Obituaries
Pauline Vivian Harns
Pauline Vivian Harns of Eaton Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on September 6, 2024, at the age of 81. Pauline was born in Boyne Falls, Michigan on July 14, 1943, the daughter of the late James and Laura (Kempf) Crego. She loved Jesus very much. Pauline was known for always singing hymns and often surprised her children when she knew all the words. Her family held a special place in her heart and she doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pauline liked to garden with her daughter Colleen and enjoyed spending time out in the yard. Every week she looked forward to lunch with her friend, Nancy Woodman. They would go to Las Flores to eat and visit with Addie. Pauline was a great friend. She was a light in her family’s life and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Pauline is survived by her children, Brian (Wendy) Harns of Lansing, Colleen Harns, Deborah Harns, Renee Harns, Otto Harns all of Eaton Rapids, Jason (Nicole Argue) Harns of Swartz Creek; grandchildren, Karsten (Emily) Harns, Elizabeth (Matthew) Toy, Ariel (Kevin) Cook, Emily (Ryan Demas) Harns, Julia Harns, Paighton Argue, Parker Argue; great grandchildren, Gilead, Eliana, Caleb, William, Luke. She was preceded in death by her husband, Franz Harns in 1996; daughter, Sarah Lea Harns; parents, James and Laura Crego; siblings, Sharon Crego, Theron Crego, Iva Lapp, Perreeza Davis, Reveinna Harns, James Crego.
A memorial service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, in loving memory of Pauline Vivian Harns. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Donna Ruth Holley
Donna Ruth Holley, age 97, of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Born on August 22, 1927, in Lansing, MI, Donna grew up in the area and graduated from Everett High School with the class of 1946.
Donna dedicated her life to raising her family in Eaton Rapids, MI, where she lovingly cared for her children and home. Over the years, she also worked at the Eaton Rapids High School cafeteria and at Burger King in Eaton Rapids. Donna found joy in baking, knitting, and spending her Fridays at the Red Barn Auction in Rives Junction, a tradition she kept for nearly 40 years. However, her greatest happiness came from the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Donna is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ottmar Holley; her daughter, Hollie Ann Voelker; her brothers, Jerome, Ray, Spence; and her sister, Marguerite.
She leaves behind her son, Ottmar (Mary) Holley, six grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will cherish her memory.
A graveside service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Donna’s memory. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
LaVerne Aves
LaVerne Aves of Delta Township passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 92.
LaVerne was born in Delta Township at his home on Saginaw Hwy. to Lloyd and Thelma (Dysinger) Aves on March 19, 1932. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Ellen Claflin on November 10, 1951. He enjoyed having his family around, liked to joke with them to see if he could “get you going”. He always tried to see the good in everyone and would help people whenever he could. One of his enjoyments was being a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of the Union Veterans where he was active in the Civil War Musters. He also enjoyed going to the Elementary schools to teach the children about the Civil War. LaVerne worked at General Motors (Olds) in the Tool and Die room for 35 years. After retirement, he worked as a Tooling Engineer, his lifelong goal.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ellen (Claflin) Aves, son-in-law Darwin Pettit, daughter Janet Aves, grandson William Pettit, brother’s and sister’s-in-law, Layton and Phyllis Aves, and Otto and Virginia Aves, a sister and brother-in-law, LaVetta (Aves) George Highlen. LaVerne is survived by his daughters, Susan Pettit (Pat Outman) of Bellevue and Diane (Steve) Peake of Grand Ledge, son Burton Aves of Lansing; grandchildren: Andrea Pettit, Renee (Jerry) Slocum, Jennifer (Todd) Wright, Stacy Lantrip (Chris Aqueros), Kelly Langin, Valerie Barrett and Emily Aves; he was also blessed with seven great grandchildren: Jared (Destiny) Knight, Makell (Juliette) Thomas, Olivia, Noah, and Miles Langin, Steven Pickell and Elijah Pettit; great great grandson Atreus Thomas.
A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Delta Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of LaVerne Aves to Blessings in a Backpack Grand Ledge, PO Box 162, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 South Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813, or Compassus Hospice, 801 S. Waverly Rd. #200, Lansing, MI 48917.
The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.
Florence Jannette Davids
Florence Jannette Davids, age 65, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. She was born August 25, 1959, in Charlotte, the daughter of Donald and Florence (Smith) Davids. Flo loved her family with a deep devotion. She adored her son, Presten and always beamed when he was the topic of conversation. Flo had a huge heart for others and would give you the shirt off her back. She enjoyed drawing, playing cards, and listening to music. Her loss will be keenly felt by her precious family and friends.
Flo is survived by her son, Presten Charles Merschel; grandchildren, P.J. and Nevaeh; sister, Donna (Jackie) Oestrick; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Charlene M. Shaver.
In keeping with the wishes of her family, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Flo’s life will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Flo’s memory to the family.
To view her 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.
Mary Ellen Fenn
Mary Ellen Fenn, age 85, of Portland, Maine, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024. She was born January 8, 1939, in Charlotte, the daughter of George and Mary (Southworth) Fenn.
Mary Ellen graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1957 as the Salutatorian. She then went on to attend the University of Michigan. After completing her undergraduate work, she enrolled in medical school and graduated in 1964. Mary specialized in obstetrics and gynecology and practiced in Ann Arbor until 1973. She then moved to Maine to help start the Women to Women Health Clinic with several other female physicians. She retired from practicing medicine in 1994. Upon retirement she spent her winters in Florida and summers in Maine.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Geroge and Mary Fenn and dear friends, Frank and Lorraine Lawrence.
Those surviving are several cousins and good friends, Tom and Carlene Muller of Maine.
n keeping with her wishes cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at Center Eaton Cemetery on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverand Father Dwight Ezop officiating.
To view Mary’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.