Obituaries
Michelle A. Smith
Michelle Anne Smith, age 52, of Charlotte passed away peacefully April 22, 2020, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was born November 16, 1967, in Lansing, the daughter of Herald and Lila (Shumaker) Ryan. Michelle graduated from Charlotte High School in 1986. On April 25, 1992 she married Kevin Smith in Lansing. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Michelle loved her family and cherished each and every moment they were able to spend together. She worked as a waitress for many years at the Eaton Place Restaurant in Charlotte. Michelle loved her job and all the friendships that she made while working. Michelle loved all animals, reading Danielle Steel books, collecting Tweety Bird memorabilia and salt and pepper shakers.
Michelle is survived by her husband of nearly 28 years, Kevin; children: Charlie-Jo (Reymundo) Sauceda of Charlotte, Nicole (Charles) Bryner of Charlotte, Tyler Smith of Charlotte; grandchildren: Lila Rose Sauceda, Oliver Bryner, Lewis Bryner and Liana Sauceda; special parents, Veronica (Loy) Nash of Charlotte; sister, Rosanna (Robert) Freeman of Potterville; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In keeping with Michelle’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions to the family. To view Michelle’s obituary online, or to leave a condolence for the family, visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Thomas E. Mahar
Thomas Eugene Mahar, age 89, of Lake Leelanau passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Medilodge of Traverse City with his loving family by his side.
Thomas was born April 26, 1930 in Hastings, to Michael and Nora (Spencer) Mahar. On October 18, 1952 in Nashville, Mich., he married Patsy Jean (Firestone) Mahar, who preceded him in death on February 14, 2006.
Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Over the years, he often spoke highly of his time at sea; the challenges he experienced, the people he met and all the places he visited while on board the USS Hyman. While in the U.S. Navy, he obtained his initial electronics training where he advanced to become an electrical engineer. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards and playing solitaire on the computer. His hobbies were designing, building, tinkering with and repairing things. He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish of Lake Leelanau where he served as eucharistic minister and lector. Before moving to Lake Leelanau, he was a member of St. Cyril Church in Nashville. Tom served his community as commander of the Little Finger VFW Post 7731 of Lake Leelanau and was also the financial secretary of the Knights of Columbus for many years.
Tom is survived by his six children, Kathryn Lea (Bill) Smith of Farmington Hills, Marilyn Ann (Curtis) Crow of Traverse City, Annette Marie (David) Andres of Traverse City, Patrick Aaron Mahar of Traverse City, Karen Louise (Derek) Botfield of Portage, and Matthew Scott (Ashley) Mahar of Clarksville, Tenn.; a half-brother Joseph Mahar of Alloway, NJ; a half-sister, Magdalen Joppie of Hastings; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bernard and Robert; sister, Martha Stamm; daughter, Barbara Jean; son, Thomas Allen; daughter-in-law, Carol Mahar; grandson, Michael Mahar; and great grandson, Devin Cowan.
A celebration of Tom’s life and graveside service will take place at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, PO Box 340 Lake Leelanau MI 49653. Memorials may also be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 East Traverse Highway, Traverse City MI 49684. Share condolences and memories with Thomas’ family at martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
Phyllis E. Haines
Phyllis Ellen Haines, age 99 — a loving wife, mother and grandmother — died peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2020 surrounded by her family in Hastings. Phyllis was born November 30, 1920 in Vermontville, the daughter of the late William Hamilton and Leta Gale (Green) Northrup. She graduated from Vermontville High School before attending Melba School of Cosmetology in Lansing. She married Merle Haines in Angola, Ind. on December 3, 1938. They lived briefly in Charlotte and Albion until Merle was called to serve in WWII. After the war, they relocated to Vermontville where she owned her own beauty shop. The two moved to Hastings, where they raised their family, and Phyllis went to work as a cashier at Felpausch grocery store. She earned National Cashier of the Year and eventually worked her way into corporate headquarters as the company treasurer. Following her time in the grocery business, she went to work as the city treasurer of Hastings in the mid-1960s, retiring in 1980. Above all, Phyllis was most proud of nearly 63 years of happy marriage to Merle, and her family.
Phyllis is survived by her five sons, William C. (Carolyn) Haines of Holt, Merle Bradley Haines of Hastings, Mark Alan (Turid) Haines of Fanrem, Norway, John Charles (Diane) Haines of Hastings, and Peter Jeffrey (Ronnie) Haines of Spring Lake; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara Harrison of Lake Wales, Fla. She was predeceased by her husband, Merle L. Haines in 2001; sister, Kathryn Bartholomew in 2006; daughter-in-law, Kathryn Haines in 2019; and brother-in-law, Les Harrison in 2019.
Phyllis and Merle will be joined together and buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville and a memorial service will take place once travel restrictions are lifted. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to United Way/ Fresh Food Initiatives. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Steve Etherton
Steve Etherton, age 73, of Charlotte went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Kost, his grandparents, two nieces and one nephew.
Steve is survived by his wife, Erlene, of 51 years. She was the love of his life. He is also survived by his sisters, Sherry Hays, Billie Jo (Bill Scott) and Cindy Colson; brother, Jeff Kost; aunt, Bonnie (John Carmen); many cousins, nieces and nephews, and a whole lot of friends.
Steve retired from Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansing. His hobbies were hunting, riding his yellow motorcycle and shopping. He had a very big heart for people. He will be missed always. Our hearts are broken. Until we meet again, we love you.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Edwin J. Schneider
Edwin John Schneider, age 87, a man with a gregarious personality and quick wit, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2020 at his home. He was born on January 7, 1933 to Edward and Matilda (Rademacher) Schneider in Fowler.
Ed served his country in the U.S Army as a tank crewman during the Korean War. After returning home, he met his future wife, Rosalie Cortright, in Lansing at Bradleys Dance Hall, and they were married June 8, 1955. When they started their family, they filled their home with love, caring, adventure, helping others and the Word of God. Edwin worked as a carpenter for Oldsmobile until his retirement in 1981 after 30 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Mens Club, the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the Eaton Area Senior Center.
His family fondly remembers that he loved the outdoors. It didn’t matter if it was in the woods hunting, or caring for his enormous “weed free” garden (with 24 rows of potatoes), or working the farm. His children remember many lessons learned from their father: “Always put forth your best effort,” “Never do things halfway,” “You should learn how to be independent,” and “weed that garden” were among the many lessons he taught his family.
Some of the things that Ed and Rosalie enjoyed include camping, hiking, square dancing, polka music (especially the Beer Barrel Polka), and fall fishing trips to Sault Ste. Marie. After their retirement, Rosalie and Edwin enjoyed several trips to McAllen, Texas, and a special trip to Alaska and Newfoundland.
Edwin is survived by children, Marcella (Mike) Haag, Marvin (Teri) Schneider, Dorothy (Ron) Schroeder, Edward (Lynn) Schneider, Deacon Charles (Marlene) Schneider, and Kay (Parks) Preston; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Alvin Schneider. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie Mae Schneider; daughter, Nancy; brothers, Andrew Schneider, Leo Schneider, Leonard Schneider, Louis Schneider, Joseph Schneider, and Hilary Schneider; sisters, Antoinette Schneider, Catherine Heckman, Florian Schneider and Ann Leneman.
A Funeral Mass for immediate family was scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, May 1 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The Mass will be web cast so others may watch it from any computer, smart phone or mobile device that has internet access. The web cast will be available through Ed’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Click on Ed’s tribute, the click “photos & videos” from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the web cast.
Friends and extended family members are also encouraged to share memories of Ed on his tribute page. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church St. Mary St. Vincent DePaul Society or the Eaton Area Senior Center. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.