Obituaries
Kenneth W. Foster
Kenneth Wayne Foster, age 69, of Charlotte passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. He was born June 26, 1950, in Independence, Kan., the son of Wayne and Barbara (Howell) Foster.
Ken graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1968. On May 21, 1971, he married Marsha Jean Collier in Charlotte. Ken loved his family and was especially fond of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a passionate wood worker and enjoyed creating many treasured keepsakes. Ken also enjoyed the outdoors. Whether he was cutting wood or riding his quad, the outdoors was where he wanted to be. Ken retired, after 30 years of service, from GM in Lansing.
Ken is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marsha; daughter, Dawn Foster of Charlotte; grandchildren; Adam (Mackenzie) Foster of Charlotte, Matt (Brooke) Berry of Charlotte, Kevin Berry of Charlotte, Dustin (Amanda) Foster of Charlotte, Nicole Foster of Delton; ten great-grandchildren; siblings, Troy (Sharon) Foster of South Dakota, Linda (Doug) Lewis of Scotts and Barbara (Jeff) Byington of Vermontville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Amy Foster.
In keeping with Ken’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are scheduled at this time. Those desiring may make contributions in Ken’s honor to Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society (MITES), www.mites.cc. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Jay Gowell
Jay Gowell, age 73, of Charlotte passed away on February 3, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Jay was born on July 19, 1946, in Shelby, Mich., to the late Calvin and Beatrice Gowell.
He grew up locally, graduating from Shelby High School, and was awarded the president’s scholarship at Western Michigan University. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and a minor in physical education, he began his teaching and coaching career at Fruitport School District. Later, he taught and coached for Evart High School, which is where he met fellow teacher and love of his life, Cindy. The two were wed in 1977, settling in Charlotte. He continued to teach math and coach both track and football at Charlotte High School.
Jay and Cindy began building their family in 1983 and were blessed with four children. Jay retired in 2001 due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His life was saved by a lung transplant in 2003. After the transplant, Jay returned to coaching football and track and discovered his love of coaching cross-country. Jay valued the time he spent with his family, his friends and the athletes he coached.
Jay is survived by his wife, Cindy Gowell; sons, Jeffrey Gowell (Marcie), Noah Gowell; daughter, Stephanie Gowell; brother, Roger Gowell (Sheila); sister, Marie Gowell; brother-in-law, Bob Meyer; and best friend, Tom Sneckenberg (Dawn). Jay was preceded in death by his son, Michael Gowell and his sister, Nancy Meyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Charlotte High School in the gymnasium lobby from 1-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a scholarship in Jay’s memory. It will be an annual scholarship to graduating Charlotte athletes from the football, track and cross-country teams. Donations can be deposited at any MSUFCU location or by checks made out to “Coach Jay Gowell Memorial Scholarship” and mailed to the family. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com.
Kathryn M. Tappen
Kathryn “Kitty” Margaret Tappen, age 93, of Charlotte died peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2020, in Lansing. Kitty was born October 8, 1926, in Moorestown, Mich., the daughter of Alza Albertus Bert and Jane (Turner) Brandon. Kitty married Milan Eugene Tappen on April 7, 1945, in Lansing, during his service in the U.S. Navy. The two built a house together in which to raise their children. She was a devoted wife and soulmate to Milan for 70 years. Kitty’s joy in life was family, especially time spent together at holidays and special occasions and at the trailer on Chippewa Lake. Early on in family life, Milan and Kitty traveled often with their “tiny home,” enjoying camping with their children. She enjoyed getting outdoors to garden or for walks. She was skilled at knitting, crochet, cross stitch and sewing, leaving many treasures behind for her daughter and grandchildren. Many will remember her sense of humor and love of laughter and her constant willingness to help others.
Kitty is survived by her daughter, Carol Tappen; daughter-in-law, Mary Frances Tappen; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kitty is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Milan “Mike” Eugene Tappen; sons, Michael Glenn Tappen and Duane John Tappen, grandson, Michael Glenn Tappen, Jr; sisters, Mable Fox, Lillian Coon, Nora Braden; brothers, Albert Brandon, John Brandon, Glenn Brandon, Roger Brandon, Robert Brandon; her parents; sister-in-law Ardith Cnota and Mitch Cnota.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kitty on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Maurine E. Clark
Maurine Ethel Clark, age 86, of Charlotte passed away peacefully February 2, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born October 22, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Elmer and Zola (Caulkins) Steger.
Maurine graduated in 1952 from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Fla. She was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother. She always saw to it that her family was well taken care of, even if it required her working two jobs. Maurine cherished her children and grandchildren and always looked forward to spending time together with them. When she wasn’t hard at work, she enjoyed dancing and bowling with friends. Maurine retired after many years of faithful service as the private secretary for the Honorable Judge Dennis Alvarez of Hillsborough County, Fla.
Maurine is survived by her children; Mark (Kathryn) Davis of Tampa, Fla., Bruce (Coetta) Davis of Charlotte, Cherie Ells of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jeremy (Lauren) Stults, Toni Davis, Traci (Brandon) Smith, Tyler Davis, Jason Ells; ten great grandchildren; and brothers, Jerry Steger and J. Elby (Barbara) Steger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Laurine Stevens; sisters, Annette Bachelor and Estelline McCain; and brother, John E. Steger.
A memorial service was held on February 7, 2020, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Those desiring may make contributions in Maurine’s honor to the family. To view Maurine’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marian R. Johnson
Marian Ruth Johnson, age 85, of Charlotte — a woman who lived a life of service to her community — died February 6, 2020. Born on February 2, 1935, to Larry and Ruth (Shelton) Wood, Marian went on to earn her associate’s degree and married her high school sweetheart, Robert Johnson, on July 23, 1955.
Marian never sat still for long. She enjoyed many activities with her children, grandchildren and in her community over the years. Musically gifted, Marian enjoyed her time as director of the youth choir at her church and many years as director of the Charlotte General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) choir. Marian was also a past-president of the GFWC, delivered many meals over the years for Mobile Meals and served as a treasurer for the organization, and she was manager of the Gift Basket at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. Marian was also an avid walker and could be seen walking all over the city of Charlotte.
In addition to serving her community, Marian loved taking care of her family in many ways, including sewing, baking, cooking amazing holiday meals and making her famous pastel wafer cookies. Marian and her husband enjoyed trips around the country, playing cards with friends, trips in their motor home to state parks, skiing in northern Michigan and times she could soak up the warm rays of the sun at Gun Lake. Her last words to her family were telling them all how proud she was of them.
Marian is survived by four children, Steve (Jo) Johnson, Sue (Bob) Laurie, Kenneth (Susan) Johnson, Carolyn (Larry) Casler; grandchildren, Kristin (Trent) Miller, Allison Laurie (Josh Friendland-Little), Sarah Johnson, Wes (Chelsea) Johnson, Scott (Hannah) Johnson, Mandy Johnson, Nichole (Alex) Young; great-grandchildren, Graham Casler, Steven Johnson, and Jackson Young; sister, Ellie (Peter) Scibetta; brother, Chuck (Bernell) Wood; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert W. Johnson in 2011; grandson, Matthew Casler; and brother, Rod Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Marian’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 3 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with her nephew, Larry Wood, as the celebrant. Visitation is Friday, February 21, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sparrow Eaton Hospital Auxiliary or GFWC Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marian on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Sally A. Jackson
Sally A. Jackson of Charlotte, formerly of Clarkston, Mich., passed away February 10, 2020, at 83 years of age. She was the loving wife of the late William; dear mother of Judith (Paul) McKinney, Jane (the late Ralph) Hettich (Phil), and Janice (Karl) Mertins; grandmother of seven; great-grandmother of 17; and dear friend of Neil Johnson. She was preceded in death by 10 siblings. Sally was a good neighbor who enjoyed playing bingo and attending jamborees. She was a composer of poetry who loved her grandchildren and time spent with her family. Her beautiful smile will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Coats Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 3141 Sashabaw Rd. in Waterford, Mich. Burial will follow at Ottawa Park Cemetery in Clarkston. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 16, 2020, from 3 to 8 p.m. To post a condolence, visit coatsfuneralhome.com.
Jason M. Calton
Jason M. Calton, age 46, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday evening, February 5, 2020. He was born in Toledo on October 6, 1973, to Garry Calton and Mollie (Pearch) Calton who both survive. Jason was a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School and later received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was talented in HVAC, which led him to be owner and operator of GACCC Ltd. Jason enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. He is survived by his children, Garrett Calton of Ann Arbor; Alexandra West of Milan, Mich.; Conrad Calton, Jason (Cole) Calton and Chase Calton, all of Liberty Center; brother, Garry “Tom” (Mari) Calton of Charlotte, Mich.; and grandson, Klayton West. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wauseon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to the family care of Garrett Calton. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.
Dennis C. Gordeneer
Dennis Clyde Gordeneer, age 80, of Charlotte died Saturday, February 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born December 12, 1939, the son of Clyde and Ellen (Owen) Gordeneer.
He was a Charlotte High School graduate and following graduation, he went to work for Earl Scott Roofing and then later as a laborer at Johnson Iron. On September 23, 1961, Dennis married Judy Makley. Dennis enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, playing bingo, poker and making trips to the casino. He was an avid outdoorsman.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; sons, Jeff (Tracey) Gordeneer and Steve Gordeneer; six grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, Paige, Cory, Ashley and Cady; two great-grandchildren, Adrian and Evey; and his sister, Brona. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dennis’ family. A memorial visitation was scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, from 4-7 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dennis on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Dorothy J. Holeman
Dorothy Jean Holeman, age 87, passed away at her home in Grand Blanc, Mich., on February 2, 2020. Her loving husband, Howard Holeman, was at her side.
Dorothy was born September 12, 1932. In 1952, she married Charles Stark and had four children. In 1978, she married Howard Holeman.
She will be remembered with love by her children, Donald Stark of Pontiac, Deborah Malewski of Eaton Rapids, and David (Roselle) Stark of Dutch Harbor, Alaska; her step-children, Michelle Gossman of Kalamazoo, Sandra (Chad) Labby of Grand Blanc, and Linda (Michael) Zusack of Durand; her grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Stark, Andrea (Adam) Bitely, Kathleen Stark, Jesse Stark, Meredith (Dustin) McLean, Kristine (Kyle) Fuselein, Karyn (Brent) Skiba, and eight great-grandchildren. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to tell stories about them all.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Clessie Lois and Ara Belle (O’Neal) Tucker; her sister, Thelma Smith, and her son, Douglas Stark.
Dorothy loved her life, her family, sewing and clothes. She was very much a people person and would chat with anyone close by. She was a creative soul and was gifted with incredible sewing talents. In her early years, she worked for Kroger as a cashier. Later, in Howell, where she raised her children, she became a school bus driver. She eventually became the supervisor of transportation in Howell, then in Hartland, and eventually in Bloomfield Hills, where she worked until she retired.
Dorothy loved attending her sewing guild meetings and teaching others, including children, to sew. She volunteered at several thrift stores in Florida. Dorothy and Howard enjoyed spending their winters in N. Fort Myers, Fla., for many years and eventually moved there full time. They loved their home and neighbors in Yacht Club Colony and the many creatures that visited their backyard and the canal behind them. They were active at the Elks Club and enjoyed their many friends there. In 2016, they returned to Michigan to live at Tranquility Estates in Grand Blanc to be closer to family.
Dorothy was cremated, and burial was at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Hill Funeral Home in Grand Blanc. For those desiring to make memorial contributions, they can be made to Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Fla., in Dorothy’s name. The address is Hope Development Department, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers FL 33908.
Deane W. Johnston
Deane William “Bill” Johnston — a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather — died Saturday, February 1, 2020. Deane, age 93, of Charlotte, was born October 9, 1926, in Hesperia, Mich., the son of Edson and Gladys (Leach) Johnston. On August 14, 1948, Deane married his sweetheart Velma Sigourney and created their legacy together until her passing in 1972. Deane later married Ann Furman. He retired from Motor Wheel Corporation. Following his retirement, Deane became an investor in Easy Living Trailer Sales. His hobbies included playing cards, cribbage, tinkering, going to deer camp with the guys and spending time at the Eagles Lodge in Holt. Throughout his life, Deane was proud of his longevity and his family.
Deane is survived by his children, Carol (Harry) Kelley, Larry (Jane) Johnston; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Iris (Ray) Dietrick and Judy (Gary) Bisel; stepsons, Ted Furman, and Greg Furman. He was predeceased by his wife, Velma; daughter, Sheila Johnston; second wife, Ann; brother, Charles; sisters, Marge (Herb) Simpson, Shirley (Carl) Beagle; and stepson, Craig Furman.
Friends are encouraged to support Deane’s family. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Deane on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.