Obituaries
Gary J. Frace
Gary Joseph Frace died peacefully on December 1, 2018 surrounded by family at his home in Grand Ledge. He was born October 8, 1936 to Joseph N. and Alta Ree (Lawhead) Frace at Hayes Green Beech hospital in Charlotte. Following his graduation from Charlotte High School in 1954, he continued his education at Ferris Institute (Ferris State University), earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1960. While at Ferris he was a member of the pharmacy fraternity Kappa Psi. He served his country for two years in the United States Army Medical Division stationed in Missouri, Ill. and Germany. After leaving the Armed Forces with a commendable record, employment awaited his return to Charlotte at Brown’s Pharmacy. He later relocated his young family to Grand Ledge where he was co-owner of Grand Pharmacy. Gary was active in the community in addition to being a member and past president of the Grand Ledge Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Ledge Parking Authority. He was also a member of the Michigan Pharmacists Association, Arizona Pharmacy Association and past president of the Capital Area Pharmacists Association.
He enjoyed reading, fishing, music, cars, cherry pie, recycling and in 2003, fulfilled a dream of running with the bulls at the fiesta of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain.
Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janiece (Snyder) Frace; children, Marcella (Thomas Alexander), Mercedes and Weston (Beth); and two grandchildren, Liza Josephine and Julius Frace.
A visitation to celebrate Gary’s life will be held Friday, December 14, 2018, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Peters & Murray Funeral Home in Grand Ledge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sparrow Hospice Services, online at sparrowfoundation.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298, select “Hospice” as the Designation or contact the Sparrow Foundation at (517) 364-3620, or a public library of your choice. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.
Ellen J. Bishop
Ellen Joan Bishop, 77, of Olivet, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, December 1, 2018, at her home with her family by her side. She was born August 27, 1941 in Jackson, the daughter of Ivan and Eleanor (Coats) Strohm. While growing up, Joan attended school in both Olivet and Charlotte. She went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1959. On December 30, 1977, Joan married Alan Bishop in Olivet. They were blessed with 40 years of marriage. Family was very important to Joan. She adored all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joan loved spending time together with them. She also enjoyed playing cards, fishing, dancing, and singing. Joan was a devoted member of the West Carmel Congregational Church.
Joan is survived by her children, Sharon and Jack Irons of Mendon, Ann and Bill Lundy of Byron Center, Harry and Tracy Reynolds Jr. of Olivet, Michael and Linda Reynolds of Olivet, Lane Bishop of Olivet, Todd Bishop of Olivet, Sheila McLean of Olivet; 15 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Strohm of Vassar; sister-in-law, Cheryl Church of Lewiston; brothers-in-law, Ron and Dianna Bishop, Ted and Judy Bishop, John and Donna Bishop; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alan; daughter, Mary Reynolds; and siblings, Allen Strohm and Carole Scott.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastors Darwin Kuhl and Charles Jenson officiating. Inurnment followed at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Joan’s honor to the West Carmel Congregational Church or Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
To view Joan’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Jacob P. Hanley
Jacob Parker Hanley, 31, of Marshall, passed away Monday, November 26, 2018. He was born November 18, 1987, in Lansing, the son of Patrick and Jane (Briggs) Hanley. Jake graduated from Olivet High School in 2006, where he played in the band and on the football team. He worked for Ralston Foods in Battle Creek as a Mill Operator. Jake enjoyed all things outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing, disc golf, kayaking, or tubing down the river, Jake enjoyed it all. He also had a passion for music, with a special love for Metallica.
Jake is survived by his parents, Jane (Dennis) Trestain of Millersburg, Mich., Patrick (Anissa) Hanley of Charlotte; sisters, Ally Hanley of Marshall, Samantha (Chad) Crabtree of Potterville; nieces, Lillian and April Mix; nephews, Reece and Wyatt Wilson; step-siblings, Damon Trestain, Leia (Mike) Wilson; grandparents, Glenn and Patricia Briggs.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert and Caryl Hanley; and niece, Lana Wilson.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 30, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Byrens officiating.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jake’s honor to the Olivet High School Band or Wounded Warrior Project.
Ravis M. Hampton
Ravis “Ray” Matthew Hampton, 85, of Charlotte, died Friday, November 23, 2018 in Lansing. Ray was born September 30, 1933 in Paragould, Ark., the son of Amsey and Ethel (Morgan) Hampton. He moved to Michigan, where he worked on the line for General Motors for 32 years, retiring in 1988. On April 15, 1971, Ray married Carol Noble, and the two enjoyed travelling together. They lived in Arkansas and Kentucky after retirement, and eventually settled back in Michigan. Ray loved the outdoors. He meticulously cared for the lawn, and enjoyed trips to Montana deer hunting. His greatest passion was fishing. He made many of his own rods and lures throughout the years.
Ray is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Hampton of Charlotte; daughter, Michelle Hampton-Beard of Tyler, Texas; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his brothers and sisters.
A private interment will take place in Kentucky at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ray on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mary A. Williams
Mary A. Williams, 72, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018, at the Dimondale Center. She was born September 5, 1946, in Charlotte the daughter of Elmer and Alice (Ward) Conard. Mary graduated from Charlotte High School in 1964 and then went on to graduate from Jackson Business University in 1966. Mary married Allen H. Williams on September 27, 1984. She retired after 19 years of service as a bookkeeper for Quality Dairy in Lansing. Mary spent the last several years of her life living at the Dimondale Center. She was a kind and compassionate lady who always put others first in her life. Mary was an advocate for her fellow residence and took great pride in her position. Mary was a life member of the VFW Maple City Post #2406 Ladies Auxiliary.
Mary is survived by her cousins, Sue Hardy of Kalamazoo, Pat Conard of Eaton Rapids; numerous second cousins; step-children, Suzanne and Mary; step-grandchildren, Veronica and Marty.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Allen; and stepdaughter, Patricia.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, just prior to the service. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Mary’s honor to the VFW Maple City Post #2406, 695 Lansing Road, Charlotte, MI 48813 or the American Cancer Society.
To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.