Obituaries
Emily Elizabeth Hansen
Gone too soon, Emily Elizabeth Hansen, age 26, of Dewitt, Michigan passed away on September 10, 2024. She was born June 25, 1998 in Kalamazoo, MI to Edwin L. Hansen, Jr. and Wendy (Hagerman) Cornish.
Emily was a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine. She was an old soul that touched everyone she knew. She found joy in greeting and chatting with the community at Oriole Nutrition in Charlotte, knowing them all by name. She loved to sit and talk with the elderly she helped take care of at The Oaks in Battle Creek. Serving others is what made her heart happy.
Emily was an extremely proud dog mom to Pumpkin, the love of her life. She also loved the Detroit Red Wings, Harry Potter, Legos, Halloween, scary movies, elephants, Christmas, and all the Christmas movies.
She is survived by her mother, Wendy (Dwayne) Cornish of Charlotte, MI; her fur-baby, Pumpkin; siblings, Lindsay (Jamie) Rokita of Parma, MI, Bethany Cornish of Marshall, MI, Landon Cornish of Dorr, MI, and Ashley (Tyler) Six of Portage, MI; grandparents, Calvin Bates, Sr. of Albion, MI and Mike (Sandy) Cornish of Albion, MI; aunts and uncles, Joe (Teresa) Hagerman of Albion, MI, Brandie (Jimmy) Owens of Camden, MI, Dawn (Tom) Hoyt of Albion, MI, Kathleen Hansen of Albion, MI, Jason (Niki) Hansen of Albion, MI, Tracy (Rob) VanHove of Detroit, MI, Leslie (Sherman) Price of Bronson, MI, Warren Hagerman of Camden, MI, Calvin Bates, Jr. of Washington, and Mallisa Cunha of Washington; many loving cousins, and her godmother, Sherill (Buff) Swanson of Mt. Iron, MN.
She is preceded in death by her father, Edwin L. Hansen, Jr.; grandparents, Elizabeth Ellen Bates, Edwin Hansen, Sr., Doris Hansen, George D. (Marian) Hagerman, Sr. and uncle, Doug (Melissa) Hagerman.
A visitation was held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, in Albion, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM. That evening they continue to celebrate Emily’s life with dinner and memories at the Beach Market in Downtown Charlotte.
Carolyn Anderson Nelson
Carolyn Anderson Nelson, 70, of Charlotte, Michigan passed away on September 15, 2024, in her home after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Carolyn was born in Provo, Utah, on September 6, 1954, to Roland and Renee Anderson. As a child, she and her family moved to Mount Clemons and then Muskegon, Michigan.
Carolyn graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1972 and from there attended Muskegon Community College and Rick’s College in Idaho. She transferred to Michigan State University where she met her eternal companion, Val Nelson. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 24, 1976. They welcomed 5 children while living in Michigan and Utah.
Carolyn dedicated her professional career to working with children with special needs in the Charlotte Public Schools for 29 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, crafting, and most recently started working with stained glass. She was a dedicated member of her church community where she faithfully served the children, youth, and women. Her faith in Jesus Christ was a paramount piece of her life. She was often found to be reading her scriptures and in most recent years serving in the Detroit Temple every other Saturday.
Carolyn loved her family most of all and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Throughout her life she was found at her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events, band or orchestra concerts, dance recitals, and more. Ever the peacemaker, she was sought for her wisdom and listening ear. She will be missed for her selfless, compassionate, dedicated, and loving nature.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband Val Nelson of Charlotte, MI. Children: Victoria (Weylin) Douglas of Laingsburg, MI, Meggen (Joshua) Kensler of Kalamazoo, MI, Tiffany (Paul) Quast of Richmond, TX, Elaina Nelson of Las Vegas, NV, Jared (Dahlia) Nelson of Murray, UT and 12 grandchildren. Siblings: Clint Anderson of Oklahoma City, OK, Vennetta Hickson of Kansas City, MO, and Vint (Denae) Anderson of Pace, FL.
A Celebration of Life Open House will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 200 North Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Carolyn’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Humanitarian Aid Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To view Carolyn’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.
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.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 3 P.M. at Needmore Cemetery 351 W. Needmore Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813 with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
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.
Douglas Edward Cove
Douglas Edward Cove, age 72, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. He was born February 9, 1952, in Charlotte the son of Robert and Leone (Haddix) Cove. Doug graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970. He went to work for General Motors and retired with over 35 years of service. Doug was a huge MSU and Green Bay Packers fan but he only switched to the Packers after his perpetual disappointment in the Detroit Lions. Doug loved cooking for the family and just spending time together.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Carl Gordon; and brother, David Cove.
He is survived by his children: Jason (Cherie) Cove of Charlotte, Joel Cove of Charlotte, Celena (Kevin) Aspinall of Charlotte, Carli (Russell) Miyasato of Eaton Rapids; four grandchildren; and siblings: John (Shirley) Cove, Linda (Jack) Raymond, Debbe (David) Townsend.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family asks that you wear MSU apparel.
Those desiring may make contributions in Doug’s memory to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, 530 Beech Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Joan Elaine Hart
Joan Elaine Hart of Onondaga, passed away September 13, 2024, at the age of 97. Joan was born on August 26, 1927, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Louis and Bernice (Bateman) Gretton. She attended Mason High School and graduated in 1946. Joan lived in the farmhouse that her great grandfather built in 1875. She spent lots of time outdoors in her gardens. Joan was very proud of her flowers, she always made sure to let her son, Brad, know not to mow over her flowers. She had vegetable gardens and fruit trees and spent many hours canning fruits and vegetables. Joan was a member of Farm Bureau and the Mason Art Guild. She was a great artist, she especially enjoyed watercolors and oil paintings.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Sandy (Robert Sanderson) Hart of Mason; sons, Bradley (Diane) Hart of Onondaga and Brian (Pam) Hart of Brutus; grandchildren, Marc (Christina) DuWig, Darcie (Uwe) Saefkow, Katie Sigman, Karrie Hart, Tyler Hart, Collin Hart; great grandchildren, Gwenyth, Lily Ann, Keegan, Juliana, Jordyn, Atley; sisters-in-law, Muriel Allen, Merna Mudgett, Marlene Akers, June Hart, Rosie (Jerry) Miers as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Clair “MC” Hart in 2013; parents, Louis and Bernice; brother, Dale Gretton; sister, Eleanor Hart.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Island City Assisted Living and all their staff for the phenomenal care they gave Joan for the last four years.
A Memorial Service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation the evening prior from 6-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2260 E. Saginaw Street, Suite A, East Lansing MI 48823 or Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids in loving memory of Joan Elaine Hart. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.