Obituaries
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.
Bryan G. Faurot
Bryan Gene Faurot, a man full of love for the outdoors, died Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at his home, surrounded by family. Bryan, 60, was born October 9, 1958, in Marshall, the son of Max Leroy and Frances Helen (Courtright) Faurot. Bryan graduated from Olivet High School in 1976 before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, serving four years. He married his sweetheart, Patricia Vlahakis on July 30, 1977, and the two settled into family life. He worked as a machinist at Airway from 1978-1991, followed by nine years at Auto Cam until his retirement.
Those who knew Bryan recognized his deep love and pride for his family. He was a friendly, lovable and outgoing personality who shared his kindness with all. He was a great conversationalist, and was able to pull life stories from those he talked with. He shared his enthusiasm for fishing, hunting, camping, and love of sports with everyone he came in contact with. Bryan could be seen in the stands for countless sporting events for friends and family alike throughout the years.
Bryan is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Bryan (Melissa) Faurot II; daughter, Vanessa (Melvin) Fenner; grandchildren, Caden and Lilly Faurot, Zyra and Larkin Fenner; siblings, Deborah (Joe) Mulvany, Kim (Dwayne) Carroll, Kelly (Greg) Alberda, and Robert (Melissa) Faurot; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Linda Purucker; his parents; and his nephew, Jon Max.
Friends are encouraged to support Bryan’s family at visitation and memorial services. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on February 23, 2019, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Roscoe officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, just prior to the service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bryan on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Linda L. Silvas
Linda Louise Silvas of Charlotte, beloved “Old Woman” (a nickname given to her by her grandson, Kenny), died February 11, 2019, just a short four months after her beloved husband passed. Linda, 76, was born December 12, 1942 in Charlotte, to Elwood and Eunice (Fladeboe) Whitinger. Linda was the youngest of five sisters, with one brother younger than her. Linda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for several years, and then on the line at AE Hoover until they closed. She was a regular at Firekeepers Casino, and QVC Queen shopper with daily deliveries to make sure she had a gift for every occasion.
With a very large extended family on both parents’ sides, family gatherings were always happening and Linda relished her large family and knowing the scoop of any family story. Mexican food was one of Linda’s specialties, she made great tortillas and Spanish rice, as well as amazing fudge and all kinds of special recipes. She loved to share her huge garden and taught many of the neighborhood kids about vegetable growing. A “Master Planner” for all occasions, Linda even chose the photos to use for her own memorial service during her final days. A master at putting everyone else first, she always made sure that her children, and then her grandchildren, had what they needed.
Linda is survived by her children, Jodie (Steve) Driver, Rob (Michelle) Silvas, Amy (Aaron) Sawatzki and Angel (Eric) Bartlett; grandchildren, Jennifer (Thomas) Hoffman, Kenny (Annalesha) Silvas, Todd (Sarell) Driver, Rikki (James) Shepherd, Randi Sawatzki, Robby (Kayla) McElhaney; great-grandchildren, Martina and Landon Hoffman, Devin and Drake Silvas, Aubrie and Kameron Driver, Madeline and Gemma Shepherd, Stevie and Raelynn Sawatzki, Ellie Mae and baby due in July, McElhaney; great-great-granddaughter, Dylan Rae; siblings, Wilma Campbell, Leila Whitinger, John (Sue) Whitinger; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. She leaves behind her husband’s large extended family as well.
She is predeceased by her husband, Matt; sisters, Lucille Tuckey and Marion Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Joseph Tuckey, and and Norman Campbell; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Monday, February 18, 2019, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation is prior to the service, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.