Obituaries
Winford Collins
Winford Collins, age 87, of Olivet, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019, at his home. He was born August 24, 1932, in Salyersville, KY, the son of Daniel Boon and Lola (Perkins) Collins. On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Gullett. Soon after his marriage, he was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country from 1953 to 1955. Throughout his life, Winford had many occupations. He worked as a barber, farrier and carpenter, just to name a few. Although he enjoyed them all, he found his life’s calling as a pastor. He ministered for 12 years at Faith Assembly of God in Urbandale and Eaton Rapids Assembly of God for 12 years. He had a passion for music. Winford and Norma began singing together early in their marriage, and the children would soon join them. He also enjoyed playing many different stringed instruments.
Winford is survived by his wife of 68 years, Norma; daughters: Karen (Ken) Schriner of Olivet, Cheryl “Harrington” (Eric) Libersher of Olivet; grandchildren: Sara (James) Malizzi, Joel (Melissa) Hammond, Rachel (Ted) Hunt, Anna Boyer, Ethan Schriner, Jamie (Jason) Veith, Danielle (Brandon) Denman, Ken (Miranda) Schriner, Alexia Hart, Kayle (Leighanna) Harrington, Moriah (Cliff) Gumbert, Hannah (Jake) Miller, Faith Harrington, Seth Harrington; 30 great grandchildren; sisters: An Lue Davidson, Mary Jane (Ron) Montanye.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law: Mike Harrington and Steve Hammond; and eight brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 8, 2019, at Faith Assembly of God in Olivet. Private family interment took place at Rice Creek Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Winford’s honor to Faith Assembly of God, 9800 S. Cochran Ave., Olivet MI 49076.
To view Winford’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Larry Lavern King
Larry Lavern King, age 79, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2019, at his home. He was born October 26, 1940, at the family farm in Roxand Township, the son of Lavern and Beatrice (Rogers) King. Larry graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. On August 25, 1962, he married Joan Kay Hale at the First Congregational Church of Charlotte. Larry was a lifelong farmer. He lived his entire life on the same farm where he was born. Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with his family. Whether it was working on the farm or enjoying a relaxing evening together, he cherished each and every moment. Larry looked forward to his daily visits with his neighbors. He was also a very talented woodworker. Larry leaves a true legacy of love that will always be remembered.
Larry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan; sons, John (Maria) King of Charlotte, Jeff (Rhonda) King of Charlotte; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Jake) Putnam of Charlotte, Amanda (Brandon) Brown of Grand Ledge, Scott King of Charlotte, Madison King of Charlotte, Grace King of Charlotte; great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Putnam, Peyton Putnam, JJ Putnam, Kierra Hough, Baylee Brown and Lucas King.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering on Saturday, November 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Roxand Township Hall in Mulliken.
To view Larry’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit www.burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Lance Wireman
Lance Wireman of Charlotte, MI lost his long battle with mental illness on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at the age of 36. Lance was born on August 20, 1983, in Lansing, the son of Diana VanVleet and Gene Wireman. He attended Charlotte public schools, worked for Walmart and, most recently, for CVS Pharmacy as a shift manager. He was a loving and caring person who could always make you laugh. Lance loved his siblings, his family and Patricia Johns with all his heart. He enjoyed bowling, playing video games with his brother, hanging out with his sister and two nephews and trips to visit his grandparents on Lake Lavine in southern Michigan. His greatest passion in life was writing, and he especially loved writing music.
He is preceded in death by his uncles, John VanVleet and Robert VanVleet.
Surviving are his mother, Diana (Bob) Lake; father, Gene Wireman (Cindy); brother, Bryce Lake; sister, Jennifer Wireman (Jesse); grandparents, Robert Jr. and Donna VanVleet, Betty Whitaker-Factor; nephews, Jayce and Jax who he adored; best friend, Jake Flermoen; his one and only, Patricia Johns and several aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.
A memorial service and dinner will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at the Charlotte American Legion. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Go Fund Me page in memory of Lance. To share memories or condolences, visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
John Frank Hokanson
John Frank Hokanson, age 95, a man who grew up in the days when a handshake was all that was needed for making agreement, passed away on November 1, 2019, in Charlotte. He was born on April 14, 1924, to John Frank and Daisy (Haroon) Hokanson II in Vermontville. John lived his life with the philosophy of treating others as he would like to be treated; was always honest with people and expected honesty from others. John was employed by Prescott Motor Sales in Vermontville, which furthered his knowledge, love and ability to monkey with small engines. He was employed at Charlotte Auto Parts, then at A.E. for over 25 years, and continued doing small engine repairs once he retired. He and his beloved wife, Veda, loved to spend time at their family cottage at Horsehead Lake and then, in later years, in North Carolina. He had a green thumb for gardening and enjoyed fishing. He was very proud of the fact that he still had his driver’s license and was active driving around town. His love for his favorite grandson was very evident (he had only one), and he treasured each of his granddaughters.
John is survived by his sons, Michael (Janet) Hokanson; Charles (Patty) Hokanson; grandchildren, Travis Hokanson, Kim Hokanson-Marr, Shannon Hokanson-Rondon, Charlotte Hokanson-Gulier, Annie Garwood; 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Veda; brother-in-law, Stanley C Burt; son, Stan Hokanson, and his parents.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of John on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Virginia (Ginny) Elizabeth Aitken Lewis
Virginia (Ginny) Elizabeth Aitken Lewis, a friend to many, passed away November 4, 2019. Ginny, age 76, was born in Detroit on November 10, 1942. Ginny’s upbringing was highly influenced by her grandmother, Mable King. She was raised in Detroit and Walled Lake, graduating from Walled Lake High School in 1960. Following high school, she attended Ferris State University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in court reporting.
Before marrying Thomas Andrew Aitken on April 4, 1964, Virginia worked for the federal bankruptcy courts in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Kalamazoo. After they married, Ginny and Tom resided in Charlotte for 27 years, where they raised their three children. She was an active stay-at-home mom, helping her children in every way she could. She loved traveling and showing her children the world. In spite of her allergies, she enjoyed gardening, as well as any time she could spend on the golf course and happily passed on her love of golf to her children.
Over the years, Ginny was active in her community in many ways, including: treasurer of St. John’s Episcopal Church, member of the altar guild and the choir; president of the Charlotte Women’s Club (GFWC); and an active member of the Charlotte Country Club. In 1994, she moved to and enjoyed life on Gun Lake, especially on the deck with a glass of wine, family and friends. After losing her first husband of 33 years in 1997, she married Fritz Lewis in 2000. Ginny particularly enjoyed singing in the choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for many years and was an avid bridge player.
Ginny is survived by her son, Brian (Dianne) Aitken of Livonia; daughters, Marguerite (Carl) Falkenstern of Ada, and Melissa Aitken of West Bloomfield; grandchildren, Erik Aitken, Emily Aitken, Chloe Falkenstern, and William Falkenstern. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Aitken, in 1997, and her second husband, Fritz Lewis.
Visitation was scheduled at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, November 8, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to – 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings on Saturday, November 9, at 1:30 p.m. with visitation in the Parish House beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association research fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ginny on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.