Obituaries
Francis Edward Kane
Francis “Frank” Edward Kane, 95, of Charlotte, died peacefully with his wife by his side on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Frank was born September 25, 1927 in Charlotte, the fourth of five sons born to Leo and Ola (Hutchins) Kane. During his school years, he worked delivering newspapers for The Detroit News, The Detroit Times, and the Grand Rapids Press. In addition, he worked at the Fremont Kraut Company factory where his father was the manager. He was a 1945 graduate of Charlotte High School and remained a lifelong resident of Charlotte. Frank was inducted into the US Army on February 26, 1946, with training at Fort Eustis and Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He was honorably discharged September 9, 1947, as a T/4 refrigeration mechanic.
After his discharge he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL for further training in refrigeration. He then applied to work for Hager Fox Heating and Refrigeration Company in Lansing because he could take a night course on the GI bill to learn how to use his refrigeration skills in heating and cooling. He worked for Hager Fox from 1949-1953. In 1953, assisted by his younger brother, Charlie Kane, he started his own business in Charlotte, Kane Heating and Ventilating Company. Frank and Bobbie worked together in the business, Frank on the road and Bobbie in the office. They always exemplified integrity in local business and built the business into the success it still is today. Frank strived to perfection in his work, especially in laying out duct work. Frank sold the business in 1999 to two of his employees, one of whom Chad Lewis still maintains the business under the same name, now in its 70th year.
On June 28, 1952, Frank married the love of his life, Roberta (Bobbie) Jean (Garvey), whom he loved to introduce as his first wife. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2022. Together they raised nine children, all of whom survive him: Howard (Kay) of Plymouth, Julia of Montrose, Michael (Jodie) of Valparaiso, IN, Rose (Brian) Negele of Plymouth, Eileen (Marty) Fox of Charlotte, Dennis (Pam) of Charlotte, Frank (Lee) of Eaton Rapids, Carolyn (Robert) Wichlacz of Jenison, and Kurt (Carrie) of Caledonia. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren (with one more on the way), and many nieces and nephews.
Many will remember Frank as a people person with a quietly dedicated work ethic and strong faith. Frank was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served in several ministries, as eucharistic minister, usher, lector, Men’s Club, St. Vincent De Paul Society food pantry, and as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11875. In addition, Frank was a life member of the Charlotte Lions Club. In 1958, Frank was selected to drive the Vermontville Maple Syrup Queen over the Mackinac Bridge the day it opened. For many years he also enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league and golf team, collecting quite a few dazzling trophies over the years. Kane’s Heating was a long-time Monday night league sponsor.
He and Bobbie both took flying lessons before marriage and after marriage enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing, and boating as well as their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, band concerts, piano recitals and graduations. Their cottage at Crystal Lake, Crystal, MI provided many years of fun with family and friends, in both winter and summer. Besides his care for his family, church and community, Frank will be forever remembered for his great sense of humor and his ability to remember jokes for retelling to share more laughter. Frank had a photographic memory, and his sharp mind remained focused until the very end. In later years he looked forward to his monthly men’s luncheons or dinners where he could share more jokes. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lawrence (MettaLee), Lyle (Alice), John, and Charlie (Beverly), his in-laws Dee and Helen Garvey and family, and one granddaughter, Michelle Joy Kane.
Friends are encouraged to support Frank’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. During the visitation Rosary Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. and a Personal Tribute Service to follow at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop 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 Frank’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 the Saint Vincent de Paul Society or the Charlotte Lions Club. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Janice Elaine Dodds
Janice Elaine Dodds, age 85 of Charlotte passed away on March 19, 2023. Janice worked as a statistician Nasda Westat. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Mary Kathleen Heath
Mary Kathleen Heath, age 89, of Eagle (formerly of Charlotte), passed away Friday, March 17, 2023, due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born October 8, 1936, in Charlotte the daughter of James and Mary (Salter) Polhamus. On February 14, 1954, Mary married James Heath. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved working in her flower gardens, bowling, and traveling with her family.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Nina Heath of Charlotte; grandson, Anthony (Jill) Coppola of West Seneca, New York; brothers: John (Ruth) Polhamus, Jay (Marcia) Homan Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; sisters: Arlene Frith, Betty Polhamus, Esther Clark, Theresa Homan; brothers: Robert Polhamus, Eugene Polhamus, James Polhamus, and Thomas Homan.
A memorial service will be held sometime this summer at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions in Mary’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Wanona E. Hathcox
Wanona E. Hathcox, age 94, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on February 18, 2023.
Wanona was born January 15, 1929, to the late Myrl and Effie (Shumaker) Dillon in Charlotte, Michigan, graduating from Olivet High School in 1947. After graduating she went to visit her aunt and uncle in Mathews, Missouri, where she was introduced to William Hathcox, soon to become the love of her life, and the man she married, September 11, 1949 at the Congregational Church in Olivet.
Wanona loved bowling, golfing, and traveling; but her greatest joy was her love for her family. Knowing that she was going to be a great-grandmother again, we believe that she stayed with us long enough so that she could get to see and hold this bundle of joy (and she did just that) – her namesake, Charlotte Wanona Hathcox.
Wanona is survived by her sister, Marlene (Eddie) Brummette, and brother, James (Judy) Dillon. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, William E. Hathcox; her parents, Myrl and Effie (Shumaker) Dillon; brothers, Otto (Morna) and Duane Dillon; her uncles, aunts, niece, and cousins.
Wanona and William had two sons: Daniel (deceased December 2021) and Michael (Leann Meier); grandchildren: Kyle (Malone) Hathcox, Daniele (Robert) Meeker, Katie Coster; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Wanona Hathcox and Thunder Coster. She also had extended family of Leann, of whom she thought so much; Justin (Bonnie) Meier, boys Seth, Tanner, Ripplinger, daughter Jessica (Adam) and children, Jackson, Wesley, Elise and Stuart.
A funeral was held at the Chapel of the Chimes in Glendale, Arizona. Graveside service was held at the National Cemetery in Glendale where she was laid to rest with her husband, William.
Robin A. Stair
Robin A. (Cooper) Stair, 62 of Charlotte passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on March 20, 2023. This beautiful, crazy Robin was born in Charlotte on October 6, 1960, to Robert and Beverly Cooper. She was an accomplished oboe player in the high school band and graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1978. On November 24, 1984, Robin married Scott Stair and together they raised five children. Robin would travel from her home in Williamsburg to Charlotte to plan and raise funds for her Relay For Life team. She was very organized and loved making cross stitched quilts for new babies. Employed in a diverse number of jobs over the years Robin currently worked in the Eaton County Civil Division. She held multiple jobs but none as special as mom. Having five children, there was always a houseful of so many of the Stair children’s friends who also called her Momma Robin. She endured a lot of loss and adversity throughout the years, but Robin championed life with a beautiful smile, fun, love and laughter.
She is leaving to grieve, daughter, Jacque (Ian) van der Linde of Hertford, England; sons, Jason, Jeremy, Justin (Jamie), and Jacob (Katie) Stair of Charlotte. This Gigi will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, Bram, Phin, Emma, Owen, Ryleigh and Gaige; her sister, Laura Cooper; in-laws, Clarence and Connie Battice; life-long friends, Liz Riebow (Mike Schaefer) of Traverse City and Iva (Mitch) Hopkins of Nashville; several nieces and nephews; and a host of special friends. Robin was preceded in death by her husband, Scott; her parents; and brother, Tim Cooper.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Robin, and friends are encouraged to support her family by attending or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, March 24, 2023, 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Robin’s Celebration of Life is Saturday, March 25, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. 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 Robin’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 “Gigi’s Piglets College Fund” for her grandchildren (checks payable to Jason Stair) or to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
“Keep flyin’ Robin”