Obituaries
Lillian M. Howe
Lillian Mae Howe, a selfless and upbeat woman of Faith and love, died peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2020, surrounded by her family at home. Lillian, 88, of Charlotte, was born August 25, 1931, in Charlotte, the daughter of Frank and Mary Smrchek. Lillian lived a life of devotion to her family, and to others. She married Barton Howe and the two enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before his death in 2009. When their children were young, she worked for Kroger. Later, she went back to school and earned her nursing degree and served as a nurse at Lansing General for many years. Lillian was always giving of her time, helping her son Neil with his print shop in Ann Arbor, and being sure to be present for all of her granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments throughout the years. Many friends and family will remember her potato salad, the many family pets, her love of travel and adventure, and her vivacious and up-beat personality. In her downtime, she loved to use her hands to create beautiful sewn and crocheted works. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors every weekend, whether it be fishing, boating, or taking trips on a motorcycle with Bart. For nearly the last 10 years, she and Joe Pray supported each other as companions, attending St. Mary’s, traveling, going out to dinner, and enjoying great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Charlotte, where she found weekly peace. Above all, Lillian loved her family.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Annette (Jim) Florence; four granddaughters, Erin Florence, Cori (Theo) Hensley, Jamie (Ryan) Scott, and Hayley (Dustin) Stoner; great-grandchildren, Silas, Lucas, Ezekiel, Beckett, and Brooklyn; and her companion of 10 years, Joseph Pray. She was predeceased by her husband, Barton Howe; and her son, Neil Howe; and her five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Lillian’s family. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2020 inside the funeral home, and in the gardens from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., just prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lillian on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Asher T. Turner
Asher Trayce-Joseph Turner, age 0 (Stillborn), of Eaton Rapids, died July 31, 2020. He is survived by his parents Corey Turner and Taylin White. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Evelyn S. Kreischer
Evelyn Sue Kreischer, 74, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Evelyn was born April 12, 1946, in Flint, the daughter of J.D. and Edith (Shaw) Wright. She graduated from Eaton Rapids high school in 1964. On March 26, 1966 Evelyn married Darwin Bolles and was happily married for 39 years until his passing in 2005. Evelyn attended her 45th class reunion where she met fellow classmate Robert; they began dating and married on August 22, 2009. Robert passed in 2018.
Evelyn in 2005 dedicated her life to the Lord. She was baptized at the Potterville United Methodist Church, later becoming a member. Evelyn was very strong in her faith, loving, kind, compassionate and always willing to lend a hand to help others. Her hobbies included reading, crocheting, quilting, writing poems, jigsaw puzzles and collecting owl figurines. One of Evelyn’s proudest accomplishments in her life was the poems and songs that she wrote and that were copyrighted. Evelyn was very active and volunteered her time for the Eaton County Craft Project for 9 years. One winter Evelyn knitted over 200 caps for people in need. She will be dearly missed by her beloved family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her siblings, Lillian Collins and June (Lynwood) Andrews; half-brother, Jay Wright; Robert’s daughter, Katharine Abbott; and her family; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Darwin Bolles; second husband, Robert Kreischer; brothers, Jack Wright, and James Wright; and her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Pastor Mark Aupperlee officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Sycamore Creek Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Evelyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles F. Kenney
Charles “Chuck” Franklin Kenney, passed unexpectedly the morning of July 20, 2020. Chuck was born on October 6, 1959 in Eaton County to Merl G. and Vada Mae (Jones). He attended Charlotte High School, class of ‘77.
Chuck enjoyed fishing, building his own model rockets and making custom furniture. He was a carpenter for 42 years and really looked forward to retiring.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Merl, brother Orval and niece Tarra (Hope). He will be greatly missed by his wife, Tammi, who has been his best friend for 29 years, mother Vada, sisters Marilyn (Phil) Parmelee, Ginger (Bud) Sweet, Noveda (David) Nighbert, brothers George (Sherry) Kenney and Paul Kenney, children Charles E. Kenney, Rick Kenney and Jennifer (Tom) Witzel, grandchildren, Blake, Ashton, Alyvia, Corban, Shaeli, Cole, Logan, Ella and Wyatt and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.
No services were requested by Chuck. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be a celebration of life taking place.
Marilyn J. Haun
Marilyn Jean Haun, age 74, of Olivet, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 4, 2020. She was born August 28, 1945, in Battle Creek the daughter of Lloyd and Barbara (Crilly) Haun. Marilyn was a truly loving soul. She adored her family and loved being with them. She could often be found helping her father with the daily chores around their farm or in the kitchen helping her mother with the dishes. No matter what the task, Marilyn cheerfully helped with them all. As a young girl Marilyn loved her horse named Shorty, with whom she spent countless hours. In her free time Marilyn enjoyed coloring, painting, scrapbooking, and feeding birds.
Marilyn is survived by her nephew, C.J. (Julie) VanSyckle of Charlotte, great nephews: Levi (Kendra) VanSyckle of Charlotte, Landen (Nichole Christie) VanSyckle of Wisconsin; nieces: Holly (Brian) Lahr of Charlotte, Heather (Mark) Zaremba of Olivet, Aleisha (Andy) Birgy of Detour; sisters-in-law: Louise Haun and Liz Hopkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce (Bill) Welch; brothers: Roger Haun and Ron Haun.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Marilyn’s honor to the family to help with her final expenses.
To view Marilyn’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Helen M. Hannon McGiveron
Helen Maurine Hannon McGiveron, age 102, of Eaton Rapids passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020. Helen was born in Des Moines on February 24, 1918, the daughter of James and Edna Blake. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1936. Helen was a retired State of Michigan employee. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Vincent Hannon and WM “Mike” McGiveron; daughter and son-in-law, Carol M. Strank (Gary) of Iowa City and her brother and sisters.
She is survived by her son, James (Julie) Hannon; daughter, Susan (James) Sayed; grandchildren, Jessica (Eric) Smith, Zach (Kassidy) Hannon, Emily Sayed, Laurie Sayed, Rebecca (Mauricio) Delabra, Shannon Strank (Ernest Gonzales), Daniel (Danielle) Strank, Alicia Strank; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends starting at 10 a.m. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit skinnerfuneralhomes.com.
Reese L. Naylor
Reese Loren Naylor, age 83, of Garfield, Arkansas, passed away June 25, 2020 at his home. Reese was born in Eaton Rapids, March 22, 1937 to Frank Naylor and Ruth (Gunnell) Naylor. He has been a Garfield, Arkansas resident for 26 years. Reese was a 1955 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School. In his younger years, he enjoyed farming with his father. Reese was a former member of the Eaton County 4-H and a leader for 4-H in Springport, worked at several car dealerships in Eaton Rapids, worked at Heifetz Pickle Factory and was the owner of the Sunoco Gas Station. He was a semi-truck mechanic by trade and also loved small engine repair, restoring old tractors and woodworking. Reese had a kind heart and was always willing to lend a hand to help someone.
Survivors are his life partner, Anne Louise Wamsley; children, Ron (Jennifer) Naylor of Springport, Cindy (Dennis) Hasenick of Albion; siblings, Keith (Diana) Naylor of Eaton Rapids, Carol (Duke) La Motte of Grayling; grandchildren, Nikkole Wright, Vella and Cody Naylor, Marc (Alyssa) Hasenick, Andrew (Megan) Hasenick; great-grandchildren, Carson, Blaine, Anson, and Hayden Hasenick. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Rosehill Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visit the website at millsfuneral.com.
Kimberly V. Stults
Kimberly V. Stults, age 58, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Sebring, Florida, after a long battle with cancer. She was born on January 8, 1961, in Charlotte to Dale and Betty (Fife) Barr. Kimberly graduated from Olivet High School. On November 12, 1983, she married Jack R. Stults. She had been a resident of Florida for the past 11 years. Kimberly enjoyed golf, the casino, camping, travel, her family, and especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her father, Dale (Judy) Barr of Olivet; mother, Betty Kundrat of Hohenwald, TN; husband, Jack; son, Jeremy (Lauren) Stults of Petoskey; brothers: Dale (Debra) Barr Jr. of Charlotte, Bret (Angel) Barr of North Charleston, South Carolina; sister, Debbie Barr of Baltimore, Maryland; step brothers: Kermit Smith of Charlotte, and Trent (Cheryl) Smith of Douglasville, Georgia; two grandchildren: Emma and Ethan Stults of Petoskey.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with the Rev. Fr. Ryan Riley officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Kimberly’s honor to the Florida Cancer Specialist Foundation, 5985 Silver Falls Run, Suite 210, Lakewood Ranch FL 34202 or Chapters Health Foundation-Good Shephard Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Suite 120, Tampa FL 33609.
To view Kimberly’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com
Coranne K. Pryor
Coranne “Corky” Kay (Derby) Pryor, age 84, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2020. Coranne was born May 25, 1936, in Lansing the daughter of Howard and Margaret Derby. She was a Charlotte resident her entire life. She graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1954. Coranne worked as a librarian for Charlotte Junior High School, retired as a bus driver for Charlotte Public Schools, and was a longtime volunteer at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Eaton Area Senior Center, the Capital City Old Car Club, the Good Sam Camping Club, and a former member of the Charlotte Country Club.
Coranne is survived by her sons: Steven (Bethany) Pryor of Clinton Township, Eric (Cheryl) Pryor of Charlotte; 5 grandchildren: Carley (Brad) Woodhull, Marole Pryor, Amy Pryor, Erica Pryor, and Lauren Pryor; 2 great grandchildren: Avery Woodhull and Graham Woodhull.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 57 years, Dale Pryor; brother, Richard Derby.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Coranne’s memory to The Healing and Healthcare Foundation at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, 530 Beech St., Charlotte MI 48813 or echrshealth.org/foundation. To view Coranne’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Brittany L. Fender
Brittany Lynn Fender, a firecracker and challenge taker, died July 24, 2020 as a result of an accident. Brittany, 27, was born January 30, 1993 in Hastings, Michigan to Floyd Fender and Sabrina (Dies) Barneko. Brittany had many hobbies and activities she enjoyed; especially those adventures that took her outside. Most recently, with the Covid-19 challenges, she was determined to become self-sustaining, and “feed her family” with her own pigs, cows and chickens. She turned her home into a farm with her natural love for animals making that transition easy for her. She had been employed by Bradford-White, and was studying to become a CNA. She enjoyed the Stay-At-Home-Mom status this past several months; enjoying her kids so very much. Brittany was always ready to bend over backward to help others when needed.
Brittany is survived by her loving children, 7 year old Jaxson and 4 year old Gunner and their father, Jesse Eye; fiancé, Triston Jiles; mother, Sabrina (Scott) Barneko; father, Floyd (Doris) Fender; sisters, Taylor Fender, Addison Fender; step-sisters, Elly Barneko, Kaylee Sientz, Izzabella Swinehart; step-brothers, Jaron Slentz, Parker Swinehart; grandparents, Floyd and Janet Fender, Ginger and Leonard Lake.
She was predeceased by her grandfather, William Dies.
Funeral services were be held July 30, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Steve Olmstead officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family to help cover expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Brittany on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.