Obituaries
Karson Klont
Karson Lynn Klont, 18 of Charlotte, a fun-loving, considerate, and wonderful young man, died unexpectedly June 26, 2022. Karson was born August 19, 2003, to Peter and Lauri (Converse) Klont in Lansing, Michigan, and grew up in Charlotte. A 2021 Charlotte High School graduate, Karson was always ambitious and driven in school, receiving many honors during his high school career, but never liked to be the center of attention. He was very proud of his first car, a 1995 Corvette. Karson was a talented woodworker, making mostly furniture. Any time outdoors was a good time for Karson; he enjoyed fishing whenever the opportunity arose, riding his motorcycle, as well as working outdoors for R & D Landscaping. Creativity and vision were also strengths of Karson’s; he was always eager to help and with his natural mechanical abilities was able to figure out how to fix almost anything, including motorcycle restoration.
Karson will be deeply missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his parents, Peter and Lauri (Converse) Klont; sister, Kelsey Klont; grandparents Ron and Harriet (Shaw) Converse; aunts and uncles, Bob and Michaelle Converse, Doug Converse, Jeff and Deb Klont, Sondra Klont, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Peter and Judith Klont; and uncle, Terry Klont.
Friends are encouraged to support Karson’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, July 7 from 1 to 3:00 p.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte. Funeral services are on Thursday, July 7, 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The family invites guests to stay after his Celebration of Life for a luncheon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Relay For Life or plant a tree in his honor. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Garth Smith
Garth Michael Smith, age 81, of Charlotte, entered into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. He was born August 22, 1940, in Lansing, the son of Robert and Gertrude (Ripley) Smith. Garth graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1958. Soon after graduation he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and faithfully served his country. Garth was a member of the IBEW for over 50 years and worked as an electrician the majority of his life. He was also the proud owner of S&S Trucking for many years. Garth loved handing out his “Retired and Loving It” ink pens to everyone he came in contact with. In his sparetime he enjoyed fishing, MSU Hockey, and spending time at his home in Florida. Garth was a member of the American Legion Post 42, VFW Post 2406, Eagles Aerie #3552, and Moose Lodge 2565, where he made his daily rounds to spend time with his countless friends. Garth had many pets throughout his life but was especially fond of his current dogs, Bunny and Bernie.
Garth is survived by his children, Terry Smith of Charlotte, Winnie (Shane) Miller of Charlotte, Candy Ewing of Vermontville; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; siblings, Karen (Larry) Feldpausch, Tim (Linda) Smith of Charlotte, and Eunice Smith of Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Matt Ewing; and Margaret Elbrink.
A celebration of Garth’s life will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the American Legion Post 42, 1000 W. Lawrence Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Garth’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.
Marvin Sewar
Marvin Allen “Sonny” Sewar, 84 of Charlotte, MI, a proud GM and never Ford guy, died June 21, 2022. Sonny was born October 31, 1937 in Batavia, NY to William and Anna (Lodica) Sewar, and was destined to be in the military with a long family heritage of proud service to our country. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force in June of 1955 and served at multiple bases during his 20 years of active duty until his retirement on December 31, 1975. He met his future wife, Barbara, at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, and they were married in 1959. In their 63 years of marriage, they had many adventures together traveling with the Air Force and raising a family. Being a military man meant everything to Sonny. He was a stern but very loving father and grandfather who was very proud of those who followed his path in serving our country, and equally as proud of those who chose other professions.
After retiring from the Air Force, Sonny went to work at General Motors for 15 years. When his family showed up at his house in anything other than a Chevy, he apologized to the neighbors and made everyone laugh. Children always loved Sonny, he was known as a kid magnet and baby whisperer in his family. Some of his favorite activities included trips to the casino, cruising around the state in the RV, riding his motorcycle, bowling, taking walks, watching true crime TV shows, and playing video games on his Nintendo, Saga, Gameboy, and most recently his tablet.
Marvin “Sonny” is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara; son, Michael Sewar; daughters, Debra (Gary Sr.) Davis and Sandra Mandeville; six grandchildren, Katherine (Frank) Burcar, Gary Michael Davis Jr., Daniel (Samantha) Davis, Laura (Davi) Salas, Bryan Mandeville, and Gerard (Kayla) Mandeville; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Katherine Briolet and Diana Raymor; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Christina Sewar; sister, Geri Atkinson and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Marvin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and memorial services were on Sunday, June 26. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Ronald McDonald House Charities. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cynthia Emenhiser
Cynthia “Cindy” Ruth Emenhiser, a caring and loving wife, mother, and friend, died on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Cindy 65, of Charlotte, was born on October 28, 1956, in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of Don Davis and Wilda and Ferron Hartshorn. Most recently Cindy worked as a manager of a gas station before an injury led her to retirement. In 1995 Cindy married the love of her life Henry “Hank” Emenhiser. Cindy and Hank enjoyed camping and fishing around the state. She loved volunteering her time at the Washington Elementary School. Most importantly Cindy devoted her life to the Lord. She was a Youth Group and Worship Leader at First Assembly of God Church in Olivet and most recently a member of New Hope Community Church in Charlotte.
Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Hank Emenhiser; daughter, Sarah Emenhiser; brother, Christopher Davis; and numerous extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents, Don Davis, and Wilda and Ferron Hartshorn.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The New Hope Community Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sharon Ruthruff
Sharon Harriett Ruthruff, age 88, from Charlotte passed away on June 21, 2022. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
Christopher Bashaw
Christopher Robert Bashaw, age 50, of Charlotte passed away on June 24, 2022. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
David Davis
David Adam Davis, age 68, of Charlotte passed unexpectedly June 16, 2022.
David was retired from road construction as a heavy machine operator.
David leaves behind his sister, Christina Lloyd; daughters, Marjorie VanVleet and Carrie Rathbun; son, David Leon Davis; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and countless friends. His family is inviting everyone to his home at 6789 W. Lawrence Hwy. in Charlotte on July 23, 2022 at 12:00 Noon to come and share photos, memories, and food. Dishes to pass are appreciated.
Earl Wood
Earl Irven Wood, age 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. Earl was born on April 14, 1936, in Bellevue, Michigan, to Lewis and Ruth (Campbell) Wood. He graduated from Olivet High School with the class of ‘54. After graduation, Earl joined the military and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after more than 20 years of faithful service. Earl married the love of his life, Rosemary McConnell, on June 8, 1984, at the Delta Mills United Methodist Church. They recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary. Earl enjoyed life and had many hobbies. He loved spending time in the great outdoors tending his beautiful garden. You would also find him relaxing as he spent time fishing. Earl loved to go bowling. He was a master at reupholstering furniture. Above all, Earl loved his family.
Those left behind are his wife, Rosemary; children, Cathy (George) Godwin of Alabama, Steven (Tammy) Wood of Charlotte, Mike (Cynthia) Wood of Ohio, Pat (Luann) Wood of Wyoming, MI; stepchildren, Doug (Rita) Merrill of Olivet, Joe (Sherry) Merrill of Bellevue; 16 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Earl Jr.
Those desiring may make contributions in Earl’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Following Earl’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no memorial services are planned at this time.
To view Earl’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.
Martha Kuch
Martha A. Kuch, 82, of Hickory Corners, passed away June 14, 2022. Martha was born February 22, 1940 in Hudson, Michigan to John and Lorraine (Jugle) Walters. She grew up in the Otsego area and helped with the kindergarten music class and volunteered in the school library. This helped develop her love for music and education, which would shape the course of the rest of her life.
Martha graduated from Western Michigan University, majoring in music and early elementary education. She taught elementary school at Parchment, Harden County Schools and Charlotte Public Schools. She was also the director of the Kiddie Carousel Day Care Center and gave private music lessons of harp and hammered dulcimer. Martha performed music at numerous community events. She was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity for Women, the National President of Scottish Harp Society of America and was a presenter at harp workshops at various music festivals.
Martha volunteered at Ascension Borgess and was a hospice volunteer. She participated in church activities, sewing doll outfits and quilts for charity, went to quilt retreats and loved to knot. “Camp Grandma” loved spending the summers with her grandkids. Martha lived her life focused on faith, family and service.
Martha married John P. Kuch on August 4, 1961, who survives. She is also survived by their two sons, John (Belinda) Kuch and James (Deborah) Kuch; grandchildren, David Kuch, Justin and Jessica McGinty, Paul and Samantha Smith, Quinn and Alyson Kuch-D’Ascenzo, Lorraine Kuch and Celia Kuch; a great-granddaughter, Hanna Rose McGinty; two sisters, Virginia Baueurle and Mary Jo (Rob) Bruinooge; a brother, Larry (Cinda) Walter; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Gull Lake United Methodist Church. Interment will be held at a later date at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. Memorial donations may be made to the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, Vibrant Life Senior Living or to Visiting Angels. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Arlys Lewellyn
Arlys Arlene Lewellyn, a loving and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother, died on Monday, June 27, 2022. Arlys, 80, of Charlotte, was born January 31, 1942, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of Charles and F. Lucile (Randolph) Halsey. Following graduation from Olivet High School, Arlys would marry the love of her life, James Lewellyn, in 1961 and the couple would spend the next 61 years devoted to one another. Arlys worked as a Clerk Typist for the State of Michigan, and also as a Secretary for the Congregational Church in Charlotte. She enjoyed taking walks through the woods, and camping with her dear friend Mary. Arlys would face her struggles throughout her lifetime, in 1985 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This diagnosis would impact her life but didn’t stop her. Arlys loved reading, writing, and most importantly spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Arlys is survived by her loving husband, James; children, Barry (Tammy) Lewellyn, Tamara Lewellyn, and Kirk (Cindy) Lewellyn; grandchildren, Austin (Whitney) Landry, Desireé Lewellyn, Ciarra (Blake) Firestone, Taylor Lewellyn, Chloe Lewellyn, and Hunter Lewellyn; great-grandchildren, Eli, Ellie, and Caden; sister, Mina Halsey; and special friend, Mary Adams. She was predeceased by her parents, F. Lucile and Charles Halsey, sisters, Charmane Bridges, and Shirley Rann.
Friends are encouraged to support Arlys’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 12 Noon at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte with Pastor Judy Betten officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the Memorial from 11:00 a.m. until 12 Noon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Healing and Health Care Foundation (Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services) or the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.