Obituaries
Keith Graham Harrison
Keith Graham Harrison, a resident of Holt, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 in Holt, Michigan. He was born at Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, Michigan on January 10, 1950. Keith was a 1968-graduate of Cassopolis (Michigan) High School. He held a 1972 Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Michigan State University and a 1974 Master of Arts degree in Ecology from Western Michigan University. He retired from the State of Michigan in February 2005 after serving for 25 years. In addition to his numerous state Civil Service environmental executive positions culminating as Director of the Office of Special Environmental Projects within the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, he also held two gubernatorial appointed positions by then Michigan Governor John Engler (Executive Director of the Michigan Environmental Science Board and Acting Director of the state’s Office of Great Lakes). In addition to state service, he also served as a Special Federal Employee, where he participated in several National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board committees as an invited Ecology Expert. His professional research and work resulted in more than 100 publications addressing a wide range of environmental and natural history issues. Upon his retirement, Mr. Harrison’s public service career was acknowledged with tributes from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan State Senate, then Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, the United States House of Representatives, and then President and First Lady of the United States, George and Laura Bush.
Keith belonged to several historical, patriotic, and civic organizations, including the 1865-created Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, in which he served as the National Commander-in-Chief from 2009 to 2011, the 1881-created Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), in which he served as the National Commander-in-Chief in 1994/1995, and Commanding Officer of the SUVCW’s Sons of Veterans Reserve in 1996/97. He also belonged to the Michigan Society of Mayflower Descendants; Society of Colonial Wars; Sons of the Revolution; Society of the War of 1812; Morgan’s Men Association Inc.; Military Order of the World Wars; and Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was a Mason (Lodge #252 of Okemos, Michigan and Civil War Research Lodge #1865 of Highland Springs, Virginia) and a Rotarian (Rotary Club of Eaton Rapids). He also was a member of the Michigan Civil War re-enactment organization, 7th Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company B, Inc., and the midwestern reenactment organization, Cumberland Guard.
Keith was a Civil War reenactor for 33 years and participated in over 550 reenactments and living histories throughout the United States. He traces his ancestry back to 47 Union Civil War soldiers, 42 of whom served in Michigan regiments and five from non-Michigan regiments. He also had two ancestors who served with the Confederacy. Following the end of the Civil War, several of his Union veteran ancestors joined local Michigan Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Keith served as the Board President of Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum (Eaton Rapids, Michigan) since its inception in 2013, Chair of the Michigan Civil War History Partners, and Treasurer of the Friends of Michigan History. He published four books, one on the Natural History of Cass County, Michigan in 1979), two family genealogies (Ancestry of Nathan Lewis Harrison in 1989 and Ancestry of Nathan Lewis Harrison – Revisited 19 years Later in 2008), and his most recent book (2020) on Cass County, Michigan in the Civil War and the Grand Army of the Republic.
Keith is predeceased by his father, John Barnard (1915 – 1986), mother, Maxine Pearl (Lewis) (1920 – 2005) [Lyon, Harrison] McCormick, stepfather, Frank McCormick (1911 – 1986), first wife, Linda Diane (Dodson) Harrison (1950 – 2008), and brother, Philip Barnard Harrison (1947 – 2019). He is survived by his wonderful wife, Jean Ann Harrison of Holt, Michigan, his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan Lewis and Sarah Harrison of Grand Blanc, Michigan, brother and sister-in-law, David Dale and Stacie Lyon of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sister-in-law, Paula Harrison of Niles, Michigan, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the United States and in England.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with burial and a graveside service taking place later that day at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis, MI. The family received friends at the funeral home on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the nonprofit Michigan’s G.A.R. Memorial Hall and Museum (224 South Main, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827) and/or the nonprofit Capital Area Human Society (7095 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing, Michigan 48906).
Barbara Haigh
Barbara Louse (Pratt) Haigh, AKA Grandma Haigh, 90, of Charlotte died on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. She was born June 17, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan, to Romine E. and Lucille M. (Martin) Pratt. Barbara graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of 1950. She married her sweetheart, Stanley Haigh, on August 26, 1950, at the West Benton Methodist Church. Becoming a farmer’s wife and raising five children wasn’t always easy, but she loved that job. Barbara retired from the Eaton County Medical Care Facility, serving as a nurse’s aide, housekeeper and finally laundry. Once she retired, she could be found helping students in the Potterville Elementary School with reading. Her title became “Grandma Haigh” to not only her grandchildren, but their friends and most everyone who knew her. After losing her husband of 56 years, she became “Grandma” again to her friends, and crew at Big Boy (her favorite restaurant). She was a Donald Duck fan, enjoyed playing BINGO at the senior center, watching soap operas, crocheting her “fancy work,” sewing, cooking and baking, and watching hummingbirds.
Barbara is survived by her five children, Marilyn (Clark) Hulliberger of Dimondale, Carolyn (Doug) Armstead of Grand Ledge, Evelyn (Don) Kunst of Fowler, Ron (Linda) Haigh of Bellevue and Jackie (Jerry) Mire of Potterville; grandchildren, Dan (Stacey), George (Bullet), Kenny (Kelly), Jossie, Dawn, Donna, Douglas Jr., Jennifer, Paul (Hiroko), Crystal (Dale), Laura, Jodi (Rusty), Jessica (Marshall), Jamie; 21 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, Virgil Pratt and Nancy Mellor; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine Pratt, Gerald Royston, Joan Pratt. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Stanley; brothers, Jack, Ken, and Dale Pratt; sister, Joan Royston; son-in-law, Dan Bliesener Sr.; and great great-grandson, Adaein.
Friends are encouraged to support Barbara’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were January 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. 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 Barbara’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 Salvation Army. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
James M. Love, Sr.
James M Love, Sr., 79 of Pine Island, Florida went home to be with the Lord on December 11, 2022. Jim was born on February 24, 1943. He was raised on his parents’ dairy and crop farm in Windsor Township, Eaton County, MI. He was a 1961 graduate of Charlotte High School. He married Mariana M. Huntoon the next year; together they welcomed three children. Jim was a Master Electrician and a member of the IBEW #665 for 55 years. He founded and ran an Electrical Contracting business, “LoveCo Electric” in Lansing Michigan. Jim was a 32nd degree Past Master of Grand Ledge Lodge #179, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Saladin Temple of Grand Rapids, Michigan, member of the VFW Post #4353 and the American Legion Post #136. He served as 13th District Commander, Southwest Area Commander and Florida State Detachment Commander for The Sons of the American Legion. In all his posts, Jim served with selfless honor and unwavering integrity.
Jim always had a love for water and boats; one of his joys was being the captain of his yacht, “Lady Love” on Lake Michigan. His children have lots of boat stories! Jim moved to Florida for warmth and water; he settled on Pine Island, his retirement paradise. It was there that fell in love with his wife, Sylvie (Myers) Love.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence B. and Louise May (Parrish) Love. He is survived by his wife, Sylvie; his beloved dog Sam; his children: Lisa (Kevin) Jackson, Michael (Kate) Love, Loren (Kelley) Love; his grandchildren: Lindsay (Ben) Chargot, Janna (Dan) McKinney, Lee (Dakota) Jackson, Jeffrey (Kylie) Jackson, Jacob (Emily) Love, Blaine (Zoe) Love and Ethan Love. He was a Great Grandpa to 11 great grandchildren.
A private burial has taken place in Eaton County, Michigan. A life service for family and friends will be held in the Spring of this year. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jim’s honor to the Sons of the American Legion Post #136, 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, FL 33956 or Eaton Clothing & Furniture Center’s “Back to School Program,” 135 S. Washington St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Mervell Stickles
Mervell “Merv” Albert Stickles, a caring and loving, father, grandfather, and brother died on Saturday, January 7, 2023. Mervell, 74, of Charlotte, was born November 29, 1948, in Eaton County. Upon graduating from Charlotte High School Merv joined the Army where he proudly served his country in Vietnam. On November 28, 1992, he married Geraldine “Geri” Leonhardt. Merv worked as a builder for Halsey Construction, and later at Spartan Motors where he would retire. Many will remember him for being a man who would help anyone in need. His hobbies included bowling, trips to the casino, playing trivia, and being a jokester. Above all the most important thing to Merv was his family.
Merv is survived by his children, Scott (Tess) Hale, and Robin Hyde; grandchildren, Gerica (Matt) Piggott, Tasha (Steven) Marietta, LaTrisha (Adam) Voorhees, Daysha (Anthony) Eaton, and Natie-Lia (Nathan) Albitz; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill (Susan) Stickles; Royal (Vickie) Stickles, David Stickles, Robert Stickles, and George (Tami) Stickles. He was predeceased by his wife, Geri; sister, Zelma Loraine McCrimmon; his parents; sister-in-law, Anne Stickles; and brother-in-law, Jim McCrimmon.
Friends are encouraged to support Merv’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Friday, January 13, 2023, from 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Bill Stickles 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 Merv’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 Charlotte VFW Post 2406 or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Janice Marlene Boardman
Janice Marlene Boardman, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. She was born November 29, 1938, in Lansing the daughter of Donald and Barbara (White) Gibson. Janice graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1956. On November 8, 1958, she married Jarrad “Skip” Boardman at the Grovenburg United Methodist Church. Family meant everything to Janice and she cherished each and every one of them in a special way. She adored her grandchildren and always kept up to date on all of their happenings. Janice was an ardent supporter of 4H. She served on the Eaton County Fair Board and was the Horse Superintendent at the fair for many years. Janice also volunteered at the Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church where she helped with their grief support program. In her spare-time she enjoyed reading, camping in her younger years, and her many dogs she had throughout her life. Even in her 80’s Janice loved technology and was always up to date on the latest Apple products and how to operate them. She retired after many years of service from the Lansing State Journal.
Janice is survived by her children, Lori Boardman of Charlotte, Lee Boardman of Charlotte, Jenifer (Brian) Epkey of Bellevue; grandchildren, Ashton Epkey, Jarrad Epkey, and Riley Epkey all of Bellevue; sister, Cheryl (Smitty) Smith of Grand Haven; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Skip Boardman in 1989; brother, Les Lee Gibson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Damon and Pauline Boardman; and brother-in-law, Wilson Portt.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 12 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Janice’s memory to the family.
To view Janice’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.