Obituaries
Benjamin L. Hall
Benjamin Lee Hall, 80, of Alpena passed away Friday, December 21, 2018 at Medilodge-Alpena. Lee was born in Charlotte on January 23, 1938 to the late Theron and Stasia (Holcomb) Hall. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1957. He attended the University of Michigan, where he played football and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to earn his master’s degree in mathematics from Boston College. He taught math at Alpena High School from 1964 until his retirement in 1999. He received the outstanding educator award twice, coached varsity football for many years and was inducted into the Michigan High School Hall of Fame in 2005. Lee was a member and served as an elder in the Community of Christ Church. He was a wonderful husband and father.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Sandra; four daughters, Lynn (Bob) Hollingshead, Heather (Jeff) Deitrick, Stephanie Hall, Blythe Morales; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Nancy) Hall; two sisters, Ellen Force, Gloria Armbrustmacher; several nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Community of Christ Church or Alpena Boys and Girls Club.
Sandra L. Blodgett
Sandra Lee Blodgett, of Charlotte, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, died Saturday, December 22, 2018. Sandra, 74, was born December 27, 1943, in Lansing to Vance Sr. and Evelyn (Moore) Disbrow. On September 26, 1970 Sandra married Dennis Blodgett and together created their legacy. Sandra was a member of the Chester Gospel Church. She devoted most of her time as a volunteer there teaching Sunday school and being the office secretary. Sandra was also very active with the Child Evangelist Fellowship. Her hobbies included reading, sewing in her early years, and spending time with her family.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Dennis; children, Michelle (Dan) Glover, David Blodgett; grandchildren, Roselynn (Tim) Corcoran, Peyton Burkhart; great-granddaughter, Ashlyn; sister, Judy (Ed) Volz; and many nieces and nephews.
Sandra is predeceased by her parents and brother, Vance Disbrow, Jr.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 28, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with pastors Marc Livingston and Dennis Weeks officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Child Evangelist Fellowship.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Sandra on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
David J. Orrison
David Jon Orrison, a self-taught, hardworking, and extremely dedicated carpenter, died Thursday, December 20, 2018 with his family by his side. David, 77, of Potterville, was born November 15, 1941, in Marshall to Guilford and Dorothy (Sipe) Orrison. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1959. Following high school, David created David J. Orrison Inc. David married Marilyn Anne Bartlett on June 30, 1979, and they would spend the next 39 years together creating their legacy. His biggest passion in life was his carpentry work. He loved doing woodwork, remodeling old homes, and most importantly doing trim work. David has done trim work throughout the entire state, for large companies and small, but each job meant so much to him. When David was not working with wood he enjoyed, feeding the birds, watching the wildlife on his property, watching the Michigan State Spartans, golfing, and traveling with his wife, Marilyn. Attending his grandchildren’s sporting events also meant so much to David. Even if the event was out of state, he could be found in the stands.
David is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Jason Smith, Jennifer (Juan) Mena, Michelle Smith, Melissa Alvarado, David Jon Orrison Jr., and Melissa Jo; grandchildren, Benjamin, Adam, Elisabeth, William, Robert, Juan, Bonifacio, Casey, and Josie; great-granddaughter, Emmalee; siblings, Donna Gutchess, Janet (Ken) Embury, Michael (Connie) Orrison.
David was predeceased by his parents and daughter, Karen Orrison.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of David on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mitchell B. Jenson
Mitchell Bruce Jenson, 64, of Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, went home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 13, 2018 in Lansing after a brief illness. Mitch was born August 19, 1954, the son of Noel Arnold and Eileen Marie (Walch) Jenson. Mitch was employed at A/E Hoover from 1973-1988, Carefree Aluminum from 1992-1998, and nine years at Spartan Motors, retiring in 2004 after an injury.
Mitch enjoyed many things in life, including travelling, working in his garden, hunting for “one of a kind” treasures at yard sales, estate sales and Goodwill. He was a great cook and made wonderful mac-and-cheese his family so enjoyed. He loved being a clown for 10 years, bringing joy to children and nursing home residents alike. Mitch was a Chairman for A.A. and helped so many in their struggles for sobriety. He was a lifetime member of the Charlotte Eagles and a 10-year member of the Charlotte Clown Club. He would give you the shirt off his back and helped those in need. Above all, Mitch was a man who had great love and compassion for his family and friends.
Mitch is survived by his daughter, Sunrae (Royce) Hummel of Lake Odessa; sons, Jesse (Lindsay) Jenson of Lansing and Jimmy Chu; grandchildren, Jazlyn Jenson-Cook, Kiana Hummel, and Brodi Jenson; lifelong friend, Jimmy Truax of Lansing; brothers, Charles Jenson and Joe (Terri) Jenson, both of Charlotte; sisters, Cecil Jenson and Karen (LeRoy) Halliwill, both of Charlotte; brother-in-law, Blane White of Charlotte; Eugene “Hector” Hayes, known as “Dad;” several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Ralph, who was his special companion.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Neil Jenson and sister-in-law, Minnie Jenson; sister, Sharon White; and brother-in-law, Coy Cousins.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Marty Garn officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ingham County Humane Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mitch on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Sharon L. Lamb
Sharon Lynn Lamb, 60, of Charlotte passed on to heaven with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 17, 2018 while surrounded by her loving family. Shari was born the daughter of Merlin and Charlotte (Martinson) Gay. She married Elden Lamb on October 20, 1979 and they enjoyed 39 years of marriage. Together they raised two daughters, Shaina and Shelby.
Shari loved singing contemporary Christian music. She toured internationally with the Continental Singers of California and later toured neighboring states with a solo music ministry. One of her singing highlights was recording an album in Nashville, Tenn. at Dolly Parton’s recording studio.
Shari faithfully served as secretary at First Baptist Church in Charlotte for over 25 years where she lovingly assisted and impacted all those who came through its doors. Shari had a genuine gift for helping others and consistently carried a torch of kindness, generosity, compassion, and gratitude throughout her church and community. Over her many years of ministry within the church, Shari likely prepared over 1,300 weekly bulletins highlighting the church’s worship and outreach activities.
After retiring in May 2018, Shari and Elden lovingly spent the following months on Silver Lake in Traverse City enjoying all things summer, including boating, cruising in the Mustang, kayaking, dining, sharing time with family, and landscaping.
Shari’s true passion was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and thoroughly enjoyed times when the family could all be together, especially the weddings of both daughters in 2017.
Until reunited in heaven, Shari leaves behind her husband, Elden; daughters, Shaina (Mark) Tavares of Stamford, Conn. and Shelby (Tyler Huizenga) Lamb of Mason; father, Merlin Gay of Everett, Wash.; siblings, Stephen (Karen) Guye of Loomis, Calif., and Sharleen (Dean) Kato of Bellevue, Wash.; nieces and nephews, Koby (Makenzie) Guye, Ashley Robinson, Alex (Annie) Kato, and Stefanie (Colin) Kosco; and many cousins.
She now joins her mother, Charlotte Gay.
A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Charlotte, with Pastor Chuck Moore officiating. Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10 a.m.
If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA), an important cause for Shari and the Lamb family.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Janet Harms
Janet Harms passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018. She was born the second daughter of Lovaughn and Everett Harms, and grew up on the family farm near Sunfield with her five siblings: Judy, Bob, Ned, Ted and Carl. She attended Sunfield High school, where she helped start the girls basketball team along with her sister, Judy. Jan played forward and was one of the stars of the team. After graduating, Jan went to Manchester College in Indiana, where she earned her teaching license for the states of Indiana and Michigan and also received a master’s degree from Michigan State University.
Jan began her career as a high school teacher in Edwardsburg, Mich., then took a position at Charlotte High School, where she taught for 30 years. She specialized in office subjects and Physical Education, and also coached the girls’ volleyball teams for many years.
During her early years as a teacher Jan went on a European trip with friends, returning home with a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a painting of the Sacre Coeur in Paris, and many fond memories. She played golf for many years, and contributed her beautiful singing voice to the GFWC Women’s Club Choir and Eaton Area Senior Center Chorus.
Jan was a favorite of her nieces and nephews: David and Susan Harris, Laurie Harms, Charlie Harms, Courtney Barry and Kimberly Garvey, Wendy Hamilton, Carl Jr. and Tyler Harms. At Christmas each year she flew to Santa Barbara, California to spend the holidays with her sister Judy’s family. Her arrival marked the beginning of Christmas for everyone.
After retiring from teaching, Jan helped found the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, where she spent many hours volunteering and playing cards with friends. She was always up for a game of cards, whether a competitive game of bridge or hearts with friends, or a silly game of go fish with nieces and nephews.
Jan was dearly loved by her family and friends. She was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, supporting others with her combination of positivity and practicality. She helped care for several close friends and family members during times of sickness. She will be enormously missed, and remembered for her sense of fun, her wonderful laugh, and her concern for others.
A celebration of life will be held May 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte.
Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to the Eaton Area Senior Center.
Brenda K. Collins
Brenda K. Collins, 59, of Olivet, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family following a long illness. Brenda was born on May 30, 1959 in Chariton, Iowa to Leland and Geneva (Allen) Long. She graduated from Olivet High School in 1977. On December 1, 1979 she married John M. Collins at the Olivet Congregational Church.
Brenda was a homemaker staying home to raise her family. She also worked for a short time at the McCamly Plaza in Battle Creek, and two gas stations in Olivet. Recently she had been working as a Para-Pro for Olivet Schools. Brenda was a member of the Ainger Bible Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, collecting snowmen, and shopping. Brenda especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness and having an open home to anyone in need in the Olivet area.
She is survived by her husband, John of Olivet; children, Parker (Christy) Collins of Colorado, Garrett (Kelly) Collins of Olivet, Taylor (Joel Flagg) Collins of Marshall, and Maddy (Sam Roe) Collins of Olivet; five grandchildren, Noah, Ainsley, Abel, Emelia, and Opal; siblings, Jeanne (Russ) Johnson of Norwalk, Iowa, Linda Henry of Charlotte, Lee (Debi) Long of South Carolina, Ken (Janet) Long, and Brian (Connie) Long all of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Donnie Long and Connie Ansley.
Family gathered with friends on Friday, December 21, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. A memorial service celebrating her life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the Marshall Chapel of the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, with Pastor Scott Brood officiating.
Family will gather with friends following the services in the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Marshall Reception Hall. Memorial contributions are requested to Oaklawn Hospice.
Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.
Doris I. Lightner
Doris Irene Lightner of Eaton Rapids, a woman who believed in the power of prayer, died December 14, 2018. Doris, 84, was born July 13, 1934 in St. Johns to Harold Wineland and Zelma (Bond) Esch. She was adopted and raised by Burnett Esch. Doris was a woman of faith that loved everyone and enjoyed her time in prayer. There were many things that Doris excelled at and enjoyed in life, including: decorating cakes, cooking, crocheting, reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing the organ at church, and going to many church functions. Wal-Mart customers appreciated her cake decorating skills, and she also worked at a donut shop, and as an orange (fruit) sorter.
Doris was very proud of her family.
She is survived by her children, Peggy Jane Booth, David (Kathleen) Lightner, Lisa Hicks, Fred (Sheryl) Lightner; daughter-in-law, Peggy Jo Lightner; brothers, Bud (Carolyn) Esch, Gary Esch, Michael (Paula) Esch, Dale Wineland, Duane (Colleen) Wineland, Larry (Betty) Wineland, Laurence (Judy) Wineland, Keith (Vickie) Wineland; sister, Linda (Sheldon) Snow; brother-in-law, Bill (Anne) Lightner; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and three great great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Lightner, Sr.; son, Robert Lightner, Jr.; grandson, David Joseph Lightner; son-in-law, Tony Booth; and siblings, Lloyd and Karen Wineland.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 17 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating.
If desired, memorial contributions to the family are appreciated to help with final expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Doris on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Phyllis A. Southerly
Phyllis Ann (Gordon) Southerly, 72, of Potterville, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2018. She was born in Kenton, Ohio on December 27, 1945 to Mary Edna (Hesser) and Charles Fredrick Gordon. Phyllis was blessed to have her family, as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends while growing up. A great-aunt led a 4-H club where Phyllis honed her homemaking skills learned from her mother. Her father loved to travel, so they travelled on a budget, camping and visiting family and friends across the country.
After graduating from Kenton High School in 1963, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart, Terry Dean Southerly, on September 21, 1963. They moved to Lansing upon his discharge from the Army in 1964. Starting their family and making a home occupied Phyllis until she began working for the State of Michigan at the age of 30. Beginning as an entry-level clerk, she retired as a unit supervisor while continuing to be a wife and mother.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of 55 years, Terry; sons, Troy (Shannon Combs) Dean and Jay Dion; grandchildren, Turner Southerly, Madison Southerly, Isabelle Robinson and her mother Laurie Robinson; sister, Nancy (Michael) Livingston; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by brother, David E. Gordon.
Burial and graveside services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a future date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
John P. Therrien
John Paul Therrien, formerly of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2018.
He leaves behind his wife, Marci; children, Steven, Brianna, and Bella; his parents, Brenda (Dave) Wendorf, and Mike Wellman, Sr.; brothers, Joseph (Tasha) Therrien, and Jared (Nikita) Therrien; many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy E. Therrien, and his grandparents.
A small, private family service was held at the family home.