Obituaries
Lawrence D. Preadmore
Lawrence “Larry” Dennis Preadmore, a man known for his collections of STUFF, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Larry, 77, of Potterville, was born October 27, 1944, the son of Donald and Marcille (Florian) Preadmore. Following graduating from Lansing Everett High School, Larry began working at General Motors, upon his retirement in 1995 Larry worked with Stanton’s Auction, Wildern’s Drug Store and CVS Pharmacy. Larry, alongside his wife of 53 years, Kathleen “Kathy”, created many lasting memories over the years with their wonderful family. As mentioned above Larry loved collecting stuff, his family referred to his collections as an organized hoarder. He was also an avid old car fan, from restoring them to collecting them. Larry also enjoyed golfing, bowling, puttering around, riding his golf cart with his dog Sheba, and most importantly spending time with his grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, David Preadmore, Beth (John) Lundy; grandchildren, Wesley, Nate, Ashley, Vanessa, Haley, Ellie; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Bentley, Henry, Rosie and one on the way; brothers, Don Preadmore, Ken (Judy) Preadmore; numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends. He was predeceased by his son, Steven Preadmore; parents; brother, Ronald Preadmore; mother and father-in-law, Betty and Earl Greenlee.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside service was held on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. at Benton Township Cemetery in Potterville, MI. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Helen M. Carter
Helen Marie (Daily) Carter, 88 of Dimondale, MI went to meet her Lord on February 25, 2022. A beautiful, classy lady, known for her pleasant smile and “take-charge” positive energy, Helen was born to John and Delia (Martin) Daily on December 27, 1933. She graduated from Lansing Sexton High School and soon after married John Carter, on June 9, 1951. Together they created a home, raised their children and making a difference in their community. She was an active member of the Red Hatter Society and volunteered countless hours at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte. She especially loved gathering the family around the Christmas tree and ensuring every member of the family found a Holiday treasure. Helen lived a life of adventure, traveling all over the world, and always remaining a life-long learner. She honored her Irish ancestry through her love of Irish ballads, and she could seriously dance an Irish jig. Helen managed the Cedar Street K-Mart retail office for 23 ½ years. Helen enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling, and Bible Study. She lived a life devoted to God, church and her love of family.
Helen is survived by her children, Debra Maynard of Charlotte, Michael J. (Deborah) Carter of Dimondale, James Carter of Lansing, Bradford “Joe” (Sharon) Carter of Potterville, Mark (Bonnie) Carter of Potterville, and Karen Carter of Lansing; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, John; her parents; brothers Basil Daily, Ira Daily, John Daily, Rolland Daily, Donald Daily, and sisters Fidelia (Daily) Tupper, Dorothy (Daily) Dutmers, Emma (Daily) Jackson, Ruth (Daily) Hubble, Rosella (Daily) Wilcoxson, Alice (Daily) Rouse.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Helen’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Mass of Celebration was held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, March 4, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Mary Catholic Church, The Eaton Area Senior Center, or the Dorothy Hull Library in Dimondale. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Nellie Pfiester
Nellie Lee Pfiester, friend to many and life of the party, died February 25, 2022. Nellie, 70 of Bellevue, MI, was born December 31, 1951, in Shelby, MI to Manuel and Mary (Chase) Hovey. Nellie graduated from Shelby High School and attended Muskegon Business College. In September of 1975 she married her sweetheart, Jon Pfiester, and they created an amazing life together. They lived several places over their early married life, but 40 years ago settled in Bellevue, MI.
Work hard and play hard would be a great motto for Nellie, as she worked 33 years at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, and also worked with her husband on the farm. A very social person, Nellie loved people and loved a good party. She enjoyed playing Bunko, shopping, everything MSU, and cooking (and she was a very good cook specializing in pancakes, baked beans and peanut butter cake).
The true joy in Nellie’s life was watching the sporting events that her sons and her grandchildren participated in. It started with her sons playing football, basketball, dirt bike racing, and a season of wrestling, then her grandson’s football, basketball and baseball games, and her granddaughter’s basketball and softball games. Nellie and Jon made it a priority to attend all the sporting events for their sons and travelled often so they could see most of their grandchildren’s events too. She was a very proud mom and grandma, loving to share stories of all their sporting prowess.
Nellie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jon; sons, Michael (Alaina) and Jason (Laurie); grandchildren, Trevor, Emma, and Ellie; siblings, Dale (Linda) Hovey, Joyce (Ron) Ross, Manuel (Meltha) Hovey; brothers-in-law, Richard Pfiester and Tim (Lynn) Pfiester; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and sister-in-law, Kay Dexter.
Friends are encouraged to support Nellie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Thursday, March 3 at Bellevue United Methodist Church with Rev. Mikki Sandlin officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Darl L. Link
Darl Lee Link, a quiet, generous man, passed away on February 26, 2022. Darl, 79, was born on June 3, 1942, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Ion and Doris (Rose) Link. Darl graduated from Charlotte High School in 1960 and then went to Lansing Community College where he earned his Associates Degree. Darl spent eight years in the Army National Guard. He worked at A.E. Hoover in Charlotte, at AMC/Jeep as a Renault specialist, and later retired from Lassen Pontiac in Battle Creek. Darl, who was an extremely hard worker and could do anything, helped many local farmers, including Don Shepherd. He also constructed their family home. Darl taught others how to care for the property after he was gone. His passion was to make a difference in the lives of others. He showed great love for people, especially his kids and grandkids. Darl especially loved having family gatherings at his home during the holidays and particularly the 4th of July where he enjoyed setting off and watching fireworks.
Darl is survived by his loving family, wife, Marjorie; son, Dennis (Melissa) Ovink; daughters, Danyelle Ovink, Debi Tucker, and Dianna (Mark) Thompson; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his dog Shylo. Darl was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Darl’s family by sharing remembrances and condolences online in Darl’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service is being planned for this summer on the family farm. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Floyce Abernathy
Floyce “Chief” Luella (Shepard) Abernathy, 79, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2022. A spontaneous, kind lady, she is noted for her passion in caring for other people. A calico, tortoise cat named, Miss Kitty was beloved and always in her lap or on her bed. All close to Chief enjoyed her delicious meals, loyal friendship, humor and stories of her life. Floyce was born on July 13, 1942, to Edwin A. and Ruth M. (Campbell) Shepard. In 1960 she married the love of her life, Sam Abernathy. The couple enjoyed competing, they could be found drag racing at the Onondaga Dragway, and also bowling. Chief also enjoyed making trips to the casino, gardening and camping around the state. Stocking shelves at Walmart, greeting customers with a warm smile and assisting wherever she could, gave Floyce great pleasure. Gospel, country and oldies music of the 50’s and 60’s was often on her radio. Tracing her life story would include her lifelong devotion to God, church and her love of family.
Floyce is survived by her sister, Mary (Roger) Fuller of St. Johns; brother-in-law, Jeff (Sandi) Jester of Coloma; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Sam Abernathy; her parents; siblings, Sandra Kay Shepard, Keith Shepard, Kathy Shepard, and Edwin Shepard Jr.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Chief’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.