Obituaries
Wilma Ann Campbell
Wilma Ann (Whitinger) Campbell, an inspiration and teacher to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on January 13, 2023. Wilma Ann was born to Elwood Edward and Eunice May (Fladeboe) Whitinger, on September 19, 1936, in Charlotte, Michigan. She was the second child of a talented family of six. Her parents recognized early the musical ability Wilma had and she began dance lessons at the age of three. She was a good student, and participated in many extracurricular activities: band, cheerleading, plays, and had many lifelong friends in the CHS class of 1954.
Wilma had an opportunity through her Lansing dance teacher to open her own studio in Charlotte. During her senior year, she became the owner and teacher of her very own dance studio. Soon after she had a blind date with a handsome young man from Olivet, and the couple fell in love. Both Norm and Wilma were ambitious yet family oriented, so while Wilma taught dance classes, Norm attended General Motors Institute in Flint. Once married, it wasn’t long before Norm was an engineer at GM and they had three children to add to their happiness.
Wilma owned the Campbell Dance Studio for 41 years where she and daughters Lori and Mary Jo taught classes. Many dancers started as toddlers and continued through high school and beyond. Hundreds of students and their families became part of the family of Campbell dancers over several decades.
During her career Wilma was able to study with tap-greats at various workshops and conventions in Chicago, New York, LA, and Las Vegas. Her continued education with the art of dance never stopped, whether learning or teaching it. Her annual dance recitals were wonderful productions. The dancers especially looked forward to performing and many fond memories were made. She was a pro at enlisting people to help with behind-the-scenes projects, as well as getting a reluctant person to perform. One did not say “no” to Wilma.
Wilma formed the “Dancing Deputies” group to perform as the local entertainment for Charlotte’s annual Frontier Days festival. She was passionate about bringing entertainment to her community. Her dancers performed in talent shows, chorus line and band bounces for the CHS band, along with the Lowell and Chesaning Showboats as well as many other venues.
As the years went by, she was delighted to add more family, with in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was adept to social media so was able to stay in touch with her grand and greats and extended family and friends. She made all who knew her feel special and loved. Her very large extended family on both sides of the family tree benefited from her positive nature, kindness, and life lessons along the way.
During retirement Wilma and Norm enjoyed life on the road in an RV, life in Florida during the winter, and at their haven at Sugar Springs near Gladwin, MI. The grandchildren have many fond memories of golf camp, fishing trips, and swimming either in the lake or the clubhouse pool. Much special time was spent with the grandparents. Wilma’s favorite pastime at the lake was the sunset rides on the pontoon when the weather suited her just right.
Wilma returned to live in Charlotte once Norm passed away in 2003. It was great to have her home and close to family again. It didn’t take her long to become involved again with the Eaton Area Senior Center. She was once again able to be either direct or be part of their variety shows and entertainment. She taught computer lessons to seniors to keep up with modern technology.
Wilma is survived by her children, Lori (Steve) Coplin, Andy (Karen) Campbell, Mary Jo (David Hosey) Campbell; grandchildren, Jason Mills, Ryan (Nicci) Baum, Kindra (Larry) Smith, Patrick Baum, Holly (Chip) Nevins; great-grandchildren, Dayton Cubis, Lincoln Baum; Camden, Caysen, Colbie Nevins; Rozlyn, Molly, Brady Smith; brother, John (Sue) Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Gerry Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, Gerry (Patti) Congleton; many nieces, nephews and their children; as well as cousins and their families; and several of her life-long friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Norm; parents-in-law, George and Bea Campbell; sisters, Lucille Tuckey, Marion Whitinger, Leila Whitinger, Linda (Matt) Silvas; in-laws, David (Judy) Campbell, Daniel Campbell, Shirley Campbell; son-in-law, Rex D. Baum; daughter-in-law, Cammi D. Campbell; and grandson, Corey A. Campbell.
Friends are encouraged to support Wilma’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family received visitors Friday, January 20th at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life service was held Saturday, January 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God. 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 Wilma’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 Eaton Area Senior Center or SIREN of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roxann Marie Moore
Roxann Marie Moore, a very giving individual that was dearly loved by many, died January 21, 2023, at her home in Charlotte surrounded by her family. Roxann, 59, was born April 26, 1963, in Lansing to Michael and Rose Marie (Mesler) Kempf. Roxann and her husband John ran a successful business they loved and cherished together for 39 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University after graduating from Charlotte High School. Always taking care of everyone around her, Roxann loved being a mother and grandmother and doting on her family, as well as caring for others in the business she and her husband John owned and ran together, Moore’s Country Living. Anything pink, sparkly, glamorous, or bedazzled appealed to Roxann, which explains why she loved trips to local casinos, trips to Vegas, and sunsets. Some of her other favorite things include shopping, time spent at the sand dunes and Silver Lake, bonfires, and Chardonnay during many of these activities.
Roxann is survived by her husband, John Moore; children, Shelby (Sydney) Moore, John Michael (Haily) Moore; Heather (Sean) Yancey; grandchildren, Blaire, Henzlee, Ella, Layla, Harper, and Brooks; father, Michael Kempf; brother, Michael (Michelle) Kempf; sister-in-law, Jill Kempf; mother-in-law, Carol Moore; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Rose Kempf; brother, Ron Kempf; father-in-law, Jack Moore; and step father-in-law, Bob Kidder.
Friends are encouraged to support Roxann’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, January 27, 2023, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey 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 Roxann’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a college fund for her grandchildren. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Carl “Roy” LeRoy French
Carl “Roy” LeRoy French, a good-hearted family man, died on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Roy 95, of Charlotte, was born September 5, 1927, in Vermontville, MI the son of Carl and Ethel (Chapman) French. In 1947 Roy began working for the Charlotte Chair Factory where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Margaret Lightner on February 16, 1957. His mission from that day forward was to irritate Margaret every day. Roy was a man who was always providing for his family, at one point he worked three different jobs to provide for his family. His hobbies included tinkering in his garage, going to auctions, watching NASCAR, game shows, and westerns. The family also went on several camping trips. Roy hated camping but was a good sport because Margaret loved it. Roy loved having family gatherings for the holidays. His biggest passion in life was his grandchildren.
Roy is survived by his children, Carla Frazier of Sunfield, Cindy French of St. Johns, Jacquelyn French of Charlotte, and Steven French of Charlotte; grandchildren, Joseph Collier, Brian Collier, Angel (Mike) Dager, Donald Collier, Robert Collier, Anthony Rugg, Mindy Rugg, and Christopher French; great-grandchildren, Abreana, Camden, Ashley, and Carly; sister, Geneva Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret; siblings, Pheobe Clouse, Lola Magoon, James French, and George French; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Roy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 24, 2023, and funeral services were Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home 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 Roy’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.
Lori Lou Spotts
Lori Lou Spotts, age 58, of Saginaw, MI, formerly of Charlotte and Lansing passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at her home in Saginaw after a courageous battle with liver cancer.
She was born April 28, 1964, in Charlotte, MI the daughter of Steven L. and Linda (Bowes) Spotts.
Lori graduated from Olivet High School in 1983. She had previously worked at the Lansing State Journal.
Lori was preceeded in death by her grandparents, Clifford and Frances Spotts, and grandmother, Harriet (Bowes) Starkweather; uncle, Linden Spotts; and aunt, Rhonda Gembura.
Lori is survived by her companion, Billy Adams; father, Steven Spotts; mother, Linda (Bowes) Cottenham; stepmother, Nora Guerra Spotts; siblings: Kristine Hurley, Crystal (Chris) Kuzma, Stevie Jo Spotts, Shai Sproat, Daniel Cottenham, Darren Cottenham, Honey Cottenham, Jessie Cottenham and Jamie Cottenham; aunt and uncle, Paula and Louis DeFabio; and several nieces and nephews.
At this time no services are planned. The family is in care of Evans and Browne Funeral Home.
Patrick John Hickey
Patrick John Hickey, age 67, passed away unexpectedly in an accident at his home on January 14, 2023.
Pat was born November 11, 1955, to Louis and Donna (Smith) Hickey.
He attended Maple Valley Schools graduating in 1973. After graduation he was employed by Carefree Windows and was with the company 30 years until their closing. He was then employed by Spartan Motors for 10 years until his retirement.
In his younger years he enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his friends and traveled to western states and also to Canada.
Pat grew up on the family farm on Valley Highway and purchased the farm upon his mom’s passing. He enjoyed being back on the farm and sharing it with his family.
Jill and Pat were married at St. Cyril Catholic Church on December 29, 2012. They enjoyed biking, camping, traveling, and time spent with their grandchildren, who were included on many of these outings.
Pat was a devoted family man. He lovingly cared for his parents in their final years. He will be greatly missed as a wonderful husband, stepfather, and adoring grandfather.
Pat was a lifetime member of St. Cyril Catholic Church in Nashville, serving faithfully in whatever role was needed. He was the current treasurer of the Maple Valley Alumni Association. He enjoyed his friends and classmates from the class of ‘73.
Surviving are his wife, Jill; stepdaughters, Kristen (Chris) Miller and Sarah (Troy Sloan) Shoemaker. He was adored “Papa Pat” to Palyn, Claire, Gracie, Jack, Emma and Michael.
He is also survived by his brother, Ed (Nora) Hickey; and their children, Lori Joostberns and family and Skeeter Ebersole and family; brother-in-law, Pat London; nieces, Stephanie (Brandon) Delinsky and family, and Kelsey (Steve Najar) London.
Also surviving Pat are his mother-in-law, Anne Lehman; father-in-law, William (Linda) Lehman; brothers-in-law, Billy Lehman and Scott McLachlan; aunt, Sharon Halliwell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen London; and sister-in-law, Beth McLachlan.
Visitation was held at Daniels Funeral Home on Friday, January 20th with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 21 at St. Cyril Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass was held at St. Cyril Catholic Church on Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. with interment at Lakeview Cemetery to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Cyril Catholic Church or the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Hwy, Nashville. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.