Obituaries
Gracie “Sue” May Hayward
Gracie “Sue” May Hayward of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Sue was born on May 1, 1938, in Ramsey, England, the only child of George and Grace (Payne) Hunt. She was proud of her English heritage and retained her English citizenship throughout her life. Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where she met her future husband, Kenn Hayward, who was stationed there during his time in the U.S. Air Force and was also working as a switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960, at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Along with Kenn, Sue was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years, and a longtime member of Mt. Hope Church in Lansing. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed her trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. She was an avid birdwatcher and always found time to enjoy a great cup of tea. Above all, Sue was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and the time she spent with them.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Hayward. Surviving is her husband, Kenn Hayward; sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m.. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family received family and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Emerson Charles Hogan
Emerson Charles Hogan, 92 of Charlotte, passed away on December 9, 2022. He was a Mold Maker at Owens Illinois. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Arthur Jarve
Arthur “Art” E. Jarve, 79, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022, at home.
He was born on March 26, 1943, to Arthur and Marjorie (Schafer) Jarve in Highland Park, Michigan.
After graduating from Carleton Airport High School, he continued his education at Michigan State University and at Wayne State University, where he earned his B.S. in Business Administration.
On September 14, 1963, he married Sharon M. Wright in East Lansing, Michigan. Arthur worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea, Michigan for 12 years. He moved on to purchase his own business in Bellevue, Michigan. Along with his wife Sharon, they ran Bellevue Hardware, Inc. for 30 years and retired in 2008.
As an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Arthur served in many ways, including being the chairperson of two building committees in Chelsea, Michigan and Charlotte, Michigan. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, camping and gardening. He took great joy in generously sharing his gladiola flowers that he grew with others.
Arthur “Art” is survived by his loving spouse Sharon: his two children, Patrick A. Jarve and Margery M. Szczerba; his five grandchildren, Katie M. Szczerba, Sarah A. Szczerba, Zane B, Szczerba, Effie G. Jarve and Amelia P. Jarve; his brother, Robert (Beth) C. Jarve; his two nieces, Erin Jarve and Kelly Naumes; and his two nephews, Dr. Robert (Amber) K. Jarve and Dr. Patrick (Dr. Nancy) O’Connor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William B. Jarve; his sister, Linda S. Jarve; his nephews, Daniel Jarve and Chris Naumes; and his son-in-law, Steve B. Szczerba.
Visitation and funeral services for Art were held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church (440 West Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068). Pastor Dave Moran officiated.
Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the charity of your choice, to the Bellevue Fire Department (115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021) or The Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund (201 West St., Bellevue, MI 49021).
Neil O. Dygert Jr.
Neil O. Dygert Jr., age 77, of Charlotte passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He was born July 7, 1945, in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Neil and Kathryn (Freeberg) Dygert. When Neil was five years old, he and his family moved to Charlotte. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1963. Neil faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Division from 1968-1969. Soon after his return from Vietnam, Neil married Alice Fay Thomas on May 3, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. He was always a people person and enjoyed the company of others. He had a big heart and was always interested and ready for a meaningful conversation or just a lighthearted chat. Neil was a devoted Christian and taught Sunday School for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and bowling. Neil loved his family and cherished the many trips he and Alice took with the kids throughout the years.
Neil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice; children, William Erik (Allison) Dygert of Vicksburg, Wendy Elizabeth (Allen) Jarvis of Charlotte, Michael Scott Dygert of Charlotte, Stephanie Lee (Mario) Sankis of Round Lake Beach, IL; grandchildren, Brennan Dygert, Sydney Taylor, Lincoln Taylor, Kaleb Jarvis, Kaitlyn Jarvis; sisters, Susan Farlin of Charlotte, and Ruth (Richard) Moody of Escanaba.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Edward Farlin.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Those desiring to make a contribution in Neil’s memory can make them to either the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
To view Neil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Michael Eugene Appelman
Michael Eugene Appelman, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Nashville, MI, on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. He was born to Ernest and Audrey (Hummel) Appelman on September 11, 1934, and was a founding father of the Main Street Gang in Nashville. Mike graduated from Nashville High School, Class of ‘53, and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959. He married Yvonne Sauders in 1958, and she preceded him in death in 1970. Mike married Jean Hickey in 1983. Mike had fond memories working at Makers IGA, EW Bliss, and Carl’s Supermarket. He served as a volunteer fireman in Nashville for 31 years and had many great stories to share from that experience. Mike enjoyed doing carpenter work, wood working, garage sales, classic cars, country music, cooking out with family and friends, watching TV, and wintering in Jamaica and Florida. Mike is survived by his wife Jean. He is also survived by his children: Carol (Dale) Simon, Jamie (Mark) Hess, Sue (Dave) Fassett-Musser, Debbie (Jerry) Kemp, and Don (Karen) Hickey; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law Betty Appelman and Geri (Dick) Huckendubler; many nieces and nephews, including Bonnie (David) Otto, and Melinda Appelman. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Yvonne; son, Patrick; brother, Ernest; sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Farrell Babcock; and sister-in-law, Barbara Lamie. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the spring. The family would like to acknowledge and thank his Caregiver Maryann Mead, Special Niece Melinda Appelman, faithful members of Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS and Nashville Fire Department, and Spectrum Health Hospice & Palliative Care. Memorial donations may be made to the Castleton Maple Grove and Nashville EMS or the Nashville Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Highway, Nashville MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.