Obituaries
Pauline Barbara Bottomley
Pauline “Petie” Barbara Bottomley, known for her exceptional organization skills and unwavering kindness, peacefully passed away on July 6, 2024. Born on November 27, 1924, to John Allen and Cleo R. (Miner) Kelley, Pauline’s life was a testament to dedication, love, and meticulous care.
Pauline Bottomley’s journey began in the heart of Chester Township, where her parents owned and operated the Needmore Store, a hub of community life in central Eaton County. She embraced her education at Charlotte High School, where her vibrant spirit shone through not only in her studies but also in her musical talents, playing the saxophone with passion in the High School Band. Graduating with the Class of 1942, Pauline embarked on a career path that reflected her commitment to service and organization. Her first job was working on the Selective Service Board of Eaton County. Pauline’s early years laid the foundation for a life richly lived, marked by warmth, dedication, and an unwavering spirit of service.
On August 24, 1944, Pauline married the love of her life, Donald O. Bottomley, with whom she shared 58 beautiful years and raised two beloved sons. Pauline’s life was enriched by her adventures alongside her husband Don during his service in the United States Navy. Her knack for organization and meticulous record-keeping shone through in every aspect of her life. From managing photo albums filled with cherished memories to meticulously handling bookkeeping details at Spartan Stores in Grand Rapids. After moving to Masonic Pathways in Alma Pauline found fulfillment in bringing order and structure to the facility’s library, proving that her organizational skills were an asset wherever she went.
A devoted mother, Pauline took immense pride in her family. She was always present for her sons, Kelley Jack and Gary, nurturing them with unwavering love and support. Her hobbies included knitting, through which she lovingly crafted handmade gifts that remain cherished by family and friends. Her well-run home was a testament to her organizational prowess and the warm hospitality she extended to all who entered.
Pauline is survived by her loving sons Kelly Jack (Pat) Bottomley of North Carolina, Gary (Jackie) Bottomley or Cadillac; grandchildren James Bottomley, Cheryl Bottomley Berndt, Jeffrey Bottomley, Eric Bottomley, Jason Bottomley, Michael Bottomley and Jacob Bottomley; and many great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and who will forever hold her in their hearts. Pauline was predeceased by her sisters Margaret Fast, and Hilda Sparks.
Friends are encouraged to support Pauline’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services to celebrate Pauline’s life were held at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan at 12:00 Noon Friday, July 12. Visitation preceded the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon offering an opportunity for loved ones to share memories and support each other. Interment will follow the funeral at Union Cemetery. If desired memorial contributions be made to Heartland Hospice or Masonic Pathways, reflecting Pauline’s spirit of generosity and community.
Pauline “Petie” Barbara Bottomley leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and impeccable organization. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Stephen Peter Hundt
Stephen “Steve” Peter Hundt of Charlotte, a humble and kind husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully July 7, 2024, at the age of 97. Steve was born June 22, 1927, in Lansing to Albert and Mary (Weber) Hundt. A graduate of St. Mary High School in Lansing, Steve enlisted in the Army and served during World War II. In 1956 he married Mary Deschryver and they had five children together, David, Mark, Timothy, Kenneth, and Peter. Mary passed away in 1973 and in 1985 he found love again and married Mary Crandell, living together and blending their families for the next 39 years. A devout Catholic, Steve was a charter member of Saint Therese Catholic Church in Lansing. It was always important to him to attend church on Sundays, and he always found a church, even when they were on vacation. During his working career he was a carpenter at his family business, Al Hundt & Sons Builders which was later known as Hundt Brothers Builders. Some of his favorite things to do were family vacations on the lake, trips around the country, and winters in Florida with lots of time playing shuffleboard and cards.
Steve’s loving ways and kindness will be dearly missed by his family, including his wife Mary; children, David (Kathy) Hundt, Mark Hundt, Timothy (Christine) Hundt, Kenneth Hundt, and Peter (Dawn) Hundt; step-children, Dan (Tammy) Crandell, Randy (Sherri) Crandell, and Angie (Rick) Tate; 17 grandchildren, Michael (Krystal) Hundt, Sarah (Michael) Haagensen, Paul Hundt, Dominic Hundt, Nicholas Hundt, Joseph (Hillary) Hundt, Samantha (Brian) Hundt, Christopher Hundt, Mindy (Travis) Ejde, Maria (Matt) Rathbun, Patrick (Jill) Crandell, Nicholas (Denise) Crandell, Courtney Crandell, Chad (Dawn) Crandell, Nicole (Troy) Jamieson, Mindy (Jeff) Curtiss, and Curtis (Consuelo) Tate; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary; daughter-in-law, Sheri Hundt; granddaughter, Allison Hundt; sisters, Beatrice Hundt and Irene Hundt; brother, Earl (Helen) Hundt; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Tuesday, July 16, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 17, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Anthony Strouse 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 Steve’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 St. Mary Catholic Church or Elara Hospice in East Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Harvey Daniel Hill
Harvey Daniel Hill, 65, passed away July 2, 2024. Harvey was born on May 31, 1959 to Dexter Hill, Sr. and Mary Lou Hill, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his son, Jared (Brittany) Hill; grandson, Colton Hill; brothers, Dexter Hill, Jr. and David (Debbie) Hill; and sisters, Lori (Tommy) Rhodabeck and Patti (Robert) O’Neil.
Harvey spent his time painting businesses and houses in the area. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
No services are planned at this time.
Diana Naylor
Diana Naylor, age 74, passed away on May 25, 2024. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the VFW Post 2406, 695 Lansing Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Thomas Joe Owen
Thomas Joe Owen of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 5, 2024, at the age of 82. Thomas was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on September 26, 1941, the son of Harold and Marion (Hine) Owen. He proudly served his country as an Airman in the United States Air Force for four years. Thomas worked for General Motors for 30 years. During that time, he worked as a Health and Safety Representative for the UAW and on the United Way project before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, and snowmobiles near his vacation home in Harrison, MI. He also had an eye for cars, especially Mustangs.
Thomas is survived by his children, Thomas (Brenda) Owen of Grand Ledge, Jeffrie (Stacy) Owen of Concord, Richard (Dee) Owen of Eaton Rapids, Aric (Nancy) Owen of Eaton Rapids; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Laura “Charlene” Owen; infant son, William Owen; siblings, David Owen, Bill Owen, Shari Clough, and Sharon Williams.
A Memorial Service was held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 in loving memory of Thomas Joe Owen. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.