Obituaries
Duane L. McGill
Duane Lee McGill, an inspiration to many, died peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018 in Ann Arbor. Duane, 55, of Charlotte, was born September 19, 1962 in Lansing, the son of Dale and Rocksan (Wolcott) McGill. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981, where he was a talented football player. He played at Central Michigan University before making the Lansing Crusaders semi-pro league and eventually earning a spot on the New England Patriots. Following his football career, he dedicated his life to inspiring and motivating others as a public speaker and author. His books, videos and speaking engagements impacted many lives, and will leave a lasting legacy of dedication and service to others. Above all, Duane loved his family, “coaching” his children along the way to a life of success and love.
Duane is survived by his five children, Duane McGill, Jr., Eric (Morene) McGill, Dane Kelly McGill, Chase McGill, and Whitney McGill; grandchildren, Julia and Oscar McGill; mother and father, Rocksan and Bill Kelly; siblings, Lanette (Jon) Cater, Kim (James) Baxley, Traci Goucher, Angie McGill Wilkerson, Lynn Goucher, and Robert McGill; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Dale McGill.
Friends are encouraged to support Duane’s family at visitation and memorial services.
A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation was from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 6, just prior to the service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Homeless Angels; homelessangels.org.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Duane on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
David R. Uhl
David R. “Spike” Uhl, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Spike, 64, of Charlotte, was born January 9, 1954 in Charlotte, the son of Darrell and Marquetta (Mulhollan) Uhl. He attended Charlotte Schools and graduated in 1973. He worked at Specialty Casting, Inc. in Springport for 25 years. He married the love of his life, Teresa Lynn Harris on June 17, 1978.
Spike loved to spend time with his family and they went on many trips. Camping, amusement parks and going to see his children play sports were some of his favorite things to do. He was very good at telling tall tales and enjoyed seeing how long the other person believed him. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and just going for a ride. His most favorite holiday was the 4th of July and he went to many parades and loved to watch the fireworks.
Spike is survived by his partner in crime and mother of his children, Teresa Uhl; children, Angela (Vaughn) Barnett, Aaron (Hayley) Uhl, Alanna Uhl and Andrew (Angela) Uhl; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Hunter, Daphne, Jaxson, Temperance, M’Kenna and Lakota; great-grandchildren, Parker, Jameson, Sienna, Akira, Kayden, Zaine and Lilith; siblings, Darrell “Mike” (Nancy) Uhl, Gerald “Ike” (Jean) Uhl and Doris (John) Uhl; and many other wonderful extended family.
Spike was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Marquetta Uhl; grandchildren, Kayla and Kyle Barnett; and his nephew, Curtis Harris.
Friends are encouraged to support Spike’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., just prior to the service on Saturday.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or New Hope Community Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Spike on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Lenore P. Schram
Lenore Pauline Schram, 91, of Nasvhille, a small but mighty woman, died peacefully July 4, 2018. She was born in Novi to Clara and LJ (Schwartz) Putnam on June 22, 1927. She married the boy next door, Hugh Schram, on August 1, 1945. Lenore started studying for her teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti after World War II. Her studies were interrupted by the birth of her children, Jodie Jenks (Nashville, Mich.) and Tim Schram (Hubbell, Mich.). As years went by, Lenore and Hugh travelled the U.S. and landed in the Lansing area. Lenore finished her teaching degree and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Education at Michigan State University. She taught sixth grade in Portland, Mich. and continued her career for 17 years as a teacher and reading specialist in the Lansing School district.
Along with busy careers in education, Lenore and Hugh bought a farm near Grand Ledge in 1956. It became their labor of love and they created AppleSchram Orchard. In 1987 they sold the farm to their niece, Jane Bush, who provided special friendship and support to her Aunt Lenore. Lenore was an expert quilter, winning blue ribbons at county fairs in Michigan and Florida. She was an avid gardener and nature lover. She found her spirit and grace when she was in the garden, walking in nature and spending time at her Canadian camp on Lake Achigan, Ontario with her dear lake friends.
Lenore is survived by her daughter, Jodie Jenks; son, Tim (Kathy) Schram; grandchildren, Scott Laakso, Debbie (Garfield) Rowe, Ira (Tracey) Schram, Emily Schram; many great and great great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Cotter; brother, Hadley Putnam (Carrie Ketterer); and many nieces and nephews; Lisa Neeb and The Luminate Care Giving Team; Joyce and Gerald Edgecomb, the best neighbors you could have; Lynn and Stan Marosz, her backyard Florida neighbors; and her cat Buffy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh; sisters, Patricia Porritt and Jane Sebastian.
Lenore’s family invites you to join them with your favorite story, poem, song, or dance at her visitation and funeral service. Funeral services are Monday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with visitation one hour prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Teacher’s Guild.
The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Lenore’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Her family will remember Lenore as a small but mighty woman who lived a big life.
Diana K. Tharp
Diana Kay Tharp, a dedicated teacher, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Charlotte. Diana, 56, of Charlotte, was born October 24, 1961, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carroll E. and Jane Anne (Smith) Tharp. She lived an active childhood, always involved in the outdoors and school activities. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1979, she earned her bachelors of education from University of South Carolina and spent more than 10 years teaching in Whitmore, S.C., and Fayetteville, N.C. She later taught science at Pansophia Charter School in Coldwater.
Diana devoted her life to her students, always inspiring the wonder of science in them. She often led expeditions along the beaches of South Carolina to rescue migrating turtles. In Michigan, she ensured that foreign exchange students found the best experience in their studies, hosting trips up North to Mackinac Island and beyond. She enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Binder Park Zoo. Diana volunteered much of her time to her community and her church. As a member of the Gresham United Methodist Church, she helped organize various activities. She served as her mother, Jane’s “right hand” at the Charlotte Community Nursery Preschool. Diana also loved special trips with her Aunts, and time spent with her nieces and nephews.
Diana is survived by her mother, Jane Ann Tharp; siblings, David (Betsy) Tharp, Sharon Gault, and Mark Tharp; aunts, Helen (Jack) Snedeker and Sue (Dick) Trimble; special nephew, Ian “Bug” Gault; and her nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by her father; aunt, Sally Vanderploeg; and her brother-in-law, Danny Gault.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Gresham United Methodist Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Diana on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Lupe Anita Wheaton, 61, of Gaylord, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 23, 2018.
Anita was born in Parma, Mich. to Franklin “Burr” and Veda Faye (Johnson) Boggs on October 15, 1956. On June 17, 1977, Anita married Nelson Wheaton, with whom she spent 41 years of marriage. She worked at General Motors with Nelson for 18 years before she retired. Anita enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, be it fishing, hunting, mushrooming, snowmobiling… you name it! And with this, she was never afraid to try new things. Most of all, though, she enjoyed spending time with her family, and they will all miss her greatly.
Anita is survived by her husband, Nelson; son, Dwayne (Traci) Crocker; step-children, Gale Wheaton, Nick (Corina) Wheaton, Terrie (Scott) Westman, and Rhonda (Brad) Mofield; grandchildren, Marci, Amanda, Kelsey, Gabby, Hailey, Logan, Chad, Raelynn, Zach, Cooper, Tyler, and Randi; great-grandson, Hudson; and sisters, Margaret Diane (Dale) Newsome and Merry Lois Reading.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Wayne Patrick and Burr Dale.
Services were held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to Warriors in Pink or to Hospice of Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.