceded in death by her father, Edwin L. Hansen, Jr.; grandparents, Elizabeth Ellen Bates, Edwin Hansen, Sr., Doris Hansen, George D. (Marian) Hagerman, Sr. and uncle, Doug (Melissa) Hagerman.
A visitation was held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, in Albion, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM. That evening they continue to celebrate Emily’s life with dinner and memories at the Beach Market in Downtown Charlotte.