Obituaries
Tony L. Ames
Tony Lee Ames, a quiet, caring, and creative man, died peacefully on October 9, 2018 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Tony, 60, of Charlotte, was born July 1, 1958 in Charlotte to Melvin and Eleanor (Bennett) Ames. Tony was an amazing cook. One of his specialties was Shrimp Alfredo. He also had a quirky sense of humor, and loved to entertain people. Tony was a factory worker, working for General Aluminum, then later found his passion as a truck driver for Auto Zone. Some of his many hobbies include, traveling with his son to BMX races, woodworking, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing softball on co-ed leagues. Cedar Point was a favorite destination of Tony’s, he loved taking his family there and they cherish the memories made together.
Tony is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Kellie Jo; daughter, Heidi (Greg) Ide; son, Jeremy Ames; two grandchildren, Austin and Nevaeh; siblings, Cindy (James) Nichols, Tommy (Shonda) Ames, Sam (Sadie) Ames, and Beth (Chris) Eberhard; and his cat, Gary.
He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Ames; mother, Eleanor Ottgen; stepfather, Ralph Ottgen; mother-in-law, Audrey Schray; son-in-law, Kurt DeMuth; and his beloved pet cats, Whiskers, Tigger, and Daisy.
Friends are encouraged to support Tony’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Funeral services were held Friday, October 12, at 1 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation was prior to the service on Friday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family (Kellie Ames) to help with Tony’s medical bills.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tony on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Diana K. Coats
Diana Kay Coats passed away October 4, 2018 at the age of 71 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Gladys Coats.
Diana is survived by her sister, Wendy (Bob) Sanders; niece, Kami Sanders; and nephew, Corey Sanders.
A graveside service will be held at a later date.
If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Mary J. Howe
Mary Jane Backofen Howe (Jane), 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, with loved ones by her side. She was born January 29, 1936, in Brookfield Township, to Shorty and Dorothy (Williams) Wolf. She married Maynard (Freck) Backofen in February of 1953, and raised four children with him. After Freck’s passing, she reconnected with and married George Howe. She worked various jobs and retired from the Wesley Credit Union in 1997 as the CEO. She was very involved in her faith community, the Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Jane truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; traveling, visiting with friends and family, bowling, and crocheting. Jane had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way and an unobtrusive way of sharing her remarkable wisdom.
Jane is survived by her children, Jack (Susan) Backofen, Maynard (Sue) Backofen, Jodi Backofen and Sally (Annie Lange) Backofen; sisters, Joan (Duane) Royston, Judy (Bud) Faynor; grandchildren, Maynard (Andy) Backofen, Jessica Backofen, Alicia Backofen and Jason (Taylor) Backofen; and a multitude of stepchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Jane touched are invited to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte to celebrate her life. Visitation is Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m., and funeral services are Monday, October 15 at 3 p.m. with Pastor Tom Ott officiating. Interment will follow at Perry Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care or Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jane on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Robert W. Johncock
Robert William Johncock, 88, of Olivet, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2018. He was born January 15, 1930, in Orangeville Twp., Barry County, Mich., the son of Chester and Mabel Johncock. Robert went on to serve his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. On December 31, 1952, he married June Francis Kunkel in Charlotte. Robert spent the majority of his life working as a farmer and sheep shearer in and around the Olivet area. He had a passion for people and enjoyed helping others with their remodeling and construction projects. After his retirement Robert enjoyed spending time at his home in Frostproof, Fla. Robert was a lifelong Lutheran and belonged to congregations in Michigan.
Robert is survived by his wife, June; children, Susan (David) Moody of Olivet, Steve (Diane) Johncock of Bellevue; grandchildren, Elizabeth Moody, Jonathan (Michaela) Moody, Nathan Moody, Joseph Moody, Nehemiah Moody; great-granddaughter, Isabelle Rose Moody.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ethyl Simons.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 550 E. Shepherd Street in Charlotte, with Pastor Jim Eggert officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
To view Robert’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Gerald L. Greenfield
Gerald L. Greenfield, 83, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 2, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Charlotte on April 23, 1935, the son of Ralph and Ethelyn (Cook) Greenfield. Gerald graduated from Bellevue High School. He married Lea H. Beckner on October 16, 1954. Gerald was on the Bellevue Fire Department for 55 years and was a member of the Bellevue Conservation Club.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Lea of 63 years; children, Victoria (Richard) Glidden, Cathy (Larry) Smith, Todd Greenfield; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother; and six sisters.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Bellevue Conservation Club, 8484 Greenfield Highway in Bellevue, on Sunday, October 14, 2018, from 3 to 7 p.m.
The family requests memorial contributions be directed to the Bellevue Fire Department, 115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021.
Friends and family may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.