Obituaries
Marian R. Johnson
Marian Ruth Johnson, age 85, of Charlotte — a woman who lived a life of service to her community — died February 6, 2020. Born on February 2, 1935, to Larry and Ruth (Shelton) Wood, Marian went on to earn her associate’s degree and married her high school sweetheart, Robert Johnson, on July 23, 1955.
Marian never sat still for long. She enjoyed many activities with her children, grandchildren and in her community over the years. Musically gifted, Marian enjoyed her time as director of the youth choir at her church and many years as director of the Charlotte General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) choir. Marian was also a past-president of the GFWC, delivered many meals over the years for Mobile Meals and served as a treasurer for the organization, and she was manager of the Gift Basket at Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital. Marian was also an avid walker and could be seen walking all over the city of Charlotte.
In addition to serving her community, Marian loved taking care of her family in many ways, including sewing, baking, cooking amazing holiday meals and making her famous pastel wafer cookies. Marian and her husband enjoyed trips around the country, playing cards with friends, trips in their motor home to state parks, skiing in northern Michigan and times she could soak up the warm rays of the sun at Gun Lake. Her last words to her family were telling them all how proud she was of them.
Marian is survived by four children, Steve (Jo) Johnson, Sue (Bob) Laurie, Kenneth (Susan) Johnson, Carolyn (Larry) Casler; grandchildren, Kristin (Trent) Miller, Allison Laurie (Josh Friendland-Little), Sarah Johnson, Wes (Chelsea) Johnson, Scott (Hannah) Johnson, Mandy Johnson, Nichole (Alex) Young; great-grandchildren, Graham Casler, Steven Johnson, and Jackson Young; sister, Ellie (Peter) Scibetta; brother, Chuck (Bernell) Wood; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert W. Johnson in 2011; grandson, Matthew Casler; and brother, Rod Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Marian’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 3 p.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with her nephew, Larry Wood, as the celebrant. Visitation is Friday, February 21, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Sparrow Eaton Hospital Auxiliary or GFWC Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marian on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Sally A. Jackson
Sally A. Jackson of Charlotte, formerly of Clarkston, Mich., passed away February 10, 2020, at 83 years of age. She was the loving wife of the late William; dear mother of Judith (Paul) McKinney, Jane (the late Ralph) Hettich (Phil), and Janice (Karl) Mertins; grandmother of seven; great-grandmother of 17; and dear friend of Neil Johnson. She was preceded in death by 10 siblings. Sally was a good neighbor who enjoyed playing bingo and attending jamborees. She was a composer of poetry who loved her grandchildren and time spent with her family. Her beautiful smile will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Coats Funeral Home. The funeral home is located at 3141 Sashabaw Rd. in Waterford, Mich. Burial will follow at Ottawa Park Cemetery in Clarkston. Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 16, 2020, from 3 to 8 p.m. To post a condolence, visit coatsfuneralhome.com.
Jason M. Calton
Jason M. Calton, age 46, of Liberty Center, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his home Wednesday evening, February 5, 2020. He was born in Toledo on October 6, 1973, to Garry Calton and Mollie (Pearch) Calton who both survive. Jason was a graduate of Anthony Wayne High School and later received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was talented in HVAC, which led him to be owner and operator of GACCC Ltd. Jason enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. He is survived by his children, Garrett Calton of Ann Arbor; Alexandra West of Milan, Mich.; Conrad Calton, Jason (Cole) Calton and Chase Calton, all of Liberty Center; brother, Garry “Tom” (Mari) Calton of Charlotte, Mich.; and grandson, Klayton West. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wauseon, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy may make memorial contributions to the family care of Garrett Calton. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.
Dennis C. Gordeneer
Dennis Clyde Gordeneer, age 80, of Charlotte died Saturday, February 8, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Dennis was born December 12, 1939, the son of Clyde and Ellen (Owen) Gordeneer.
He was a Charlotte High School graduate and following graduation, he went to work for Earl Scott Roofing and then later as a laborer at Johnson Iron. On September 23, 1961, Dennis married Judy Makley. Dennis enjoyed golf, fishing, hunting, playing bingo, poker and making trips to the casino. He was an avid outdoorsman.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy; sons, Jeff (Tracey) Gordeneer and Steve Gordeneer; six grandchildren, Ashley, Matthew, Paige, Cory, Ashley and Cady; two great-grandchildren, Adrian and Evey; and his sister, Brona. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Dennis’ family. A memorial visitation was scheduled for Friday, February 14, 2020, from 4-7 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dennis on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Dorothy J. Holeman
Dorothy Jean Holeman, age 87, passed away at her home in Grand Blanc, Mich., on February 2, 2020. Her loving husband, Howard Holeman, was at her side.
Dorothy was born September 12, 1932. In 1952, she married Charles Stark and had four children. In 1978, she married Howard Holeman.
She will be remembered with love by her children, Donald Stark of Pontiac, Deborah Malewski of Eaton Rapids, and David (Roselle) Stark of Dutch Harbor, Alaska; her step-children, Michelle Gossman of Kalamazoo, Sandra (Chad) Labby of Grand Blanc, and Linda (Michael) Zusack of Durand; her grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Stark, Andrea (Adam) Bitely, Kathleen Stark, Jesse Stark, Meredith (Dustin) McLean, Kristine (Kyle) Fuselein, Karyn (Brent) Skiba, and eight great-grandchildren. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to tell stories about them all.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Clessie Lois and Ara Belle (O’Neal) Tucker; her sister, Thelma Smith, and her son, Douglas Stark.
Dorothy loved her life, her family, sewing and clothes. She was very much a people person and would chat with anyone close by. She was a creative soul and was gifted with incredible sewing talents. In her early years, she worked for Kroger as a cashier. Later, in Howell, where she raised her children, she became a school bus driver. She eventually became the supervisor of transportation in Howell, then in Hartland, and eventually in Bloomfield Hills, where she worked until she retired.
Dorothy loved attending her sewing guild meetings and teaching others, including children, to sew. She volunteered at several thrift stores in Florida. Dorothy and Howard enjoyed spending their winters in N. Fort Myers, Fla., for many years and eventually moved there full time. They loved their home and neighbors in Yacht Club Colony and the many creatures that visited their backyard and the canal behind them. They were active at the Elks Club and enjoyed their many friends there. In 2016, they returned to Michigan to live at Tranquility Estates in Grand Blanc to be closer to family.
Dorothy was cremated, and burial was at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Hill Funeral Home in Grand Blanc. For those desiring to make memorial contributions, they can be made to Hope Hospice in Fort Myers, Fla., in Dorothy’s name. The address is Hope Development Department, 9470 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers FL 33908.