Obituaries
Brian V. Hillard
Brian Vern Hillard, a loving father, grandfather, son and friend, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Grand Rapids. Brian, 54, of Nashville, was born February 26, 1964 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Howard Dean and Carole Jean (Fox) Hillard. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982 before working over 20 years as a mechanic at Spartan Motors in Charlotte. He then worked seven years at Potpouri Trailer in Charlotte before his illness. Brian was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and will be remembered for his constant willingness to help others in need. Above all, Brian loved his family.
Brian is survived by his children, Dustin (Jennie) Hillard, Dan (Heather Granger) Hillard, Brittany (Brandon) VanLiew, and Jeff Hillard; grandchildren, Hogan, Dayton, Kacen, Rowan, Crewin, Leo and Daxon; father, Howard Hillard; brother, Blake (Carol) Hillard; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole and his granddaughter, Koeli.
Friends are encouraged to support Brian’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, just prior to the service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Brian on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Etoile F. Howard
Etoile Florence Howard, 92, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018 at her home. Etoile was born October 23, 1925 in Grand Ledge, a daughter of Charles and Zola (Miller) Sattler. She worked at Wilcox-Gay in Charlotte, and also McLean’s silk screening in Lansing. She enjoyed many things in her life, especially motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, camping, Tip Up Town and her little dog, Bella.
Etoile is survived by her children, Kathy Eastman, Dina Boyd, Judy Reed, Cindy (Jim) Shaver, and Lynda Keith; daughter-in-law, Kathy Priesman; a very close family friend, Trish Smith; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard; sons, Michael Priesman and Dennis Sisco; son-in-law, Vern Reed; sisters, Trellis Schneider and Wanda Martin; and her parents.
A private graveside service will be held at Pioneer Cemetery in Grand Ledge.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Etoile on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Genevieve M. Eishen
Genevieve Marie Eishen, loving mother and grandmother, was reunited in heaven with her husband, Duane on July 2, 2018, their 69th wedding anniversary. Genevieve, 87, of Olivet, was born February 17, 1931 in Olivet, the daughter of Clarence D. and Mary Catherine (Jordan) Adrianson. She graduated from Olivet (Walton) High School in 1947, where she worked briefly before starting her career with State Farm Insurance. She married Rolland Duane Eishen on July 2, 1949, and the two started their family. Genevieve retired after 29 years and enjoyed traveling with Duane to Florida, Texas and visiting family in Arizona. They enjoyed camping and time spent with their grandchildren.
Genevieve is survived by her four children, Nancy (Ron) Creech of Plainwell, Terri (Dan) DeBarr of Charlotte, Steve (Sandi) Eishen of Olivet, and Cindy (Richard) King of Gobles; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Duane; and her sisters, Shirley Knapp and Dorothy Volstromer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Darrell Clements officiating. Interment took place in Bosworth Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Genevieve on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.