Obituaries
Lauraine M. Paladino
Lauraine Marian Paladino, thoughtful, cheerful and bright, of Charlotte, died December 28, 2020. Lauraine, 76, was born January 14, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the oldest of eight children born to Raymond and Mary (Smith) Reynolds. She was a natural caregiver and was looked upon by her siblings as more of a mother than a sister. She often put others’ needs ahead of her own. She excelled and enjoyed her artistic abilities whether it was drawing, stained glass, playing her accordion or photography. Lauraine participated in the John F. Kennedy presidential campaign, and enjoyed being a “Kennedy Girl.” Retired from General Motors, she had more time to enjoy with her grandchildren. She was proud of her Russian/Irish heritage and her red hair, but if you asked her what she was most proud of, family and grandkids would be at the top of the list.
Lauraine is survived by her children, Michelle (Jim) Taylor, and David (Susan) Paladino; grandchild, Aiden Myers; siblings, Joyce Proto, Rose Vosilla, Elaine Mudry, Phyllis Muro, John Reynolds. She was predeceased by her sister, Rita Remillard; brother, Raymond Reynolds; significant other, Larry Weicht; and her beloved grandson, Liam Myers, whom she helped care for.
Friends are encouraged to support Lauraine’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, January 2, 2021,11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Neil Brady officiating. Visitation was held on Friday evening, January 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. Mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will also be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Lauraine’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lauraine on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Tammy Jo Gallaway
Tammy Jo Gallaway, an easy going, happy, outgoing and active young lady, died peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Charlotte. Tammy, 56, of Charlotte, was born December 20, 1964 in Lansing, the daughter of Fran and Sue (Robinson) Gallaway. She attended Beekman Center in Lansing and enjoyed horseback riding and 4H, bocce ball, music, dancing, cheerleading, and trips to the Au Sable River. Tammy was very active in the Special Olympics, and many will remember her as the poster child for the George Perles Special Olympics Golf Outing. She also participated in cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The family will always cherish their family trips to Disney World. Many will remember her concern for others and her love for family.
Tammy is survived by her parents, Fran and Sue Gallaway; brothers, Greg (Erin) Gallaway and Robert (Lucinda) Gallaway; godmother, Nancy Nostrant; “second mom,” Mary Lou Swincicki; her nieces and nephews; uncle, Doug (Mary) Robinson; The Sunrose Neighborhood and her LCC Buddies. She was predeceased by her grandparents and her godfather, Gary Volker.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehab Services Activities Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tammy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Brian Christopher Harag, age 32, of Chicago, formerly of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020. He was born November 6, 1988, in Lansing, the son of Brian Harag and Kristy Sherman. Brian was an amazing son and shining star to his grandparents. All of his aunts and uncles bided for time spent with him. He was a welcomed opponent to his numerous cousins and countless friends. Brian was an accomplished pianist, academically well versed, writer, poet, composer, and self-taught culinary wizard. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2007 and then went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Loyola University. He gave his love and friendship freely, was always ready to laugh, celebrate triumphs, or simply sit and talk the night away. Brian was always ready for an adventure. He had a mischievous side that would present itself every once in a while, like when he got lost in Paris on a study abroad trip.
We will miss his laugh and unapologetic personality. We will miss his smile, bright and earnest. We will miss his mischievous grin. We will miss his jokes, even if they were all a bit corny.
Brian is survived by his mother, Kristy (Steve Titmus) Kenyon; father, Brian (Lou Ann) Harag; sister, Shelby Kenyon; niece, Atlie Yelinek; partner and love of his life, Greg Storms; special friends, Stephanie McAuliffe-Horgan, Hannah Sellers; buddy and partner in crime, Matt Harag; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A private family viewing will be held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Brian’s honor to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 8701 Georgia Ave., Suite 412, Silver Springs, MD 20910.
To view Brian’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Rogene D. Pefley
Rogene “Gene” D. Pefley, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Hope Landing in Charlotte. She was born November 10, 1927, in Manistee, the daughter of Herbert and Florence (Knotts) Ringel. In 1947, Gene married Darwin Pefley in Syracuse, New York. Gene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked to maintain a beautiful home and family her entire life. Both Gene and Darwin enjoyed their time spent in Arizona. While there they would often take a bus trip to visit the casino. Gene enjoyed bowling, pinochle, and watching TV Land reruns. She was affectionately known as the cookie monster due to her love for cookies. Lemon and oatmeal raisin were her favorites!
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Hope Landing and Hospice of Lansing for their exceptional care.
She is survived by her daughter: Darlene (Harold) Foutch of Flint, Sandra (Keith) July of Charlotte; grandson, Michael (Angie) July of Grand Rapids; and great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Dominick July.
Gene was preceded in death, by her parents; husband, Darwin; and grandson, Mark July.
In keeping with Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gene’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365 or garysinisefoundation.org.
Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher
Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher, age 15, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away tragically on December 27, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident. Jaxon was born on January 29, 2005 in Lansing, Mich. the son of Nichole Pierpoint, Jennifer Geib and Seth Kocher. He was currently a tenth-grade student at Eaton Rapids High School where he excelled academically and in sports. Jaxon was a member of the football, basketball and track teams and was liked by his teammates and peers. He was social, outgoing and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. Jaxon loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, playing frisbee golf, cornhole and working on the farm. He was a diehard U of M fan and always had great pride for veterans and those who served our country. Jaxon was, above all, a great young man who was taken from this earth too soon, but his memory will live on in the lives of those he leaves behind.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Robinson; great grandparents, Burt Warner and GG Kocher.
Surviving are his mother, Nichole (Jen Geib) Pierpoint; father, Seth Kocher; sisters, Carly Kocher, Kaitlin Lehto; grandparents, Suzanne Robinson, Thomas and Lynn Pierpoint, Timothy and Victoria Kocher, Mark and Sherri Geib; great grandparents, Jackie Warner, Mike and Bonnie Bowers; girlfriend, Courtnie Bush; best friend and cousin, Bryce Pierpoint and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel on Friday, January 1, 2020 from 2 to 6 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids High School Athletic Department in memory of Jaxon. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Lloyd L. Loar
Lloyd Leroy Loar of Vermontville, passed away December 25, 2020 at the age of 73. Lloyd was born in Gladwin, Mich., January 21, 1947, the son of Willard and Delpha (Wray) Loar. He proudly served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Lloyd was a brick layer and also worked for Buick, Olds, Cadillac before retiring in 1996. He loved older cars, drag racing, and attending car shows, and spending time in the outdoors watching the deer, ducks, and birds.
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Sharon Loar; children, Angela (Russ) Nevins, Paul (Amanda) Davis, Shaun Davis; grandchildren, Josh (Brooke) Blanchard, Tyler (Shelby) Blanchard, Austin Hogarth, Jared (Skylyr) Davis, Anna Davis, Dustin (Nicole) Davis, Ryan Davis; nine great grandchildren; nephews, Chris Coney, Sheldon (Jennifer) Coney. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jacquelyn Sue Blanchard; sisters, Sharon Coney and Charlene Houghton.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrow Cancer Center. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To place online condolences please visit their website at millsfuneral.com.
Harold F. Badgley
Harold Franklin “Frank” Badgley III of Potterville, went home to be with his savior Jesus on December 25, 2020 at the age of 61. Frank was born in Lansing, September 28, 1959, the son of Harold Badgley Jr. and Barbara (Doty). He was a 1977 graduate of Potterville High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted and served with the U.S. Navy. Frank was kind, caring, a good listener and was quick to laugh. He took every opportunity to enjoy life and the people around him. He exuded integrity and was loyal to those he loved, and he was loved by many. Frank liked to cook, collect knives, collect depression glass, and greatly enjoyed helping people.
Harold is survived by his mother, Barbara Howlett; son, Timothy Badgley of Potterville; sisters, Brenda (Cor) Toncray, Beth Schaefer; brothers, Jeffrey (Judy) Badgley, Monte (Susie) Ferris, Stanford (Tina) Ferris, Brian (Kellie) Badgley, Larry (Crista) Badgley; several nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Jim and Carla Milbourn. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Esta Anderson; brothers, Dale and Alex Ferris; step-father, Bryan Howlett.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
Don C. Miller
Don C. Miller—a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Don fought a long and courageous battle with bladder cancer, never complaining or asking for help. Don was born into this life on December 18, 1947 and passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on December 18, 2020 at 73 years of age, with his loved ones by his side.
Don faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Carol A. Miller, (Kepler); stepson Bret A. Kepler (Callie); sister, Donna Ransom (Mark); brother, James Baker; numerous grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition, Don is survived by his estranged daughter, Cheryl Miller, and stepson, Tim Kepler (Dawn); siblings Cathy (Mark) Jacob; Cindy Thornton; and Ronald Miller.
He was predeceased by his parents, Donald W. and Margaret L. Miller (James), his brother Gerald Baker and his stepdaughter, Karie Ann Kepler Ellsworth.
Don retired from Barnes Aerospace in Lansing, Mich. after many years of dedicated and devoted service.
He loved the simple things in life such as playing golf, deer hunting, salmon fishing, cooking, baking and making beef jerky for friends and family. Don had a great sense of humor, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. He adored his dogs Peach, Starzy, and Benji.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 West Lawrence Avenue, Charlotte, MI 48813. A graveside service will follow at Needmore Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
Those desiring, may make a contribution in Don’s honor to the Capital Area Humane Society in keeping with his love for his dogs.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. To view Don’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Andrew J. Pray
Andrew J Pray, of Dimondale, a gentle giant of a man who was 100% farmer, passed away in his wife’s arms on December 5, 2020 in Lansing, Mich. at the age of 68. Andrew was born on December 19, 1951 to George and Emma (Taylor) Pray in Lansing, Mich.
Even before graduating from Everett High School, he began his lifelong farming career driving the tractor and the one-ton truck to help out with farm chores. On June 5, 1982 Andrew married Kathryn Campbell in Charlotte, Mich. Early in his agricultural career Andrew ran a small dairy farm operation with his father George. Later, in partnership with his brother Henry Pray, Andrew developed a cow and calf operation, breeding and raising calves for sale. The last few years Andrew shifted 100% to crop farming. Andrew will be remembered by others as a hardworking and honest farmer. As part of his dedication to farming, he formerly served as a board member of the Eaton County Farm Bureau.
In his leisure time, which was always at a premium around the farm, he enjoyed historical movies and documentaries, especially war stories. In his earlier years he developed the ability to repair televisions in the days of “tube” televisions. That transitioned to an interest in computers in the early 80’s. He became a “computer guru” as his family referred to him, building and repairing his own computers and assisting friends with theirs as well. Andrew and Kathryn also enjoyed travel when they could coordinate it with the busy farm schedule. Their most recent travels were made in a motor home that Andrew renovated. He made sure to educate his wife Kathryn on the repairs, and how to take care of the motor home so she could be self-sufficient on future travels.
Andrew is survived by his wife Kathryn; step-son Ralph French; granddaughter, Macy Grace French; sisters, Georgina Pray, Ruth Ann (Terry Eitnier) Pray, and Linda Edgar; brothers, Henry (Sandy) Pray, and Joseph A Pray; brother-in-law, Paul (Linda) Campbell; sisters-in-law, Judy Campbell; Veronica (Max Curtiss) Crawford, Marlene (Paul Ulrich) Stavros, and Pauline Bibler; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend and best buddy, Ole Olson. Andrew was predeceased by his parents; brothers-in-law Donald Edgar, Leroy (Barb) Cole, Gaylord (Catherine) Campbell, Grover Bibler; and sisters-in-law, Linda Pray, Janet (Donald) Merren; father-in-law, Milo (Frances) Campbell, and mother-in-law, Kathryn Campbell.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service for Andrew will take place at Pray Funeral Home when family health and COVID-19 restrictions allow. Watch for the announcement, hopefully in the near future.
Friends and extended family members are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online on Andrew’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.