Obituaries
Harriet E. Ashbay
Harriet Elizabeth Ashbay, of Manton, Mich., passed away, July 6, 2021 at Pleasant Lake Lodge in Cadillac. She was 92.
Harriet was born February 18, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Mich. to Charles Edward and Esther Alyce (Aseltine) Bowling and they preceded her in death. On March 4, 1950 in Ann Arbor, Mich. she married Lewis Junior Ashbay and he preceded her in death on July 26, 2018.
Harriet graduated from the University of Michigan High School and later worked at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing. Harriet later retired from Michigan State University’s Geography Department. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manton for many years.
She was an amazing woman, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Harriet had a gift that engaged others. She was a fantastic conversationalist and genuinely was interested in others. Children were drawn to her; neighborhood children were always around, and she helped shape and guide them in a fun way. Harriet loved her perfect grandchildren and loved to play games with a competitive spirit and Harriet’s rules.
She is survived by her children, Gordon (Valli) Ashbay of Grand Ledge, Gary (Ellen) Ashbay of Battle Creek and Lucinda (Michael) Rathbun of Cadillac; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son, Warren E. Ashbay; and siblings, William, Edith, Babe, Catherine, Chester, and Charles.
Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Fairview Cemetery in Manton. A luncheon will follow at her home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Hospice of Michigan Cadillac Chapter. An online guestbook is available at petersonfh.com.
Carl W. Davis
Carl Wilbert Davis, age 88, passed away Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Okemos. Carl was born to Robert E. and M. Dorena Davis on February 4, 1933, in Webster, Oh. He grew up in Huron County, Mich. until 1965, when he moved his family to Williamston, Mich. Carl later moved to Charlotte, Mich. where he resided for over 45 years.
Carl worked as an oiler at General Motors for 30 years. He enjoyed going all over Michigan to different restaurants. Some of his favorite foods were fried bologna sandwiches and chicken gizzards. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family at any kind of event. As long as he was with the kids and grandkids, he was happy. Carl was quite the jokester and prankster.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alma King, Dolly Graham, Frances Rose, Shelby Vugrin, Marie Radabaugh, Doris Bays; brothers, Robert Davis, Charles, Daniel, and William Benda; son-in-law, Gene Cebula; and his first-born son, Glenn P. Davis whom he missed dearly.
He is survived by his sister, Peg Henke of DeWitt; children, Beth Davis of Dansville, April Cebula of Dansville, Diane (Kevin) Webster of Williamston, Bob (the late Carolyn Grabarczyk) Davis of Williamston, Tom Davis of Williamston, Tracy (Dennis) Putman of Charlotte, Barry (Jennifer) Davis of Webberville, Skip (Jamie) Clark of Lansing, Randy (Lisa) Clark of Springport, Dan (Kathy) Clark of Potterville; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all whom will miss him very much.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the Webberville United Methodist Church, 4215 Holt Road, Webberville, MI 48892, with Pastor Marty Johnston officiating. Burial took place at Alchin Farm Cemetery.
To view Carl’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Francis Calnan
Francis “Wayne” Calnan of Charlotte, a wonderful father, husband and friend, passed away on April 24, 2021, surrounded by his family. Wayne, who was 77, was born on January 30, 1944, in Lowell, Mass. He graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing, Mich., and was a member of the wrestling team. Wayne lived most of his life in Charlotte, Mich., was active in his church and worked for General Motors for 34 years. He enjoyed his retirement, camping trips and poodles, and was very proud of his grandchildren. Wayne was a great cook and enjoyed making homemade soup and spaghetti sauce every time they visited. He was well known for all his stories and could talk to anyone.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Shelene (Dave) Hahn, Marcy (Matt) Billings, Lisa (Steve) Creller, and son, Timothy Calnan; and many grandchildren. At Wayne’s request, there will be no service or visitation. Cremation has taken place. If desired, the family suggests a memorial contribution to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews at ifcj.org.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences.
Paul C. Blatt
Paul Collins Blatt passed away in Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the age of 82. He was born January 25, 1938, in Eaton Rapids, Mich., the son of Francis and Helen (Collins) Blatt. He graduated from high school in Eaton Rapids in 1956 prior to graduating from Lansing Business University. Paul married Bonnie Lee Harshey on December 16, 1961, and together they raised their three children in Lansing and Eaton Rapids. Paul and Bonnie permanently moved to Fla. in 2000. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Virginia, Clara, and his twin, Robert; and by his wife, Bonnie in 2016. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Linda) Blatt, and Douglas (Tricia) Blatt; his daughter Rebecca (John) Galaudet; and his brother John (Carolyn) Blatt. He also leaves four grandchildren, Alexander Blatt, Anthony (Mina) Blatt, Allison Galaudet, and Matthew Galaudet.
Paul retired from the State of Michigan after 31 years of service. He often spoke fondly of his career as a state employee. After retirement, he and Bonnie traveled extensively throughout the United States and took multiple trips to the United Kingdom and Europe. One of their most recent trips was a cruise through the Panama Canal. When their children were younger, they enjoyed camping throughout the U.S, and as empty nesters, they volunteered in multiple National and State parks. They finally settled in Dunedin, Fla. (the Tampa area). His children found that they were much busier in retirement than when he was working.
Paul was known for watching the news and discussing it with anyone who would listen. He quite often would call his children to discuss the news and politics.
Paul will be laid to rest in Eaton Rapids, Mich. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center (moffitt.org/give) or PBS Station WEDU (wedu.org). To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Karen A. Croyle
Karen Ann Croyle, 70, of Charlotte, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at her home. Karen was born January 13, 1951, the daughter of Roy and Eris Croyle. Karen graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969 and later earned her Associates Degree. She worked 20 years at the State of Michigan Department of Treasury, retiring in 1993. In retirement, she worked in social services, and four years housecleaning. Throughout her life, Karen enjoyed painting, reading, and Southern Gospel music strummed on banjo. She enjoyed time outdoors in her gardens, tending her flowers and vegetables. Many will remember Karen’s giving spirit, both as a volunteer at Hayes Green Beach Hospital, and in her daily service to others.
Karen is survived by her son, Kevin Borgman; grandchildren, Ashley Halliwill, Derek Halliwill, Lexie Jackson, and Tyler Borgman; great-granddaughter, Nevada Halliwill; and her beloved dogs, Hazel, Harlee, and Joey. She was predeceased by her daughter, Angela Halliwill; sister, Cheryl Croyle; infant brother, Kevin Croyle; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Karen’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 19, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Byrens officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Humane Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.