Obituaries
Sharon Marie Smith
Sharon Marie Smith, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. She was born on February 25, 1944, in Pickford, Michigan. An accomplished individual, she graduated Salutatorian from Pickford High School, setting a standard of excellence that she maintained throughout her life.
Together with her husband, Thomas Smith Sr., Sharon co-owned and operated Smith’s Body Shop in Olivet, where her dedication to her work was apparent to all who crossed her path.
Sharon was also an avid outdoorswoman, with passions that included hunting, cutting wood, gardening, and nurturing her flowers. She found joy in feeding the birds and cherished the time spent outdoors. Her greatest delight came from being with her family, and she made countless memories alongside them, which they will forever treasure.
Sharon is survived by her son, Thomas and Diane (Palmer) Smith Jr. of Gaylord, Michigan; her daughter, Kari and Billy Moss Jr. of Olivet, Michigan; her grandchildren, Jennifer (John) Stevens, Christopher (Jamie) Brundage, Leighanna (Kayle) Harrington, and Kaleb Smith; her great-grandchildren, Sophia Harrington, Emma Harrington, Samantha Harrington, Carmen Harrington, Cooper Brundage, Truen Brundage, and Ezra Stevens.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Matilda Huyck, her husband, Thomas Smith Sr., and her sister, Gwendolyn Huyck.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte and Hospice of Lansing for the loving care they provided Sharon.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan.
Those desiring may make contributions in Sharon’s memory to Hospice of Lansing, 3411 Stoneleigh Drive, Lansing, MI 48910 or Sensations Memory Care, 511 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Sharon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Steven Jay Frayre
Steven “Steve” Jay Frayre who spent a lifetime photographing races, crossed the finish line into Heaven on March 26, 2025. Born in Lansing, MI on August 21, 1964 to Roger and Marilyn (Dargitz) Frayre, Steve grew up loving racing and started taking pictures at sprint car races when he was only 19 years old. With a real talent for capturing the perfect race moments, Steve had several shots that were used as covers for national magazines.
Steve met his wife in their high school psychology class, and they were married at the age of 20. A kind, loving family man and devoted Christian, he was always trying to make others feel better, especially with a good joke. Always in search of fun adventures, he enjoyed playing guitar (and collecting them), golfing, waterskiing, and time spent at their family cottage in Barryton. He worked in the restaurant business, with his last job as a manager at Olive Garden until he suffered a stroke and could not work any longer.
Steve is survived by his wife of 40 years, Laura; children, Cheryl (Rory) McCaslin-Frayre and Victoria Frayre; granddaughters, Layla, Bailey, and Anna; mother, Marilyn Frayre; siblings, Danny (Linda) Frayre and Liz Frayre; cousin, Bart (Harunna) Faulkner; and nephews, Ashly (Kammy) Frayre, and their children, Carson and Brody; and Matthew Frayre and his children, Camden, Preston, and Jameson. He was predeceased by his father, Roger Frayre; and aunts, Darlene and Diane.
Friends are encouraged to support Steve’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Saturday, March 29, 1-2:00 p.m. with Funeral Services at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor James Haldane officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Bruce Keith Stimer
Bruce Keith Stimer, 73, of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was born on January 26, 1952, in Lansing, MI, to Keith and Lucille (Westrick) Stimer. Bruce grew up in Eaton Rapids, graduating with the Class of 1970, before continuing his education at Michigan State University.
Throughout his career, Bruce worked in various management roles, including as the Meijer Manager of Soft Goods in Lansing, Michigan, a manager for Meijer in Ohio, and a manager for Penske Truck Rental in Cincinnati. He later served as a service representative for a Jaguar dealership in Sarasota, FL. After retiring, he returned to Eaton Rapids to help care for his mother.
Bruce was a skilled handyman with a passion for working on cars. He loved traveling with his late wife, June, and enjoyed playing golf in his younger years. He also had a fondness for visiting casinos.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Stimer, and his father, Keith Stimer. He is survived by his mother, Lucy Stimer; brother, Gary (Yvonne) Stimer; nieces, Rachel Dore and Briar Corson; as well as five grandnieces, four great-grandnieces, and several cousins and friends.
Per his wishes, no services will be held. Bruce will be laid to rest at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids, beside his beloved wife, June.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Gary Phillip Wireman
Gary Phillip Wireman, age 68, of Olivet, MI passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was born on May 29, 1956 in Marshall, MI, the son of Homer and Barbara (Cousino) Wireman. On December 10, 1974 he married the love of his life, Kathi (Lambka) Wireman, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage together. A one-of-a-kind husband, father, and papa to his grandkids, Gary enjoyed time spent with his family, farming, and riding his four-wheeler and side-by-side in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and in West Virginia. After 30 years of employment at General Motors, he retired in 2006. Gary enjoyed auctions, rustic camping with his camping crew, and spending time outdoors.
Gary is survived by his wife Kathi; children, Mandi Slone, Kelly Wireman, and Hayli Warner; grandchildren; Conner and Andrew Slone, Kylie, Wyatt and Gracelynn Taylor and Levi, Elijah and Leah Warner; siblings, Bob Wireman, Cris (Larry) Rizzuto, Albert (Cathy) Wireman, Rick (Michelle) Wireman, Pam (Mark ) Wells, John (Lisa) Wireman, Jim (Kathy) Wireman, and Mike Wireman; sisters-in-law, Ann Wireman and Vicki Wireman; and special buddy, Charlie. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Barbara Wireman; his son, Andy; brothers, Don and Tim Wireman.
The family received friends on Tuesday, March 18 for a time of visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, MI. Service followed visitation at 2:00 p.m. Following the visitation a luncheon will be held at Clarence-Duck Lake Township Hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/0lTORw?vid=1i9yuh (Specify Rifle River, Trail Maintenance in memory of Gary Wireman) or there will be envelopes available at the funeral home for cash or check donations. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Connie Jo Franklin
Connie Jo Franklin, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 82. Known for her warm hugs, caring heart, and unwavering honesty, Connie lived a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Born on January 12, 1943, to Fred and Leota (Spaulding) Goff, Connie grew up in Dimondale, Michigan, where she graduated from Dimondale High School in 1961. She raised two children, Melony and Michael. She reconnected with the love of her life, Jerry Franklin and he was her third husband.
Connie took pride in her work as a laboratory attendant for the State of Michigan until her well-earned retirement. She had a gift for keeping a tidy home, embracing what she fondly called “organized chaos.” Never one to leave things unsaid, Connie had a straightforward and loving nature, always sharing exactly what was on her mind.
Among her greatest joys in life was traveling with Jerry in their RV, with Gulf Shores, Alabama, being one of their favorite destinations. Closer to home, she delighted in riding her bicycle around Dimondale and later exploring the scenic trails of Houghton Lake, where they spent their golden years. But her absolute favorite place to be was on their pontoon boat, floating peacefully on Houghton Lake, soaking in the beauty of nature.
In her later years, Connie found deep fulfillment in helping raise her grandchildren, treasuring every moment spent with them. Fiercely independent, she devised clever ways to navigate life’s challenges, including her beloved system of post-it notes that helped her stay organized and self-sufficient.
Connie is survived by her daughter, Melony Ryan-Fronckel; her son, Michael (Melody) Sich; and her beloved grandchildren, Roxanna and Ryan Fronckel. She is also survived by her brother, Frederick (Sue) Goff. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, in 2021; as well as her parents, Fred and Leota.
Connie’s warmth, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and straight-talking honesty will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
A celebration of Connie’s life will be held this summer, where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor the incredible woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a moment to hug a loved one in Connie’s memory, because if there was one thing she believed in, it was the power of a good hug. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.