Obituaries
David Ted Dotts
With heavy but forever grateful hearts, we announce that David Theodore Dotts (“Ted”) left this earth on Sunday, June 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at his home on Lacey Lake. The eldest of seven siblings, Ted was born in Ann Arbor on August 9, 1939, to Raymond Theodore Dotts and Florence Marjorie (Densham) Dotts. He was a lifelong resident of Michigan.
Ted grew up at the family home, fondly known as the Ranch, near Whitmore Lake. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1957 and joined the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he attended Michigan State University before returning to Ann Arbor. He was married to Barbara (Dieterle) Faulkner on August 31, 1961. They raised three children together and remained close friends throughout his life.
The young family moved to Charlotte in 1967, where Ted immediately immersed himself in the community. He deeply believed in giving back. Among other service activities over the years, Ted was a past member of the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department, Charlotte City Council, the Eaton County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, and the Charlotte Jaycees. He volunteered for many years for Eaton Hospice, was an active part of the congregation at St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a member of American Legion Post 42.
His great life became even better when he met Gayle Sanborn, to whom he was wed on October 21, 2000. They were truly soulmates and helped each other and the entire family through life’s inevitable ups and downs. They enjoyed traveling and highlights included England, Alaska, Savannah, Ga. and visiting family in Hayes, Va.
Ted was the Charter President of the Charlotte Optimist Club, founded in 1976. He held many roles at local and state levels, including Governor of the Michigan District of Optimist International. He followed the Optimist Creed to a tee and worked tirelessly to help the organization in its mission to bring out the best in our youth.
Speaking of tees, golf was a big part of Ted’s life—watching and playing. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and being a spectator at any event in which his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. Ted loved good food, playing cards, and was a voracious reader. We believe the word “hangry” was coined especially for him, and he always had a little room left for Boston Coolers, rhubarb pie and the famous Dotts family mint roll.
After retiring from Farm Bureau as an insurance salesman, Ted knew idle hands were not for him. As well as continuing his volunteerism, he held post-retirement positions at local car dealerships before his ultimate retirement position at Byrum Ace Hardware. Ted enjoyed serving the customers and his camaraderie with his coworkers.
Ted had a great sense of humor and continued to crack jokes right up until the end, even when we didn’t think he was listening to the conversations going on around him. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and it was clear this was reciprocated with the enormous outreach and number of visitors when he fell ill. His large, extended family and friends provided tremendous support and comfort in his final days.
Our beloved Ted was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, Richard Dotts, and Richard’s wife, Louise (Haddon) Dotts. He is survived by his wife, Gayle (Sanborn) Dotts of Bellevue; daughter, Lori Dotts of Grass Lake; daughter, Lisa (John) Kozitzki of Hayes, Va.; son, Stephen (Ahnika) Dotts of Charlotte; grandchildren Alyssa (Brent) Bos, Brandon Kozitzki, Brittany Kozitzki, Kelsey Meyer, McKenna (Kenny Dennis) Kozitzki, Silver Dotts, Stevie Dotts, Zoë Dotts-Brown, Avery Dotts-Brown, and Abigail Dotts; great-grandchildren Natalie, Charlotte, Callum, Sykes, Taevyn, Wilder, Calliope, Annabelle, Peyton, Dawson, and Aidan; siblings Barb (Russ) Soffredine of Gaylord, Sally (Robert) Schlupe of Munith, Nancy (Duane) Nagel of Grand Rapids, Wendy (Lynn) Arntson of Chelsea, and Ray (Julie) Dotts of Jackson; sister-in-law, Bethany (Don) Grubb of Midland; brother-in-law, Roy (Linda) Sanborn of Cincinnati; son-in-law, Charles Brown of Grass Lake; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family sincerely thanks Ted’s medical care providers, including Dr. Ted Coy, Dr. Carol Rapson, Sparrow Hospital, and the wonderful staff at Elara Caring.
Friends and family were received on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. On Thursday, July 1, 2021, an Episcopal service was hosted by the Charlotte Congregational Church. Ted will be interred at Fort Custer Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Optimist International Foundation or Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte.
To view Ted’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Norma M. Bristol
Norma May Bristol, a caring and loving mother, sister, grandmother, and dear friend, died peacefully on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at her residence in Charlotte, Mich. Norma was born September 2, 1937 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the daughter of Milo and Anna (Bennett) Covell. She was the seventh child of 14 children. She eloped to Angola, Ind. in 1957 to marry the love of her life, Howard G. Bristol, before he deployed in the United States Army. Together the couple spent the next 49 years in pure bliss before his passing in 2006. Norma enjoyed cooking and working at Joe’s Potterville Inn as a bartender, cook, and waitress until her retirement. Having a heart of gold, Norma was a very loving person that would go out of her way to help any family, friend, or neighbor. Always thinking of others before herself. Norma also enjoyed crocheting, traveling, fishing and anything Elvis Presley.
Norma is survived by her daughters, Rita (John) Dunham, and Yvette (Kevin) Beachnaw; son, Ron (Kathy) Bristol; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Nellie Bloom; and lifetime best friend, Joyce Edgecomb. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard; parents; 12 siblings; and lifetime best friend, Joyce Russell.
Friends are encouraged to support Norma’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A private family Celebration of Life has been planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Elizabeth K. Fast
Elizabeth “Liz” Kay Fast of Lansing passed away on June 27, 2021. Elizabeth was born on August 7, 1965 in Lansing, Mich. to Rodney and Constance (Shaw) Fast. Many of her family and childhood friends knew her as “Betsy” however, later in life she preferred to be called “Liz.” After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1983, Liz joined the Navy and served her country. From childhood on she attended the Trinity Episcopal Church.
Liz was a warm, generous and kindhearted soul. She sought work where she made a difference. First, she used her abilities to help troubled children at St. Vincent DePaul. She had a natural ability to identify and help redirect the youth in a positive direction. Later she worked at Fabiano Candy Shop and finally became an advocate and volunteer at the Capital Area Humane Society helping animals find a better home.
Liz enjoyed fishing, riding horses, playing with her dogs and spending time with friends and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Her poetry would often reflect her deep thoughts and perspective on life. Liz had a crazy sense of humor and would tend to laugh at things that many would not find humorous. Her laugh will always be remembered.
Liz is survived by her mother, Constance Fast of Lansing, Mich.; sisters, Kellene Fast of Charlotte, Mich. and Deborah (Jason) Terzis of Charlotte, N.C.; nieces, Madison and Jillian Terzis; and her dog, Daisy. She was preceded in death by her father, Rodney Fast.
Friends are encouraged to support Elizabeth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Grand Ledge, followed by her funeral service. She was interred in Gresham Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society or American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jill L. Thorndyke
Jill Lorraine (Jacox) Thorndyke, age 66, of Battle Creek, Mich., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2021, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born October 26, 1954, in Marshall, Mich. to the late Virgal and Joan (Devine) Thorndyke.
Jill worked as a teacher’s assistant at Doris Klaussen Developmental Center for the Calhoun County School Systems until her retirement. She also took pride and joy in caring for mentally handicapped folks in her home. Jill loved all animals and thunderstorms. She knew how to make people smile and laugh and was loved by all who knew her.
Survivors include her three children, Jodi Hargis, Gregory (Audrey Gilbert) Klont, and Shannia Crawford; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five siblings; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Thorndyke.
Per her wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held at this time.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Glenn Arbor Hospice for the exceptional care they showed Jill and the family throughout her time there.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to Glenn Arbor Hospice Facility.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jill’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit MichiganCremation.com
Nancy J. Wiers
Nancy Jane Wiers, a woman known for being the mother of the neighborhood, died Monday, June 21, 2021. Nancy, 81, of Kalamazoo, was born October 8, 1939, in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of William and Effie Grace (Dietz) Waldrop. On December 17, 1966, she married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Wiers. Nancy and Jerry ran a youth foster care home out of their house and fostered over 200 children. All of the neighborhood children would come to their house for Nancy’s cooking. Upon the passing of her husband, Nancy at the age of 50 earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College in Business Administration. She later earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University in Public Administration. Nancy went on to work for the State of Michigan as a Financial Analyst for 35 years, and she worked for many school districts throughout Mid-Michigan. Nancy was a proud lifelong member of the Order of The Eastern Star, she was a member of numerous chapters throughout the state. She served as the past grand organist for 25 years. Nancy was also awarded the Worthy Matron 10 times. She also served as the Grand Treasurer for the Grand Chapter OES of Michigan. In her free time Nancy enjoyed reading, watching NCIS, playing the organ and piano, knitting, crocheting, traveling, collecting anything with ladybugs, and her dogs. Her biggest pride of her life was her husband Gerald “Jerry” and her grandchildren
Nancy is survived by her sons, Michael (Melissa) Wiers, Mark (Janie) Wiers; grandchildren, Steven (Emily Wise) Wiers, Ashlyn Wiers, Logan Wiers, Morgan Wiers, Jake Gibson, Maria Gibson, Paul Gibson, Becca (Michael Schultes) Mastin, and Travis Jones; daughter-in-law, Tammie Gibson-Lea; special friend, Larry Hoekstra; and numerous foster children. She was predeceased by her dear husband, Gerald “Jerry,” parents; and her son, Tony Gibson.
Friends are encouraged to support Nancy’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held at Riverside cemetery in Bellevue, Mich. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Alzheimer’s Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roberta Jane Johnson
Roberta “Bobbie” Jane (Ammon) Johnson, age 86, formerly of Charlotte, Mich., passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in Gilbert, Ariz. surrounded by her family.
Bobbie was born in Charlotte, Mich. to Bertha Sederlund on December 1, 1934. She attended school in Lake Orion and Charlotte, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953. She married Kenneth “Jerry” Johnson on June 2, 1956 at Center Eaton Church. Jerry and Bobbie moved to Arizona in 1957 where she spent many years working clerical jobs before dedicating her time to raising her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Bertha Sederlund; her husband, Jerry Johnson; and her brothers, Jon and David.
Bobbie is survived by her children, Erika (Charles) Sutherlin of Queen Creek, Ariz. and Amy (Fred) Brown of Gilbert, Ariz; her sister, Martha (Ray) Lawrence of Charlotte; her sisters-in-law, Donna Ammon, Joan Sumerix and Shirley Johnson; and her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle, Madeline, Owen, and Isabelle, along with her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Jane A. Tharp
Jane Anne Tharp –“Miss Janie”– 88, of Charlotte, Mich., known for her love of children and commitment to the community through the Charlotte Community Pre-school, passed away on June 27, 2021. Jane was born March 5, 1933 in Charlotte, Mich. to Harold and Lucile (Dowker) Smith. Jane received her associates degree in teaching from County Normal in Hastings, Mich. also continuing her education at Western Michigan University and MSU where she was an active participant in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Most people will remember Miss Janie for fostering and operating the Charlotte Community Preschool for several years. Jane being very active in the community, was a member of the Parent Cooperative Preschool Advisory Board, the American Women’s Group, and TOPS. She was also a Campfire Girls leader.
Jane is survived by her sons, David C. (Betsy) Tharp of Chicago, Ill. and Mark J. Tharp of Charlotte, Mich.; daughter Sharon Tharp Gault of S.C.; grandchild Ian Gault and sister, Sue (Dick) Trimble. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana K. Tharp; sister, Helen (Jack) Snedeker; Sally Vanderploeg; son-in-law, Danny Gault; and her parents.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Guests were encouraged to dress casually as a tribute to Miss Janie. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Jane’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Peter Lothamer
Peter Lothamer of Bellevue, formerly Coldwater, was born August 20, 1947 to John and Helen Cox Lothamer. He passed away on June 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was 73 years old. He graduated from Coldwater St. Charles in 1965. Shortly afterwards he moved to Bellevue and then started Lothamer’s Farm Market. Peter married his soulmate Micki Mathews on May 31, 1969. He was a farmer at heart, raising popcorn, and vegetables. He and Micki operated the market and sporting goods store for 32 years. He was the director of public works for the city of Olivet for 17 years. Peter enjoyed woodworking, fishing, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim, Jack, and Tim. Surviving are sisters, Susanne, Sharon, Rose, and Helen Mary; and brothers, Jess, Simon, Joe, Pat, Jerry, Chris. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Micki; children, Racheal (Randy) Barnes, Mat (Beth), and seven grandsons and one granddaughter. They all held a special place in his heart, and he loved them all dearly.
Visitation will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Charlotte on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 9:30 a.m., followed by funeral at 11 a.m. Shortly following a luncheon and fellowship time will take place in Bellevue at St. Ann’s.
Richard L. Vance
Richard Lynn Vance, 65 of Dimondale, passed away exactly one month after his wife Kathy, on June 26, 2021 after a short battle with brain cancer. Richard was born August 3, 1955 to Jon Vance and Elanor Westphal in Brighton, Mich. Richard went to work at Auto Owners Insurance Company right after he graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1973. He was a hard worker and instilled that trait into his children. For many years Richard was very active in adult softball leagues and played for the Auto Owners Insurance Company team. He was also a lifelong bowler playing in numerous area leagues, and he was very good. His children and grandchildren were his main focus throughout his life, and he supported them by attending all their ballgames, recitals and concerts. He often said, “They make me as proud as I can be.” Not only did he love his family but he was also devoted to his pets. After 44 years at Auto Owners, he retired as an auditor and he traded a suit and tie for a set of motorcycle leathers and made his longtime dream a reality when he bought a Harley. He became a member of the Lansing Area Harley Owners Club ( H.O.G.S) and recently became its Director. He married Kathy Semrau on April 7, 2017, and together they traveled all around the country on his Harley for the past five years. He and Kathy were active with all their common interests and packed so much into the few short years that they were together.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Christi (Don) Grinnell; son, Jason (Trisha) Vance; stepsons, Tucker (Michelle) Fuller, Dalton (Karin) Fuller; grandchildren, Hunter, Madelyn, Christine, Trason and Benjamin; sisters, Elaine (Dan) Cupp of Eaton Rapids and Eva (Joe) Hay of Bangor and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Kathy, in May; his parents; his brother, Ron (2020).
A public memorial service will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 3 p.m. in the Pray Gardens with interment following in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Okemos with the procession led by the H.O.G.S. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Richard on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Caren J. Miller
Caren Joyce Miller, of Holt, passed away June 22, 2021 at the age of 46. Caren was born in Lansing, Mich., January 30, 1975, the daughter of Paul and Cheryl (Vlaz) Miller. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1994. Caren made bookmarks and sewed using plastic canvases. Some of her favorite pasttimes were talking on the phone to her mother, listening to Christian music and audio books and playing various games, including UNO, Skip-Bo, Yahtzee and Lego’s.
Caren is survived by her mother, Cheryl Miller of Holt; daughters, Sarah Levasseur of Holt and Irene Levasseur of Charlotte; brother, Paul (Liana) Miller of Ohio; grandmother, Shirley Vlaz; aunts and uncles, Kay (Chris) Stahl, Dane (Linda) Vlaz, Grace (Lonnie) Wolfe, Becky (Joe) Hinton; special friends, Lana Bumgart and Annette Evans; and her cats, Rascal, Rosie and Smokey. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Miller; grandparents, Dane and Betty Vlaz, Fred Miller and Laura (Ryan) Serage; sister, Christy Miller.
Memorial services will be 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Eaton Rapids Assembly of God Church, with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To place online condolences, please visit millsfuneral.com.