Obituaries
Lawrence Ray Palmiter
Lawrence (Larry) Ray Palmiter, 83, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Larry was born December 16, 1940 in Lansing, MI. Larry was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He was a very dedicated, ambitious, and driven man, well known for his musical history, exceeding expectations with his band, The Blue Echoes. Larry and two classmates formed the band in 1957 at Resurrection High School, in Lansing. Best known for their hit songs Debbie, Its Witchcraft, and Cool Guitar, with Larry as the songwriter and lead vocalist. Larry and The Blue Echoes recorded their final single in 1972, but continued to play at more local events and venues. One of Larry’s proudest accomplishments is when the band was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.
Larry’s passion for music began as a child while playing his mother’s piano, which grew into a love for playing guitar, a self-taught venture. He then began writing songs at the young age of fourteen. Larry’s passions did not end with his music, he was always ready to be a part of the party, if he was invited to anything, he was there without a question. Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, taking his grandchildren to the movie theatre to watch the latest flix, going to breakfast at Big Boy, visiting his daughters in Florida, and getting together with his long-time friend Roger Benham.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Palmiter; mother, Bernice Paquet; father, Robert Palmiter; sister, Mary Catherine Ryan; and brother, Ron Palmiter. He is survived by his sister, Roberta Lott; daughters, Angela, Nina, Theresa ; stepdaughter, Jodi; son, Paul; grandchildren, Brandon H, Britnie, Briana, Christine, Jessica, Matthew, Kevin, Micheal, Ryan, Truman, Robin, Brandon, and Samantha; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Friends are encouraged to support Larry’s family by attending services or sharing memories on Larry’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral Service was held at Pray Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 11, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery.
The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Larry’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Ronald Clyde Hamilton
Ronald Clyde Hamilton, age 82, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with his family around him in the early hours of Friday, June 7, 2024, at Moore’s Adult Foster Care. He was born June 8, 1941, in Lansing, MI, to Clyde Herbert and Laura (Lovejoy) Hamilton. Ron graduated with the class of ’59 from Charlotte High School. On July 2, 1961, he married the love of his life, Hazel M. Burley. They enjoyed 62 years together.
Ron was a hardworking man and provided well for his family. He was a supervisor at Oldsmobile for 29 years. Ron obtained his pilot’s license and when he wasn’t working, you might find him flying his Cessna 152 or his Piper Cherokee. When he was flying, he was truly in his element! Ron and Hazel hosted a multitude of cookouts for friends and family. For many years they orchestrated the annual 4th of July Community Breakfast at Bertha Lake where they spent time each year up north at their summer cottage. In their senior years, they relaxed at their winter home in St. Cloud, Florida. Ron was a true family man and he will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his children; Kathy (Jeff) Rosenbrook of Charlotte, Terry (Diana) Hamilton of Charlotte, Todd (Kelly) Hamilton of Charlotte; grandchildren, Mindy, Ashley, Nate, Kelly, Brandie, Jessika, Broedie, Blaze; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Taylor, Ken (Carol) Hamilton, Gary (Lisa) Hamilton, Russell (Susan) Hamilton, Jr. (Janet) Hamilton, Carolyn (Tom) Frith; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Hazel, just a few short months ago; and sister, Edna (John) Sims.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Burial took place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Ron’s memory to First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Ron’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Sirrae Elaine Harder
Sirrae Elaine Harder passed away on May 26, 2024. Sirrae was born on September 16, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan to Donald and Maxine Perdue. She graduated from Everett High School and Lansing Community College, earning her associate’s degree in 1982. Sirrae married Duane Harder in 1971, they moved to Charlotte in 1985, and she absolutely loved the community.
Sirrae retired from General Motors. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, The American Legion and Legion Riders, The Calhoun County HOG Chapter #2116, Ladies of Harley, she was a life member of The Motor Maids, and a 9-gallon blood donor. Sirrae was the kind of lady that volunteered to help at any time and in any place as she genuinely enjoyed giving back. Sirrae loved to travel, her and Duane took many trips on their motorcycles all over the USA, they were winter birds in Florida for a while, and the furthest they ever traveled was to Europe. Sirrae enjoyed making beautiful Swedish weave blankets for friends and family and doing needle point crafts.
Sirrae is survived by her husband Duane, three children: daughter Karrie Harder, son James Newsom, son Bill (and wife CC) Harder, a sister Dawn Ball, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Sirrae will be greatly missed as she was full of life and abounding energy, being amongst her presence left a significant impact on those who knew her and loved her, she had a heart of gold and was a wonderful cook. Memorial services will be held in her honor on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 1301 South Perkey Road, Charlotte, MI beginning at 1:00 in the afternoon.
Beverly Ann Davis
Beverly Ann Davis, an energetic and kind mother, grandmother, and sister, died on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Beverly, 87, of Charlotte was born January 12, 1937, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Lyle and Irene Scott. She retired after 30 plus years from Owens-Illinois. After retirement she enjoyed cooking, shopping, collecting anything with angels on it, and most importantly cleaning her windows. Beverly had a heart of gold and was always asking how others were doing. Above all her family brought her the biggest joy in life.
Beverly is survived by her sons, David (Peggy) Gardner and Scott Gardner; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Laura Mae and Donna; and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Virgil Ray; son, Jimmy Gardner; brother, Kenny Scott; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Murphy Shelby Mathews
Murphy Shelby Mathews, age 86, passed away on May 26, 2024.
Murphy was born September 26, 1937, in Brewton, Alabama to Shelby and Charlotte (Durden) Mathews. He attended Graceland University and went on to graduate from Saginaw Valley State University. He married Mary Lee Mathews in 1959 and they settled in Midland, Michigan and later Lansing, Michigan.
He was employed by the State of Michigan in the Department of Social Services until his retirement. However, his true passions lie in his life of service within the Community of Christ Church. He was a lifelong member holding many offices within the church ascending to Evangelist. With his quiet warmth and compassion, he touched so many lives. He was a confidant, friend, and listener to so many. His life was truly in service to others providing hope, friendship, and peace.
Murphy is preceded in death by his wife Mary Lee Mathews, son Jeffrey Mathews, and sister Hilda (Warren) Kent. He is survived by daughter Michelle Mathews of Los Angeles, CA, brother Jack Mathews (Michaela) of Nashville, Tennessee.
Murphy is also survived by his current wife, Marilyn (Thomas, aka Mrs. Armstrong). Murphy and Marilyn were married for 13 years and unified their families. Murphy was able to grow close to her family and they include daughter, Teresa Cherry and husband, Michael, along with grandchildren, Malik DeCruise, Michael Cherry, Jr., Arica Cherry, and deceased son, Geoffrey Armstrong.
A celebration of Murphy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17 at the Lansing Community of Christ Church, 1514 W. Miller Rd., Lansing, MI 48911 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Campus Ministry Center or Hot Dog Wednesday Outreach, in care of the Community of Christ Church at the above address.
To view Murphy’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.