Obituaries
Helen L. Moore
Helen Lucille Moore, 96, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018, at home with her family by her side. She was born March 13, 1922, in Charlotte, the daughter of Rex and Ruth (Bingham) Bottomley. On February 5, 1949, she married Leslie George Moore at the Congregational Church in Charlotte. Lucille was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Painting was one of Lucille’s favorite pastimes. She created many beautiful works of art throughout the years. Lucille also enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crocheting. She also loved her many different puppies.
Lucille is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Driksna of Charlotte; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristen) Driksna, Dana (Kirk) Driksna-Rickerd; great-grandchildren, Kimberly, Ella, Lizzie, Brendan, Kathryn, Sean; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie G. Moore; grandsons, Christopher Hiar, Michael Hiar, Sean Driksna; brothers: Carlton “Sparky” Bottomley, Thomas “Tom” Bottomley, Harold “Red” Bottomley; sister, Louise E. Brown.
Funeral services were held Monday, October 1, 2018 at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Duane Royston officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 30, 2018, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make contributions to the New Faith Church of the Nazarene, 302 E. Lovett St., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Lucille’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
John C. Thorndyke
John Charles Thorndyke, 68, of Marshall, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018, at his home with his family by his side. He was born January 4, 1950, in Battle Creek, the son of Virgil and Joan (DeVine) Thorndyke. On June 16, 1967, John married the love of his life, Katheryn “Kay” Mahan. John retired after many years of service as a heavy equipment operator from Operating Engineers Local 324. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved fishing and hunting, but most of all, he cherished flying his ultra-lite airplane. It brought him great joy to be soaring above the area and taking pictures of the magnificent scenery. John enjoyed dropping candy from his plane to children at the Olivet Fireman’s Festival and many other events. Throughout the years many local farmers have had John document the location of drainage tile with pictures of their fields from his plane.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay; children, Julie (Tom) Harmon of Olivet, Nancy Thorndyke-Reed of Olivet, William “Bill” (Stacy) Thorndyke of Olivet; grandchildren, Zachary Reed of Chicago, Samantha Reed of Chicago, Kaylee Harmon of Olivet, Joshua Harmon of Olivet; special dog, Sophie; siblings, JoAnn (Gary) Chapman of North Carolina, James (Donna) Thorndyke of Tennessee, Jay (Jean) Thorndyke of Bellevue, Jaci Thorndyke of Battle Creek, Jill Jacox of Battle Creek, Jed (Sonia) Thorndyke of Olivet; many nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Bob Parker, Josh Stults, Leo Rice, Jim Swan and Mack Lipe.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with pastors Steve Byrens and Scott Brood officiating. The family received friends on Friday, October 12, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in John’s memory to the Olivet Fire Department, City On A Hill Community Church, or Oaklawn Hospice.
To view John’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Stacy L. Christenson
Stacy “Tracy” Lee (Yoder) Christenson, a loving wife, mother, daughter and friend, died Sunday, September 30, 2018. Stacy, 43, was born November 4, 1974, in Grayling, to Eric and Marcia (Woodbury) Yoder. She married her sweetheart, Kevin Christenson, on October 9, 2010, and she was a loving stay at home mom. Being the life of the party was no problem for Stacy, she was the first person to start talking with others at events. Very straight forward and not afraid to speak her mind, friends would always ask Stacy for advice knowing they would get an honest answer. The biggest passion in life for Stacy was her family, and she especially loved weekend getaways to the family cabin. Other hobbies she enjoyed included photography, crafts and listening to music.
Stacy is survived by her loving husband, Kevin; children, Dillon (Grace) Kelley, Brendan Kelley, and Kamden Christenson; mother, Marci (Roger) Workman; siblings, Wayne (Diane) Hoeve, Jamey Hoeve, and Tracy Brown; father and mother in-law, Larry and Barbara Christenson; brother in-law, Adam (Elysse) Christenson; sister in-law, Lisa (Jeff) Haight; special friends, Travis Kelley, Dawn, Sherry, Mindy, and Reneè; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Stacy was predeceased by father, Eric Yoder; and her grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Stacy’s family at visitation and memorial services at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., with Jameson Hoeve officiating. Visitation was Friday, October 5, 2018, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
If desired, memorial contributions to the family to assist with final expenses.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Stacy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Darwyn E. Jones
Darwyn Eldeen Jones, 76, of Charlotte, passed away on October 3, 2018 in Charlotte. He was born on August 31, 1942 to Eldeen and Norma (Bodell) Jones in Lansing. He graduated from Charlotte High School, followed by employment with GM for 32 years as a repairman. He was a Union Representative and was very honored to be an active contributor for his fellow workers rights.
Darwyn was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather, and great friend to many. Farming was his life and he was a sportsman for life. He enjoyed fishing, and deer hunting in the U.P., raising beef cattle, and gardening with his green thumb. He was a 4H leader and a natural teacher for those who wanted to learn about the farming life. A snowbird in the winter, and active wherever they were, Darwyn and Judy were a fun couple to keep up with.
Darwyn is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Tim (Heidi) Jones, Travis (Kelly) Jones; daughter, Tina (Tim) Burkholder; grandchildren, Ashtin (Allan Wardell) Truax, Tyler Burkholder, Casey Jones, Clayton Jones, Caroline Jones; great-grandchildren, Willow and Oakley Wardell; sisters, Beverly (Keith) Wells, Sharon King; Jean Klaiss, Jackie Robinson, Merideth Potter; honorary brother, Terry (Mary Ellen) Ward.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Todd E. Jones, in-laws, Jack King, Donald Klaiss, Linda and James Davis.
Friends are encouraged to support Darwyn’s family at the visitation on Sunday, October 7, from 2 to 5 p.m., and the funeral service will be held on Monday, October 8 at 11 a.m., at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Greg Rinehart officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to MSU Pediatric Oncology Clinic.
Memories and condolences will be appreciated online on Darwyn’s tribute page at prayfuneral.com.
Fred E. Lauback
Fred Edward Lauback, 81, of Charlotte, passed away Monday, September 24, 2018, at his home. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
Fred was born in Owosso January 30, 1937, the son of Fred and Alice (Aymor) Lauback. Fred married Lavonne M. Sexton on June 21, 1982, in Manistique. Fred proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He retired as a wood cutter in the forestry industry and he also worked for Block Plant in Midland. He was a farmer for most of his life. Fred enjoyed fishing, spending the summers camping, playing cards and dice with family and friends. He also enjoyed watching ball games. He resided the last 15 years in Charlotte.
He is survived by his wife Lavonne M. Lauback; children, Scott and Missy Thompson, Lacie Latimore, Fred and Dana Lauback, Alan and Robin Lauback, Daniel and Ramona Lauback, Ross Lauback; brothers, Jack and Leona Lauback, David and Cathy Lauback, sister Lucille Schneider; and brother-in-law, Thomas and Carley Sexton. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences can be sent to smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel in St. Johns.