Obituaries
Shirley Moran Connelly
Shirley Moran Connelly, of Eaton Rapids and formerly of Hubbard Lake, was reunited with her beloved husband of 60 years, William Connelly, on Monday, April 7, 2025. She passed away at the age of 88.
Shirley was born on July 6, 1936, in Ketchikan, Alaska, the second child of Raymond and Lenora (Atkinson) Moran. At just 14 years old, she and her brother Tom made the journey by train from Alaska to Eaton Rapids, where they took residence at the VFW National Home.
She worked for nine years at Eaton Stamping but spent the majority of her career working alongside her husband, helping make, fit, and customize orthotics for those in need.
Shirley had a deep love for life and a gift for connecting with people, she made friends wherever she went. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who took great pride in caring for her family and home. A talented cook and avid canner, Shirley also had a lifelong passion for music and enjoyed singing in the church choir at the VFW National Home.
Shirley loved animals and doted on her pets. She lovingly crafted afghans for her children and grandchildren and enjoyed crocheting. Shirley was a collector at heart and especially enjoyed treasure hunting with her husband. A loyal Detroit Tigers fan, she rarely missed a game.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William Connelly; her parents; sons, Timothy Colgan and Nicholas Connelly; brothers, Raymond “Don” Moran and Tom Moran; and sister, Arlene Moran.
She is survived by her daughters, Cherie (Glen) Gilbert and Cathy Harrington; grandchildren, Heidi (Jon) Heinl, Paul Gilbert, Kyle Harrington, Chad Harrington, Evan Harrington, T.J. (Katie) Colgan, and Andrew Colgan; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., with a meal to follow the service.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or AIDShealth.org in Shirley’s memory.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Thomas Nierenberger
Thomas “Tom” Nierenberger, 81, formerly of Charlotte was born on December 24, 1943. He passed away quietly on April 8th, 2025 in Boise, Idaho.
Tom was a graduate of Charlotte High School class of ‘62. He spent the majority of his life in the Charlotte area enlisting in the National Guard, followed by employment with O.I. and then Spartan Motors until retirement.
Tom was a very handy person, repairing or building anything. He had a great workshop.
He would chop and stack wood with precision.
An avid hunter, the freezer was always filled with venison. Tom was a successful hunter and local pantries received venison for their freezers.
He always greeted you with a smile and quick witty sayings. A very enjoyable and thoughtful person.
Tom lived briefly in Stanton after retirement and then to Boise where his daughter, Anissa, saw to all of his wants and needs.
He is survived by his daughter Anissa Nierenberger, grandson Preston Dull, brother Richard Nierenberger, sister Cecelia Nierenberger-Jones, devoted friend George Myers and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents, Matt and Lucille Nierenberger; sisters Maryan Nierenberger Marple, Sally Nierenberger-Heinze.
To anyone who knew Tom, please celebrate his life in fond memories of the kind, loving person he was.
Susan Kelly Bennett
Susan “Sue” Kelly Bennett, age 65, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at home. She was born on September 23, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan to George Richard & Gerleen Suzanne (Coats) O’Brien.
Sue graduated from Holt High School in 1977 and retired from Accident Fund Insurance Company of America in March of 2021. She liked to create through sewing and crafts, often gifting homemade items or sending thoughtful handmade cards in the mail. She also sewed the bedding set for her grandson’s crib.
Sue and her loving husband, Pete, were devoted to each other through 46 years of marriage. They loved to travel together and took annual trips to Tennessee, where they enjoyed the mountain scenery and shopped for antiques. Together, they had three children and she was a loving mother figure to Collin Seigle. She was a warm and selfless mother who supported her children in their decisions and cheered for each achievement and success. Beautiful inside and out, she always wanted the best for those around her.
She is survived by her mother, Gerleen O’Brien; loving husband, Pete Bennett; their children, Gregory, Jeffrey, and Maggie; grandchild, Vincent; siblings, Kathy (Terry) Buskirk and David O’Brien; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will have a small celebration of life with details to follow.
Connie Ann Lisiecki
Connie Ann Lisiecki, 75, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Connie was born July 25, 1949, in Marietta, OH, the daughter of Philip Richard and Hilda Laverne (Eller) McNabb. She graduated from Marietta High School in 1967 before attending Ohio State University to study photojournalism. During her college years, she met and fell in love with a fellow student, Jerry Boyd Lisiecki. The two married on December 20, 1969, and soon welcomed their son, Chad. Connie and Jerry eventually settled in the Lansing area, where Connie began her career as a Reiki Master. She was a certified Hypnotherapist and helped countless others throughout her career in Homeopathic Health.
Connie also loved art. She was a talented painter, especially of nature scenes. She collaborated with her son, Chad, in stained glass, and soon started a successful business. Together they created a masterful piece of a bass in mid-jump, a piece their family will forever cherish. Connie also held a special place in her heart for animals, especially the many dogs and cats she sheltered and loved throughout her lifetime.
Connie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jerry Lisiecki; their son, Chad (Emily) Lisiecki; brother, Terry (Marla) McNabb; sister, Sandra (Steve) McNabb Craig; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Connie’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Sherri Lee Hall
Sherri Lee Hall, 63, of Charlotte who was caring and honest to a fault, died April 6, 2025. Sherri was born Sherri Lee Crawford on April 8, 1961 to Charles and Janice (Burke) Crawford in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, one of four children of Charles and Janice. Sherri fiercely loved her family and was the mom to always ask her kids to “text me when you get there.” Her favorite role was when she became ‘Mamaw” to her nine grandchildren and many great nieces and nephews, including one granddaughter that shared the same birthday as Sherri. With a great love for the outdoors, Sherri loved camping anywhere in Northern Michigan and at Sherwood Forest in Olivet, MI, time spent around the campfire, and trips to Beaver Island. Sherri loved to travel and greatly enjoyed a trip she was able to take to Texas with her daughter and grandkids. Surviving a hurricane in North Carolina in 2020 was one of her proudest memories.
Sherri is survived by her husband, Gregg; her children and their spouses, Alissa (Craig) Simon, Trent (Ashley) Hall, and Leslee (Evan) Wilson; nine grandchildren, Devan, Parker, Ava, Aubs, Mya, Brianna, Lilli, Hope, and Grace; and sisters, Jodi (John) VanAlstine, and Jara Adams. She was predeceased by her son, Greggory (Scottie); parents, Charles and Janice Crawford; and brother, Robert Crawford.
Friends are encouraged to support Sherri’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, April 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.