Obituaries
Patricia Ann Ellis
Patricia “Patty” Ann Ellis, 66, of Charlotte, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 2, 2025. Patty was born August 28, 1958 in Lansing, the daughter of James and Mary Ann Nelson. She graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing before settling into family life. She worked in various capacities throughout the years, but most recently she worked as a clerk at the M-50 Party Store, where she loved sharing stories with her the customers and friends. Patty loved spending time in her garden working the soil and tending her flowers. She also enjoyed playing her daily scratch-offs and trips to the casino, as well as decorating for the Holidays, especially Christmas and Easter Patty was happiest when spending time with her beloved grandchildren.
Patty is survived by her son, Ryan (Katie) Cuff; daughter, Jessica (Carlos) Garcia; 10 grandchildren, Alexis Henning, Brianna Cuff, Makenzie Wilson, Harley Cuff, Ryan J. Cuff, Brianna Haan, Michael Brown, Carlos David Garcia, Jr., Aliyah Gabrielle Garcia, and Titus Rio Garcia; brothers, Mike Nelson, Jim (Carol) Nelson, Jerry (Tammy) Nelson, and Tommy Nelson; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister-in-law, Betty Nelson.
Friends are encouraged to support Patty’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www. prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will take place from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., just prior to the service. 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 Patricia’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 in care of Ryan Cuff. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Alfred Glenn Ewing
Alfred Glenn Ewing, of Charlotte, MI, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025, at the age of 82 in Charlotte, MI. Born on June 17, 1942, in Lansing, MI, Alfred was a man who lived a full life marked by dedication to his family, work, and community.
Alfred’s early years were spent in Lansing, where he was raised by his loving parents, Garfield and Genevieve (Hillker) Ewing. The values of hard work and commitment were instilled in him from a young age, and these principles guided him throughout his life. He was the beloved husband of the late Delores Ewing, and together they raised a beautiful family. Though he was preceded in death by his wife; children Rick, James, Michael, Jody, Margaret, and Tina; grandson Robert (BJ); sister, Linda Shasteen. Alfred’s legacy continues through his surviving family members.
He leaves behind his stepdaughter, Kay Becker; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Dunlap; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly. Alfred also leaves behind his sisters, Bernetta Byewater, Virginia Greene, and Beverly Harris, who will cherish the memories of their brother’s unwavering love and support.
Alfred’s professional life was as diverse as it was distinguished. He was a former employee of Frigidaire, Motor Wheel, and Maple Brook Golf Course. His leadership skills shone brightly during his time as the chief of Walnut Hills Country Club, where he was respected and admired by his colleagues and the club members.
Beyond his professional achievements, Alfred was a man of many interests. An avid golfer and bowler, he could often be found enjoying the greens or participating in friendly competitions at the bowling alley. His love for animals was evident through his companionship with his beloved dogs, who were a constant source of joy in his life.
His commitment to his community was evident in his active involvement with the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565. Alfred not only was a member but also served on the state board for the Moose Lodge, contributing to the welfare of his community and the betterment of the organization.
As per Alfred’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 in loving memory of Alfred Ewing, 1809 Lansing Rd, Charlotte, MI 48813. For online condolences please visit www.millsfuneral.com
Paula Taylor
Paula Taylor, 82, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Temple, Texas. Born on September 23, 1942, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Paula moved to Texas in 1983 after living in Michigan raising her three oldest children, she lived a life filled with love, dedication, and deep connections to family and friends, both in Texas and Michigan.
Paula was a devoted parent and cherished the time spent with their children: she is survived by her children Gower Lucas (wife Taresa), Patrick Johnson (wife Jaye), Pamela Hill (husband Darrell), Matthew Crutsinger (wife Jaye); Paula’s brother, Tom Taylor (wife Janet). Paula was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, who all remain to honor her memory. Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Lola Hayden and Thomar and Nadine Taylor; her sons Gregg Johnson and Paul Pennington; her former husband and longtime companion Harold “Bud” Crutsinger whom she was his devoted caregiver for more than three years.
A loving and sometimes overly protective mother. Paula was also a committed friend who valued the bonds she built throughout their life. Paula found joy in needlepoint and treasured moments spent with family and friends. Paula’s involvement with the Four Winds Tribal Society was a source of great fulfillment.
To celebrate Paula’s life, two gatherings will be held. The first Celebration of Life was taken place on April 19, 2025, in Belton, Texas. The second Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion on 1000 West Lawrence Ave in Charlotte, Michigan.
Paula’s legacy of love and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May Paula Jean Taylor (Lucas, Johnson, Pennington, Emenhiser, Crutsinger)’s memory bring comfort to all who mourn her death.
Gloria Beebe Herr
Gloria Beebe Herr passed away on March 30, 2025 in Raleigh, NC at the age of 102. She was born in Flint, MI on January 18, 1923 to Hazel and Elmer Beebe. She was a proud graduate of Charlotte High School class of 1940. She attended Michigan State College and left for Corpus Christi, TX when World War II broke out to work as a civilian employee for the Naval Department. Here she met her future husband, Robert N. Herr of Normal, IL.
Two children survive: Stephen Herr of Raleigh, NC and David Herr of Norman, OK; as well as granddaughter, Shelley Herr; and brother, Gary (Midge) Beebe of Charlotte, MI. Gloria was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her sister, Connie; and her parents.
Gloria was a lifelong learner taking many college courses at Meredith College in Raleigh.
Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Kathryn Doris Newberry
Kathryn Doris Newberry of Bellevue passed away peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital at the age of 101 on May 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Kathryn was born March 9, 1924 in Woodland, Michigan, the daughter of Samuel and Nina (Hynes) Hefflebower. She was a graduate of Woodland High School. Kathryn married Junior Newberry on December 10, 1943. They were married for 51 years before his passing. She was a lifelong homemaker and member of the Bellevue First Baptist Church where she served on the Social, Flower and Pastoral Relations Committees. She was a member of the choir and also served as a deaconess.
In Kathryn’s younger years, she enjoyed golfing, spending time at Sandy Pines and attending her grandchildren’s softball/ baseball/basketball games and musicals. She also loved cheering on Phil Mickelson and the Tigers. Kathryn lived a long full life, living on her own until she was 100 years old.
Kathryn is survived by her daughters: Nancy (Ronald) Rosin, Carol (David) Lantz, and Audry (James) Wernowsky; grandchildren: Kristina (Scott) Mesack, Penny (Bob) Parker, Steven Newberry, Ryan (Heather) Rosin, Renee (Gregg) Tilley, Robb (Amanda) Rosin, Richard (Tonya) Spaulding, Randall (Naja) Spaulding, Megan (Bryce) Greenfield and Morgan Wernowsky. She is also survived by 24 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Allen Newberry; daughter-in-law, Gwen Newberry; great granddaughter, Kennedy Rosin; sister, Greta McClelland and brother, Carl Hefflebower.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Bellevue First Baptist Church, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021, the funeral service will be begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Don Francis officiating.
Interment will take place at Ellis Cemetery on Lacy Road, Assyria Township.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to the Bellevue First Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guestbook, to share memories and pictures with the family.