Obituaries
Shirley M. Bartlett
Shirley May Bartlett, a devoted mother, grandmother and sister, died Saturday, November 10, 2018. Shirley, 81, was born June 28, 1937 in Charlotte, to William “Hank” and Ethel (Akley) Bartlett. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1956, Shirley devoted her life to working to provide for her family. Shirley held numerous jobs over the years from being a cook, working at General Motors to most recently working at Carefree in Charlotte. Shirley enjoyed playing bingo, cooking — especially her fried chicken, crocheting, collecting knickknacks, and giving and receiving scratch off tickets. Family gatherings were a big part of Shirley’s life, she made everything special from decorating for the holidays to coordinating family picnics. Family was her everything.
Shirley is survived by her loving family; children, Barbara (David) Bowser, Donna (Fred) Wright, Michael (Sharon) Wellman, and Holly Bartlett; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Dorothy (Duane) Winright and Carol (Dale) Garvie.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents; granddaughter, Tabbitha; great-grandson, Layne; brothers, Henry, Everett and Roy Bartlett.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Shirley on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Yvonne P. Kelley
Yvonne Preston Kelley, a kind hearted, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away Friday, November 9, 2018. Yvonne, 67, was born July 25, 1951 in Lansing, to Duane and Clara (Alberta) Ries. Yvonne was a 1969 graduate from Portland High School. Following graduation Yvonne went to work as a secretary in Abbot Hall at Michigan State University, retiring in 2008. August 1, 1981 Yvonne married her sweetheart Larry Kelley and together they created their legacy. Her hobbies included going to the casino, taking trips around the country, especially trips to Silver Lake each summer; mowing the lawn, crocheting, taking care of others, rooting for Michigan State, and making her famous Chex mix. Yvonne had a heart of gold, and devoted a lot of her life to helping others.
Yvonne is survived by her loving family; husband of 37 years, Larry Kelley; children, AJ (Ali) Preston, Teri (John) Price, Amber (Marv) Argersinger; grandchildren, Jackson, Claire, Jessica, Sammi, Max, Kyla, Eli, Kalyn, and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Deegan, Levi, Gage, Colton, Ashton, and Diesel; daughter in-law, Kelli Kelley; brother, Glenn (Denise) Ries; and special friend Nancy Harmon.
Yvonne is predeceased by son, Kyle Kelley; parents; brother, Dan Ries; and husband, Dan Preston.
A celebration of life was held Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care, Eaton Siren Shelter or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Yvonne on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Robert E. Kimmel
Robert E. Kimmel, 79, of Charlotte, passed away Sunday, November 11, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 8, 1939, in Charlotte the son of Harold and Velma (Leach) Kimmel. On February 18, 1962, he married the love of his life, Carolyn “Lynn” Lux. Bob cherished his family and loved being together. He retired after 34 years of service from Oldsmobile in Lansing. He was a life member and past president of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552. Bob also enjoyed woodworking in his spare time.
Bob is survived by his children, Diana Lynn White of Charlotte, Terry (Maureen) Kimmel of Georgia; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Hanks, Jamie (Whitney) Kimmel, Joshua Webb, Zebulin White, Cody White; great grandchildren: Hunter Kimmel, Cason Hanks, Khloe Kimmel, Ethan Kimmel; sister, Mariann Nagle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lynn; brother, Larry Kimmel; and stepbrother, Ronnie Johnston.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Bob’s honor to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Tomasa M. Velasquez
Tomasa M. Velasquez passed away Saturday, November 10, 2018. Born December 21, 1938, the daughter of Virginia and Genaro Cantu, Tomasa is one of seven children. She was very proud to have graduated in the Top 10 of her Class of 1957. She then went on to gain her degree in nursing. Moving to Michigan in the mid-60s, she became entrenched in Michigan Health Services.
Being community minded, Tomasa, along with former Mayor Tony Benevides became extremely important in the development and growth of the Cristo Rey Community Medical Clinic, which continues to offer quality healthcare to the underprivileged, as well as serving Michigan migrant farm workers. She will be deeply missed as a champion for minority equality.
Tomasa is survived by her four sons, Alonzo “Chacho” Gomez, Tommy Gomez, William “Badge” Velasquez, John “Pooky” Velasquez; ten grandchildren; and two sisters, Tedora Palomo and Rafaela Nygard.
A celebration of Tomasa’s life will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center, located at 804 S. Cochran in Charlotte.
Ernam L. Royston
Ernam Lloyd Royston, a beloved and humble farmer and friend of many, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2018. Ernam, 90, entered this world on January 28, 1928 in Charlotte, one of five children born to Lester and Leeta (Parr) Royston. His entire life was spent in Charlotte, graduating from Charlotte High School in 1946, and in school he was active in FFA and the band, playing baritone and French horn. He also played violin and various other instruments. On September 20, 1947 he married Virginia Holley, and together they raised three children on the family farm. Farming was what Ernam enjoyed most, as a favorite poem stated, “I’m just a farmer, plain and simple. Not of royal birth, but rather a worker of the earth. I know not of riches, but rather of patches on my britches.” He also worked at Eaton Intermediate Schools in maintenance for 15 years, and as a substitute rural postal carrier, but a farmer all his life.
A man of faith and lifelong member of the Crossroads United Brethren Church, Ernam enjoyed being active on the board, properties team, many church activities, and belonging to the Men’s Brotherhood. Always working behind the scene, Ernam preferred doing things without being noticed, out of the goodness of his heart and never for any thanks or recognition. His daughters lovingly recognize and remember him as a great father, and a quiet, patient, even-tempered, kind and compassionate man who was best known for his honesty and integrity in all that he did.
Ernam is survived by his daughters, Silver (Marv) Spitzley and Dawn (Dan) Hoffman; grandchildren, Autumn (Gary) Teeple, Nathan (Sarah) Spitzley, Cassondra (Casey) King, and Jason (Melissa) Hulsebos; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Lewie) Young; and sisters-in-law, Jean Royston and Carol Holley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ernam was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Virginia in 2011; son, Ronald Royston; great-grandson, Ethan Teeple; sisters, Anna Mae Conley and Elaine Gray; brother, Vernon Royston.
The family would like to thank Ernam’s extended family: his home health care providers as well as the nurses, CNAs, and entire staff that became his extended family for the last six years at Eaton Gardens.
Friends are encouraged to celebrate the life and support the family of Ernam Royston at visitation and funeral services.
Funeral services are Saturday, November 17, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Rev. James Kendall officiating. Visitation was Friday, November 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution be made to Crossroads United Brethren Church or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Ernam on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.