Obituaries
Alden D. Barnard I
Alden David Barnard I, a man of many talents and many friends, died Tuesday, August 4, 2020, in Lansing. Alden, 83, of Charlotte, was born December 12, 1936, in Fowlerville, the son of Harry Lorenzo and Irene Mae (Blair) Barnard. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1956 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Following his discharge, he worked briefly as a nurse at the Battle Creek VA Hospital. Throughout his life, Alden pursued many careers. He worked at GM before shifting gears and owning his own group home, where he took care of veterans and those in need from 1972-1979. He then moved to Bradenton, FL, where he opened his own floral shop for a few years. Then it was on to Indianapolis, where he owned his own party store and bar. Finally, he returned home to Michigan, where he helped his friend with a bar and restaurant in Lake Odessa. Upon his retirement, he took to his favorite hobbies, especially creating beautiful works of crochet and macramé, including afghans and doilies. He enjoyed time outdoors mowing the lawn, or travelling up north to St. Ignace and Crystal Falls, or over to “Paradise,” by Hickory Corners. Throughout the years his sons were growing up, the family always made month-long sojourns to the Upper Peninsula and other points of natural beauty in Northern Michigan. Alden will be remembered and missed by a large host of friends and family.
Alden is survived by his sons, Alden David (Julia) Barnard II, Bradley Alan (Chris) Barnard, and Eric Leslie Barnard; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his 8 siblings, Harry Jr., Marie, Darwin, Norlene, Barb, Dorene, Marshall, and Dean; and special family friend, Lee Oxendale.
A memorial service will take place at a later date, once gathering restrictions are relaxed. In the meantime, interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte with Alden’s niece, Ruby Saunders officiating. Memorial donations may be made to any local VA charity of one’s choice. Service updates and condolences will be available on Alden’s Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Lillian M. Howe
Lillian Mae Howe, a selfless and upbeat woman of Faith and love, died peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2020, surrounded by her family at home. Lillian, 88, of Charlotte, was born August 25, 1931, in Charlotte, the daughter of Frank and Mary Smrchek. Lillian lived a life of devotion to her family, and to others. She married Barton Howe and the two enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before his death in 2009. When their children were young, she worked for Kroger. Later, she went back to school and earned her nursing degree and served as a nurse at Lansing General for many years. Lillian was always giving of her time, helping her son Neil with his print shop in Ann Arbor, and being sure to be present for all of her granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments throughout the years. Many friends and family will remember her potato salad, the many family pets, her love of travel and adventure, and her vivacious and up-beat personality. In her downtime, she loved to use her hands to create beautiful sewn and crocheted works. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors every weekend, whether it be fishing, boating, or taking trips on a motorcycle with Bart. For nearly the last 10 years, she and Joe Pray supported each other as companions, attending St. Mary’s, traveling, going out to dinner, and enjoying great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Charlotte, where she found weekly peace. Above all, Lillian loved her family.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Annette (Jim) Florence; four granddaughters, Erin Florence, Cori (Theo) Hensley, Jamie (Ryan) Scott, and Hayley (Dustin) Stoner; great-grandchildren, Silas, Lucas, Ezekiel, Beckett, and Brooklyn; and her companion of 10 years, Joseph Pray. She was predeceased by her husband, Barton Howe; and her son, Neil Howe; and her five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Lillian’s family. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2020 inside the funeral home, and in the gardens from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., just prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lillian on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Asher T. Turner
Asher Trayce-Joseph Turner, age 0 (Stillborn), of Eaton Rapids, died July 31, 2020. He is survived by his parents Corey Turner and Taylin White. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Evelyn S. Kreischer
Evelyn Sue Kreischer, 74, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Evelyn was born April 12, 1946, in Flint, the daughter of J.D. and Edith (Shaw) Wright. She graduated from Eaton Rapids high school in 1964. On March 26, 1966 Evelyn married Darwin Bolles and was happily married for 39 years until his passing in 2005. Evelyn attended her 45th class reunion where she met fellow classmate Robert; they began dating and married on August 22, 2009. Robert passed in 2018.
Evelyn in 2005 dedicated her life to the Lord. She was baptized at the Potterville United Methodist Church, later becoming a member. Evelyn was very strong in her faith, loving, kind, compassionate and always willing to lend a hand to help others. Her hobbies included reading, crocheting, quilting, writing poems, jigsaw puzzles and collecting owl figurines. One of Evelyn’s proudest accomplishments in her life was the poems and songs that she wrote and that were copyrighted. Evelyn was very active and volunteered her time for the Eaton County Craft Project for 9 years. One winter Evelyn knitted over 200 caps for people in need. She will be dearly missed by her beloved family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her siblings, Lillian Collins and June (Lynwood) Andrews; half-brother, Jay Wright; Robert’s daughter, Katharine Abbott; and her family; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband, Darwin Bolles; second husband, Robert Kreischer; brothers, Jack Wright, and James Wright; and her parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens with Pastor Mark Aupperlee officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Sycamore Creek Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Evelyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Charles F. Kenney
Charles “Chuck” Franklin Kenney, passed unexpectedly the morning of July 20, 2020. Chuck was born on October 6, 1959 in Eaton County to Merl G. and Vada Mae (Jones). He attended Charlotte High School, class of ‘77.
Chuck enjoyed fishing, building his own model rockets and making custom furniture. He was a carpenter for 42 years and really looked forward to retiring.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Merl, brother Orval and niece Tarra (Hope). He will be greatly missed by his wife, Tammi, who has been his best friend for 29 years, mother Vada, sisters Marilyn (Phil) Parmelee, Ginger (Bud) Sweet, Noveda (David) Nighbert, brothers George (Sherry) Kenney and Paul Kenney, children Charles E. Kenney, Rick Kenney and Jennifer (Tom) Witzel, grandchildren, Blake, Ashton, Alyvia, Corban, Shaeli, Cole, Logan, Ella and Wyatt and many nieces, nephews and other loved ones.
No services were requested by Chuck. Hopefully, in the near future, there will be a celebration of life taking place.