Obituaries
Lupe Anita Wheaton, 61, of Gaylord, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 23, 2018.
Anita was born in Parma, Mich. to Franklin “Burr” and Veda Faye (Johnson) Boggs on October 15, 1956. On June 17, 1977, Anita married Nelson Wheaton, with whom she spent 41 years of marriage. She worked at General Motors with Nelson for 18 years before she retired. Anita enjoyed spending time in the outdoors, be it fishing, hunting, mushrooming, snowmobiling… you name it! And with this, she was never afraid to try new things. Most of all, though, she enjoyed spending time with her family, and they will all miss her greatly.
Anita is survived by her husband, Nelson; son, Dwayne (Traci) Crocker; step-children, Gale Wheaton, Nick (Corina) Wheaton, Terrie (Scott) Westman, and Rhonda (Brad) Mofield; grandchildren, Marci, Amanda, Kelsey, Gabby, Hailey, Logan, Chad, Raelynn, Zach, Cooper, Tyler, and Randi; great-grandson, Hudson; and sisters, Margaret Diane (Dale) Newsome and Merry Lois Reading.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Wayne Patrick and Burr Dale.
Services were held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 27, 2018.
Contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to Warriors in Pink or to Hospice of Michigan.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Kyle E. Kelley
Kyle Edwin Kelley, 50 of Vermontville, a handyman that was always known for helping others, passed away unexpectedly on June 25, 2018 at his home. Kyle was born September 23, 1967. He was very mechanically inclined, rebuilding the home of his family into their dream home. Kyle was a jack-of-all-trades, who had many hobbies and could build or fix almost anything. He was most proud of the cabin he was building that he planned to move to. He recently helped a few friends build their pole barns and other construction. Kyle had a great sense of humor, and way to make you laugh so hard you would cry. He married his beloved wife, Kelli, on August 8, 2008, although they have actually been together for 23 years.
Kyle was an animal-lover, especially German Shepherds and Pitbulls. He leaves behind his many pets including the “best dog he ever had,” Molly. Kyle’s family is very grateful for the time they had with him. He made a lasting impression on anyone he met and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Kelli (Bowen) Kelley; parents, Larry and Yvonne Kelley of Charlotte; children, Kalyn Schneckenberger and Ryan Schneckenberger; sisters, Teri (John) Price of Holt, and Amber (Marv) Argersinger of St. Johns; brother, AJ (Ali) Preston of Charlotte; mother-in-law, Sue Bowen; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Lori) Bowen and Kraig (Lisa) Bowen of Charlotte; several nieces and nephews; and two great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Max and Doris Kelley; father-in-law, Larry Bowen; and beloved dog, Shelby.
In keeping with the wishes of Kyle, there will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at the American Legion from 2 to 5 p.m.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the family if desired.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kyle on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Garry F. Craven
Garry F. Craven, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home in Elkhart, Ind. on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at the age of 71. He attended Charlotte High School, graduating in 1965.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Craven; and youngest brother, Timothy Craven.
Garry is survived by his mother, Elaine Craven; wife, Sandra Ignafol; sons, Douglas (Lisa) Craven, Mitchell (Michelle) Craven; and stepson, Stephen Krecsmar. Garry was the proud grandfather of Ethan and Olivia, Douglas’s children and Madison, Mitchell’s child. Garry will be fondly remembered by his brothers, Roger (Ruth) Craven, Gregory (Johanna) Craven; and sister, Judy (Jim) Greening and his many nieces and nephews.
Garry was a proud patriot and served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. As an avid conservationist, Garry had a deep love for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he enjoyed many seasons hunting, ATV riding, hiking and spending time with family. Remembered as “U.P. Grouser,” he will forever rest up north at Nevins Lake.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Barbara R. Pittenger
Barbara Ruth Pittenger, 89, of Charlotte, passed away Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services in Charlotte. She was born October 22, 1928, in Lansing, the daughter of Clifford and Marion (Gearhart) Bever. Barb grew up on the family farm in Grand Ledge. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1946. Barb was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and cherished every opportunity she had to spend together with them. Throughout her life Barb enjoyed listening to Big Band music and flowers. In later years she enjoyed her job at the Charlotte Walmart, where she worked as a greeter.
Barb is survived by her children, Doug (Julie) Murray of Louisa, Ky., Sharon (Gary) Russell of Nashville, Ann (Jim) LeMay of DeWitt; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and two brothers.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Interment took place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Barb’s honor to Ele’s Place in Lansing.
To leave a condolence for the family or to view Barb’s obituary online, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Richard L. Chamberlain
Richard Lyman “Dick” Chamberlain, 82, of Haslett, our beloved brother and uncle passed away June 21, 2018. He was born August 23, 1935 in Charlotte. He was a 1953 graduate of Charlotte High School. He begin his career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier in Charlotte and later in many supervisory roles in Lansing before retiring in 1990 after 35 years of service. In 1996 he went to work at Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye Golf Courses, where he made many great friends. He loved spending his winters in The Villages in Florida. He attended MSU and played the drums in the marching and concert bands. He enjoyed parades. He played in the VFW Band, Spartan Alumni Band (winning three national championships), and the Capital Caravan Club Oriental Band. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 120 of Charlotte and a member of the Lansing Commandery Drill Team. He was a member of the Eaton County Shrine Club and the Capital Commandery. He was the 1973 president of the Charlotte Lions Club. He was an avid fan of MSU sports.
Surviving are his four sisters, Beverly Meeder, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler; six nieces and nephews, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, Cindy (Dave) Dunn, Susan Oliver, Kurt Shirkey, and Kyle (Deborra) Shirkey; four great-nieces and one great-nephew.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain and nephew, Kraig Shirkey.
A celebration of Dick’s life will be held in October. We would like to thank all of Dick’s devoted friends for their support and visits during his illness.
Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Dick.
Arrangements were made by Tiffany Funeral Home. Friends may visit the guest book at tiffanyfuneralhome.com.