Obituaries
Marilyn Monroe-Hart
Marilyn Monroe-Hart, 81, of Charlotte, a woman of keen intellect, creativity and spirit, died unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, January 23, 2022. Marilyn was born June 8, 1940, in Lansing, the daughter of James Henry and Florence Irene (Kirkwood) Mahan. As a young girl in grade school in Olivet, she met her life-long friend, soulmate and future husband, Bruce, on the 4th of July. They remained best friends throughout high school, participating together in many activities. The love story of Marilyn and Bruce would pause for several decades as they took different paths through most of their adult lives.
Marilyn attended the University of Michigan as a dual major in English and Music. She played lead roles in Oklahoma, Carousel, and Fiddler on the Roof. Offstage she enjoyed the music of Bread, The Eagles, and Frank Sinatra. She eventually earned master’s Degrees in both English Literature and Special Education. Marilyn went on to become a very intelligent, highly educated, accomplished teacher in the Chicago area. She taught high school advanced placement English Literature and Drama for over 30 years, coached the speech team, and was on the English faculty of Lake Forest College. Marilyn treasured her years in education, and was known for combining her sense of humor, discipline, and innovative pedagogy to shape the minds of thousands of students. She was a voracious reader and life-long student of literature and writing. She was also a very musically inclined vocalist and played the piano, oboe, and saxophone. Marilyn took voice lessons in Lansing as a child and soloed in countless weddings and special events throughout her life. She lived an extremely organized, well-planned life, and was trusted by many to coordinate details and communicate to perfection. Marilyn was easy to befriend as she openly shared her thoughts, opinions and interests with all who crossed her path, not to mention her striking beauty and meticulous grooming.
Marilyn loved her parents, caring for them throughout their lives. She was proud of her Irish heritage and lived a life of independence and responsibility. Perhaps her darkest hour was enduring the tragic death of her beloved daughter, Michelle. Marilyn would never fully recover from the overwhelming grief. Her Faith in Jesus Christ sustained her and led her to fulfill the rest of her life purpose with vigor and tenacity.
Bruce and Marilyn, despite decades living separate lives, both returned home to Charlotte within a few years of each other. They were married January 1, 2000, and lived a life of love, Christian Faith, and community service. They were members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte and volunteered for many local groups and helped countless people in many capacities. In their spare time, Bruce and Marilyn both enjoyed being staunch U of M fans. Marilyn was active as a GFWC-Charlotte member and past president and chair of Libraries 2000, an initiative within GFWC to provide resources and technology to local schools. She held district and state committee membership in GFWC. She was a coordinator and volunteer for Mobile Meals Inc. of Charlotte, volunteered with the Hayes Green Beach Gift Basket, and achieved many professional and community accolades throughout her life.
Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Burleson Hart in 2018; daughter, Michelle Monroe; her parents; brother, Richard Gene in 1942; an infant sister in 1944; and her beloved “Uncle Dale.” She is survived by her brother, Dr. James (Barbara) Mahan of Maple City, MI; her nieces and nephews; several cousins; and many close and loving friends.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marilyn on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A graveside Memorial Gathering will take place in April. Details to follow. Memorial contributions are suggested to GFWC Chorus, GFWC Helping Hands, and the Charlotte Community Library. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Eugene H. Fancher
Eugene “Gene” Harley Fancher, 80, of Charlotte, died Sunday, January 30, 2022, in Charlotte. Gene was born August 26, 1941, in Grand Rapids, the son of Aubrey Morries and Marvella Eleanor (Hood) Fancher. He went to work on the line at Oldsmobile in 1969 and retired after 30 years in 1999. Gene served in many capacities at Oldsmobile over the years, including playing Euchre with many of his coworkers. He married Rita Fancher on October 31, 1997, and enjoyed 18 years of marriage. In retirement, Gene worked alongside his daughter, Debbie, at Wendy’s for 9 years while also serving as a crossing guard for Ionia Public Schools. Gene loved motorcycles and new cars, always looking out for his next ride. He was an avid fisherman in his early years, and absolutely loved everything Elvis Presley. Gene made several pilgrimages to Memphis to visit Graceland. In his last years, he listened to old Elvis music and watched his movies on rerun. Above all, Gene loved time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Christmas breakfast.
Gene is survived by his daughters, Marlena (Chris) Arras and Debbie (Eric) Troll; son, Brian (Erica) Fancher; grandchildren, Danielle (Shelby) Smith, Ashtin (Travis) O’Dell, Jared (Kelsey) Arras, Grant (Jill Manning) Arras, Chelsea (Ronnie) Raymond, Baily Fancher, Casey Fancer, and Katelynn Troll; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Fancher in 2015, and his parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Gene’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation was held just prior to the service. A private interment service will take place at Easton Township Cemetery. The funeral 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 Gene’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Sparrow Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Raul B. Luna
Raul B. Luna was born in Crystal City, Texas, on October 28, 1934. He was the eldest son of Manuel and Julia Barragan Luna. After moving to Michigan, Raul began his working career at the Grand Ledge Clay Factory and then worked at Oldsmobile for 32 years as a paint repairman. He was a proud member of UAW Local 652.
Raul had a great work ethic and taught his family the value of work, even taking them to work in the fields around Charlotte on their summer vacation. He was also a great carpenter who took care of numerous apartments he owned in Charlotte.
Raul was a winter Texan, spending the winter in San Benito and his summers at his Chippewa Lake home in Michigan. While at his home in Chippewa Lake, he loved fishing on his pontoon. He was born with a guitar in his hands and especially loved playing Mexican music. He played statewide in bands with friends and family over the years and at his church, where he was a deacon, and also enjoyed playing on weekends with his cousins and friends. He enjoyed playing baseball and hunting in his younger years and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. And enjoyed his cowboy movies. His grandchildren cherished every moment they got to spend with grandpa, or “great papa.” He will forever be remembered as a man with a great sense of humor and he will always be loved and missed by his family and friends.
Raul went to be with the Lord at the age of 87. Raul, of San Benito, Texas, passed away at his home on January 26, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Mercedes Cruz Luna; his five children and their spouses, Virginia (Randy) Day, Arthur (Lou Anne) Luna, Linda (Dean) Bongiovanni, Julia (Paul) Tucker, Teresa Luna, and son-in-law, Don Andrews; grandchildren, Donald Lee Andrews, Jeremy Andrews, Jennie Reichert, Arthur Luna Jr., Michael Luna, Christina Koetsier, Eric Luna, Elijah Luna, Aundrea Bongiovanni, Joshua Lambka, and Chantel Jones; 24 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren; brother Manuel (Benigna) Luna, Mario (Irma) Luna; and sisters, Maria Rice, Yolanda Zavala, and Modesta (Wes) Whitworth. Raul was predeceased by his parents; daughter, Natalia Andrews; great-grandson Austin Reichert; brothers, Refugio and Roberto Luna; sister Dolores Zagun; and second wife Estela.
Funeral services are Friday, February 4, 2022 at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 4-7:00 PM and Friday, February 4, 2022 from 11:00 AM – noon. The funeral 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 Raul’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Raul’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI.
Bryan A. Zanola
Bryan Anthony Zanola, age 31 from Olivet passed away on January 26, 2022. Bryan was a line worker with General Motors. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.
Marie E. Gee
Marie Ellen Gee, age 96, from Charlotte, passed away on January 29, 2022. She worked as a Claims processor Auto Owners Insurance. Service date: to be announced and service location: Deepdale Memorial Park. Arrangements being handled by Pray Funeral Home.