Obituaries
Betty J. Ulrich
Betty Joan Ulrich, loving mother, grandmother and lifelong caregiver for others, passed away on July 8, 2018, at the age of 86. She was born on August 17, 1931 in Charlotte, the daughter of Vera and William Shoemaker. Betty married her true love, Bernard L. Ulrich, on November 28, 1959. Betty was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was also active with the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a past President.
Betty met Bernie while working at Consumers Power and went on to positions at Owens-Illinois, at St. Mary School as a school bus driver, and then retired from Charlotte Public Schools in 1989, as a secretary in the Special Education Department.
Betty enjoyed crafts, traveling, and going to their cottage that Bernie built near Harrison, on Deer Lake. She also enjoyed spending winters in Ruskin, Florida, with Bernie. They enjoyed camping, taking trips with tour groups and quick trips to the casino.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Tamara and her husband, Marcus Hartman, and Cynthia, and her husband, John Coon; grandchildren, Benjamin (Briana) Hartman, Laura (Jacob) Braun, Amanda Hartman, and Nicholas, Brooke and Zachary Coon. Also surviving are her sister, Naomi “Sky” Cowan; sister-in-law, Margaret (Eugene) Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by husband, Bernie, in 2009; her parents, Vera and William Shoemaker; brother, Nelson Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Marian Pohl, Dolores Orweller and Burlene Schafer; and brothers-in-law, Norbert Pohl and Leon Schafer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 12, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice. The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Betty’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Mary E. Kenyon
Mary Ellen Kenyon, 67, of Charlotte, who lived a life of generosity and caring, died June 27, 2018. Mary was born June 12, 1951 in Detroit to Leo and Marie (O’Neil) Stelly. She was a social worker at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for 25 years, retiring in January 2018. Mary was extremely crafty and loved woodworking, embroidery, and was a master calligrapher. She enjoyed eating out, yard sales, and “GoodWilling,” as well as watching birds in her sunroom for relaxation. She often showed her compassionate and generous nature by making donations to different charitable organizations. Mary devoted her life to caring for others. She was a great mom that loved her boys and was very close friends with them.
Mary is survived by her sons, Jonathon (Amanda) Kenyon and Andrew Kenyon; brothers, John (Joan) Stelly and Paul (D’Ann) Stelly; grandchildren, Aurora, Jordan, and Austin; as well as several nieces and nephews; and best-friend, Randi Colestock.
She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Marie Stelly; and her brother, Francis.
Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family at visitation and memorial services on July 10, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. on July 10, with Memorial Services following at 1 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to National Public Radio (NPR), or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activities Department.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Bruce B. Hart
Bruce Burleson Hart, a man of integrity and service to others, died peacefully at the age of 78 on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Charlotte. Bruce was born April 19, 1940 in Charlotte, the son of Max and Esther (Burleson) Hart. As a 12-year-old boy, he met his life-long friend and future wife, Marilyn, on the 4th of July. They remained best friends through high school and participated together in many activities. Bruce played trombone in the band and was a talented member of the debate team. After graduating from Olivet High School, Bruce attended one year of Olivet College before transferring to Western Michigan University. Concurrently, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving summers in officer candidate school. He graduated from WMU in 1962 before serving four years active duty from 1962-1966 in Newport, Rhode Island. Bruce would remain in the Navy reserves until 1984, retiring after 22 years of service to his country.
Following his service in Rhode Island, Bruce moved to Washington D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University. During his second year, he was honored to be asked to be a member of the Law Review. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1969 before working briefly for the Internal Revenue Service. He moved to Dallas, Texas, where he opened his own private law practice and taught law at Southern Methodist University. During this time, he served as a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
Bruce and Marilyn, despite decades living separate lives, both returned home to Charlotte within a few years of each other. They were married January 1, 2000 and lived a life of love, Christian Faith and community service. They were members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte and volunteered for many local groups and helped countless people in many capacities. Bruce was active in the Gideons and Charlotte Rotary Club. He received the volunteerism award for Guiding Harbor in 2018 and served 20 years on the Board of InterVarsity Christian Club. He operated his own private practice law firm in Charlotte, using his expertise to help many in need and organize countless service organizations. Many will remember Bruce for his service to others, to his country, and to his Faith.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughter, Alexandra Hart; brothers, Barry (Mary) Hart and Ben Hart; a niece; two nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Bruce’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, July 14, at 1 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the service.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to John MacArthur’s Ministry “Grace to You” PO Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412, or to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bruce on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.