Obituaries
Mary L. Hall
Mary Louise Hall, 86, of Charlotte was called to heaven by her Lord and Savior on September 6, 2020. She was born on April 26, 1934 to Lowell and Alice (Fuller) Boyer in Charlotte, Michigan. She attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1951. On April 20, 1952 she married John Hall in Charlotte.
Mary and her husband John loved to take their children camping. There were many fond memories of time spent in northern Michigan and winter trips with the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club. During those trips Mary loved to spend time playing games with the kids and sitting around the campfire. As her children grew and grandchildren came into the family Mary shifted her attention to being the best grandmother. There were countless hours spent with her grandchildren. One of the grandkids’ favorite activities were her BINGO games where, you guessed it, everybody won a prize!
Mary held numerous positions in the business world of Charlotte. She started in a clerical position for Charlotte Insurance Agency as her children grew up, and concluded her business career as a real estate agent for Real Estate One. Along with her many hours in business she also became one of Charlotte’s most prolific Avon representatives, taking orders until the recent days when she went into the hospital during her final illness. Her family assures her customers that the orders will be fulfilled, just as Mary would have expected!
Mary was known to many as the community’s favorite Mrs. Claus at Christmas time. She had a natural twinkle in her eyes that charmed many children in the community over the years. She was an avid community supporter, volunteering for numerous organizations and programs. If she became interested in a cause or project she became faithful to the cause and threw everything she had into supporting it. Her most notable community positions were as a long-term volunteer for Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital earning the HGB Volunteer of the year in 2019. She also earned accolades as the Modern Woodman’s Hometown Hero in 2017. In 2003 Mary was honored as the Charlotte Frontier Days Grand Marshal. Mary was also active in the Charlotte Business Women’s Guild, and Mobile Meals. When her children were growing up she volunteered as a leader for the Campfire program and Cub Scouts program. There were also numerous organizations she served as a board member. The most notable was the Camp Francis Board. Mary’s children were always appreciative of the many hours she spent as a “Band Mom” supporting her many children in activities with the Charlotte Oriole Band.
As a devoted Christian, Mary was an active member of her church, the Free Methodist Church of Charlotte. It was there, as a church nursery volunteer, that she earned the nick-name “Aunt Mary” to many families and youngsters. Mary also enjoyed serving as a church summer camp volunteer at Somerset Beach Campground.
Above all, Mary was most proud of her family and her church. She will be remembered as a good steward who was compassionate, kind and forgiving.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Deborah (Michael) Wrubel, Alice Hurst; three sons, John Hall, William (Tamara) Hall, Dennis (Dawn) Hall; seven grandsons, Jeremiah (Tracey) Wrubel, Joshua Wrubel, Curtis (Amanda) Wrubel, Benjamin (Jessica) Hall, Christopher (Andrea) Harris, Kevin Joyce, Brad Joyce; eight granddaughters, Nicole Hall, Melissa (Jordan)Walraven, Sarah (David) Parks, Robin Huntington, Kellie Kridler, Christina Hall, Ericka Rodriguez, Amanda Hurst; twenty great-grandchildren with one more on the way; sister, Donna Thayer; sisters-in-law, Marie Chaplin and Jeanette Boyer; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Thomas Hall; father, Lowell Arthur Boyer; mother, Alice Louise Boyer; and her five brothers and sisters.
The funeral service was held outside in the Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home on Thursday, September 10 with Pastor Greg Nitchman officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Eaton Hospital (Hayes Green Beach). Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Mary’s Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Raymond D. Grant
Raymond DeVere Grant, 93, from the comfort of his own home entered the gates of heaven on September 5, 2020. Raymond (Ray) was born on June 9, 1927 in Chester Township, Michigan, the son of Thomas DeVere and Anne (Baas) Grant. There he attended a country school and later met his wife of 54 years, Esther Wright.
Ray, a hard-working man, worked in several industries until he laid the foundation of Grant’s Woodshop in 1972. In his spare time, he used his craftsmanship at craft shows, building wooden games for kids at a local Bible school and Christian camps. He was a charter member of Chester Gospel Church, which he took part in building. Here and at home is where he developed his strong foundation of love, faith and Christian values that he used throughout his life. With this devotion, he gained respect from everyone he met and especially from his family that he so loved and enjoyed.
Ray is survived by his children: Paul Grant, Pam (Nelson) Appelman, Don (Marcia) Grant, Rob (Wendy) Grant; daughter-in-law, Cindy Grant; grandchildren, Dusti (Dennis) Seeley, Tennille (Andy) Stetler, Cassie (friend Matt) Bell, Tony (friend Shannon) Appelman, Joheather Grant, Leslie (Mike) Zook, Jessie (Matt) Grant-Drout, Hillary (Clint) Malinowski, Nick (friend Amy) Grant; along with 11 great-grandchildren that he adored. He is also survived by his siblings, Norma (Wendell) Frantz, Martha (Keith) Moore, Connie (David) Green, Kathryn Burnett; and brother-in-law, Verlie Shaver; plus many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Esther; son, Randy; infant daughter, Sandra Kay; his parents; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; sisters, Barbara Benedict, Marjorie Wagoner, Virginia Shaver; and brothers-in-law, Robert Burnett, Wayne Wagoner, and Carroll Benedict.
Friends are encouraged to support Ray’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced both indoors and outdoors. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 10. Funeral services were Friday, September 11, 2020, at 11 a.m. in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Pastor Dennis Weeks officiating. The funeral service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ray’s tribute, and then click on Photos & 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.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Chester Gospel Church or Youth Haven Ranch. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his Tribute Page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Sandra J. Miller
Sandra Jean Miller, age 73, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home September 8, 2020. She was born May 8, 1947, the daughter of Orlo and Allison (McDaniel) Taylor in the original Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte. Sandra graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1965. On January 29, 1966, she married Alfred “Wes” Miller Jr. Sandra was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her family and loved them all to the fullest extent. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing BINGO. Sandra was a tremendously kind hearted lady who was always concerned about the needs of others. In recent years she cherished the companionship of her two dogs, Lacey and Blaze.
Sandra is survived by her children; Scott Miller of Charlotte, Michael (Shawn) Miller of Grand Ledge, Tricia (Ken) Mullins of Charlotte; grandchildren: Blake (Nicki) Miller, Cody Mullins, Samantha Mullins; siblings: Reggie (Julie) Wyman, Alan (Judy) Crews, Gary Crews, Liz (Paul) Forsberg; brother-in-law Larry (Pam) Miller of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alfred in 2018; and her life-long friend, Kathy Gusey, in 2014.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
A private burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Those desiring, may make a contribution in Sandra’s memory to Erin’s Angels Rescue, 498 Ridge Road, Quincy, MI 49802.
To view Sandra’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Doris J. Stevenson
Doris Jean Stevenson of Eaton Rapids, passed away on September 9, 2020, at the age of 85. Doris was born in Cambria, Mich. on December 29, 1934, the daughter of Claud and Inez Betzer. Doris and her twin brother, Orris, were salutatorian and valedictorian of their graduating class at Reading High School. Doris married the love of her life, Douglas, on April 22, 1956, and they celebrated their 60th anniversary just before he passed away in 2016.
Doris enjoyed many hobbies, including traveling, golfing, scrapbooking, genealogy, and attending plays and musicals. She was also talented at baking (she made the best sugar cookies), sewing, and playing the organ. Before retiring, Doris worked at Air Lift and Old Mill Furniture.
Doris is survived by her sons, Brian (Terri) Stevenson of Eaton Rapids and Brady (Ann) Stevenson of Lansing; grandchildren, Kyle (Brooke) Stevenson of Eaton Rapids, Lindsay (Calach) Peters of Eaton Rapids, Kate (Brendan) Nordstrom of Texas and Ben Stevenson of Minn.; great granddaughters, Emma and Hailey Stevenson. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Olen, Orris, Elsie, and Kern.
Graveside services were held in Evergreen Cemetery in Ransom, Mich. at 11 am on Friday, September 11, 2020. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Griffith United Methodist Church, 9537 S. Clinton Trail or the Eaton Rapids Medical Center Foundation, 1500 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences at millsfuneral.com.
Richard A. England
Richard “Dick” Arthur England, of Eaton Rapids, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 26, 2020 at the age of 86. Dick was born in McGuffey, Ohio, July 3, 1934, the son of Ray and Ruby (Conley) England. He enlisted and proudly served with the Army National Guard as an Arial photographer. For 34 years he worked for General Motors as a Material Handling Superintendent, retiring in 1987. Dick enjoyed watching the Animal Planet shows on the television, fishing in Canada and was a talented woodworker. Dick had an infectious love for his family and they will miss him greatly. His family was the focal point of his life and he felt truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with them. Even though his birthday was July 3rd, his family made his day special by celebrating with him during the parade in Eaton Rapids on the 4th every year. Dick had a great love of gardening along with his late wife, Beverly. Together they tended to their vegetable and flower gardens and shared them with friends, family and neighbors. With great care, support and love from his family, Dick was able to enjoy life in his own home up until his passing.
Dick is survived by his children, Debra England of Charlotte, Richard (Debra) England of Elsie, T. Michael (Darlene) Swan of Eaton Rapids, Timothy (Laurie) Swan of Charlotte, Michael (Jatana Cripe) Swan of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Rachel (Scott) McCune, Jerry England, Joshua England, Ricky (Misty) England, Melissa (Donny) Bever, Teresa (Jamie) Bartley, Mischelle Prill, Tony Swan, Katie Swan, Stacee (Justin) Robison, Dillon (Harley) Swan; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly England; grandson, Trevor Swan; great grandchildren, Victoria Tanner and Hayden Bartley; brothers, Danny and Merle England.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jean Bradford Kline Senior Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Dick’s memory. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Marvin R. Ruff
Marvin “Marv” Reinhold Ruff, 95 of Charlotte, a guy who loved breakfast and social time at “Wee Willies” restaurant, died September 2, 2020. Marvin was the son of Reinhold F. and Bertha (Scherbenske) Ruff, born near Lehr, North Dakota on February 4, 1925. He lived with his parents on a farm north of Lehr and attended a Logan County School. They moved into town in 1933, where Marv helped his father in the Standard Oil bulk business and service station. Several years later, he was named the youngest Standard Oil Bulk Agent in the history of Standard Oil of Indiana, which covered thirteen states.
On October 15, 1950, Marv married Viola “Vi” Strehle in Medina, N.D. They moved to Michigan where Marvin worked in the trucking industry. In 1984 he retired after 28 years as an automotive transport operator for Howard Sober, Inc. Marv and Vi enjoyed spending several winters in Florida in their fifth wheel camper. They also made several trips to North Dakota during the summer months. Marv enjoyed horse racing, motorcycles, gambling, and a nice shot of whiskey.
Marv was preceded in death by his wife, Vi, in 2011; as well as his sister, Marlys Nickisch; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Desiree and Weston Ruff; granddaughter, Miranda (Chad Stalker) Bishop; and great-granddaughter, Myla Jane Stalker.
Friends are encouraged to support Marv’s family at visitation and funeral services. Mask and distancing guidelines will be practiced. Services are Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with visitation from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. The funeral service 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 Marvin’s tribute, and then click on photos & 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.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marvin on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lorrane J. Clark
Lorrane Jean Clark, of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 30, 2020 at the age of 79. Lorrane was born in Eaton Rapids, April 27, 1941, the daughter of Lloyd and Marguerite (Gay) Dawley. She was a stay at home mom caring for her four children. Lorrane enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking and gardening.
She is survived by her daughter, Angela (Mark) Parker of Lansing; sons, Roy (Laura) Clark of Olivet, Joseph Clark of Eaton Rapids; eight grandchildren; sisters, Sandra Scott, Sandy Orr, Beverly Bouts all of Eaton Rapids. Lorrane was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Nathan Clark; son, Tim Clark; sister, Janet Kent; brother, Richard Dawley.
Memorial services and visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 1 – 5 p.m. at Faith Assembly of God Church, 9800 S. Cochran Rd., Olivet, MI 49076. 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 our website to place online condolences, millsfuneral.com.
Donna Wall
Donna Wall, age 84, passed away at home on August 12, 2020. Born in Albion, Mich on December 14, 1935, she was the oldest child of Walter and Thurza (Gordon) Harden. She grew up on a farm and drove tractors at a young age. On February 11, 1956, she married Jim Wall. A devoted wife and mother, Donna shared with her family her love of fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors working in her flower and vegetable gardens. She spent free time feeding and watching birds, traveling, playing cards, and completing jigsaw puzzles. In addition to caring for her four children, she managed several rental properties and for over 40 years she sold Avon in the area as a way to visit friends.
Donna was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, James (Jim) Gary Wall, Sr., her parents and her younger brother, John Harden, of Albion. She is survived by her four children, James (Barbara) Wall, Jr. of Haslett, Clifford (Kathryn) Wall of Raleigh, NC, Steven (Angelika) Wall of Bay Point, CA and Deborah Wall of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, Alex, Rachel and Michael; older half-brother, David Harden.
No services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To share condolences or memories please visit: millsfuneral.com.
Charlotte Conklin
Charlotte Conklin was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior August 31, 2020.
She married Philip Conklin September 20, 1963 in Charlotte Mich. She and her husband spent their entire married lives farming and running the cider mill and raising their two children. She was a member of Chester Gospel Church, where she spent over 55 years as the church organist and Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed working in her rose garden and vegetable garden, and any activity outside during the warm summer months. She cherished making memories with her family including an almost annual trip to Florida, many times with her daughter. Family was always very important to her and she loved them all unconditionally. She loved spending time with her sisters sharing stories and laughing about memories old and new. She enjoyed visiting with customers during cider season each year and looked forward to meeting new customers.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of 56 years, Philip; son, Bruce (MiSuk) Conklin; daughter, Carla (Ben) Morris; grandsons, Brian (Erica) Conklin, James (Kelly) Conklin; granddaughters, Elizabeth Zaracki, Chantel Soto; great-grandsons, Keegan, Bishop and Charles; great-granddaughters, Adrianna and MaKayla; sisters, Ruth (John) O’Bryant, Anna Mae (Wayne) Karn, Jeanne (Bill) Bartlett and Jaynne (Albert) Simpson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Wilma Jansen; brother, John Jansen; and great-grandson, Eli.
A graveside service was be held at Gresham Cemetery on Wednesday, September 2 with Pastor Barry Smith officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Charlotte on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
If desired the family has suggested memorial contributions to Gideon’s International, Eaton County Camp.
Gloria L. Diamond
Gloria Lorraine Diamond, a woman with strong family values, grace, love and patience, died August 29, 2020. Gloria, 79 of Charlotte, Michigan, was born May 2, 1941 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Robert T. Hoag and Majil Naomi Gibbs. On May 9, 1959 at the age of 18, Gloria married the love of her life Harold J. Diamond and together embarked on a 61 year adventure together. She devoted her life to her husband and her family. Gloria spent over 30 years owning a child day care. She enjoyed gardening as well as sewing and quilting. She could never make quilts fast enough for her family. She was truly a great seamstress. She would make christening gowns for her grandchildren. She would also make clothes for the grandchildren, and the dresses with matching ribbons were just amazing. True joys to her life were the grandchildren. The trips, vacations and visits with them truly made her happy.
Gloria is survived by her one and only true love, Harold J. Diamond; children, Naomi Wood (Jim Lilly), Lorrie (Bill) Householder, David (Diana) Diamond, Jeff Diamond, James Diamond and Cindy Stewart; grandchildren/great, Ashton (Chelsey) Hunter, Adalynn and Hazel Wood, Brennon (Paige) Wood, Alexus (Joe) Wood, Brooke (Graham) Wood, Aaron (Bekah) Colton and Dani Householder, Maegan (Jen) Householder, Angel Diamond, Mariah Diamond, Nikki Butler and Sabrina Whitt; and special niece, Majil Naomi Newth. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Skylar James Wood, and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Gloria on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.