Obituaries
Beverly J. Meeder
Beverly Jean Meeder, of Potterville, a dedicated volunteer, died July 11, 2018. Beverly, 89, was born May 16, 1929 in Hastings to Lyman and Gertrude (Carlyon) Chamberlain. Beverly worked at Michigan State University as a secretary in various dormitories, retiring after 25 years. She was an avid volunteer, spending time with many different organizations, including the McRee House in Lansing, Hidden Trail Gift Shop, and Ingham Medical (McLaren Greater Lansing) Gift Shop for 19 years where she was a jewelry buyer. Beverly was a member of the Brookfield Eastern Stars, Potterville Lioness Club, Potterville United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the church choir. Beverly enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, playing Pinochle, and she was an avid MSU and Detroit Tigers sports fan.
Beverly is survived by her children, Gary Meeder, Nancy Folkertsma, and Cindy (David) Dunn; grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, and Erin Dunn; and siblings, Joyce (Gary) Shirkey, Sue Huffman, and Ruth Ann Sigler.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Lyman and Gertrude Chamberlain; and her brother, Richard Chamberlain.
Friends are encouraged to support Beverly’s family at visitation and funeral services.
Funeral services are Monday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Sycamore Creek Church in Potterville, with Pastor Kathy Dobbie and Pastor Tom Fox officiating. Visitation is Sunday, July 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sycamore Creek Church Potterville Campus (formerly Potterville United Methodist Church).
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Beverly on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Henrietta E. Rice
Henrietta Elizabeth Rice, 91, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, July 9, 2018, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital. She was born January 6, 1927, in Saginaw, Mich., the daughter of Floyd Henry and Jenny Elizabeth (Heliker) Moore. On September 22, 1943 Henrietta married the love of her life Estel I. Rice. Henrietta loved her family and cherished the many precious times they spent together. She was a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and active member of First Baptist Church in Bellevue. She could often be found early in the morning enjoying a cup of hot tea and reading her Bible. Henrietta enjoyed working in her flower gardens and doing crafts in her free time. She was a fabulous homemaker and always saw to it that her family was well cared for.
Henrietta is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Freddie) Newsome of Charlotte, Judy (James) Dillon of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 17 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Powers, Suzie Cain, Mary Ellen (Jack) Lucas, Floyd (Diane) Moore, Sara Jean Zimmerman, Don (Shirley) Moore, Sue (Jerry) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Barbara Moore, Leatrice Lattavo, Aileen Hartney; brother-in-law, Dick Babcock.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Estel; siblings, Henry Moore, Bill Moore, Lillian Babcock, Bertha Rochester, Jack Moore, Tina Brophy.
Funeral services were held on Friday, July 13, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Don Francis officiating. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue.
Those desiring may make contributions in Henrietta’s honor to the First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 122 S. Main St., Bellevue, MI 49021.
To view Henrietta’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
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.