Obituaries
Dixie Lou Battin
Dixie Lou Battin, 74, of Charlotte, a fun-loving grandma extraordinaire, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25, 2024, in Lansing. Dixie was born May 28, 1950, in Lansing, the daughter of Ronald and Barbara (Cotton) Best. She graduated from Mason High School in 1968 before going to work for the City of Lansing, retiring as Chief Assistant City Clerk after 27 years. She then worked a few years at Pray Funeral Home before going back to municipal service as clerk at the City of Grand Ledge.
Many will remember Dixie for her deceptively innocent demeanor, concealing her fun-loving “devilish side.” She was fun to be with, especially on the golf course. Dixie was proud to have made a hole-in-one at Iron Horse, a feat that was commemorated in the newspaper. By far the greatest joy of Dixie’s life was her grandchildren. She adored them, and they simply worshiped her – forming what was lovingly called the “grandma cult.”
Dixie is survived by her daughters, Laura Craven and Lisa Pangburn; five grandchildren: Allison, Taylor and Jeremy Pangburn, William and Jordyn Craven; mother, Barbara Best; siblings, Darrell (MaryAnn) Best, Joanne Lose, Teresa McClean, Jeff (Cindy) Best, and Tim Best; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her father, Ronald Best and her husband, Howard Battin.
Friends are encouraged to support Dixie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, August 29, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were held Friday, August 30, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Dixie’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 Head for the Cure. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Steven Robert Dane
Steven Robert Dane, 34 of Battle Creek, died unexpectedly August 25, 2024. Steven was born January 9, 1990, in Lansing to Robert and Carol (Summer) Dane, and was a 2008 graduate of Charlotte High School. A strong-willed guy, Steven also loved to joke around. He was very close with his family, enjoying many family activities together. He also loved animals, music, gaming, travel (especially to historic sites and museums), and collecting knives. Steven was a dedicated worker at GM on the assembly line.
Steven is survived by his mother, Carol Dane; sister, Jessica (Eric) Hollister; and nephews, Carson and Adam Hollister. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Dane; brother, Greg Dane; and grandparents, Pat and Carroll Dane, and Arthur and Julia Summer.
Friends are encouraged to support Steven’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, September 4, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon with funeral services immediately following at 12 noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Don Eaton
Don Eaton passed away on August 13, 2024. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 3, at the Covered Bridge Farm County Park, 56705 Covered Bridge Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. Funeral services celebrating the life of Don Eaton will also be at the Covered Bridge Farm County Park Wednesday, September 4 at 4 p.m. with a Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Memorial Ritual at the conclusion of the service. A reception will follow funeral services at the Sturgis Elks Lodge #1381 on September 4, 66200 Grey Lake Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Larry L. Sevitts
On August 19, 2024, with his loving wife at his side, Larry L. Sevitts “The kid from Morenci,” lost a long battle with cancer. Larry had a long and full life, he was born August 6, 1937, in Morenci to Leroy and Anne (Meyers) Sevitts. After serving in the Navy, Larry attended Adrian College where he met his lifelong love, Susan. They had three children together. Earning his master’s degree in education, Larry went on to become a school principal. His career in education went from Flint to Albion, and finally Charlotte where he eventually opened the Sport Center to enjoy his true passion, golf, and he retired from this business in 1999. Most golfers are lucky to get one hole-in-one in a lifetime, Larry had five!
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Susan; children, Michael Sevitts, Lynn Hicks, and Sheryl Haahr; grandchildren, Sydney Hamilton, Saydie (Bryan) Hogeland, Karlie Hicks (Chase Metts), and Adrian Sevitts; great-grandchildren, Kalub Hamilton, Piper Hogeland, and Henry “Hank” Hogeland; sisters, Marcia Reardon and Sandy Miller; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, LeRoy, Johnny, Kenneth, and Rick Sevitts; and sisters, Joanne Beard, and Sharon Strong.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Wednesday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte. Family Affirmation Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on August 28 in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Judge Paul Berger and Owen Whitkopf officiating. The service 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 Larry’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 either the Charlotte High School Hall of Fame, or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Halle Ann Vaive
Halle Ann Vaive, a passionate, matter-of-fact woman, who always expressed her love for loved ones, died on Friday, August 16, 2024. Halle, 72, was born on August 5, 1952, in Lansing, the daughter of Earl and Evelyn (Williams) Vaive. After graduation she continued her education earning her associate’s in arts degree and later on to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Halle worked at Bronson Hospital as the IT Manager for Help Desk Services. Halle was a master sewer and arts and crafts enthusiast. She enjoyed cross stitch, making homemade cards and jewelry. She was a very hands-on mother who loved family summer trips on Lake Michigan, and traveling for Jason’s BMX racing, who she was most proud of. She also loved her cats, her Coke, and being on the beach.
Halle is survived by her son, Jason (Shelly) Bates; grandchildren, Grace (Austin), Kathryn (Brendin), Justin, and Zachery; and siblings, Guy (Vickie) Vaive, Steve (Mary) Vaive, and Gary (Kathy) Vaive; and best friend Kay Mundt. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother, Christopher.
Friends are encouraged to support Halle’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life take place at a later date. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.