Obituaries
James E. Miller
James Edward Miller, a high school teacher affectionately known as “Old Man Miller,” died following an injury from a recent fall. James, 89, of Olivet was born February 21, 1929 at his family’s farm in Olivet, and died February 10, 2019. The son of Claude and Jessie (Dodd) Miller, James became known as the go-to-guy for family and friends, because he could build or fix anything. He earned his bachelor’s degree from MSU and then his master’s degree in teaching from Western Michigan University. Mr. Miller taught auto mechanics, machine shop, and drafting for 40 years at Battle Creek Lakeview High School, and he also taught at Kellogg Community College, as well as directing the evening adult high school completion at Battle Creek Lakeview for 23 years. He loved his students, and especially enjoyed when he could “scare them straight,” and his students had numerous stories about him they loved to share, both real and embellished. During his tenure at Lakeview, he was named teacher of the year and received a commendation from the Governor of the State of Michigan.
James loved fishing with his family, and even though he had a pond on his farm, he only fished there with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Cleone, fished for 25 years at Lake O’Sullivan in Northern Ontario, and he also enjoyed catching brook trout in the Upper Manistee River area, family fishing trips were some of their favorite times together. They also enjoyed driving around the country for Egg Art shows, and James was very talented with creating animated egg art, including Christmas displays, R2D2 from Star Wars, and an amazing space ship. In keeping with his abilities to do anything, he finished out the interior on their new home in 1994 on the original family farm. Other things James enjoyed included his 1972 M.G., which he drove to school and had it rebuilt years ago, and target shooting as well as loading his own ammunition.
James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cleone; daughter, Susan Ashley; son, Timothy (Annette) Miller; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as all of his siblings.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 15, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Randy Royston officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Battle Creek Food Bank.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of James on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Deborah L. Schoner
Deborah Lynn Schoner, 63, a vibrant soul with a strong personality who left us way too soon on February 11, 2019. She was born on September 9, 1955.
She lit up any room she entered, even when it became a struggle to get around and participate. She was always eager to help anyone who needed it, regardless of how difficult the problem. She loved the challenge and delighted in the satisfaction of making things easier for others. She found the most joy in life by bringing those she loved together by planning yet another one of her parties. When she loved you, you were automatically her family. She didn’t love you any less because you weren’t born from her. She taught her children how to love each other no matter what, even through the difficult times. Her drive for life and her strength will inspire her children and grandchildren for years to come. She was employed by the State of Michigan for over 30 years before retiring in 2006. In 1999 she married the love of her life, Michael James Schoner, who survives her. They shared a love greater than most. “The perfect couple” were always sharing adventures together, often exploring different parts of the country. They were always up to something in the great outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing or just playing on the boats. The love they shared shined as bright as the sun they cherished in their years together and was always evident by those watching. Michael would gladly stop to give his love a kiss upon catching a glimpse of each other as she laid out in the sun on the deck they shared overlooking Pretty Lake.
Deb also leaves behind her daughter, Angelique Marie Blain; grandson, Jayden Riley Blain; step-daughter, Tana Louise Durhams; step-grandson, Austin Michael Schwind; step-son, Justin Michael Schoner (Jen); and step-grandson, Landon Westcomb; step-daughter, Christa Lee Heydenreich (Chris); step-daughter, Tricia Kay Sharp, step-grandson, Kyle Joseph Sherman Sharp.
Per Deb’s wishes the family will not be having services, but will instead throw a party at Pretty Lake where she lived in the coming summer to celebrate her life, Debbie style! She was a hard working, passionate figure of strength, who always supported and loved her family. A woman who soldiered on, even in the toughest of times. When cancer steals the life of someone you love, there are no words. Cancer has no rhyme or reason. Cancer takes aim and shoots without a thought or care in the world. It has no feelings. It doesn’t care if you are young or old, evil or kind. It doesn’t care, it just takes. Cancer may have taken our mother, wife, daughter and friend, but it will never take our memories of her smile, the trips we took, the parties we had, the good times or the bad times and most of all the lessons she taught us. Those, we hold dear to our hearts, as we reminisce on the woman that showed us so much and was one of a kind and taken from our lives much too soon.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Deb’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: ChristiansenCares.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care in Greenville.
Elva L. Jones
Elva L. Jones, 98, of Charlotte, died February 7, 2019. Mrs. Jones was born December 4, 1920 in Lansing, a daughter of Orrie L. and Jessie B. (Winegar) Denniston. She was a former M.S.U. laboratory technician, Michigan National Bank employee and State of Michigan employee.
Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; daughter, Janice Kirk; sister, Margaret Wilson; brother, Maurice Denniston and grandson, David Cross.
Surviving are her daughter, Kathleen (Samuel) Cross of Charlotte; grandchildren, Jonathan Cross, James Cross (Christina), Lisa (Brian) Ruble, Robert Cross, Jennifer Kirk (Steven) and Joshua Kirk; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ambrosia and Jonah; nieces, Linda, Debi and Denni-Ann; and the extended Morgan family, Jean, Jamie, Kimberly, Amanda, Chris, Alexandria and Peter.
Services will be held at noon on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Field & Leik Funeral Home in Dimondale, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment will follow at Dimondale Cemetery.
The family will receive friends for the hour prior to services.
Kelly A. McConnell
Kelly Ann McConnell, a loving and caring, daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend and girlfriend, died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 12, 2019. Kelly, 20, was born March 2, 1998 in Charlotte to Dale and Denise (DuBois) McConnell. Following her graduation from Charlotte High School in 2017, Kelly continued her education at Lansing Community College. She most recently worked at Linn Products in Charlotte as a General Laborer. Kelly had numerous hobbies, from playing indoor soccer, hanging out with friends, social media, music, doing her make-up, and changing the style/color of her hair. Caring for animals was Kelly’s biggest passion in life. She had a pet snake Henry and lizards. Kelly was known for being the best aunt to her seven nieces and nephews. Above all, Kelly will be remembered by her family for being caring, loving, and always happy.
Kelly is survived by her loving family; parents, Dale and Denise; siblings, Mayme (Keng) Lee, Joseph Rodriguez, Austin Rodriguez, and Erik McConnell; grandma, Kathy (Henry) Banda; grandpa, Dale McConnell Sr.; uncle, Patrick McConnell; aunt, Cynthia Keith; boyfriend, Marcelino Martinez; and her seven nieces and nephews.
Kelly was predeceased by grandparents, James and Patricia DuBois; and great-grandparents, Frederick and Marie Stetson.
Friends are encouraged to support Kelly’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Funeral services are Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the funeral, from noon to 2 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Humane Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kelly on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Dolores Cole
Dolores “Kay” Cole, 68, of Charlotte, a feisty spirit and life of the party, died February 10, 2019. She was born in Bridgeton, N.J. on July 9, 1950 to Daniel and Mary (Schmidt) Moncrief. She graduated from Charlotte High School, and then married Carroll J. “Onion” Cole on May 1, 1970, and together they raised four daughters. Kay was always very sassy, and passed some of this on to her daughters. She worked at Owens-Illinois and later at AE Hoover in Charlotte. Kay enjoyed scratch-off lottery tickets, fishing, camping, morning drives with her husband and dogs, listening to country music, and especially spending time with her grandkids. In their younger years, Kay and Onion loved square dancing with neighborhood friends.
Kay is survived by her husband of nearly 49 years, Carroll J. “Onion” Cole; daughters, Cheryl L. Miller, Angie (Loyd) Cords, Carol (David) Betts, and Katherine “Katie” Cole; grandchildren, Joshua D. Miller and Shaine A. Miller; sisters, Anna (Jim) Mullins, Katherine (Jerry) McCormick, and Ruth (Gary) Cole; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jack, Tom, and Bill Moncrief; and nephew, John Moncrief.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Dolores Kay on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.