Obituaries
Lawrence S. Green, Sr.
Lawrence Stoyan Green Sr. of Charlotte, a hardworking, fun-loving man of many interests, passed away on June 27, 2021. Lawrence was born in Lansing to William and Katherine (LeBlanc) Green. Much of his childhood was in Holt, Mich. After marrying the love of his life, he and Jerralee moved to Charlotte and lived above the Shopping Guide downtown and then moved to Potterville. Never missing a day of work at Fisher Body was quite an accomplishment for 36 years of employment where he began working on the line and retired as an inspector. Even during his retirement Lawrence always stayed busy.
His life interests included motorcycles and muscle cars. He traveled the tri-state area with his best friend and father-in-law, Waldo Sweezy. In Larry’s younger years he could be found tinkering with his favorite muscle car, the 1966 GTO in the garage, or drag racing it at Onondaga Speedway. Larry enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Chicago Bears, drag racing, and Michigan vs. Michigan State games with all the rivalry. In his later years he enjoyed John Wayne westerns, completing crossword puzzles and complaining about politics. Lawrence took joy in a good argument. Most political discussions included the phrase, “Our country is going to hell in a hand basket.” He found ways to encourage family and friends with his humor. Larry was just as happy watching family members play a game of euchre as well as playing it himself. No matter what was on the menu Larry would often come up with his favorite meal: ¼ lb. cheeseburger, french fries, and a vanilla shake. After his wife Jerralee died, Larry adopted four cats: Smoke, Patches, Tutu, and Callie. The family dog, Odin, was also a favorite of Larry’s. While Larry was confined to a chair, he would toss a ball for Odin to chase down until he wore Odin out and fell asleep at Larry’s feet.
Above all, Larry cherished his time with his family. He usually had a big smile on his face at fun holiday gatherings and family reunions with all the little kids running around. A favorite recent memory is Larry taking the grandkids to a drive-in movie last summer.
Larry is survived by his son, Lawrence (Paula) Green, Jr. of Charlotte, Mich.; daughter, Tracie Ellison of Parma, Mich.; ten grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Nancy (George) Dunivon, Deborah Green; and brothers, Robert (Susie) Green, and William (Chris) Green. He was predeceased by his wife, Jerralee Green; and brothers, Richard Green and Gerald Green.
Friends were encouraged to support Lawrence’s family at his memorial service on Friday, July 2, 2021, 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Joe E Pray as the Celebrant. The family received guests for visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., immediately preceding the memorial service. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lawrence on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
David Ted Dotts
With heavy but forever grateful hearts, we announce that David Theodore Dotts (“Ted”) left this earth on Sunday, June 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at his home on Lacey Lake. The eldest of seven siblings, Ted was born in Ann Arbor on August 9, 1939, to Raymond Theodore Dotts and Florence Marjorie (Densham) Dotts. He was a lifelong resident of Michigan.
Ted grew up at the family home, fondly known as the Ranch, near Whitmore Lake. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1957 and joined the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, he attended Michigan State University before returning to Ann Arbor. He was married to Barbara (Dieterle) Faulkner on August 31, 1961. They raised three children together and remained close friends throughout his life.
The young family moved to Charlotte in 1967, where Ted immediately immersed himself in the community. He deeply believed in giving back. Among other service activities over the years, Ted was a past member of the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department, Charlotte City Council, the Eaton County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, and the Charlotte Jaycees. He volunteered for many years for Eaton Hospice, was an active part of the congregation at St. John’s Episcopal Church and was a member of American Legion Post 42.
His great life became even better when he met Gayle Sanborn, to whom he was wed on October 21, 2000. They were truly soulmates and helped each other and the entire family through life’s inevitable ups and downs. They enjoyed traveling and highlights included England, Alaska, Savannah, Ga. and visiting family in Hayes, Va.
Ted was the Charter President of the Charlotte Optimist Club, founded in 1976. He held many roles at local and state levels, including Governor of the Michigan District of Optimist International. He followed the Optimist Creed to a tee and worked tirelessly to help the organization in its mission to bring out the best in our youth.
Speaking of tees, golf was a big part of Ted’s life—watching and playing. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and being a spectator at any event in which his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. Ted loved good food, playing cards, and was a voracious reader. We believe the word “hangry” was coined especially for him, and he always had a little room left for Boston Coolers, rhubarb pie and the famous Dotts family mint roll.
After retiring from Farm Bureau as an insurance salesman, Ted knew idle hands were not for him. As well as continuing his volunteerism, he held post-retirement positions at local car dealerships before his ultimate retirement position at Byrum Ace Hardware. Ted enjoyed serving the customers and his camaraderie with his coworkers.
Ted had a great sense of humor and continued to crack jokes right up until the end, even when we didn’t think he was listening to the conversations going on around him. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and it was clear this was reciprocated with the enormous outreach and number of visitors when he fell ill. His large, extended family and friends provided tremendous support and comfort in his final days.
Our beloved Ted was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, Richard Dotts, and Richard’s wife, Louise (Haddon) Dotts. He is survived by his wife, Gayle (Sanborn) Dotts of Bellevue; daughter, Lori Dotts of Grass Lake; daughter, Lisa (John) Kozitzki of Hayes, Va.; son, Stephen (Ahnika) Dotts of Charlotte; grandchildren Alyssa (Brent) Bos, Brandon Kozitzki, Brittany Kozitzki, Kelsey Meyer, McKenna (Kenny Dennis) Kozitzki, Silver Dotts, Stevie Dotts, Zoë Dotts-Brown, Avery Dotts-Brown, and Abigail Dotts; great-grandchildren Natalie, Charlotte, Callum, Sykes, Taevyn, Wilder, Calliope, Annabelle, Peyton, Dawson, and Aidan; siblings Barb (Russ) Soffredine of Gaylord, Sally (Robert) Schlupe of Munith, Nancy (Duane) Nagel of Grand Rapids, Wendy (Lynn) Arntson of Chelsea, and Ray (Julie) Dotts of Jackson; sister-in-law, Bethany (Don) Grubb of Midland; brother-in-law, Roy (Linda) Sanborn of Cincinnati; son-in-law, Charles Brown of Grass Lake; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family sincerely thanks Ted’s medical care providers, including Dr. Ted Coy, Dr. Carol Rapson, Sparrow Hospital, and the wonderful staff at Elara Caring.
Friends and family were received on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. On Thursday, July 1, 2021, an Episcopal service was hosted by the Charlotte Congregational Church. Ted will be interred at Fort Custer Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Optimist International Foundation or Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte.
To view Ted’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Norma M. Bristol
Norma May Bristol, a caring and loving mother, sister, grandmother, and dear friend, died peacefully on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at her residence in Charlotte, Mich. Norma was born September 2, 1937 in Ann Arbor, Mich., the daughter of Milo and Anna (Bennett) Covell. She was the seventh child of 14 children. She eloped to Angola, Ind. in 1957 to marry the love of her life, Howard G. Bristol, before he deployed in the United States Army. Together the couple spent the next 49 years in pure bliss before his passing in 2006. Norma enjoyed cooking and working at Joe’s Potterville Inn as a bartender, cook, and waitress until her retirement. Having a heart of gold, Norma was a very loving person that would go out of her way to help any family, friend, or neighbor. Always thinking of others before herself. Norma also enjoyed crocheting, traveling, fishing and anything Elvis Presley.
Norma is survived by her daughters, Rita (John) Dunham, and Yvette (Kevin) Beachnaw; son, Ron (Kathy) Bristol; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Nellie Bloom; and lifetime best friend, Joyce Edgecomb. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Howard; parents; 12 siblings; and lifetime best friend, Joyce Russell.
Friends are encouraged to support Norma’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A private family Celebration of Life has been planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Lansing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Elizabeth K. Fast
Elizabeth “Liz” Kay Fast of Lansing passed away on June 27, 2021. Elizabeth was born on August 7, 1965 in Lansing, Mich. to Rodney and Constance (Shaw) Fast. Many of her family and childhood friends knew her as “Betsy” however, later in life she preferred to be called “Liz.” After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1983, Liz joined the Navy and served her country. From childhood on she attended the Trinity Episcopal Church.
Liz was a warm, generous and kindhearted soul. She sought work where she made a difference. First, she used her abilities to help troubled children at St. Vincent DePaul. She had a natural ability to identify and help redirect the youth in a positive direction. Later she worked at Fabiano Candy Shop and finally became an advocate and volunteer at the Capital Area Humane Society helping animals find a better home.
Liz enjoyed fishing, riding horses, playing with her dogs and spending time with friends and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing poetry. Her poetry would often reflect her deep thoughts and perspective on life. Liz had a crazy sense of humor and would tend to laugh at things that many would not find humorous. Her laugh will always be remembered.
Liz is survived by her mother, Constance Fast of Lansing, Mich.; sisters, Kellene Fast of Charlotte, Mich. and Deborah (Jason) Terzis of Charlotte, N.C.; nieces, Madison and Jillian Terzis; and her dog, Daisy. She was preceded in death by her father, Rodney Fast.
Friends are encouraged to support Elizabeth’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation was on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Grand Ledge, followed by her funeral service. She was interred in Gresham Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society or American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jill L. Thorndyke
Jill Lorraine (Jacox) Thorndyke, age 66, of Battle Creek, Mich., passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2021, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born October 26, 1954, in Marshall, Mich. to the late Virgal and Joan (Devine) Thorndyke.
Jill worked as a teacher’s assistant at Doris Klaussen Developmental Center for the Calhoun County School Systems until her retirement. She also took pride and joy in caring for mentally handicapped folks in her home. Jill loved all animals and thunderstorms. She knew how to make people smile and laugh and was loved by all who knew her.
Survivors include her three children, Jodi Hargis, Gregory (Audrey Gilbert) Klont, and Shannia Crawford; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five siblings; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Thorndyke.
Per her wishes cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held at this time.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Glenn Arbor Hospice for the exceptional care they showed Jill and the family throughout her time there.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to Glenn Arbor Hospice Facility.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jill’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit MichiganCremation.com