Obituaries
Shane P. McNary
Shane P. McNary, 78, of Charlotte, died June 21, 2020. Services have been held. Arrangements by Peters & Murray Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.
Gary Lynn Hill
Gary Lynn Hill, age 69, of Dimondale died on June 23, 2020. He worked in facilities maintenance at GM. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home.
Lillian M. Peterson
Lillian Mae Peterson, age 87, of Eaton Rapids died peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Lillian was born March 7, 1933 in Kalamo Twp., the daughter of Marienus and Irma (Beach) Klont. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1951 and married Walter Peterson on October 26 the same year. She worked many years as a seamstress, retiring in 1982. Throughout her life, Lillian created beautiful clothes for her children and grandchildren and custom drapes for the house. She loved time spent outdoors, especially enjoying flowers and sunshine along a nice walk. She was a fine cook, even when she could no longer do so independently. Lillian will be remembered for sharing stories and advice from her wealth of knowledge. She remained always lighthearted and also ready with a comment of a quick comeback. Above all, Lillian loved and cherished her family. She cared for her aging parents, looked forward to large gatherings of family and friends and was always very proud of the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Lillian is survived by her husband of 69 years, Walter; daughter, Candace (Steve) Hampton; grandchildren, Zachariah (Shelly) Smith, Charity Smith, Staci (Brandon) Inks, Mathew Hampton, Kristin (John) Hart; and sister-in-law, Loraine (Howard) McCune, sister in law Sue Klont; several nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Peter and Effie Peterson; and her brother, Jerry Klont.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to support the family by sharing memories of Lillian on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Paul E. Zimmerman
Paul Edward Zimmerman of Charlotte died peacefully on June 20, 2020, a day past his 80th birthday. Paul was born June 19, 1940 in Highland Park, the son of Carl A. and Pauline A. (Sonstroem) Zimmerman. He graduated from Western High School in Detroit before attending Wayne State University and the Electronics Institute of Detroit. He served 39 years as a field engineer for Unisys (Burroughs) Corporation. Paul married Patricia Lyons on September 3, 1966 at Covenant Baptist Church in Detroit, officiating by Pat’s late brother, Dr. James R. Lyons. Paul enjoyed bowling, repairing clocks, collecting antique bowling pins and WWII aviation and battles. Above all, Paul loved his family.
Paul is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia A. Zimmerman; son, James P. (Deborah) Zimmerman; granddaughter, Stephanie M. Zimmerman; step-grandsons, Robert (Becky) Thompson and Michael (Kat) Thompson; step-great-grandchildren, Kaylie and Brenden Thompson; twin brother, Carl G. Zimmerman of Las Vegas; five nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and nephews.
A gathering will be held at a later date, once family members are able to travel. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte High School Bowling Team. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Paul on his tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Darlene M. Pierce
Darlene Marie Pierce, age 78, — a loyal, gentle woman who dearly loved her family — died peacefully at home on Monday, March 30, 2020. Darlene, of Charlotte, was born August 15, 1941 in Lansing, the daughter of Ceyland Earl and Edla Marie (Sherman) Kelley. She married Dwight I. Pierce on September 10, 1960; they were to celebrate 60 years together this fall. Darlene worked 35 years at Auto Owners Insurance Company in the claims department, retiring in 1999. She and Dwight attended Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte and enjoyed time spent with family and with their automobiles. Many will remember Darlene as an unwavering and honest coworker and friend.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Dwight I. Pierce; daughter, Darla (Dale) Arnold; son, Garrett (Brendalee) Pierce; 4 grandchildren, Dale (Stephanie) Arnold, Jr., Andrea Arnold, Kelley (Shon) Allen, and Nicholas Arnold; three great-grandchildren (soon to be four), Astrid and Allistair Arnold, and Spencer Allen. She was predeceased by her twin-brother, Darwin Earl Kelley in 1981; her older brother, Sherman Ceyland Kelley in 2018, and her parents, both in 1995.
Friends are encouraged to support Darlene’s family through calls, letters and through her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. A memorial service at Calvary Baptist Church in Charlotte will take place at a time and date to be determined after the current quarantine and sheltering guidelines have been eased. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte.