Obituaries
Lenore P. Schram
Lenore Pauline Schram, 91, of Nasvhille, a small but mighty woman, died peacefully July 4, 2018. She was born in Novi to Clara and LJ (Schwartz) Putnam on June 22, 1927. She married the boy next door, Hugh Schram, on August 1, 1945. Lenore started studying for her teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti after World War II. Her studies were interrupted by the birth of her children, Jodie Jenks (Nashville, Mich.) and Tim Schram (Hubbell, Mich.). As years went by, Lenore and Hugh travelled the U.S. and landed in the Lansing area. Lenore finished her teaching degree and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Education at Michigan State University. She taught sixth grade in Portland, Mich. and continued her career for 17 years as a teacher and reading specialist in the Lansing School district.
Along with busy careers in education, Lenore and Hugh bought a farm near Grand Ledge in 1956. It became their labor of love and they created AppleSchram Orchard. In 1987 they sold the farm to their niece, Jane Bush, who provided special friendship and support to her Aunt Lenore. Lenore was an expert quilter, winning blue ribbons at county fairs in Michigan and Florida. She was an avid gardener and nature lover. She found her spirit and grace when she was in the garden, walking in nature and spending time at her Canadian camp on Lake Achigan, Ontario with her dear lake friends.
Lenore is survived by her daughter, Jodie Jenks; son, Tim (Kathy) Schram; grandchildren, Scott Laakso, Debbie (Garfield) Rowe, Ira (Tracey) Schram, Emily Schram; many great and great great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Cotter; brother, Hadley Putnam (Carrie Ketterer); and many nieces and nephews; Lisa Neeb and The Luminate Care Giving Team; Joyce and Gerald Edgecomb, the best neighbors you could have; Lynn and Stan Marosz, her backyard Florida neighbors; and her cat Buffy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh; sisters, Patricia Porritt and Jane Sebastian.
Lenore’s family invites you to join them with your favorite story, poem, song, or dance at her visitation and funeral service. Funeral services are Monday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with visitation one hour prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Teacher’s Guild.
The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Lenore’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Her family will remember Lenore as a small but mighty woman who lived a big life.
Diana K. Tharp
Diana Kay Tharp, a dedicated teacher, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Charlotte. Diana, 56, of Charlotte, was born October 24, 1961, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carroll E. and Jane Anne (Smith) Tharp. She lived an active childhood, always involved in the outdoors and school activities. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1979, she earned her bachelors of education from University of South Carolina and spent more than 10 years teaching in Whitmore, S.C., and Fayetteville, N.C. She later taught science at Pansophia Charter School in Coldwater.
Diana devoted her life to her students, always inspiring the wonder of science in them. She often led expeditions along the beaches of South Carolina to rescue migrating turtles. In Michigan, she ensured that foreign exchange students found the best experience in their studies, hosting trips up North to Mackinac Island and beyond. She enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Binder Park Zoo. Diana volunteered much of her time to her community and her church. As a member of the Gresham United Methodist Church, she helped organize various activities. She served as her mother, Jane’s “right hand” at the Charlotte Community Nursery Preschool. Diana also loved special trips with her Aunts, and time spent with her nieces and nephews.
Diana is survived by her mother, Jane Ann Tharp; siblings, David (Betsy) Tharp, Sharon Gault, and Mark Tharp; aunts, Helen (Jack) Snedeker and Sue (Dick) Trimble; special nephew, Ian “Bug” Gault; and her nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by her father; aunt, Sally Vanderploeg; and her brother-in-law, Danny Gault.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Gresham United Methodist Church.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Diana on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
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.