Obituaries
David L. Smith
David L. Smith, of Duck Lake, died on Monday, November 22nd, 2021, at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Dave practiced law in Charlotte for 57 years and served on many charitable and municipal boards throughout the years. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and will often be remembered for sightings of his hot air balloon, “Rainbow Drifter,” over the skies of Charlotte and Duck Lake, with their usual crew of brother-in-law, David Powers and his wife Christyne. Dave enjoyed woodworking and boat building and he spent the past year building an 1860 Henry Rifle. He was known as a local Civil War Historian and he proudly shared the stories of his ancestors that fought at Gettysburg and Kennesaw Mountain.
Service to the community was important to Dave, but the loves of his life were family and his life at Duck Lake with Linda. He was a caring and selfless man who would make time for anyone. You always knew he listened, because weeks after an encounter, he would see you again and follow up on the previous conversation. He was a man of the highest integrity and character and his life will continue to be an inspiration for those who were fortunate enough to know him.
David Lowell Smith was born on August 28th, 1939 to Clifford Elwood Smith and Louise M. (Raidle) Smith in Charlotte, MI. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957 and earned his BA from Alma College in 1961. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1962 and his Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law in 1965. After passing the State Bar in 1965, he began practicing law with his uncle, Stanley Raidle. He settled his family on the George O. Smith family farm on Lawrence Avenue. He served as the Eaton County Prosecuting Attorney beginning in 1972 and in 1973, he was reunited with his high school sweetheart and his soulmate, Linda Sue Powers. Dave and Linda created their own version of “Yours, Mine and Ours” in December of 1974, when they married at the Charlotte Congregational Church.
Dave is survived by two daughters, Lisa (Joe) Feistritzer of Ada and Amy (Donald) Huff of Lansing; four step-children, David (Tracy) Reed of Glendale, Arizona; Chris (Elena) Reed of Charlotte; Doug (Jen) Reed of Charlotte; and Sarah (Rob) Williams of Charlotte; sixteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren with the tenth on the way next year; and sisters Linda Deland of Chelsea and Chris (Rick) Kent of Brule Ridge.
Dave was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 45 years, Linda Sue; his parents, Clifford and Louise Smith of Charlotte; and his beloved Golden Retrievers, Scout (2021) and Max (1994).
In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family is planning a celebration of life to honor Dave in the Spring of 2022.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dave’s honor to the Courthouse Square Association, P.O. Box 411, Charlotte, MI 48813, or Eaton Community Palliative Care, 275 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
Vera McDonald
Vera McDonald was known for her powerful ministry of presence, Vera Browne McDonald, 86, was born near Muir, MI (Ionia County) in the late 1930s. Her heritage from both parents is from Indian and Pennsylvania Dutch. She had three older siblings. In her early years the family lived in a very humble home, with no electricity, a cooking stove also served as their only source of heat in the cold winter months. Vera recalled a large window in their house, and she would look out and see some hobo’s, nowadays referred to as homeless people, show up on their doorstep. Her mother would feed them, and they would sleep on the porch and move on the next day.
At the age of 10 the family moved to Portland, MI where her father operated a gas station as well as a store. Vera became his major assistant, pumping gas, working in the store, and helping to keep the bussiness records. When she was only 13, she met an older teenager named Harold McDonald who frequented the gas station to visit with her dad. Apparently, he noticed her because later they did some dating. Both Vera and Harold had to leave school after the 10th grade. She began working and Harold joined the Armed Services. They kept correspondence and married during a leave. She was only 17 at the time.
During her childhood, her grandmother made sure she got to the local community Church. Her grandmother also taught her a lot about life, made clothing for her and was a mainstay in her life.
Vera and Harold had moved to Kirkwood, MO. for Harold’s work. Harold Jr. (Butch) was a small child at this time and Steve was also born around this time. Harold was kidnapped one evening and was robbed and beaten. Their neighbors came to the rescue and took care of the boys while Vera nursed Harold. As a result of this they were determined to strengthen their faith by finding a church. The helpful, loving neighbors invited them to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and were later baptized into the church. So began their faith journey. Moving back to Michigan later and joining the Charlotte Congregation.
Both Vera and Harold continued to pursue their education completing many courses with certificates. Most interesting is they both received their high school diplomas in 1972 through attending the first Adult Education class offered in Charlotte. Harold was at the top of his class! Harold Jr. graduated from Charlotte High School the same year they received their diplomas.
Vera always had a job, including Michigan Bell Telephone, Hospital Clerical, 10 years as Dr. Riley’s assistant and an assistant for Dr. Byland’s office. Vera worked at Eaton Federal for 30 years. In addition to her regular job, she and Harold owned and operated apartments in Charlotte, eventually selling and buying and operating a motel in Leslie, MI for many years. After many years it was time to retire and move back to Charlotte. They built a lovely home in Eaton Green Subdivision off M50.
In retirement Vera never stopped working because her flowers and vegetables needed tending. She loved to crochet regularly making hats, mittens, blankets, scarves, baby clothes and even pillows giving these away or as donated items for fund raisers.
In addition to their two sons, they have 4 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Wow!
Vera and Harold gave “ministry of presence”, as they were always at church services (unless illness prevented). They also hosted a Tuesday night prayer service at their home. Vera was known for keeping a list of all in need of prayer, be it church members, friends and acquaintances and gladly sharing with others.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Vera’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday December 27th from 6-8 pm. Funeral services are Tuesday, December 28th at 2 pm at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. 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 Vera’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to Saints Church of Jesus Christ, 123 E. Stoddard St., Charlotte, MI 48813. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Connie K. Garrison
Connie Kay Garrison, 70, of Charlotte, a woman of deep conviction and Faith, love of her family, and devotion to others, went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 20, 2021. Connie was born October 7, 1951, in Mason, the daughter of Albert and Evelyn (Porter) Lowe. When her mother died unexpectedly only a few years later, she and her sister were adopted and raised by Bill and Marion Wright, local bar owners in Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969, and soon married her forever love, Jim Garrison on September 12, 1970. Connie brought an Olds 442 to the marriage, Jim brought a Mustang Mach 1, and soon they happily welcomed their first daughter. Connie’s life revolved around her children and grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event (often with her cowbell in hand), volunteered as a member with the Circle C 4H Club, and even served as coach when her youngest daughter, Cana, started the Olivet High School Equestrian Team. Throughout her life, she had a passion for animals, especially horses.
As a member of the worship team at New Hope Community Church, Connie could often be heard praising God with her singing, and handmade many of the flower arrangements used in the church. She studied God’s Word every day and lived a clean life full of God’s Grace and Goodness. Many will remember her perseverance, especially in service to others. Connie went well beyond the extra mile in every endeavor and area of service in her life.
Connie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim Garrison; daughters, Rachael (Scott) McLane, Andrea Brown, and Cana Garrison; 6 grandchildren, Kaylea and Kateline Ostrander, Alivia and Ashley Brown, and Emily and Collin McLane; sister, Vivian Schultz; brother, Larry Lowe; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Duane Lowe; brother-in-law, Donald Schultz; and beloved grand-dog, Lucy.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Connie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021, at New Hope Community Church, with visitation just prior from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will take place in Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 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 Connie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions are suggested to New Hope Community Church Worship Team. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Leila N. Klaiss
Leila Noah Klaiss, 80, of Charlotte, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Friday, December 17, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in Jackson, Michigan on May 19, 1941, the daughter of Elliott and Helen (Parks) Noah. Leila lived the majority of her life in Charlotte. She was passionate about her hometown. On June 19, 1965, she married Neil E. Klaiss at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. In her own words “I’ve loved him since 5th grade”. Leila was the former editor of the paper here in Charlotte. Neil and Leila owned and operated Klaiss TV for 47 years. She had her own column called, Corners of My Mind. She was very active within her community. Her love for anything Charlotte was evident. She was instrumental in getting the 1885 courthouse moved to Bennett Park and active with the Court House Square Association. She loved to quilt, having made quilts for her 2 grandchildren when they were born. These quilts will always be keepsakes that will remind them of their Lini and the love she had for them. Lini was a name given to her by her first grandchild, Noah. This name would be used by those closest to her for the rest of her life. Leila had a razor-sharp sense of humor. She had her opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them. She fought for what she believed in. She was a voracious reader and avid genealogist. She was able to trace the lineage of the Noah family and the Klaiss family. Leila was also a master gardener and took great pride in her gardens. She sometimes tried new recipes, much to the horror of her family. We, her family, will never forget the broiled grapefruit incident of 1981. We will miss her the rest of our lives.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Neil; daughters, Melissa (Paul) Martino of Durham, North Carolina, Libby Klaiss of Grand Ledge; grandchildren: Noah Martino of Alabama, Victoria Martino of Alabama; brother-in-law, Tony Hain; and honorary daughters: Anne Roiter and Elizabeth Siler
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kathy Hain.
A celebration of Leila’s life was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 3:30 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family received friends from 1 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. at the funeral home on Wednesday just prior to the service.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Leila’s honor to the Court House Square Association 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813 or the Charlotte Christmas Kiddies 111 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Leila’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Timothy Livingston
Timothy (Tim) Livingston, 62, passed away on Friday December 17, 2021, at home in Summerdale Alabama. He lived in Bellevue and Charlotte area until he moved to Alabama. He was born in Charlotte, Michigan on October 24, 1959, to Richard and Betty (Stevens) Livingston. Tim is survived by his daughter Lorie Livingston, sisters Dawn (Jim) Collier, April Garcia, Wanda (Steve) Lahr and Janet (Roland) Parker and brother Olin (Alice) Gleason, Melvin (Beth) Gleason and Robert Livingston. He is preceded in death by his mother Betty and father Richard. He was a cabinet maker and he worked on the shrimp boats. He liked going fishing, crabbing, hunting, and doing odd jobs for friends.