Obituaries
Ronnie D. Maggard
Ronnie Dean Maggard, 63, of Charlotte, passed away, Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing surrounded by his family. He was born February 11, 1955, in Lansing, the son of Daniel and Loretta (Young) Maggard. On April 29, 1972, he married the love of his life Valerie E. Hokonson in Tazwell, Tenn. Ron was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Ron could often be found fishing, camping, hunting, or just hanging out at Fleet Service with his son-in-law and grandkids. He also traveled all over the country, following his grandson’s motocross competitions. Ron was also a huge Detroit Lions fan. He stuck with them through thick and thin. He always looked forward to a good game of poker with his buddies and trips to the casino. Ron was a magnificent cook and baker. You would often find him in the kitchen making his famous butterscotch pies or homemade noodles. Ron also enjoyed the many friends he made throughout the years while driving the Amish.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Valerie; children, Charie (Dan II) Bryan, Shan (Tom Barthel) Maggard; grandsons, Dan “Bubby” (Bethany Packowski) Bryan III, Ashtin “Bean” (Shauwna) Bryan, Blaze Bryan, Brandon Bryan, Brent Bryan; great-grandson, Dan Bryan IV; mother, Loretta “Pat” Staley; sisters, Louise Haun, Marlene (Richard) Schofield; sister-in-law, Darlene (Dennis) Fast; and his best friend, Lenny the American Bulldog.
He was preceded in death by his father; and brother-in-law, Roger Haun.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Ron’s honor to his family.
To view Ron’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Marlin E. Gloor
Marlin Elmer Gloor, 99, of Charlotte, died Saturday, January 19, 2019. He was just three months shy of his 100th birthday. Marlin was born April 15, 1919 on the family farm in Hamlet, Ind. to Freed and Edith (Herbst) Gloor. He graduated from LaPorte High School in 1937. Following graduation, Marlin went on to proudly serve his country during WWII. He served as an airplane and engine mechanic and later as a pilot. Over his lifetime Marlin was a warrior; overcoming numerous very serious health scares from meningitis to cancer before advancement of medicine today. On October 25, 1944 Marlin married Nadine Parthun and together spent the next 67 years creating their legacy together before her passing in 2012. Growing up on a farm in Northern Indiana, Marlin grew to love tractors. Following his service in WWII Marlin went to work at Allis Chalmers in parts, service, sales and management before leaving the company in 1976. Marlin later went on to purchase Williams Farm Machinery. He co-owned the business until the late 1980s. Following his retirement, Marlin started to restore tractors. Marlin also enjoyed traveling all around the United States with his wife in their motorhome, fishing, hunting, and working on and flying his airplane with his children. Marlin’s biggest passion in life was his family.
Marlin is survived by his loving family; sons, Edward (Charlotte) Gloor of Holland, Penn., David (Michelle) Gloor of Charlotte; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Marlin was predeceased by his wife, Nadine; siblings, Marcella Gloor, Marshall Gloor, and Emil Gloor; and his parents.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Michael Rysko officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marlin on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Donald R. Emenhiser
Donald Ray Emenhiser went to his eternal home on January 8, 2019, at the age of 75. Don was born July 3, 1943, in Brooklyn, Ark. to Delmer and Nora (Nelms) Emenhiser. He graduated from Port Huron High School. Don moved to Charlotte in 1962. He worked in construction and owned a business with his brother, Emenhiser’s Builders. Don married Anna Belle (Fraley) in 1989. On most Friday and Saturday evenings you would find Don playing cards with many friends. He was quite competitive when it came to card games. Don and Anna loved to travel. During the summer they would enjoy working in the garden so they would have lots to can for winter. Fall also brought hunting season, which was a favorite as well. Most importantly, Don loved family gatherings.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Delmer; mother, Nora; and brother-in-law, Jerry Dunn.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anna Belle; son, Donald (Jaimie) Emenhiser; daughters, Michele (Scott) Snyder, Rebecca (Arnold) Dolman and Barbara (Steven Cook) Emenhiser. Don is also survived by Anna’s children who all dearly loved him as their dad as well, Kimberly (Danny Deater) Marple, James (Angel Hollister) Baker and Shane (Sherri Rinard) Baker; brothers, James (Nancy) Emenhiser, Gary (Sharon) Emenhiser and sisters, Linda Dunn, Patricia (Lee) Woodhams and Gloria (Ed) DeLong. Don has 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held Saturday, January 12 at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 VanSickle Drive in Charlotte. Family will receive friends before service at 2 p.m.
Alvetta J. Lea
Alvetta Jean Lea, one of the nicest women in town that made everyone feel welcome in her home, died January 7, 2019. Alvetta, 79, was born at home in Bellevue on February 12, 1939 to Lyle and Ferne (Kinsey) Smith. April 15, 1955 she married her sweetheart, Ronald Walter Lea, and together they raised five children that filled their home with laughter and adventures. Strong in many ways, Alvetta was a survivor, overcoming Polio and Rheumatic Fever in her younger years, then cancer and many surgeries later in life. In addition to raising a family, Alvetta also worked at Gambles Dime Store, and at Fruin Pharmacy in Bellevue as a clerk. Always thoughtful of others, Alvetta crafted over 500 hats, dolls, and scrubbies for many different charities, both through her church and privately. Her positive attitude, even through her illnesses over the years, and her kindness to everyone around her will always be remembered.
Alvetta is survived by her husband, Ronald Lea; children, Ron (Rosa) Lea, Terrie (David) Martens, Tammie Gibson, Carl (Diana) Lea, and Tina (Jeff) Scott; 16 grandchildren; 14 bonus grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and brother, Rick Smith. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert, Bruce, and Carroll; and sister, Myrna Lynn Avery.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 9 at Bellevue First Baptist Church, with Pastor Donald Francis officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to help with final expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Alvetta on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marie J. McKeon
Marie Josephine McKeon, 89, of Bellevue, former long-time waitress at Jim’s Tiffany Lounge, in Lansing, passed away on January 4, 2019. Marie was born on May 3, 1929, to Carl and Leona (Kratochvil) Anderson in East Jordan, Mich. She attended East Jordan High School. Marie married Joseph F. McKeon and together they began their lifelong legacy of 52 years, raising four children and creating lasting memories for them all.
Marie’s employment as a waitress at Jim’s Tiffany Lounge for more than 20 years, with her quick and up-beat service, made her a favorite with many legislators that lunched there regularly. Marie was one of those special people that everybody loved; and will be remembered as someone always on the go. Marie was very proud that she and her husband built their own house in Bellevue, with help from their children, their family, and their friends. Marie was also proud of her children, and that she was her daughter, Nancy’s, best friend. Crafts were one of Marie’s favorite things to do. She was an incredible painter, until she lost her eyesight. She loved garage sales and had an official bumper sticker to prove it. Marie was grateful for being a two-time cancer survivor, and felt this to be one of her biggest accomplishments.
Marie is survived by her three children; son, Clinton “Harvey” (Tami) Bates; daughter, Nancy G. (Ronald, Sr.) Feher, and son, Michael P. (Lynn Granger) McKeon; brothers, Don and Bill Anderson; son-in-law, Bill Dixon; 10 grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole, Jenny, Michael, Ann Marie, Lisa, Sandi, Cindi, Nicki, and Ronny; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Marie is predeceased by her husband, Joseph; daughter, Pamela Ann Dixon; grandson, Andrew Joseph Bates; one great grandchild; and brother, Robert Anderson.
Private Family Services will be held at a later date.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences on Marie’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.