Obituaries
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
Nancy J. Wiers
Nancy Jane Wiers, a woman known for being the mother of the neighborhood, died Monday, June 21, 2021. Nancy, 81, of Kalamazoo, was born October 8, 1939, in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of William and Effie Grace (Dietz) Waldrop. On December 17, 1966, she married the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Wiers. Nancy and Jerry ran a youth foster care home out of their house and fostered over 200 children. All of the neighborhood children would come to their house for Nancy’s cooking. Upon the passing of her husband, Nancy at the age of 50 earned a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College in Business Administration. She later earned a master’s degree from Western Michigan University in Public Administration. Nancy went on to work for the State of Michigan as a Financial Analyst for 35 years, and she worked for many school districts throughout Mid-Michigan. Nancy was a proud lifelong member of the Order of The Eastern Star, she was a member of numerous chapters throughout the state. She served as the past grand organist for 25 years. Nancy was also awarded the Worthy Matron 10 times. She also served as the Grand Treasurer for the Grand Chapter OES of Michigan. In her free time Nancy enjoyed reading, watching NCIS, playing the organ and piano, knitting, crocheting, traveling, collecting anything with ladybugs, and her dogs. Her biggest pride of her life was her husband Gerald “Jerry” and her grandchildren
Nancy is survived by her sons, Michael (Melissa) Wiers, Mark (Janie) Wiers; grandchildren, Steven (Emily Wise) Wiers, Ashlyn Wiers, Logan Wiers, Morgan Wiers, Jake Gibson, Maria Gibson, Paul Gibson, Becca (Michael Schultes) Mastin, and Travis Jones; daughter-in-law, Tammie Gibson-Lea; special friend, Larry Hoekstra; and numerous foster children. She was predeceased by her dear husband, Gerald “Jerry,” parents; and her son, Tony Gibson.
Friends are encouraged to support Nancy’s family by sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A graveside service will be held at Riverside cemetery in Bellevue, Mich. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 11 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Alzheimer’s Association. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Roberta Jane Johnson
Roberta “Bobbie” Jane (Ammon) Johnson, age 86, formerly of Charlotte, Mich., passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in Gilbert, Ariz. surrounded by her family.
Bobbie was born in Charlotte, Mich. to Bertha Sederlund on December 1, 1934. She attended school in Lake Orion and Charlotte, and graduated from Charlotte High School in 1953. She married Kenneth “Jerry” Johnson on June 2, 1956 at Center Eaton Church. Jerry and Bobbie moved to Arizona in 1957 where she spent many years working clerical jobs before dedicating her time to raising her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Bertha Sederlund; her husband, Jerry Johnson; and her brothers, Jon and David.
Bobbie is survived by her children, Erika (Charles) Sutherlin of Queen Creek, Ariz. and Amy (Fred) Brown of Gilbert, Ariz; her sister, Martha (Ray) Lawrence of Charlotte; her sisters-in-law, Donna Ammon, Joan Sumerix and Shirley Johnson; and her beloved grandchildren, Gabrielle, Madeline, Owen, and Isabelle, along with her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Jane A. Tharp
Jane Anne Tharp –“Miss Janie”– 88, of Charlotte, Mich., known for her love of children and commitment to the community through the Charlotte Community Pre-school, passed away on June 27, 2021. Jane was born March 5, 1933 in Charlotte, Mich. to Harold and Lucile (Dowker) Smith. Jane received her associates degree in teaching from County Normal in Hastings, Mich. also continuing her education at Western Michigan University and MSU where she was an active participant in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Most people will remember Miss Janie for fostering and operating the Charlotte Community Preschool for several years. Jane being very active in the community, was a member of the Parent Cooperative Preschool Advisory Board, the American Women’s Group, and TOPS. She was also a Campfire Girls leader.
Jane is survived by her sons, David C. (Betsy) Tharp of Chicago, Ill. and Mark J. Tharp of Charlotte, Mich.; daughter Sharon Tharp Gault of S.C.; grandchild Ian Gault and sister, Sue (Dick) Trimble. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana K. Tharp; sister, Helen (Jack) Snedeker; Sally Vanderploeg; son-in-law, Danny Gault; and her parents.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Guests were encouraged to dress casually as a tribute to Miss Janie. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Jane’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer, or media from your smart phone. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.