Obituaries
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.
Rebecca Gallimore
Rebecca (Cowell) Gallimore, Age 61 of Nashville, MI passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, at her farm in Nashville, MI.
Rebecca was born in Hastings, MI, on February 01, 1963, a daughter of Charlotte and Henry Cowell of Vermontville, MI
She was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local schools graduating from Maple Valley High School in 1981. During her time at Maple Valley, Rebecca enjoyed participating in local community events and playing sports. Rebecca was the 1980 Vermontville Maple Syrup Queen. She loved maple syrup so much she even put it on her macaroni and cheese. She continued her education at Kellogg Community College completing her associate’s degree in applied commerce.
Rebecca began her working career at Hastings Aluminum Products, then transitioned to Kellogg Community College where she worked for several years at the RMTC, and then became the Executive Assistant to the President for four years, finishing out her career as the Operations Manager at the RMTC and EAC. She worked faithfully at KCC for over 28 years before retiring in 2021.
She was married to Mr. Steven Gallimore on August 14, 1999, in a western themed wedding in the backyard on her father’s farm in Vermontville. Rebecca & Steve made their home together in the Kalamo area on their 20-acre horse farm. Being in the country allowed Rebecca the freedom to pursue her passion for horses. Throughout the years she has been active in raising Quarter & Paint Horses. Becky’s passion for horses began at a young age by participating in 4-H and spending many years going to horse shows. While at her home Rebecca spent her free time grooming the horses and working in her flower garden. Rebecca was an excellent singer, and often travelled with Steve’s band, lending her outstanding vocal talent whenever the opportunity presented itself. Becky loved all animals and rescued many, including a baby possum that she fed with a doll bottle. Becky also spent as many days as she could playing golf. A great day was spent fishing with her dad even if they came home with no fish.
Rebecca is survived by her beloved husband Steve, her parents Charlotte & Henry Cowell, her sisters Sheila (Danny) Dunn, Kelli Cowell, brothers Kenny (Sue) Cowell, Steve (Teressa) Cowell and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved horse “Clancy” and her dogs “Maxamillion” and “Brandy”.
As per Rebecca’s wishes she will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will take place on a future date. Anyone wishing to donate in Rebecca’s memory can make donations to the Eaton County horse arena for speakers and improvements by sending a check made to ECAS in care of Karen Newman, 2679 North Ainger Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or to the Eaton County Humane Society, P.O. Box 233, Olivet, MI 49076
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 E. M-79 Hwy., Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.
Mary Lou Hull
Mary Lou Hull, a woman who was a loyal friend to all, died on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Mary 94, of Charlotte was born on August 17, 1930 in Chester Township the daughter of Vaughn and Kathleen (Jordan) Smuts. She proudly graduated as the Salutatorian the class of 1948 from Potterville High School. Shortly after graduating from high school, she married Robert Hull and together they created their legacy. Mary worked for the Potterville Post Office for several years before Mary and Robert took over as caretakers for the Valley Springs Mobile Home Park. In her younger years she enjoyed family trips to the lake, and trips across the country to Vegas, and NASCAR racing. Most recently she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. Many will remember Mary for her love for cardinals and her green thumb. Above all she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grand-dog, Hunter.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Joan (Lee) Stuble; grandchildren, Doug (Kendra) Fish, Nikki Fish, Kelly Stuble, and Kevin (Marie) Stuble; three great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Ed Hayes; and special friend, Carol Root. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert; daughter, Connie Hayes; and great-grandson, Christian Stuble.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.