Obituaries
Harold Palmer Gray
Harold Palmer Gray, 90, of Charlotte, a man greatly respected for his integrity and honor, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Born in Kawkawlin, MI on October 11, 1932, to Glen and Pearl (Jonas) Gray, Harold graduated from Eastern High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Lauralyn Puffer, in December of 1951. An excellent Tool and Die maker, he crafted his skill over the years as he worked for Oldsmobile, GM, Fisher Body, Demmer Tool & Die, Olofsson’s Machine Tools Inc., and Cameron Tool & Die. The Grays spent eight years as Managers of Tecumseh Woods Lutheran Church Camp in Tipton, MI. Team One Chevrolet was his most recent employer, retiring from there at the age of 80. A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 30 years, Harold spent lots of time there volunteering for different projects and enjoying time with his church family.
While Harold was a skilled tool and die maker, he was also adept at many other things and a “jack of all trades,” which was great since he always liked to be busy. He was very proud of his 1929 Oldsmobile 2-door sedan that he restored. Other activities that kept him busy included woodworking (making jewelry armoires for his girls and toy boxes for all his grandchildren), playing pool, working on plumbing and electrical, he loved to hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors and long bike rides. His sense of humor was very quiet, he had a lifelong affliction with paronomasia (go look it up).
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lauralyn; his daughters, Jan (Randy) Bruce, Sue (Richie) Johnson, both of Charlotte, and Amy (Stephen) Arneric’ of Leander, TX; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church in honor of Harold Gray. Memories on Harold may be shared on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Samantha Mary Thomas
Samantha Mary Thomas, 44, of Charlotte, a caring and loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Sam was born July 11, 1978, in Lansing, the daughter of John Sheldon and Carol Lyn (Uchitel) Little. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1996 before enlisting in the U.S. Army as a chemical weapons specialist. Upon her return, she worked in various jobs, including two years at Hope Landing in elder care, and, most recently, one year at the Eaton Pub. She had a profound love of animals and was known to rescue many and find them homes. Above all, Sam loved her family.
Sam is survived by her daughter, Rylee Lynn; son, Connor Jaymes Thomas; her parents, John and Carol Little; andbrothers, John Little, Jr. and David Little.
Friends are encouraged to support Sam’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with visitation from 1-3:00 p.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Dorleen Wells
It’s with sorrow that we announce the passing of Dorleen Ann (Richardson) Wells of Vermontville, MI. Born on July 22, 1948 in Hart, MI. She passed away on Thursday December 22, 2022 at age 74. She was married on October 31, 1970 to her husband and lifelong love Jack Wells. She enjoyed traveling, (AKA Queen of the road or MeMee) spending time with friends and family, photography, and party planning along with baking treats. Dorleen is survived by her husband of 52 years Jack Wells; son, Russell; daughter, Janell and husband Thomas Smith; grand-daughter, Karlee; great granddaughter, Emelia Martinez; cousin, Connie Ames; and lifelong best friend, Linda Sams; and many nieces and nephews and Richardson and Wells family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Richardson and mother, Geraldine Richardson along with father-in-law, Kenneth Wells and mother-in-law, Marianna Wells. Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1 p.m. The memorial service is scheduled to start at 2 o’clock directly after visitation at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte, MI located at 436 W. Harris St. A dinner will be served directly after the service. The family asks for any memorial contributions to be given to New Hope Community Church for their generosity and help with the service.
Gracie “Sue” May Hayward
Gracie “Sue” May Hayward of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Sue was born on May 1, 1938, in Ramsey, England, the only child of George and Grace (Payne) Hunt. She was proud of her English heritage and retained her English citizenship throughout her life. Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where she met her future husband, Kenn Hayward, who was stationed there during his time in the U.S. Air Force and was also working as a switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960, at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Along with Kenn, Sue was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years, and a longtime member of Mt. Hope Church in Lansing. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed her trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. She was an avid birdwatcher and always found time to enjoy a great cup of tea. Above all, Sue was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and the time she spent with them.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Hayward. Surviving is her husband, Kenn Hayward; sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m.. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family received family and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Emerson Charles Hogan
Emerson Charles Hogan, 92 of Charlotte, passed away on December 9, 2022. He was a Mold Maker at Owens Illinois. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.