Obituaries
Corrina E. Bates
Loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, an aunt, Corrina Ellen (Rogers) Bates was born September 25, 1956 to the late Edward and Marjorie Rogers. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School, there she met her high school sweetheart, Larry Bates. They were married in 1976, and shared 42 amazing years together. She worked at Whitehills Healthcare Center as a CNA for 15 years, and finished her career as the Activity Director.
She was a devoted member of Crossroads United Brethren Church of Charlotte, for many years. She accepted Jesus when she was very young. She enjoyed camping, spending time with her family, arts and crafts, and had a love for collecting and painting rocks.
Leaving to cherish her memory, is her mother-in-law, Dorothy Bates; siblings, Eddie Rogers, Bill (Gayle) Rogers, Doug (Deb) Rogers, Wanda (Jeff) Bancroft; and sister-in-law, Robin (Ken) Hill; children, Timothy (Nikki) Bates, Christina Gentilozzi, Victoria (Anthony) Singleterry, Ricky(Skylar) Bates, Heavenly Bates; grandchildren, Trenton, Sedric, Emmalee, Paige, Jeremiah, Logan, Gabriella, Oliver, Alyssa, Esmeralda, and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Edward Rogers Sr. and mother Marjorie Ellen Rogers; father-in-law, Jerry Bates; and her husband Larry Bates.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made to McLaren Hospice
The family would like to say “thank you” to Missy and Kim, and the staff from McLaren Hospice, for their heartfelt care. A special ‘Thank you’ to her special care giver, Nikki.
The family will be holding a memorial service, officiated by Pastor Michael Arnold, followed by a luncheon in honor of Corrina on Sunday, April 14, 2019, at 2 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center, located at 804 S. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte.
Evelyn E. Cutter
Evelyn Eleanor King Cutter, 83, loved the Lord and treasured her husband, Gilbert, who she is now walking in heaven with. She spent most of her life in Charlotte and died March 29, 2019. Evelyn was born in Buhl, Idaho on March 24, 1936 to Clarence and Ireta King. Evelyn graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing. She met her sweetheart, Gilbert Cutter, at Miller Road Bible Church where they married on August 28, 1954. They built their home in Charlotte, and raised four children. Evelyn was active at the Charlotte First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, served on the deaconess board and worked with the bereavement committee. After working the swing shift at Owens/Illinois for 20 years, Evelyn retired and enjoyed antiquing, shopping and traveling with her husband.
Evelyn wanted everyone to know three things. She loved her God, she loved her husband and she loved her children.
Greeting her in heaven are her parents, Clarence and Ireta; her beloved husband, Gilbert; her half-brother, Charles King; and her granddaughter, Ruth Cutter.
Left to celebrate her life are her sisters, Pearl Johnson and Alberta Wilmore; her children, Brenda (James) Caplan, Steven (Sue) Cutter, Lynda (Darrell) Moster, Ken (Debra) Cutter; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Ray Black officiating. Visitation is Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 9 to 11 a.m. just prior to the service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Evelyn on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Donald L. Stiver, Jr.
Donald L. Stiver, Jr., 75, of Merritt Island, Fla., passed away March 31, 2019. He was born June 9, 1943, in Alexandria, La., to the late Donald, Sr. and Ann Stiver. Donald graduated from Charlotte High School, and then attended Michigan State University. He then enlisted in the United States Army, served a tour in Vietnam, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of honorable service. While in the Army, he attended the Navy Test Pilot School. After retirement he was an avid airplane builder and pilot as a member of the Experimental Aviation Association. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from St. Martin’s University and his master’s in systems management from USC. After his career in the Army, Donald worked for several government contractors (FMC, Lockheed Martin and DRS).
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Carri F. (James) Grady of Viera, Fla., and Sarah C. Stiver of Alpharetta, Ga.; grandchildren, Katherine E. Banks-Smith (Travis) and Matthew D. Banks. Donald has one brother and three sisters.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing. His family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Online condolences may be left for his family at EstesLeadley.com.
Ellen C. Kays
Ellen Christie Kays passed away on April 2, 2019 at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, N.C., following a short illness. Ellen was born June 22, 1934 in Dowagiac, to Arthur and Hazel Moore Kays, who predeceased her, as did her brother, Morey Kays.
Ellen spent the majority of her life in Lansing before moving to Hendersonville in 2014. She dearly loved the State of Michigan and her two cats, Taco and Lollipop.
Ellen was a legal secretary for some years but spent most of her career in the office of the Governor of Michigan.
She is survived by her sister, Beth (John) Saurer, of Englewood, Fla.; brother, Paul Kays of Hendersonville; and sister-in-law, Neva Kays of Harbour Heights, Fla.; plus several nieces and nephews.
Ellen’s life will be honored with a graveside service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2018.
In lieu of fowers, the family requests donations to Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org.
Aleta B. VanAuken
Aleta B. VanAuken, 98, of Vermontville, died Sunday, March 10, 2019 at her home. Aleta was born in Battle Creek on September 10, 1920, the daughter of the late Alston and Beatrice (Harrington) Penfold. She was raised in the Battle Creek, and attended local schools there. Her family relocated to the Nashville area while she was in high school, and she graduated from W.K. Kellogg High School in 1939.
Aleta spent her working career at Kellogg’s, where she served the company in many capacities throughout the years. The majority of her career, however, Aleta worked in the shipping and packing departments, retiring in 1981 after 26 Years with the company. Along with her husband Donald, the couple enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling together. Aleta was also an extremely talented seamstress, who enjoyed making clothing for her family.
Aleta is survived by her daughter, Tina Miracle; son, Tom (Teresha) VanAuken; sister, Thelma Linsley; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald; sons, Donnie and Terry VanAuken; son in-law, Dennis; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Linsley
Funeral Services were held at The Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville on Saturday, March 16, 2019, with Pastor Joe Benedict officiating. Interment took place immediately following the funeral service in Wilcox Cemetery in Nashville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family of Aleta VanAuken.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit danielsfuneralhome.net,