Obituaries
Sherri Lee Hall
Sherri Lee Hall, 63, of Charlotte who was caring and honest to a fault, died April 6, 2025. Sherri was born Sherri Lee Crawford on April 8, 1961 to Charles and Janice (Burke) Crawford in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, one of four children of Charles and Janice. Sherri fiercely loved her family and was the mom to always ask her kids to “text me when you get there.” Her favorite role was when she became ‘Mamaw” to her nine grandchildren and many great nieces and nephews, including one granddaughter that shared the same birthday as Sherri. With a great love for the outdoors, Sherri loved camping anywhere in Northern Michigan and at Sherwood Forest in Olivet, MI, time spent around the campfire, and trips to Beaver Island. Sherri loved to travel and greatly enjoyed a trip she was able to take to Texas with her daughter and grandkids. Surviving a hurricane in North Carolina in 2020 was one of her proudest memories.
Sherri is survived by her husband, Gregg; her children and their spouses, Alissa (Craig) Simon, Trent (Ashley) Hall, and Leslee (Evan) Wilson; nine grandchildren, Devan, Parker, Ava, Aubs, Mya, Brianna, Lilli, Hope, and Grace; and sisters, Jodi (John) VanAlstine, and Jara Adams. She was predeceased by her son, Greggory (Scottie); parents, Charles and Janice Crawford; and brother, Robert Crawford.
Friends are encouraged to support Sherri’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Sunday, April 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Monday, April 14, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Judith Ann Walker Kelley
Judith Ann Walker Kelley, whose nurturing spirit blossomed in her flower gardens and whose knitting and crocheting creations warmed many hearts, passed away on April 4, 2025 at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte. Judy, 79, was a life-long Charlotte resident born December 14, 1945 at Hayes Green Beach Hospital to Burt Simpson Walker and Cleo Belle (Imes) Walker. After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1964, Judy embarked on a career that began at Owens Illinois and flourished with a dedicated 30 years at General Motors until her retirement.
Judy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She treasured the friendships she made, especially during her time spent with friends at the Charlotte Senior Center. Her knitting and crocheting creations brought comfort to many, and her flower gardens were a testament to her love for nature’s beauty. We will forever remember her gentle smile, the warmth she shared, and the love she so generously gave.
Judy is survived by her brother, Dennis (Cindy) Walker; nieces, nephews, and their families, Amy (Joe) Campbell, Aaron (Angie) Walker, Dayton (Sara) Walker, Shawndee (Finley) Bolenbaugh, Shena (Curt) Winslow, and Rachael Cook; and best friend, Donna Ransom. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, brother George Walker, sister-in-law Doris Walker, and niece Shantell Cook.
Friends are encouraged to support Judy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Cremation has taken place, and, abiding by Judy’s wishes, there will be no funeral. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Senior Center or Eaton Community Palliative Care in Judy’s name. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert John Olson
Robert “Bob” John Olson, a very creative man, died on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving caretakers. Bob, 93, of Charlotte, was born on June 13, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Marguerite (Weiss) Olson. Upon graduating from Parker High School in 1949, Bob enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served his country. While stationed at the Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Bob met Yvonne Marquand, and on June 25, 1952, they married and together spent the next 68 years creating many lasting memories until her passing in 2021. Bob proudly earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Marquette University. He later worked as a Civil Engineer for the Department of Natural Resources in the Highways and Waterways division until his retirement in 1993. Bob was very proud of his work and his ability to make an impact on the environment. When Bob was not working, he enjoyed staying busy around his home, he could often be found in his shop woodworking or working with metal. He was family oriented and tended to the needs of his son, Michael, his mother and mother-in-law, in their last days. Bob devoted his life to the Lord; he was a longtime member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte.
Bob is survived by his son, John Arthur Olson; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Michael) Ruhl, Rosemary (Myron) Davis; loving caretakers, Andrea, Stephanie, Carmelita, and Kimmy. He was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne; son, Michael Gene Olson; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bob’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte with Rev. Wendy Brown officiating. A visitation will be held just prior to the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. John’s Episcopal Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ernest Edward Bain
Ernest “Ernie” Edward Bain, a man famously known for his “I got a picture of U in my wallet,” and his removable thumb trick, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Ernie, 83, of Charlotte, was born on October 12, 1941, in Berrien Springs, the son of Theo and Flora (Thomas) Bain. Upon graduating from high school Ernie enlisted in the Army and proudly served his country. During his time in the service, he was introduced to Sherrie Ditto and a short 4 months later on December 20, 1962, they would marry. After his time in the service Ernie worked for a few years as a Police Officer in Niles. He then began working for General Motors where he worked as a Team Coordinator for 24 years before his retirement in 2003. Ernie also worked as a high school football referee for 25 years. Ernie was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed in his younger years fishing, hunting, family camping trips, working in his yard, and gardening. He loved sports, and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Testing his luck at the different casinos around the state was also a favorite hobby. Ernie was a devoted family man, and once his grandchildren arrived, they were the sparkle in his eyes. He lastly appreciated his many friendships with his neighbors and his community.
Ernie is survived by his daughters, Carrie (David) Canniff, Penny (Carl) Kobb; grandchildren, Samantha (Brad Preston) Kobb, Mandy (Kevin Marvin) Kobb, Zachary Canniff, Bradley (Allie) Canniff, Austin Canniff, and Skyler Canniff; great-grandchildren, Naomi, Hadley, Graham, and Remi Canniff; and sister, Inez Cook. He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Betty.
Friends are encouraged to support Ernie’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Robert E Lee Eaton
Robert E Lee Eaton
Robert “Rob” E Lee Eaton, a man who was very funny, humble, grateful, and respectful. Rob passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Rob, 46, of Charlotte, was born June 13, 1978 in Lansing, the son of Robert and Sheila (Eaton) Hall. He was a very strong man. Rob was a two-time cancer survivor and never stopped fighting. On June 20, 2016, Rob married Ashley Rueckert and together they created many lasting memories. Family meant the world to Rob. He was his children’s biggest fan. Rob loved all sports, especially football, and he was a lifelong faithful 49ers fan. Hobbies that he enjoyed included attending his children’s sporting events, cuddling with his dog, Paws, playing fantasy football, watching MSU, fishing, shooting guns, listening to music, and providing a good laugh with a dad joke. Rob was a very intellectual man who loved technology and diagnosing automotive problems. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology from Lansing Community College. Rob worked as a Supervisor at Alro Steel for several years, prior working at Meridian Magnesium, and Linn Products. Above all Rob loved the Lord and was proud that he taught his children to love the Lord as well.
Rob is survived by his wife, Ashley; children, Devon, Braylen, Camden, Ariana, Dominik, and Mya; grandchildren, Sebastian, Mateo, and Gianna; parents, Robert and Sheila Hall; sister, Deidra Schiavi; his best friend, Paws; mother-in-law, Kim (Bill) Rounds; sisters-in-law, Tori, Jenna, and Alissa; brother-in-law, R.J.; uncles, Tim and Fred; niece, Aaliyah; nephew, Micah; and several extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Ray; grandmothers, Pauline, Pat, and Stella; grandfathers, Gene and Bert; uncles, Kevin and Jimmy; aunts, Debbie, Peggy, Chris, and Stephanie.
Friends are encouraged to support Robert’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Monday, April 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Robert’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to his family. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.