Obituaries
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. Join the family at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte for a Life Celebration at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday November 16th with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating followed by refreshments and a time to share your favorite stories about Larry.
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.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sherry Winters
Sherry Kay Winters, age 73, on October 31, 2022, of Olivet, Michigan passed away peacefully at home with her husband, Ed Winters by her side, Sherry was born in Albion, MI to Billy Gene Cook and Virginia Jean (Kellogg) Cook on March 15th, 1949. She battled cancer for four long years where Ed was her primary caregiver and was there for her every step of the way. Sherry was the best life partner for me and my best friend all the way till the end.
Sherry met Ed Winters in 1992 and on December 11, 1993, she married her life partner and best friend in Frankenmuth, MI. They enjoyed taking trips up there for many years to celebrate their anniversary.
Sherry graduated from Albion Senior High School. She became a clerk in the U.S Army and was Honorably Discharged for her years of service. After the service she became a dispatcher for the City of Marshall Police Department where she eventually retired and became the first dispatcher to retire with full benefits. After retirement she enjoyed gardening, helping her sister, Susie, at Jolly Green Junction in the summer, setting up on the weekends with her produce at various places in the fall and decorating the store for Christmas. She also enjoyed spending quality time with Ed and her family. She had many cats that she absolutely adored and treated them like they were her kids.
Sherry was the kind of person who would help anyone in need. She was known for making donations to organizations in the area, especially animal shelters. She loved to cook for the family holidays and create special memories along the way. Christmas was her favorite holiday; she would start shopping by January of every year and also carried a Christmas list in her purse at all times. Even though Christmas was her favorite holiday, she knew Halloween was Ed’s favorite holiday, so it led them to have a big memorable Halloween party every year for 26 years in their basement which Sherry cooked for and loved every minute of it. She also loved old cars especially her old Z- 28 Green Camaro and loved going to see old cars at car shows anytime possible especially Marshall’s Cruise to The Fountain. She was also a 2 Time Powder Puff Champion at Onondaga Dragway where she also held the record for fastest elapsed time against all genders as a woman. She also loved watching Nascar Cup Series races every Sunday.
Sherry is survived by her husband of 29 years Ed Winters, her sister Susie (Ken) Ott, nephew Tracy (Lois) Ott, niece, Lacey Michels, two great nieces Lauren and Allison, Mother-In-Law, Hazelruth Winters, Sister-In-Law, Tammy Knox; nephew, Jeremiah (Alex) Jewell; nieces, Kimberly Knox and Jessica (Mike) Smith; best friends Linda and Allison, her cats and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Billy and Virginia Cook and father-in-law William C. Winters.
In lieu of flowers Sherry asked for anyone who would like to please donate to your local animal organization or humane society.
As for Sherry’s final wishes, her cremation will take place and her family will celebrate her life in a private memorial at a later time.
Brenda Ackley
Brenda Anne Ackley, 62, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Brenda was born July 8, 1960, in Loda, Illinois, the daughter of James Richard and Kathryn Louise (Beard) Painter. She graduated from high school in 1979 from Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul, IL. Brenda worked as a factory worker, and later in adult foster care. She volunteered two years at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility. She later earned an associate degree from KCC in 2002.
Brenda’s pride and joy was her daughter, Natalie Rachel Ackley. She devoted her life to the love and care of Natalie, volunteering countless hours with the Special Olympics from 2005 to 2018, as well as Adult Handicap programs. She was especially proud when Natalie graduated high school. In her spare time, Brenda loved to crochet, work with plastic crafts, make hats and to plant flowers in her garden. She loved her Betty Boop doll collection and decorations, as well as bowling, camping, and family reunions. Many will remember Brenda as a very kind, giving person, always willing to help others.
Brenda is survived by her daughter, Natalie; her siblings, Larry Rollins, Harry Rollins, Chris Painter, Estella White, and Mary Eaton; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her baby brother, James R. Painter, Jr.
Friends are encouraged to support Brenda’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 26, 2002, at Celebration Church in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Medical Care Center Activity Fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Terry Baker
Terry Ray Baker, age 76, of Dimondale passed away on November 2, 2022. He was a professional engineer at Kater Engineering. Visitation will be Sunday, November 13, 3-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. at Sycamore Creek Church, Potterville. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.
Marsha Foster
Marsha Jean Foster, age 68, of Charlotte passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. She was born September 28, 1954, in Charlotte the daughter of Gordon and Bessie (Steward) Collier. On May 21, 1971, she married Kenneth Wayne Foster in Charlotte. Marsha was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Family meant absolutely everything to Marsha. She enjoyed crafting, traveling, playing BINGO, and spending time together with her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Foster of Lansing; grandchildren: Adam (Mackenzie) Foster of Charlotte, Matt Berry of Lansing, Kevin Berry of Coldwater, Dustin (Amanda) Foster of Charlotte, Nicole Foster of Albion; nine great-grandchildren; siblings: Vern (Linda) Collier, Darlene (Jack) Collier, Duane (Jackie) Collier, Ed (Dixie) Collier, Clarence Collier, Darrell Collier; sister-in-law, Terry Collier; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marsha was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken; daughter, Amy Foster; sister, Doris Sherd; and brother, Gary Collier.
A celebration of Marsha’s life will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gresham United Methodist Church.
Those desiring may make contributions in Marsha’s memory to the MITES “Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society” at www.mites.cc.
To view Marsha’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.
Mary Thomas
Mary Ann (Hudson) Thomas was born November 25, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan the daughter of Elmer and Iva (Norris) Hudson. She peacefully passed away at her home in Bellevue on Thursday, November 3, 2022, with her family by her side. Mary graduated from Holt High School with the Class of 1957. On June 8, 1957, just four days after her graduation from high school, she married James Royal Thomas. They were sealed on August 8, 1981, in the Salt Lake Temple. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her family was very important to her and she cherished each and every one of them. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Mary is survived by her children: Karen (Richard) Shockley of Lansing, Linda (Martin) Allred of Troutville, VA, Robert Thomas of Bellevue, Debra Harmon, Rowland James; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three sisters.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James; daughter, Sarah Thomas; and brother, Harold Hudson.
Funeral services were held on Monday, November 7, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Charlotte Branch with President Giacinto Lucci presiding. The family received friends one hour prior to the services at the church. A private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Lansing.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary’s memory to Siren/Eaton Shelter to be used to purchase bedding and children’s toys.
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.
Lynwood Benton
Lynwood George Benton (Pete), born September 20, 1935, died October 28, 2022. Pete passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends after a short illness. He was born in Vermontville, MI to Clyde and Dorothy Benton. He was a lifelong resident of Vermontville, MI, graduating from Vermontville High School in 1954 where he excelled as a three-sport athlete. He was a truckdriver for 42 years before retiring. Pete loved sports and was a diehard Spartan fan. Auction sales and restoring antiques was something he really enjoyed. Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends and helping others, Pete never met a stranger.
He is preceded in death by son, Pete Benton; parents, Clyde and Doris Benton; sister, Vivian Adsit
Survivors are wife, Doris of 64 years; daughter, Lynne Goris; son, Mark Benton (Pamela); sister, Roxanne Mull; grandchildren: Stacie Selden (Mike), Eric Goris (Jennifer), Tori Benton (Mathew), Brooke and Payton Benton, Allison Fuller (Collin), Sydney Potts (Bill); great grandchildren: Molli Selden, Kinsley Sweet, Jaxon Sweet, Lainey Fuller and Colt Fuller.
Respecting Pete’s wishes, there will be no service. A small memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Daniels Funeral Home – Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Richard Michael Sharpe
Richard Michael Sharpe of Eaton Rapids, passed away on October 22, 2022, at the age of 64. He was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 6, 1958, the son of Wilbur and Mary (Kenniston) Sharpe. Richard graduated from Springport High School, class of 1976. He was the high school varsity football kicker. He worked as a Union Carpenter for Moore-Trosper. He was a devoted father who always made time for his son, Travis, and his sporting events. Richard was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He belonged to the Michigan Bass Hustlers. Richard loved spending time with his grandkids and traveling up North to Edmore to visit his friend, Connie Wiborn (Mom).
Richard is survived by his son, Travis (Lea) Sharpe; grandkids, Alivia Sharpe, Madelyn Sharpe; siblings, Shirley (Mark) Newton, Nancy (Tom) DelPriore, Robert Sharpe; brother-in-law, Roger Knickerbocker; special friend, Gerald “Moose” Bender. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patty Sharpe; parents; sisters, Wanda Pond, Debbie Knickerbocker.
A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Donations may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website, millsfuneral.com.
Esther Dunham
Esther Mae Dunham, 94, of Vermontville, died Monday, October 24, 2022, in Grand Rapids. Esther lived a full life dedicated to the love and care of both her family and her community. Her “Jill of all Trades” nature ingrained her as an important part of many organizations and causes throughout the region. Esther was born on September 4, 1928, in Northville, MI, the daughter of George Washington and Mary Pauline (Osborne) Stanford. She graduated from Northville High School before marrying the love of her life, Frank Dunham. Upon Frank’s return from World War II, the two purchased a herd of dairy cows and moved to Vermontville, where they would raise their five children. As the children grew, Esther took on many careers throughout her life. After milking cows in the early morning, she would go into service as a nurse’s aide at the hospital, and years later put on the latest fashions and go to work at Knapp’s department store. Soon after, she earned her real estate license and started a new venture. Her longest career was as clerk at the 56 District Court in Eaton County, which lead her to retirement. All along the way, she was active in her children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and 4H Leader. She sung in the choir at Vermontville Congregational Church and served as Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Ledge. She was an avid reader, and loved bowling and golfing, which she did into her 80s. She used her talents around the house, maintaining a meticulous garden and sewing wedding dresses for her children’s weddings. She even served as Township Assessor for Vermontville Township and volunteered countless hours for the American Lung Association and Eaton County Agricultural Society. Esther was a lifelong learner, and her impression was felt far and wide. Her talents and love for all will be missed and cherished by her community and her family.
Esther is survived by her children, Frank “Skip” (Susan) Dunham, Deborah Granger, Michael Dunham, John (Rita) Dunham and Richard (Lesley) Dunham; 16 grandchildren, Frank (Brenda) Dunham II, Joseph Dunham, James Dunham, Christopher (Samantha) Dunham, Katie (Steve) Miller, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Granger, Karla Lilly (William Conroy), Lynda (Brandon) Baker, Michael Dunham, Tim (Yamilet) Dunham, Tony (Danielle) Dunham, Danielle Vallejo, Jonathan (Kristi) Dunham, Rebecca (Alex) Casto, Meghann (Charlie) Jarvis, and Richard Dunham; 22 great-grandchildren, Macey, Oliver, Caspar, Theodore and Stanford Dunham, Kevin and Brooke Miller, Kyle Lilly and Kayla Bruce, Eleanor Baker, Breauna Grover, Timmy, Ethan, Philip, Oliver, David, Michael, Elaine, Anthony TJ, and George Dunham, and Harper and Cora Jarvis; sister, Janice Hamer; brother, Tommy Stanford; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Dunham; son-in-law, Ron Granger; and sisters, Juanita Vradenburg, Jean Sawin, and Helen Pollick.
Friends are encouraged to support Esther’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County 4H Agricultural Society and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, 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 Esther’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Kathleen Ingram
Kathleen Viola Ingram, age 73, of Olivet passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2022, in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on October 27, 1949, to George and Dora (Blaine) Harmon. Kathleen grew up and attended school in Olivet graduating with the class of ’68. In March of 1970, she married Stephen Ingram in Olivet.
Many things could be said about Kathleen. She worked hard for many years for the State of Michigan as she and Stephen raised their family. They lived for a time by the Lake of the Woods and she loved to fish! Family meant the world to Kathleen. She spent countless hours taking care of family members. Over the last few years, she and her daughter Candace traveled together frequently to various museums, to go shopping, or just to spend quality time together. Kathleen loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by them all.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Candace Kelley of Charlotte, Wayne (Rose) Ingram of Olivet, Lori Ingram of Battle Creek, Laura Lou (Wes) Fendon of Phoenix, Arizona; twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; brother, Terry (Jeana) Harmon; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stephen in 2002; sister, Shirley Sadowsky; and brother, Frank Harmon.
Following Kathleen’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make a charitable contribution in Kathleen’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.
To view Kathleen’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.