Obituaries
Bernard Hartley
Bernard Hartley of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at the age of 86. Bernie was the forth born of six children to Ernest and Dorothy (DeMitchell) Hartley on July 5, 1936, in Bay City, MI.
Bernie was born into a very talented musical family. The Hartley Family Band was formed in 1949 and played throughout lower mid-Michigan until 1955. Bernie could get that fiddle smokin’ playing “The Orange Blossom Special” while the audience cheered him on! At their peak, they had several radio and TV shows and were voted Michigan’s favorite band! This love of music lasted his whole life. He joined several bands and orchestras over the years and proudly started the Eaton Rapids Senior Center Jam Session, where he was MC for over 20 years.
Bernie met the love of his life, Patricia Diamond in 1953, at the A & W Restaurant in Bay City, where Pat worked as a car hop. They were married on February 3, 1955.
Bernie started working at Farm Bureau in 1956 and attended MSU (’57-’59) full-time. He was hired by Oldsmobile in the early 1960’s; management saw his potential, he was put into a skilled trades apprenticeship, Experimental Sheet-Metal. Bernie gave many guitar lessons to co-workers during his lunch breaks and several of them planned yearly fishing trips to Minnesota. Before retiring, Oldsmobile sent him to Northwestern Elementary School in their Community Service program. He taught music, organized a coat/shoe drive, and a camping trip held at the school for kids who had never experienced camping. In the early 1990’s, he was presented with the “Downhome Hero Award.” Years after retirement, he occasionally ran into some of those kids, all grown up, but they recognized him as their music teacher. Through his time at GM, Bernie was sent to California, Louisiana, and England, to put on Cadam presentations before his retirement in the early 1990’s.
Bernie and Pat raised three children, Mary, Patti and Bernie II in Lansing. He was the best dad ever! His children always knew how much they were wanted and loved; he would do anything for them. In 1978, they moved to Eaton Rapids, and got a Collie they named Lance. Bernie was excited about building his dream home, an earth-sheltered house that he designed. He was so proud of his house that he and Pat built together. Bernie and Pat went on many trips and cruises during their marriage. Their favorite trip was to Alaska, with Pat’s sister/brother-in law, Dudy and Jake. Bernie had so many hobbies/interests, Karate, dancing, swimming, music, reading, traveling, playing bingo and going to the casino. Their love affair lasted sixty-seven years until Pat’s passing in April 2022. Bernie and Pat had a wonderful life together. When Pat died in the spring, the spark in his blue eyes was gone. He missed his girl so much. Life was never the same for him as much as his kids hoped and prayed for a better outcome. His passing has left a tremendous void in their lives and their hearts. Their kids were deeply blessed to have them as their parents and to love them all these years.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pat of 67 years; siblings, Duane, Danny, Ernest and Bruce; infant daughter, Kimberly; daughter Patti Vogel; and grandson, Jeffrey Hancock. He is survived by his sister, Judy Alexander; daughter, Mary Hancock; son, Bernie Hartley II (Michelle); grandchildren , Julee Hanna (Chris), Natalie Vogel, Nick Vogel, Jesse Hartley; and great-grandchildren, Olivia Hancock, Ryan Hanna and Alex Hanna.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids, with a luncheon on site to follow. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids Senior Center in memory of Bernard Hartley. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHome.com. Special thanks to Jon and Liz at Skinner Funeral Home for handling all the details for us to make the celebration of Bernie’s life so special!
Lawrence Julson
Lawrence D. Julson, “Larry” to his friends, died unexpectedly November 8, 2022. Larry, 55, of Charlotte was born March 22, 1967 in Lansing to Francis and Laurel Julson. Larry was a skilled heavy equipment operator for over 30 years. For the past several years he has worked for and with his friend, Will Pitylak, owner of Apex Septic and Excavating, Inc. Larry enjoyed working on all things mechanical, starting as a young child when it was too cold to work in the barn, Larry would bring in his bike or motorcycle to the basement, tear them down, just to rebuild them. Larry had a passion for his RC cars, his garage looked like a NASCAR garage, everything neat and in its place. Larry was in the process of building his own track and bleachers to share his love and passion for his toys.
Larry enjoyed many things in life, the Silver Lake sand dunes, motorcycles, snowmobiling, boating, building things for his kids when they were small from a halfpipe to a tree fort. Larry enjoyed the outdoors, from hunting when he was younger to mowing the lawn, making sure the “lines” were just right in his lawn, as long as he was outside he was happy.
Larry is survived by his daughter, Samantha Julson (Trent); son, Lawrence Dean Julson Jr. (Alison); his mother, Laurel Julson; siblings, Ron (Missy) Julson, Jodie (Jim) Julson-Delp, and Ken (Rob) Julson-Romelhart; and many nieces and nephews. Larry was predeceased by his father, Francis Julson; and grandparents, Malbert and Henriatta Julson and Lawrence and Grace Larson.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending a memorial service or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial services are November 19, 2022, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at 4093 Thornton Highway, Charlotte, MI 48813. If desired in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Samantha Julson to assist with Larry’s funeral expenses (check can be sent to Pray Funeral Home to be given to Samantha). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donna Marlow
Donna Ree Marlow, age 86, of Charlotte passed away peacefully at her home Monday, November 14, 2022, surrounded by those she loved. She was born May 4, 1936, in St. Petersburg, Pennsylvania the daughter of Clifford and Eleanor (Murray) Burrell. Donna had a passion for singing ever since she was a young girl. Her talent blossomed as she grew. Eventually earning her a scholarship to college to become an operatic singer. After college she gave up her dreams of becoming a professional opera singer and devoted herself wholeheartedly to being a wife and mother. She would often grace those around her with her magnificent voice and talent. Donna enjoyed her many gardens and had a love for flowers. Her favorite bird was the cardinal and she loved watching them around her home. Donna and Dick were avid campers and enjoyed many trips north with their family. Holidays were an important time for Donna. Her decorating skills were second to none and she put her heart and soul in everything she did.
Donna is survived by her husband of 48 years, Richard; children: Kimberly (Randy) Kaminski of Charlotte, Lisa (Don) Trierweiler of Lansing, Rhonda Henderson of Summerville, SC, Clinton (Ronda) Bowser of Pleasant Lake; daughter-in-law, Barb Bowser of Charlotte; brother, Clifford Burrell of Conyers, Georgia; grandchildren: Joey, Jami, Nichole, Journie, Lindsey, Amanda, Patricia, T.J., Ryan; and 17 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, David Bowser.
In keeping with Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Donna’s memory to ProMedica Hospice 865 S. Cedar St., Mason, MI 48854.
To view Donna’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.
Jacqueline Yvonne Odiorne
Jacqueline Yvonne Odiorne of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022, at the age of 88. Jackie was born on September 19, 1934, in Dallas, Texas the daughter of Richard and Hazel (Hulse) Robinson. She was raised in Texas where she graduated from Forest Avenue High School class of 1952. She married David Odiorne in October of 1954 and together they moved to Eaton Rapids where they raised their family. Jackie worked in the insurance industry for 51 years, starting in Lansing and then moving to the Charles Richmond Agency in Jackson where she worked as an underwriter, retiring in 2007. She loved the time she spent at Kibby Creek Campground in Ludington, MI where she spent nearly every weekend, from spring to early fall, for over 40 years. Jackie was also an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles and word searches.
She was preceded in death by her husband, David Odiorne; brother-in-law, Milo Odiorne and her parents.
Surviving are her daughters, Cherie (Scott) Switzer, Sue (Dave) Warfield; grandchildren, Richard (Beth Lawrence) Switzer, Nicole (Russell) Lawrence, Nathaniel Switzer, Jamie (Dejan Dubroja) Warfield, Justin Warfield; great-grandchildren, Lyle and Rebecca Lawrence, Mila Dubroja, Kameron and Cody Warfield; brother, Richard (RosaLee) Robinson, Jr.; sister-in-law, Betty Odiorne; and numerous extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. Considering Jackie’s extreme generosity, the family suggests a memorial contribution go to one of the numerous charities she contributed to, St. Jude’s, Boys Town, Alzheimer’s Association, Parkinson Foundation, National Lymphedema Network or American Cancer Society. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Clarence Craver
Clarence “Larry” W. Craver passed away on November 6, 2022, at Flint-McLaren Hospital after an unexpected fall at his home. He fought a valiant fight, but Jesus did call him home and gave him the peace he needed. Larry was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up in Clarksville, graduating from Lakewood in 1966 and was a long-time resident of Olivet, Michigan.
He retired from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department in 2003 and then began to enjoy his last 19 years. He and wife Judi purchased a cabin in the woods of Luce County, north of Newberry near Lake Superior. Larry spent hours upon hours hunting for that perfect agate and sitting with Judi watching glorious sunsets together. He also enjoyed taking part in the re-enactments of the French and Indian war era, the 1700s, with his beloved muzzle loading buds and their newest game, trying to shoot bowling pins with their flintlock rifles. He spent hours making powder horns, leather bags and wooden boxes to go with his encampment and collecting items to create the perfect effect he wanted to accomplish. His lifelong dream was to have a Harley-Davidson and ride the wind, he had not one, but he succeeded in having two. Larry and Judi loved exploring the many junk and antique shops for that one special thing he could not live without. He loved his family and was so very proud of the accomplishments they all have made in growing up and spreading their wings.
His spirit will continue through the love of his life, Judi; having 42 blessed years of marriage together which began on February 9, 1980. He also leaves behind daughter, Tracie (Larry) Somerset; son, Chad Czerneski; grandchildren, Adam (Danielle) Lampe, Mercer Hardy, Joshua (Alexis) Lampe, Carleigh, Collin and Chad Czerneski Jr.; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Anna Lampe, Mikah and Lukas Lampe; sisters, Doris (David) Middleton, Helen (Richard) Pluth; brother, Steve (Sherri) Craver; sister-in-law Nancy (Robert) Bach; brother-in-law, Thomas (Debi) Chapman; multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence W. Craver Sr.; mother, Eileen (Hathaway) Craver Ellis; son, Adam Craver; brothers, Paul and William Frost; sister, Barbara Harrington; nephew, Jeff Shellenbarger; and father and mother-in-law, Bart and Connie Chapman.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Life Celebration was held at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, Wednesday, November 16th with Pastor Charles Jenson 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 Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).
In lieu of flowers Judith has requested donations be made to the charity of your choice.
David Harris
David Allen Harris, 78, of Charlotte, longtime excavating contractor and hardworking friend of many, “Went Up” peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2022. Dave was born October 10, 1944, in Rogers City, MI, the son of Gerald Dale and Clara Rose (Idalski) Harris. Early in Dave’s life, the family settled in Charlotte, MI, where father and sons started Gerald D. Harris and Sons Excavating in 1961. Shortly after, Dave was drafted into service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving faithfully until his honorable discharge in 1967. Upon his return from the service, Dave met Joan Kay Stults on a blind date in Charlotte. They fell in love and married on June 22, 1968. Dave’s life revolved around family activities – specifically “Work” and “Cabin.” He and his brothers soon formed Harris Brothers Excavating and worked hard long hours side by side with their sons as a family business. Veterans Day was always a special day, as it was the day Dave and his sons “went up” north to the cabin they built together with his brothers, sons and friends, in Onaway, MI, for deer hunting and family time in the great northern outdoors. It is indeed fitting, in Dave’s final hours, he pointed up to the ceiling, and insisted he was still “going up” on Veterans Day.
Community was always a top priority for Dave and his family. Harris Bros. donated thousands of hours and materials throughout the years, to the schools, St. Mary Church, and countless service projects in the Charlotte area. Dave and Joan were longtime faithful members of St. Mary Church. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte, and the National Rifle Association. Dave could also be found at Char-Lanes bowling alley for league night. Above all, many will remember Dave for his friendship, his top-notch work ethic, and his love of family.
Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Harris; sons, Allen (Kelley) Harris and Peter (Laura) Harris; daughter, Tammy (Rocky) White; grandchildren, Kamryn and Peyton White; step-grandchildren, Adam, Zach, and Jacob Coburn and Robert, Tiffany, and Jennifer Graham; several step-great-grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Sally) Harris, Rita (Rodger) Jones, Clarence “Butch” (Lorraine) Harris, Kathleen (Herb) Schultz, and Mark (Lori) Harris; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place at Benton Twp. Cemetery. 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 Dave’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 Sparrow Hospice Services or St. Mary Catholic Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roger Allen Reed
Roger Allen Reed, a gregarious and outgoing man, died November 16, 2022. Roger, 90, was born on December 14, 1931, in Charlotte to George Washington and Elsie May (Mason) Reed. Roger was a loving husband, grandfather and a great dad. He instilled his love for the outdoors in his children through countless camping trips, canoe trips and family trips, Expo 67, Yellowstone National Park and Florida to name a few. Roger also sold popcorn for the band boosters and chauffeured his kids and their friends on many schools canoe and band trips. As a conversationalist, he felt as though he could strike up a conversation with anyone in town, and he did. Roger loved the game of golf and was a long-time member of the former Charlotte Country Club. He achieved five holes-in-one. Bowling was another of his favorite pastimes and he enjoyed the competition with Crandell Trucking Team in local leagues. Roger was an avid U of M fan and one of the favorite memories will be of a June of ’22 trip to Louisville for the college world series to see U of M play. If there were to be a perfect celebration of life setting for Roger, it would be a U of M vs. Ohio State tailgate party. Roger was employed at Aluminum Extrusions with Quality Control for 33 ½ years and was proud to be part of the Michigan National Guard 119th Field Artillery located in Charlotte.
Roger is survived by his children, Douglas Reed, Janice (Mike) Matsumoto, and Terry Reed; grandchildren, Alexis Reed, Samantha and Kimberely Matsumoto; five sisters, and three brothers. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna Jean (King) Reed; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Roger’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, November 22, from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 23, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Jeff Nelson officiating. Following the interment at Bosworth Cemetery, the family invites you to a luncheon at Maple Brook Golf Course in Charlotte. 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 Roger’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 American Heart Association or Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Alejandro “Alex” Villanueva
Alejandro “Alex” Villanueva, age 79 of, Vermontville, MI passed away peacefully with family by his side on November 13, 2022, at his home in Vermontville.
Alex was born in Ionia, county, on March 3, 1943, the son of the late Catalina and Jose Villanueva. He was raised in the Sunfield area and attended Vermontville and Sunfield schools, completing his education through adult education as the valedictorian of his class. He married Beverly “Sue” (Ray) Villanueva on February 23, 1963, in Saranac, and in 1964 Alex and Sue moved to Vermontville where they established their home and raised their family together.
Alex was an automobile enthusiast, and in 1962 he began working at General Motors. During his tenure with GM, Alex’s strong work ethic, and his ability to diagnose any problem led him to leadership roles throughout the company. General Motors would often call on his skills to get production lines and bodyshop up to full capacity and was sent to several GM plants to get employee morals in line. Alex retired as a senior supervisor in 2010 after almost 48 years with the company.
His passion for cars was not limited to his work, during his spare time Alex enjoyed restoring all types of vehicles, including full engine rebuilds, meticulous body repair, and paint. Beyond working with cars the greatest joy of Alex’s life was his children and grandchildren. He truly enjoyed watching them all grow into hardworking, caring people just like himself and never missed a sporting event or extracurricular activity. Alex took great pride in taking care of each and every one of his children, whether it was cooking delicious meals for them, giving his wise advice, or just simply giving his shoulder to cry on, all of us knew we could always depend on him for anything. He was also well known for his “practical jokes” that he often played on the grandkids.
Alex is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Villanueva; his children, Jon (Lisa) Villanueva, Julie Villanueva (White), Scott Villanueva, Debbie Villanueva; brothers, Jaime (Eliana) Gonzales, Artemio (Anita) Villanueva; sister, Maria Ainsworth; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Alex was preceded in death by his son, Dion Ray Villanueva; mother and father, Catalina and Jose Villanueva; sisters, Enriqueta Martinez and Esther Madison; brothers, Carlos, Leuz, and Roberto Villanueva; grandson, Trayce White; great-grandson, Asher Turner; and great great-granddaughter Avari Draper.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Hwy., Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
James Harris
James O. Harris, age 89, of Olivet, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 13, 2022. He was born June 1, 1933, in Dotsonville, Tennessee the son of Carney and Edith (Smith) Harris. Jim graduated in 1951 from Olivet High School. On February 25, 1953, he married Janice R. Persons. Jim loved the outdoors and could often be found working outside doing anything and everything that needed to be done. He was a gifted mechanic and fabricator and could fix absolutely anything. Jim had a life-long passion for WWII aircraft and built many model airplanes while he enjoyed learning all he could about them. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Tina (Mark) Rudolph of Battle Creek; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Paula and Skip Kunkel; son-in-law, Scott (Amy) Ramage of Olivet; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janice; daughter, Becky; one brother, Frank Harris; and special friend and companion, Darlene Coats.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor James Gysel officiating. Burial will follow at Lee Center Cemetery. Those desiring may make contributions in Jim’s memory to Oaklawn Hospice, 13444 Preston Dr., Marshall, MI 49068. To view Jim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Randy Pitcher
Randy Scott Pitcher, 52 of Charlotte, a man known for his great sense of humor, died on Monday, November 14, 2022. Randy was born on August 11, 1970 in Charlotte, MI, the son of Timothy and Sherry Pitcher. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1988.
Randy was an avid fisherman since his childhood and a devoted Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed being on the water, boating, camping, working on vehicles, playing euchre and darts. Randy devoted countless hours volunteering at the American Legion Post 42.
Randy is remembered as someone who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He loved sharing his mechanical knowledge and teaching these skills to his friends and family. Everyone knew when Randy walked into a room because his laughter would be loud and contagious. He was a fun, kind, and helpful person who will be missed dearly. Randy’s family is proud of his decision to be an organ donor.
Randy is survived by his mother, Sherry Copenhaver; brothers, Tim (Amber) Pitcher II and Troy (Tonya) Pitcher; sister, Shawn (Mike) Miller; children, Randy (Lily) Pitcher and Madaline Pitcher; his granddaughter, Penelope; grandparents, Bob (Karen) Wood; cousins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Betty Pitcher, Duane Pitcher, and Audrey (Dale) Johnson. The family would like to send a special thank you to his niece Jaclynn (DeAndre) Louden for the love and support shown to her Uncle Randy in his last few years.
Friends and family are welcome to share memories of Randy on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. A private Celebration of Life will be held for Randy. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions payable to the Pray Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.