Obituaries
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Crowner
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Crowner, 84, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2019, in Charlotte. Betty was born March 9, 1935, in Cleveland, the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Catherine (McNabb) Frechen. She graduated high school before attending Rachella Beauty College. Betty married David Arthur Crowner on October 15, 1955, upon his return from Korea. She opened her own business, Betty’s Beauty Shop, which served as the neighborhood gathering place — where there was always coffee, conversation and a place for husbands to tinker in the garage with Dave. The two enjoyed 62 years of marriage until his death in 2017. Family would remain Betty’s greatest joy.
She is survived by her three children, Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, and Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte; 5 grandchildren, Greg (Amber) Rinehart, Andy (Marci) Rinehart, Holly (Dave) Evert, Charley (Ashley) Crowner, and Nicki (Garrett) Bensinger; several great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Coletta Vaughn; sister-in-law, Jane (David) Crowner-Friedman; honorary sons, George (Debbie) Theunick and Mark Kelley; and her nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband, David A. Crowner in 2017; two grandchildren, David Crowner in 1979 and Skye in 1980; a great-grandson, David Evert; sister, Barbara Jean Mosher; brothers-in-law, Gerald Vaughn and Phillip Crowner; and, most recently, daughter-in-law, Amy Crowner.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated November 14, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Church of Charlotte. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Betty on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Norah Elizabeth Rhoads
Norah Elizabeth Rhoads, age 98, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Monday, November 25, 2019. She was born June 9, 1921, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Horace F. and Elizabeth (Hackney) Howe. Norah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed reading, playing the organ and Bingo. The family would like to especially thank the staff at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services for the loving care they provided Norah during her time there.
She is survived by her children: Ruth (Howard) Sellick of Harrow, Ontario, Canada; Ronald (Linda) Rhoads of Charlotte; grandchildren: Colin (Cheryl) Sellick of Harrow, Ontario, Canada; Chad (Brenda) Sellick of Sarasota, Florida; Jeffrey (Janine) Rhoads of West Lafayette, Indiana; great-grandchildren: Cooper Sellick, Chase Sellick, Jonathan Rhoads and Joseph Rhoads.
Norah was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Beverly F. Rhoads in 2009; brothers: Allan Howe and Wilbur Flowers.
In keeping with Norah’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Norah’s honor to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, Activities Department, 530 Beech St., Charlotte MI 48813.
To view Norah’s obituary online. or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Nancy Jane Duggan
Nancy Jane Duggan — the caring, fun-loving and thoughtful matriarch of her family, and mom to all — died Saturday, November 23, 2019. Nancy, age 82, of Charlotte, was born February 15, 1937, to Paul and Alice (Freebourn) Clinger in Pennsylvania. Nancy’s FAMILY was always her pride and joy. In her youth, Nancy helped her mother with her siblings. In 1966, she and her husband John moved to Charlotte to work at Owens Illinois (OI) with a large number of their family, where she worked in quality control until she retired in 1978. Jitterbug champions, Nancy and John loved to host family game nights and bible studies. Her faith was important to her. She was an amazing pie maker and would spoil her children and grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity. Nancy also loved bowling, Hallmark movies, decaf coffee and coffee shops with friends, word searches, reading, crafts, garage sales and flea markets and visiting the casino. Nancy had a heart of gold. The Christmas season was her favorite, and she would make sure that friends, family and strangers alike had gifts and a place at her table.
She is survived by her husband John; daughters Lorena Duggan-Scott, and Marcy Duggan-Beebe; grandchildren Derek (Cathlene) Beebe, Nicole (Thomas) Brown, Matthew Scott, and Renee (Allen Sours) Beebe; great-grandchildren Jackson Brown, Caroline Brown, Adrienne Beebe, Hunter Sours, Elizabeth Beebe, and Josephine Beebe; brother James Clinger; and Sisters Bonnie (Robert) Jones, Linda Shepherd and Norma Martin. She was predeceased by her parents; brother Louis Clinger; and sisters Mary Clinger Jones and Irene Clinger Etzel.
Friends are encouraged to support Nancy’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation was scheduled for Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Nancy on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Karin Suzanne Avery
Karin Suzanne Avery — a loving, loyal and passionate, daughter, sister and partner — died Sunday, November 17, 2019, after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease — a disease she fought up to the very end. Karin, 50, of Charlotte, was born August 18, 1969, to Chester and Ella (Richardson) Wright. She worked as a legal secretary for different law firms. Karin was very competitive. Whether it was euchre, bowling, typing or playing board games, she was not losing. She loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, boating, camping and going to the beach. Karin was an accomplished pool player and also enjoyed a cold beer. Karin was not able to have children of her own and this led to a strong love for animals, and her cats and dogs were her babies.
Family and friends meant the world to Karin. She always greeted you with a smile and a big hug.
Karin is survived by her significant other, Brian Burke; father, Chester (Tess) Wright; sisters, Michele (Ray) Johnson, and Amy (Scott Brainard) Wright; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Remo), Joseph (Katherine), Tyler, Justin (Paige), India, Ava, and Kaitlyn; 3 great nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Whitley. She was predeceased by her mother Ella Wright; and nephew, Jacob Carroll.
Friends are encouraged to support Karin’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2019, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Greg Pitchman officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Crosswalk Teen Center in Charlotte or the Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Karin on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Ernestine “Tina” Alice Ballard
Ernestine “Tina” Alice Ballard, 99, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2019, with family by her side.
Ernestine was born August 17, 1920, in St. Johns, to Ernest and Margaret (Eisler) Waggoner. She grew up and attended school in Lansing. On August 2, 1938, Ernestine married Charles G. Ballard in Bryan Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1991. Charles and Ernestine lived in the Lansing area prior to moving to Vermontville in 1951 and then settling on their farm in Bellevue in 1956. Along with helping Charles on the farm, Ernestine was a stay-at-home mom to their two children, daughter Kathleen “Kay” and son Alfred, whom she lovingly referred to as “Butch.”
Tina enjoyed listening to music, especially her favorite country singer, Alan Jackson. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, playing cards and embroidery. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed listening to them on the radio. She preferred the commentators on the radio over the ones on the television. Ernestine’s happiest times were spent with friends, family and numerous family pets. She loved many animals (except snakes) but had a special place in her heart for dogs and kitty cats.
Ernestine is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Roger [deceased]) Hosey and son Alfred (Sharon) Ballard, six grandchildren: Rae Alice (Jeff) Murphy, Roger Charles (Deb) Hosey, Paula (Jeff) Light, Wendy (Jonny) Thornton, Karen (Doug) DeLand, and Jason (Amanda) Ballard; 13 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, six siblings and a granddaughter.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, November 22 at the Bellevue chapel of Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Mikki Saandlin of the Bellevue United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was planned at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Bellevue Fire Department or Bellevue Good Samaritans. To leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.