Obituaries
Lon M. Senko
Lon Michael Senko, 69, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 4, 1948 in Marlette, Mich., the son of Francis and Betty (Bates) Senko. He graduated from Grand Ledge High School with the class of 1967. He went on to earn a degree in engineering. Lon worked his entire career for the State of Michigan, where he worked as a bridge inspector. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force. After returning from the war he went on to serve in the United States National Guard and retired after many faithful years of service. On April 20, 2002 he married Linda Jane Andrew. Lon loved his family and cherished every opportunity he had to be together. He supported not only them, but many others in whatever dream they were pursuing. Lon was a Past Commander of the VFW Maple City Post 2406 in Charlotte, Past National President of DADS of Foreign Service Veterans, and life member of the American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. Lon also served as Deacon at the South Lansing Church of Christ and was active as a member of the Charlotte Church of Christ. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, and traveling.
Lon is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Michelle (Chris) Senko-Patch of Swartz Creek, Eric (Brittney) Senko of Las Vegas, Nev., Christine (James) LeBrun of Sumter, S.C., Lissa (Troy Lahr) Staszuk of Potterville, Brian (Julia) Wigington of Pahrump, Nev.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Gary (Rose) Senko of Onondaga, Bob (DeeDee) Senko of Boulder City, Nev.; several nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carolyn (Tom) Mahon of Charlotte.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 Vansickle Drive in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 25, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions in Lon’s honor to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or VFW Camp Trotter, 924 N Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Lon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Rose-Ann M. LaJoice
Rose-Ann Marie (Rapson) LaJoice, a gracious hostess, proud mother and loyal friend, 76, of Eaton Rapids, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018. She was born in Detroit on September 25, 1941 to Chester and Gertrude (Kanzler) Rapson. Rose-Ann was raised in the Upper Peninsula. She married Patrick J. LaJoice, of St. Ignace on November 9, 1964 in Brimley, Mich.
Rose-Ann was always a phone call away — she would be there to help. After her father died, Rose-Ann being the first born of her siblings, took on many responsibilities on the family farm, which led to a very close-knit family. She worked as a phone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in St. Ignace. She was also the cafeteria manager for the State of Michigan Treasury Building, Teacher’s Aide at Eaton Rapids Schools and retired from Walmart in Charlotte after 15 years of service. Rose-Ann was very charitable, and a devoted Catholic serving at St. Jude’s, and St. Mary Church, and involved in Women’s groups and Bible studies over the years.
Rose-Ann loved to travel and visit her family. One of her most cherished trips was traveling to Italy and visiting the Vatican and Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi where St Francis of Assisi lived and where he began the Franciscan Order. Her hobbies included collecting, crocheting, and crafting. Rose-Ann loved playing cards and learning new games while chatting with friends.
Rose-Ann is survived by her husband, Patrick; sons, John K. LaJoice of Florida, Ray P. LaJoice, and Michael G. LaJoice of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Eric LaJoice, David LaJoice, Chad LaJoice and Kaylee Connor; great-grandson, Remington Connor; siblings, George (Gloria) Rapson, John (Betty) Rapson, Gary (Susan) Rapson, Mary (Robert) Squires, Darlene (David) Taylor, Leo (Connie) Rapson and Lorraine (Marty) Rapson.
She was preceded in death by parents; infant son, James LaJoice; and sister, Teresa Valerie Semasky.
Visitation was held Friday, February 23, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:15 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Mary Catholic Church.
Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online in Rose-Ann’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
William E. Lake
William Earl Lake, 42, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly Monday, February 12, 2018, at his home. He was born July 19, 1975, in Charlotte, the son of David and Kathleen (Moehring) Lake. Bill graduated from Charlotte High School in 1994. On June 26, 2004 he married Jennifer Kay Hildebrant. Bill adored his two boys, David and Tyler. They were the apple of his eye. Whether it was attending their sporting events or just spending time together, he loved it all. Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching football. He worked as an electrician/millwright for Renewal Technologies in Leslie.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jennifer; sons, David Lake, Tyler Lake; parents, David and Kathleen Lake; sister, Jessica (Greg) King; grandmother, Rhoda Moehring; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Robin Osenbaugh; brother and sisters-in-law, William (Amanda) Hildebrant, Wayne (Amanda) Osenbaugh, LaLena (Scott) Lindsey, Jacob Hildebrant, Josh Bumstead; step mother-in-law, Sara Hildebrant; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Catherine Moehring.
Funeral services were held on Friday, February 16, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Carl J. Archer
Carl Joseph “Joe” Archer, a big hearted husband, father, and animal lover, died peacefully at his home on Friday, February 9, 2018 surrounded by his loving family and dearest friends. Joe, 67, of Bellevue, was born January 9, 1951 in Charlotte, the son of Virgil O. and Katherine L. (Westrick) Archer.
Joe lived a full life. He served in the National Guard, was a 4H Rodeo leader, and loved farming. He enjoyed his horses and watching his kids, grandkids, and 4H kids ride. He loved to drive his Peterbuilt semi “Smokin’ Joe” and tinkering with it in his shop. Above all, he loved his family and friends, who will miss his great sense of humor and big heart.
Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda; mother, Katherine; three children, Lori (Tim) Briggs, Tom (Meghann) Archer and Chad (Anne) Archer; seven dearly loved grandchildren, Mikayla (Michael Starken) Densmore, Gabrielle Densmore, Noah Briggs, Nick Briggs, Gracie Little, Teaghann Little, and Cameron Trask. Survived by his siblings, Jerry (Sandy) Archer, Larry (Janet) Archer, Luann Klont, Carolyn (Paul) Haas, Chuck (Suzanne) Archer, Scott Archer, and Don Archer. Joe was welcomed home by his father, Virgil; brothers, Robert, Kenny and Bill Archer, and his beloved nephew and godson, Andy Archer.
“Those who love don’t go away. They walk besides us everyday…unseen, unheard, but always here. Still loved, still missed and very dear.”
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Joe on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Jean L. Corey
Jean Lee Corey, a beloved sister, aunt and friend, of Charlotte passed away Saturday, February 10, at The Thornapple Manor in Hastings. Jean, 76, was born June 28, 1941 in Lansing to Elisha and Louise (Musser) Corey. She will be truly missed by her siblings, Barbara Goulding, Marcia Corey, Richard Corey and Amy (William) Butler. Jean was a shining star. She had the most special love for life, people and the family. She never complained or asked for anything. Jean always had a smile and a hug for you.
She was predeceased by her parents; brother, Paul Corey; sister-in-law, Faye Lou Corey; and brother-in-law, Larry Goulding.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Thornapple Manor “Activity Department” or to The New Hope Community Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jean on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marjorie L. Shaull
Marjorie Louis Shaull, a proper lady of class, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in Lansing, surrounded by her family. Marjorie, 88, of Charlotte, was born April 21, 1929 in Detroit, the daughter of George Willis and Ruby Irene (Davis) Freed. She graduated from Charlotte High School and briefly attended Western Michigan University before marrying Richard J. Shaull and settling in Charlotte. Marjorie worked at Michigan National Bank before working side-by-side with her husband at Shaull and Shaull for over 40 years. Marjorie actively volunteered in many capacities in the Charlotte community. She worked at the youth center, in the Hayes Green Beach Hospital gift shop and delivering meals on wheels. Marjorie served as a Bluebird and Campfire leader, and was a long-time member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte and the Blanche Moyer Circle. In her spare time, she enjoyed taking her children skiing and making them clothes, beautifully playing the piano, collecting antique dolls, and spending time at the family cottage on Duck Lake.
Marjorie is survived by daughters, Suzanne Wingate and Mary Jo McLane; son, James R. “Buzz” (Penny) Shaull; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Bakker, Ian Wingate, Amie Jo (Wally) Dowker Colon, James McLane, Michael McLane, Katie McLane, Haley (Adam) Auvenshine, Tyler Shaull, and Ashley McGilvra; five great-grandchildren with another on the way; and three great great-grandsons.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Richard J. Shaull in 1994; and her sister, Mary Ellen Crouse.
Per Marjorie’s wishes, a private graveside service will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the First Congregational Church of Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marjorie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Beverly R. Trumley
Beverly Ruth Trumley, 86, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018. She was born September 17, 1931, in Lansing, the daughter of Clark and Wilma (Wood) Greenshields. Bev married Richard Lee Trumley on February 7, 1953, in Charlotte. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Bev always saw to it that the needs of others were always meet before her own. She was a gourmet cook who enjoyed preparing magnificent meals for family and friends. Bev was passionate about many different forms of art — from creating beautiful watercolor paintings, sculpting, knitting, or assembling a collage with peacock feathers. She and Dick enjoyed their numerous trips throughout the world. When they weren’t traveling they enjoyed spending time at their homes in the Florida Keys, Charlotte, and in northern Michigan. She was an avid MSU fan but was especially fond of MSU basketball. Bev was a lifelong member of the Charlotte O.E.S. and GFWC Charlotte. She also volunteered for Mobile Meals of Charlotte for many years.
Bev is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard; sons, David Lee (Ghizela) Trumley of Berlin, Germany, Stephen Richard (Debra) Trumley of Fruitport, Mich., John Howard Trumley of Charlotte; eight grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; brother, Harry (Debbie) James of Venice, Fla.; and sister, Carol Thompson of Port Townsend, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bruce Greenshields; and sister, Catherine Mahan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bev’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Joy Arlene Hicks (Brummette)
Joy Arlene Hicks, 77, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. She was born February 17, 1940, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Earl and Kressa (Calhoun) Brummette. Joy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time together around the bonfire. Joy loved all things outdoors. Whether it was gardening, picking up sticks, or enjoying a Bud Light with friends, she loved it all. You could also find her frequenting all the local garage sales during the summer months.
The family would like to especially thank the tremendous staff at Sensations in Charlotte and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for their wonderful care during Joy’s illness.
Joy is survived by her children, Jodie (Charlie) McLean of Grand Ledge, Mark (Michele) Montgomery of Charlotte, Janele (Chris) Rankin of Olivet; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Eddy (Marlene) Brummette, Shirley (Dick) Crosslan, Dick (Janet) Brummette, Doug (Joanie) Brummette, Bev Geiser, and Barb Bodell.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends at a memorial gathering on Saturday, February 17, 2018, from noon to 2 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joy’s honor to Sensations Memory Care, 511 E Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813; Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202; or Eaton County Humane Society, PO Box 233, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Joy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
James Robert Ensign
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 9-10
February 3, 2018, at the age of 89, James Robert Ensign rose on the wings of the morning to dwell at the right hand of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As an ordained Lutheran minister, Bob’s Christian faith was the bedrock of his life, and he centered all he did on his belief in God’s promises of grace and forgiveness, redemption and everlasting life.
He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 68 years; daughters, Elizabeth (Barry) Latoszewski of Vermontville, Mary Copping of Whitehall, Sarah (Tom) Gruber of Rockford, Laura (Brad) Beyer of Onsted; and his son, Paul (Terry) Ensign of Blanco, Texas; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his older brother, Earl (Katherine) Ensign of Toledo; and brother-in-law, Carl (Joyce) Satre of Syracuse, Ind.
Bob was born March 22, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Earl Scott Ensign and Grace Borgelt Ensign. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1946, attended the University of Toledo, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He and his dear “Marybelle” were married by her father, the Rev. W. Carl Satre on April 14, 1950 at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Toledo. He worked as a journeyman pattern maker for his father at the Ensign Foundry in Toledo for several years. They moved to Springfield, Ohio where he enrolled at Wittenberg University, and the Hamma School of Divinity. In May 1961 he was ordained as a Lutheran minister (ULCA/LCA). He served as pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Springfield, Ohio; All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington, Ohio; and Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe, Mich. A talented photographer, he later joined the La-Z-Boy Chair Company in Monroe as head of commercial photography and cinematography.
In 1988 Bob and Mary moved to Cedarville, Mich. and became faithful members of Bethel Lutheran Church. A man of boundless curiosity, Bob used retirement to pursue his many interests as a licensed pilot with an instructor rating, a HAM radio enthusiast, photographer, sailor, and serious amateur astronomer. A skilled woodworker, he crafted numerous wooden boats including a 24-foot twin masted “Sharpie” sailboat, which he christened “Wings of Morning.” In 2002, at 74, he sailed this boat solo on Lake Huron in a roundtrip east from Cedarville to circumnavigate Drummond Island.
The Ensigns moved to Charlotte in 2004 to be closer to their children and found a welcoming family at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Bob continued his studies in astronomy and enjoyed many nights of stargazing from his backyard. Bob and Mary became residents of Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich. in 2015 with a church home at Grace Lutheran. They returned to Charlotte in 2017 as residents of the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family wishes to thank the staff at ECHRS and Sparrow Hospital for their compassionate care. We rejoice in Bob’s triumph over death, and say with the Apostle Paul: “Thanks Be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us the victory!”
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 8, 2018 at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte, with Rev. Timothy Olson officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard Eugene Halstead
Richard Eugene Halstead, 70, prankster and lover of all things related to fast cars, died February 6, 2018 at his home in Bellevue. Richard was born December 3, 1947 in Three Rivers, Mich. to Herbert and Doris (Crawford) Halstead. He was a very funny person who loved to joke around. His passion was going fast, he was known for his love of cars (especially hot rods), racing, and as a gear head. Richard was very proud of his service to his country, serving in the Army during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged and later enlisted in the Air Force for 3 ½ years, and after his honorable discharge again enlisted, this time in the National Guard. Richard married Marie A. Roth on October 4, 1969. They loved spending time with family, and traveling, especially out west.
Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie; son, Rick (Amber) Halstead Jr.; daughter, Laura (Robert) Wiborn; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Geraldine Jaquez; and brothers, James (Linda) Halstead, John (Paula) Halstead, and Roger Halstead.
He was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Herbert Jr.
Funeral services are Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation will be just prior to the service, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Richard on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.