Obituaries
Betty J. Hogan
Betty Jean Hogan of Charlotte, Mich., a little bundle of energy that waterskied into her 70’s, died September 6, 2021, at the age of 89. Born in Grand Rapids on June 17, 1932, to Carl and Alice (Broadbent) Johnson, Betty was always on the move…if you couldn’t keep up, you were left behind. A devoted Christian, Betty was an active member and volunteer at her church, First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Betty worked as a cashier at Carl’s Supermarket in Lake Odessa, and at Publix in Fla., owned and operated a dairy farm, and was the treasurer for Benton Township as well as United Brethren Church for many years. She also found time to volunteer as a 4-H leader and a sunday school teacher.
Since she was always on the go, Betty had many activities to keep her busy and happy. She was a skilled gardener with both her vegetable garden and flower garden, loved to water ski, and she enjoyed reading, watching NASCAR races, and playing games like Hand and Foot and Mexican Train with her friends and family. Betty’s biggest joy in life was her family, she enjoyed being involved in and watching all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Jeaneen Smuts and Verna (Wayne) Brundage; son, Vern (Cathy) Letson; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Letson and second husband, James Hogan; daughter, Lavonne Letson; son, Darwin Letson; and son-in-law, Mark Smuts.
Friends are encouraged to support Betty’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, September 16, 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Friday, September 17, 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Rev. Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Betty’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry or Suitcases 4 Kids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Pauline A. Halsey
Pauline Ann Halsey, 86 of Lansing, a lady that lived the simple life, died September 1, 2021. Pauline was born to Emile and Lucile (Marti) Schadler on January 20, 1935. She graduated from Eastern High School, and then worked her entire adult life as a bookkeeper. She worked many years at different schools in the area, but most of her time was at Olivet High School.
Thrift shopping excited Pauline, she was always looking for the next great find. The beach was one of her favorite places to visit, and she loved visiting and collecting lighthouses, as well as traveling to visit new places. Her dog, Pepper, was her beloved companion and friend on many adventures.
Pauline is survived by her son, James Halsey; and grandsons, Jason and David DeLaurier. She was predeceased by granddaughter, Krista Halsey; sister, Dorothy Jackson; and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Pauline on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the Ingham County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Joseph E. Bullen
Joseph Edwin Bullen, age 82, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021.
The eldest child of Fred and Bertha (Lasley) Bullen, Joe was born in Mason on July 6, 1939. After graduating from Mason High School in 1958, Joe completed an associate degree at Lansing Community College and began his 32-year career as draftsman and bridge inspector with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Bridge Design Division.
Following his retirement from MDOT, Joe embarked on his second career as Benton Township Supervisor, a position he held for 24 years. For 22 of these years, Joe also took on the role of tax assessor for several Eaton County Townships. He served on several committees during this time, including the Potterville-Benton Fire Board, the Board of Review, the Charlotte Recreation Board, and the CARA Recycling Board. Throughout this service to his community, Joe was known and respected for his honesty and integrity.
Joe grew up on a small family farm west of Mason, which likely fostered his undying love for farming. Active in 4-H throughout his youth, Joe met the love of his life, Agnes Webster of Webberville, at a 4-H event. Joe and Agnes were married in November 1964 and settled in their current home near Charlotte in 1976. Agnes had also grown up on a farm, so their involvement in the local Farm Bureau was a natural.
Somehow, Joe still found time in his busy life for collecting stamps and model trains, and he always had time for family. He was a quiet man of few words, yet his sense of humor was always at the ready with a witty comment. He never missed an opportunity to pick on the people who meant the most to him. Joe loved animals and every dog he met sensed that Joe was a soft touch with a ready treat.
Intelligent, creative, honest, hard-working, loving, and kind – Joe will be greatly missed.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Agnes; their two children, Sandra Benward of Potterville and Joseph W (Lisa) Bullen of Charlotte; seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his two sisters, Bernetta (Michael) Olin of St. Johns and Bertha (James Kruse) Bullen of Okemos; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Fred Lewis Bullen of Mason and Rex Elbert Bullen of Ontonagon.
Funeral services were held on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. Burial took place at Benton Township Cemetery.
Those wishing to donate in Joe’s memory are asked to consider the First Baptist Church of Charlotte, the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view Joe’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
David L. Carpenter
David Lloyd Carpenter, age 80, died on September 4, 2021. He was a resident of Charlotte. He was formerly employed as Vice President and Loan Officer at Eaton Federal Bank. A celebration of life is planned for Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte.
Geraldo L. Valero
Geraldo Luis Valero, 78 of Charlotte, Mich., a fun and full of life man who drew others to him, died September 4, 2021. Geraldo or “Louie” as his friends knew him, was born October 3, 1942, in Fairmont, W. Va. to Luis D. and Lena Valero. Louie proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and later enjoyed his affiliations with the American Legion Post 42 and The Fraternal Order of Eagles 3552. He was very proud to have been named Legionnaire of the Year by his fellow members. A really social guy, Louie loved to gather for fellowship whether it was on the golf course or a cookout. He enjoyed his “Good Times Pool League” and had his own unique, happy go lucky free style. Louie worked for Owens Illinois from 1966 until he retired in 1998.
Geraldo “Louie” is survived by his son, Antonio (Rachelann) Valero; grandson, Jordan (Erica) Valero; and was predeceased by his wife, Mona (Griffin) Valero.
Friends were encouraged to support Louie’s family at a memorial gathering at Pray Funeral Home on Friday, September 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by a dinner at the American Legion. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Geraldo “Louie” on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.