Obituaries
Charlotte Conklin
Charlotte Conklin was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior August 31, 2020.
She married Philip Conklin September 20, 1963 in Charlotte Mich. She and her husband spent their entire married lives farming and running the cider mill and raising their two children. She was a member of Chester Gospel Church, where she spent over 55 years as the church organist and Sunday School teacher. She enjoyed working in her rose garden and vegetable garden, and any activity outside during the warm summer months. She cherished making memories with her family including an almost annual trip to Florida, many times with her daughter. Family was always very important to her and she loved them all unconditionally. She loved spending time with her sisters sharing stories and laughing about memories old and new. She enjoyed visiting with customers during cider season each year and looked forward to meeting new customers.
Charlotte is survived by her husband of 56 years, Philip; son, Bruce (MiSuk) Conklin; daughter, Carla (Ben) Morris; grandsons, Brian (Erica) Conklin, James (Kelly) Conklin; granddaughters, Elizabeth Zaracki, Chantel Soto; great-grandsons, Keegan, Bishop and Charles; great-granddaughters, Adrianna and MaKayla; sisters, Ruth (John) O’Bryant, Anna Mae (Wayne) Karn, Jeanne (Bill) Bartlett and Jaynne (Albert) Simpson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Wilma Jansen; brother, John Jansen; and great-grandson, Eli.
A graveside service was be held at Gresham Cemetery on Wednesday, September 2 with Pastor Barry Smith officiating. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Charlotte on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
If desired the family has suggested memorial contributions to Gideon’s International, Eaton County Camp.
Gloria L. Diamond
Gloria Lorraine Diamond, a woman with strong family values, grace, love and patience, died August 29, 2020. Gloria, 79 of Charlotte, Michigan, was born May 2, 1941 in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Robert T. Hoag and Majil Naomi Gibbs. On May 9, 1959 at the age of 18, Gloria married the love of her life Harold J. Diamond and together embarked on a 61 year adventure together. She devoted her life to her husband and her family. Gloria spent over 30 years owning a child day care. She enjoyed gardening as well as sewing and quilting. She could never make quilts fast enough for her family. She was truly a great seamstress. She would make christening gowns for her grandchildren. She would also make clothes for the grandchildren, and the dresses with matching ribbons were just amazing. True joys to her life were the grandchildren. The trips, vacations and visits with them truly made her happy.
Gloria is survived by her one and only true love, Harold J. Diamond; children, Naomi Wood (Jim Lilly), Lorrie (Bill) Householder, David (Diana) Diamond, Jeff Diamond, James Diamond and Cindy Stewart; grandchildren/great, Ashton (Chelsey) Hunter, Adalynn and Hazel Wood, Brennon (Paige) Wood, Alexus (Joe) Wood, Brooke (Graham) Wood, Aaron (Bekah) Colton and Dani Householder, Maegan (Jen) Householder, Angel Diamond, Mariah Diamond, Nikki Butler and Sabrina Whitt; and special niece, Majil Naomi Newth. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Skylar James Wood, and her parents.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Gloria on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Donald Wyne and Norman Wyne
Donald Bruce Wyne, 71, of Battlefield, Missouri, died Friday, November 22, 2019 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Donald was born August 7, 1948, in Coldwater, Mich, the son of Kenneth and Margaret (Eggleston) Wyne. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1966, and later earned an Associate’s Degree from Lansing Community College. Donald served his country in the Army during Vietnam specializing as a Dog Handler. After serving his country Donald worked for the State of Michigan and later as a Draftsman for Motor wheel in Lansing. Donald and his wife Chris later relocated to Battlefield, Mo. Donald will be remembered for always having a joke, his kindness, being a talented artist and for being a good husband. His favorite hobby was taking motorcycle trips with his wife on his Harley Davidson, or as he referred to it as “an HOG”. Donald will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends. A graveside service with Military honors was held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery.
Norman Ross Wyne, 69, of Longwood, Fla, died May 1, 2020, in Longwood, Fla. Norman was born August 18, 1950, in Charlotte, Mich, the son of Kenneth and Margaret (Eggleston) Wyne. Norman served as a member of the Honor Guard and later served his country in Vietnam. Norman later moved to Florida where he started his own car parts business that he proudly ran/owned/managed for over 30 years. He was an expert with cars, having the ability to diagnose car problems and fix them. Norman loved to enjoy the Florida sun. He loved sailing as a crew with his friends. Norman was a social guy who loved to be around large groups of people and enjoyed having a good time. Above all Norman was a very generous man that loved helping others. Norman was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patti.
Elaine K. Lenon
Elaine Kaye Lenon, 80 of Lansing, a caring woman who always put her family first, died August 27, 2020 with her family by her side. Born March 12, 1940 in Charlotte, Michigan to Oliver and Ethel (Eller) Hine, Elaine grew up in Charlotte and graduated from high school there in 1958. In 1960 she married Edward Lenon, and together they raised three daughters, Julie, Heidi, and Brea. Her daughters say Elaine was a wonderful mother, always making time for her children and all their activities even though she worked outside the home for the State of Michigan. Elaine was often known to go without so her family could have the little extras. A loving mom, she was also excited to add the title of grandmother, and doted on her 17 grandchildren. Elaine enjoyed collecting owls, shopping frequently, playing BINGO, casino trips, family game night, stereo parties, and spending time at their Florida house, as well as putting her family first by taking care of her mom.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, Julie Moon, Heidi (Blanche) Smith, and Brea (Joshua) Houston; grandchildren, David, Jared, Quentin, Ferris, Rhys, Arynn, Aryanna, Dakota, Riley, Tucker, Jaden, Maverick, Makayla, Marshall, Makail, Makaid, and Makenley; as well as eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward in 1999; by her granddaughters, Deana and Marlaina; brothers, Jack and Richard Hine; her parents; and her best friend, Vi Shope.
Friends are encouraged to support Elaine’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services were Friday, September 4, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with son-in-law, Blanche Smith officiating. Visitation was one prior to the funeral. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Elaine on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Glenn Henry Kardel Sr.
Glenn Henry Kardel Sr. passed away August 19, 2020, at home in Salinas, California.
Glenn was born in Charlotte, Michigan on July 11, 1931, to Hans and Karen Kardel. He married his high school sweetheart Harriett Wilcox in 1951. Glenn and Harriett celebrated their 69th anniversary in January, 2020. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Peter, and grandson Matt. He is survived by his wife Harriett, his sister Karen Rozier, his brothers Hans and Karl, his sons Paul, Mark (Kim), and Glenn Jr. (Dustin), his grandchildren Nicholas (Ally), Shelby, and Cameron, and great-grandchildren Skyler, Weston and Cooper.
Glenn instilled his sons with his love of hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. He avidly supported their participation in their various sports activities. He is remembered for his traits of honesty and ethics. Glenn loved the company of animals, and provided a loving home to many very fortunate rescued dogs, a few cats, rabbits, snakes, chickens, and other birds. After retirement he volunteered at the Monterey County SPCA, providing services to the wild birds in rehabilitation.
Before entering college, Glenn served with the US Air Force, stationed in North Africa in support of the Korean Conflict. Glenn followed his father’s footsteps into agriculture, learning the basics while helping his father implement methods which greatly improved the productivity of farms in Eaton County, Michigan. Glenn studied Agronomy, receiving his MS from Michigan State University in 1958. He worked for Asgrow Seed Company of Salinas, California from 1959, retiring as the branch manager of the San Juan Bautista office in 1994.
His career with Asgrow, primarily in California, Washington state, Arizona, and New Mexico, gave him many opportunities to travel, extensively in Mexico, Australia and South Africa.
Following his retirement from Asgrow he developed vineyards in South Monterey County – one west of Gonzales, two in the Soledad area, and one in King City – becoming his final legacy to the California he loved. He also started oak tree seedlings, many of which were transplanted and are thriving on family properties and in the Monterey County Toro Park.
The family would like to give special thanks to Glenn’s caregiver Samantha, for her kindness and great comfort she gave him in his final years.
Donations are encouraged to be given in his name to the SPCA of Monterey County.
A private family service is planned for a future date.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Visit www.struveandlaporte.com to leave condolences online.