Obituaries
James Lewis Young
James (Jim) Lewis Young of Charlotte was reunited with his daughter Dana, on her second year of passing, Friday, August 30, 2024.
James (Jim) was born December 30, 1941, in Lansing to his parents Floyd and Leone (Pierce) Young. He graduated from Easten High School, then worked for Sparrow Hospital before being drafted into the Army during Vietnam, where he was trained as military corpsman. He married the love of his life Elaine (Hagerman) on April 3, 1965, and they lived near Fort Knox, KY during his time in the military. They moved home to Lansing to start a family, and he began a career with General Motors (GM) to which he retired after 30 years of service. During this time, Jim and Elaine welcomed their loving daughter Dana first in 1968, then two years, two months and two days later, they welcomed their loving son Mark in 1970.
Jim was loved for his intelligence, quick sense of humor, his mechanical ability to fix anything, and his devotion to family. He loved just being home, and fishing. He often kept a packed duffle bag on hand for his adventures north to Dana’s paradise, also known as the “the cottage”, in Ocqueoc, Michigan. He loved spending time there with Dana, her husband Dan, family, friends, or just simply by himself fishing the Ocqueoc River.
He was a loving, wonderful husband, father and grandpa! Leading us all by example to show what it means to be devoted to family; he was proud to see his children and grandchildren living their lives this way! He would always make us laugh and was happy to see that his granddaughters inherited the same quick wit from him. He showed us all what real love is! He will forever be remembered, loved and missed!
He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Leone, his brother Bill (Pat) Young, and his daughter Dana.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years Elaine, Son Mark (Amy), Granddaughters Olivia (Alex) and Elizabeth (Sebastian). His brother David (Anne), Sister Sue, and sister-in-law Daylene Sadler, many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is also survived by his wonderful son-in-law Dan Clay and the incredible Clay Family; Thank you Dan for your continued help and support!
A graveside service was held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2 p.m. at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jim’s memory to the charity of their choosing.
To view Jim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Shannon Denise Saurbek
Shannon Denise (Miller) Saurbek, age 57, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in Lansing, Michigan. She was born in Lansing on April 17, 1967, to Jack and Sharon Miller. Shannon attended Charlotte Public Schools and graduated from High School with the class of ’86. She married Mark Saurbek on October 10, 1998, in Vermontville. Shannon worked for over 15 years at Serenity Acres as a nurse aid caring for the elderly.
Shannon loved her family and cared deeply for them. Time spent at camping every summer at Double R Ranch was always an enjoyable and much anticipated time of year. We as a family cherish our memories of going tubing, kayaking, and then ending the day sitting around a bonfire together. She maintained a beautiful flower garden every year and enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. We will miss her deeply, and although we know that life will go on, it won’t be the same without her.
Those surviving her are; her husband of 27 years, Mark; her children, Phillip (Danielle) Bowerman, Keith (Chrissy) Bowerman, Eric Saurbek, Heather (John) Wenzel; grandchildren, Hunter Bowerman, Madison Bowerman, Paisley Bowerman, Zach McGruther, Ella Saurbek, Ryan Saurbek, Blaze Capen, Tatum Capen, Oliver Wenzel; siblings, Randy Miller, Shane (Winnie) Miller, Darcy Powell; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon Emery Powell; father, Jack Miller; stepfather, Robert Powell; and brother, Jeff Miller.
In keeping with Shannon’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Shannon’s memory to Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906.
To view Shannon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Florence Ann Lee
Florence Ann Lee, 82, of Holt, a strong-willed women and devoted mother and grandmother, died Saturday, August 31, 2024, in Lansing. Florence was born February 11, 1942, in Detroit, the daughter of Gerald and Georgia (Selman) Monteith. She worked nearly 20 years at Peckham in Charlotte and sold Avon and Watkins on and off throughout the years. Florence was a collector of jewelry, especially watches, and loved sipping coffee while watching her gameshows and talk shows. She enjoyed birdwatching and was especially fond of cardinals and hummingbirds, and she loved her country music. She and her husband, Orval, often enjoyed cruising the countryside together, back before GPS when they would simply drive for hours to get a cup of coffee or visit friends and family. Florence loved getting together for picnics and holidays. She was a loving friend to many. Florence will be forever remembered as an outgoing people person who devoted her life to her family and friends. She remained “full of life” right to the very end.
Florence is survived by her daughters, Jodi (Rex) VanGuilder and Sue Ann Lee; grandchildren, Matt Mclean, James Lee, Megan Lee, and Bryson Lee; great-grandchildren, Madison Mclean and Docota Portvliet; great-great-granddaughters, Mariana and Elena Garrett; beloved niece, Deborah Montieth; sister-in-law, Joyce Bogart-Lee; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends; and grand-dogs and cat, Myah, Loner, and Po Kitty. She was predeceased by her son, Jay Lee in 2021; brother, Gerald Joseph Monteith II; niece, Mary Ann Montieth; former husband and forever friend, Orval Howard Lee in 2001; and her dog, Buster.
Friends are encouraged to support Florence’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family in care of Jodi VanGuilder. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jan Larry Morey
Jan Larry Morey, 83, of Charlotte, a man of the outdoors and deep love for his family, died peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Jan was born January 17, 1941, in Lansing, the son of Harold Carl and Lois Louise (Richmond) Morey. He attended Lansing Sexton High School before briefly working in heating and cooling followed by over 10 years at GM. He married the love of his life, Nancy Carol Brasseur on February 19, 1966, and the two soon started their family. Jan’s passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, led him to create his own company, Quality Spinners Manufacturing. He created his own lures and mass produced them, starting in the late 1980s until 2019. Many will remember Jan’s sense of humor. He was a friend to many, and a family man to the end. He loved camping and travelling, especially to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Jan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Morey; their children, Eric Morey and Susan (Aaron) Day; grandchildren, Tyler Chalender, Savanah Chalender, Liz (Michael) Haller, and Tyler Day; brother, Phil (Janice) Morey; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Jan’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment will take place in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Lansing. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jan’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cindy Lou French, a woman who from birth dealt with a lot of disadvantages but she found joy in the simple things, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Cindy, 63, of St. Johns, was born on October 10, 1960, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Lightner) French. She enjoyed Christmas each year especially testing her father with how to secure the tree so she did not shake the decorations off. Cindy also enjoyed spending time outside, enjoying a Pepsi, trips to the park, and getting ice cream with her mom. Above all her family is thankful for the care that the Bradford home in St. Johns gave to their sister over the last 40 years.
Cindy is survived by her siblings, Carla Frazier, Jackie French, and Steven French; two nieces; six nephews; aunt, Geneva Butler; and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cindy’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Cindy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Bradford House in St. Johns. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.