Obituaries
Shirley E. Sleight
Shirley Elaine Sleight, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, August 9, 2020. She was born April 10, 1927, in Walton Township the daughter of Ira and Reva (Maybe) Smith. Shirley graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1945. On July 28, 1946, Shirley married Charles “Joe” Sleight at her sister’s home in Grand Ledge. Joe and Shirley raised their family on the family farm on Kalamo Highway just outside of Charlotte. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She was always busy working with her hands. She was a tremendous cook and baker who loved to share her delicious creations with everyone. Shirley enjoyed canning, cooking, playing cards, volunteering as a 4-H Leader with the Maurer 4-H Club, and spending time with her friends in the “I go you go Club.” Above all Shirley cherished her family and loved being together with them every opportunity she had.
She is survived by her children: James (Barbara) Sleight of Charlotte, Jo West of Charlotte, David Sleight of Harrison, Donna (Steve) Davidson of Charlotte, Lou (Jim) Bartolacci of Mason, Lora (Bob) Zenz of Farwell; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles “Joe” Sleight in 1987; son-in-law, Raymond West; siblings: Glen (Thursa) Smith, Hattie (Charles) Baribeau, Don (Dorothy) Smith, Elwin (Eva) Smith; and several dear friends.
A private funeral service was be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Jim Starr officiating. Burial took place at the Hamilton Township Cemetery in Harrison.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Shirley’s honor to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pinetree Road, Lansing, MI 48911.
To view Shirley’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Seth A. Archer
Seth Anthony Archer, 21, of Charlotte, died August 16, 2020. He was born April 19, 1999 in Charlotte to April Eitniear and Andrew Archer. Seth was an energetic, loving child, growing up to be a kind hearted person with a comforting voice. A typical young man, he loved social media, taking selfies, and listening to music. Seth spent lots of time helping on his grandparents’ farm, and grew up loving horses because of his time there.
Seth is survived by his mother, April Miller (Nicky Mills); sister, Brittney Eitniear; nephew, Tucker Allen; aunt, Jennifer King; grandparents, Gerald and Sandra Archer and Suzan and Ronald Eitniear; and cousins, Jacob Emery, Jared Emery, and Hannah King. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Archer.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 19, 2020 in the Pray Funeral Home Garden.
Friends and family are encouraged to support Seth’s family and share memories of Seth on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John J. Conrad
John J. Conrad of Charlotte, age 57, passed away surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, August 13, 2020 after a short illness. He was born on April 17, 1963 to Sherwood R. and Kathryn (Staron) Conrad at Ft. Benning Army Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. John was a graduate of Everett High School and the meat-cutting program at Southwest Technical Institute in Fennimore, Wisconsin. He married his wife of 30 years, Debbie Daugherty, on May 26, 1990 in Canton, Michigan. They were blessed with a son, John, and a daughter, Chelsey, along with Debbie’s daughters, Sheri and Kristy.
John was a conscientious, hard worker and excelled in his occupation as a Journeyman meat-cutter. He worked the majority of his career, thirty-four years, for Meijer, Inc., working in Sterling Heights, Monroe, Mason, and Charlotte, assisting in the start-up of new stores.
An avid outdoorsman, John thoroughly supported the management of both the environment and wildlife. A skilled hunter, with the bow and arrow as well as with firearms, John took great pleasure in his “deer camp,” where he hosted both family and friends. His other sources of enjoyment were fishing, beekeeping, vacationing at Munro Lake with Grandpa and Grandma Mangler, and sitting on his back porch overlooking the pond and bird feeder.
A man with a strong faith, John used the last days of his life to show his love and appreciation for his family. He surprised Debbie a few weeks before his passing by arranging a ceremony renewing their wedding vows. He also arranged the baptism of his and Debbie’s grandchildren, Hunter, Adalynn, and Hazel. His brother, Jim, officiated at both ceremonies. Family and friends shared in their celebrations.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Agnes (Ondra-Staron) Mangler and Sherwood F. and Helen (Farr) Conrad. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; son, John Conrad; daughters, Chelsey (Ashton) Wood, Sheri (David) Collins, Kristy (Martin) Wilmath; grandchildren, Hunter, Adalynn, and Hazel Wood, Cody and Meghan; great-grandchildren, Rylee, Beau and Blakely Wilmath; his parents; brother, Jim (Helen) Conrad; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020, 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
John’s family wishes to thank the many friends and family who brought food, sent cards, and visited John during his illness. A special thanks to Hospice caretakers Ranea and Niccole for their compassionate, patient care.
Larry Leo Weicht (Poppa Leo), a beloved, caring and generous father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away from a lengthy illness while surrounded by his family on June 6, 2020. Larry, age 75, was born in Kendallville, Indiana, the son of Leo and Lucille (Weimer) Weicht on December 12, 1944.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked at General Motors for 37 years while raising his family, retiring in 2006.
Larry was known for being someone that liked to make the best out of every situation and enjoyed joking with people and having fun. He was a kid at heart, definitely the joker of the family. He enjoyed meeting new people and could make anyone feel like they had known him for years. He was very generous with his family and could always be counted on if someone needed a hand.
Larry enjoyed spending time with family and friends, classic cars (especially Mustangs), Harley Davidson Motorcycles, good music and movies. He enjoyed holidays (especially Christmas) and special occasions, often being the “life of the party.”
Larry is survived by his sons, Steve (Patti) Weicht of Charlotte, David (John Dortch) Weicht of Cape Coral, Florida, Shawn (Kim) Weicht of Charlotte; daughter, Robin (Denny) Watson of Lansing; brother, Lynn (Sue) Weicht of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Tori Weicht, Hunter Weicht, Logan Weicht, Chad Petersen, Ashley Eaton, Shauna Yon, Keeley Coon, Aiden Myers; former spouses, Janet Weicht and Lauraine Paladino; life-long friends, Don (Sally) Strouse, Bob (Martha) Geyer and Larry Mason, and many more friends and extended family. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Lucille Weicht; son, Mike Weicht; infant daughter, Lucy Weicht; and grandson, Liam Myers.
Funeral services for Larry were held Wednesday, June 10, 2020 with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Interment was in Maple Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
Friends and family are invited to share memories or Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
As one of the granddaughters said, “Rest easy now, Poppa Leo. This world was so much better with you in it, but I’m so relieved you are at peace now. I love and miss you now and always. We all do.”
Jeane E. Burt
Jeane Elaine Burt, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jeane, 87, of Charlotte, was born August 23, 1932 in Spring Arbor, Mich. the daughter of Edward and Neita (Alldaffer) Hillis. Jeane married her sweetheart Leo Clifford Burt and created their legacy together for 39 years until his passing in 1988. She was a provider for her family, and she devoted her early years as a homemaker for her family. Later she worked at Dicks Restaurant, the Medical Care Facility and most recently at Galewood Elementary as a Lunch Lady. Jeane was one who will be remembered for being social and being able to strike up a conversation with anyone that she crossed paths with. Her smile could brighten a whole room. Her hobbies included attending blue grass festivals, dancing at senior centers, wintering in Florida and having card parties.
Jeane is survived by her children, David (Pam) Burt, Rose Broskey, Linda (Harold) Carpenter, Ed (Gerrie) Burt; she had 50 plus grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Leo; her first husband, Richard Bauer; son, Lynn Burt; son-in-law, Roger Broskey; siblings, Wayne Hillis, Catherine Jardot, and Grace Wood.
Friends are encouraged to support Jeane’s family through calls, letters, and through Jeane’s Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. Private graveside services will be held. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.