Obituaries
Growing up in Leelenau County, the movies always served as an escape for Leann Owen. Heading into Traverse City to see a movie at the State Theatre, or into Honor to catch a flick at the drive in, is some of her most cherished childhood memories.
Her love affair for movies has only grown in the past 18 years as she has worked her way from part-time employee at the Eaton Theatre in downtown Charlotte, to manager, and now owner.
Owen and her partner Tim Conley closed on the purchase of the Eaton Theatre on Friday, Oct. 5, setting in motion a number of plans Owen has for an enhanced community experience.
“I’ve had 18 years to think about what I could do with this place,” Owen said.
She said her first plan is to open the north wall of the lobby with two arched doorways that will lead to a classic 1980s-style arcade. The room located on the south end of the lobby will then transition to a virtual reality gaming room. Owen said she plans to have the gaming rooms open by Thanksgiving.
“At that point we can extend our hours and be a place kids can come after school,” Owen said. “It will be a place for people to hang out … not just teens, but families too. We’ll then add afternoon show times during the week.”
Continuing to be an affordable place for families to enjoy time together is a top priority. Owen has created a lot of community relationships through the theatre over the years. Her children spent countless hours with her there, one of the reasons she stayed on as manager long as she did.
“We’re here because we love it and we can sustain the cost of staying open,” Owen said. “We don’t need to make a lot of money. I want it to always be affordable to this community.”
In addition to being affordable, Owen plans to increase the theatre’s community involvement, building on the free family movies she instituted a number of years ago. Coming up Oct. 27 and 28, the Eaton Theatre gets in the Halloween spirit by offering a free showing of Hocus Pocus. Owen said the announcement of the event has already generated interest from more than 1,200 people, by far the theatre’s biggest event. She plans to show Wreck it Ralph during Small Business Saturday, coinciding with the release of Wreck it Ralph 2.
Her plans for the theatre are big, and will take time to complete. In addition to the new arcade, Owen said she plans to move the ticket booth back to the front entrance, and expand the lobby area to restore a classic 1940s or 50s feel. She also has plans to restore the marquee that was removed last year, though that project comes with a big price tag.
“People are going to see a lot of changes,” Owen said. “But, we have to take them one step at a time.”
The planned improvements are on top of renovations that have taken place in the last several years, which include a new roof, new furnaces, new lobby cooling system, ceiling fans in the main theatre that help circulate heat, digital projectors and new screens, reupholstered seats, and an updated sound system in each booth.
“A lot of what has been done recently isn’t that noticeable to customers,” Owen said. “There have been a lot of little improvements along the way, but I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Eaton Theatre, located at 235 S. Cochran Avenue in downtown Charlotte, is a first run movie theatre with a 500-seat lower theatre, and 150-seat second-floor theatre. For show times, find their weekly ad in The County Journal, and follow Eaton Theatre on Facebook.
Cody C. Wickens
Cody Charles Wickens, a very loving person with a large heart for others, died unexpectedly September 24, 2018. Cody, 34, was born January 29, 1984 in Charlotte to Loreen (Griffin) and David Wickens. As he grew up, everyone knew Cody as a very strong-willed and relentless young man when he found something he wanted to do. Cody proved despite any limitations others thought he had, that he could persevere on many levels. He enjoyed glass etching (which he developed into a craft business), woodworking, fishing, hunting, and had a fond curiosity about airplanes and electrical systems. Generous and caring, he was a good uncle and son, and lived a life looking for ways to be giving. He loved his family, and his service dog, Shadow.
Cody is survived by his mother, Loreen Wickens (Daryl Brodbeck); father, David (Vicki) Wickens; sister, Mandy (Matthew) Grosshans; niece, Faith Wickens; nephews, Austin Wickens and Gavin Grosshans; uncles, Blake (Jane) Griffin, Lynn Griffin, and Loren (Debra) Griffin; aunts, Belinda (James) Gould, Brenda (AC) Griffin-Bradley, Linda Whipple, and Peggy (Jeff) Mariucci; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by step-brother, Curtis Harris; grandparents, Thais Griffin, Dexter Griffin, Ronald and Nancy Wickens; and aunt, Debra Delong.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 28, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Rocky Spear officiating. Visitation was held two hours prior to the service on Friday, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Epilepsy Discovery Fund at The University of Michigan.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cody on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Patricia A. Prescott
Patricia “Pat” Ann Prescott, 85, of Vermontville, loving wife, mother, and grandmother passed on September 24, 2018. Pat was born February 24, 1933 to Lester and Lena Lynd in Charlotte. She married the love of her life, Cleo Prescott, on April 9, 1954. In her younger years, Pat worked at The Charlotte Shopping Guide, Maple Valley Community Education, Aluminum Extrusions, and Farm Bureau. Later during retirement, Pat and Cleo owned and operated their own ceramic shop in Vermontville, where she made exquisite ceramic pieces and also taught ceramic classes to the public for many years. She enjoyed many hobbies, including ceramics, crocheting, quilting, cooking, gardening, camping and yard work, to name a few. Pat spoke directly and to the point, she was extremely talented and capable.
Pat is survived by her children, Mari Martin and Michael Prescott; granddaughter, Dayanara Sanar Ryelle- “Lindsey.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo Frederick Prescott; sisters, Dorothy Hopkins and Margaret Winans; brothers, Robert Lynd and Tom Winans; and her parents Lester and Lena Lynd.
Friends are encouraged to support Pat’s family at visitation and memorial services are on Saturday, September 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. for visitation with a Memorial Service at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Pat on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Robert L. Senko
Robert Lester Senko, a “phenomenal” and loving husband, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018. Robert, 68, was born on the Fourth of July in Brown City, Mich., the son of Francis and Betty (Bates) Senko. Trained as an Army surveyor, he carried those career skills into civilian life. He qualified as an expert rifle marksman. He was a member of the Boulder City Elks #1682, an Honorary member of the Boulder City Does #34, a member of American Legion China Post #1, Nellis Radio Amateur Club and Las Vegas Radio Amateur Club. He was a long-time member of GWRRA NV-A Vegas Wings Motorcycle Club and served as Chapter and Nevada District Treasurer for many years. He volunteered countless hours of support for annual charitable events, including the Baker to Vegas Law Enforcement Relay Races, MS Society Bike Runs, Diabetes Foundation bicycle runs, Las Vegas Corporate Challenge, and for the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. He received awards for “Volunteer of the Year” from, the Baker to Vegas Relay (2006 and 2013), the Nevada MS Society (2007), and the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce (2010-2011).
Robert is survived by Denise (Feldpausch), his wife of 36 years; children, Randy (Chasity) Senko, Trevor Senko and Mindy Senko; grandchildren, Lucas, Ashley and Bryce, brother Gary Senko, and numerous extended family members.
A funeral service was held Sunday, September 23, 2018, at Palm Memorial Park in Henderson, Nev. A memorial service will also be held at noon, on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the Believers Church Administration Building, 15200 S. Wright Road in Grand Ledge. A celebration of life gathering will be held immediately following the service at the same location.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund.
Jonathon Eggleston
Jonathon “Tom Hamilton” Eggleston, 24, of Charlotte, passed away, Thursday, September 20, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident. He was born February 17, 1994, in Charlotte, the son of Nicole Eggleston and Paul M. Hamilton.
Tom was a fun-loving kid who had a passion for farming. He could often be found tinkering around the farm when he had any spare time. Tom worked at Eaton County Farm Bureau and enjoyed being able to spend time with the other farmers he worked with.
Tom is survived by his father, Paul Martin Hamilton of Charlotte; mother, Nicole Hatcher of Ohio; aunts, Janet (Dennis) Croft of Charlotte, Brenda (Larry) Hall of Charlotte; uncle, John Hamilton of Charlotte; grandmother, Silvia Hamilton of Charlotte; and several cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, David J. Hamilton.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor David Keller officiating. Interment followed at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Tom’s memory to the family to assist with expenses.
To view Tom’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.