Obituaries
Linda L. Silvas
Linda Louise Silvas of Charlotte, beloved “Old Woman” (a nickname given to her by her grandson, Kenny), died February 11, 2019, just a short four months after her beloved husband passed. Linda, 76, was born December 12, 1942 in Charlotte, to Elwood and Eunice (Fladeboe) Whitinger. Linda was the youngest of five sisters, with one brother younger than her. Linda worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for several years, and then on the line at AE Hoover until they closed. She was a regular at Firekeepers Casino, and QVC Queen shopper with daily deliveries to make sure she had a gift for every occasion.
With a very large extended family on both parents’ sides, family gatherings were always happening and Linda relished her large family and knowing the scoop of any family story. Mexican food was one of Linda’s specialties, she made great tortillas and Spanish rice, as well as amazing fudge and all kinds of special recipes. She loved to share her huge garden and taught many of the neighborhood kids about vegetable growing. A “Master Planner” for all occasions, Linda even chose the photos to use for her own memorial service during her final days. A master at putting everyone else first, she always made sure that her children, and then her grandchildren, had what they needed.
Linda is survived by her children, Jodie (Steve) Driver, Rob (Michelle) Silvas, Amy (Aaron) Sawatzki and Angel (Eric) Bartlett; grandchildren, Jennifer (Thomas) Hoffman, Kenny (Annalesha) Silvas, Todd (Sarell) Driver, Rikki (James) Shepherd, Randi Sawatzki, Robby (Kayla) McElhaney; great-grandchildren, Martina and Landon Hoffman, Devin and Drake Silvas, Aubrie and Kameron Driver, Madeline and Gemma Shepherd, Stevie and Raelynn Sawatzki, Ellie Mae and baby due in July, McElhaney; great-great-granddaughter, Dylan Rae; siblings, Wilma Campbell, Leila Whitinger, John (Sue) Whitinger; and many nieces and nephews and cousins. She leaves behind her husband’s large extended family as well.
She is predeceased by her husband, Matt; sisters, Lucille Tuckey and Marion Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Joseph Tuckey, and and Norman Campbell; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Linda’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Monday, February 18, 2019, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation is prior to the service, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to American Diabetes Association or Eaton Community Palliative Care.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Linda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Paul J. Makley
Paul Junior Makley, 82, of Olivet, a man who enjoyed many outdoor activities, died peacefully on February 14, 2019. He was norn March 27, 1936 in Detroit to Carlie and Melba (Strieter) Makley. He married Dolores Wheeler on July 17, 1954 in Angola, Ind., and they raised four daughters together. A great story-teller, Paul loved to embellish his adventures, which went well with his hobbies of hunting, fishing, and golf. Paul was a union construction man for 23 years, self-employed construction for six years, and most recently the State of Michigan Department of Public Health for 26 years until his retirement in 1996.
Paul is survived by his daughters, Christine (Joe) Anderson, Kathleen (Steve) Hoard, Karen (Carl) Dickie, and Connie (John) Stark; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and brother, Kenneth (Nancy) Makley.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores; brother, Fred Makley; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support the Makley family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Monday, February 18, at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Jack Brown officiating. Visitation is Sunday, February 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Olivet Lions Club. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Paul on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Deborah A. Ramirez
Deborah Ann Ramirez, 52, of Charlotte passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 7, 2019. She was born in Bay City, Texas on December 1, 1966, the daughter of Rose Castaneda. Deb graduated from Charlotte High School, Class of 1985. She was a proud worker and kitchen manager at Mike’s Sports Page in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. Deb had many friends and enjoyed her time with each of them.
Deb is survived by her children, Irvin Champlin, Casey Champlin and Hannah Johnson; mother, Rose (Bob) Cook; grandchildren, Mya Champlin, Donald Mitschke, Alani Champlin and Liam Champlin; great-grandson, Sebastian Wendel; siblings, Tommy (Sherry) Ramirez, Randy Ramirez and Holly (Glenn) LaPere, nieces, nephews and many cousins.
A memorial service was held on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Royston of New Hope Church officiating. The family received friends on Friday, February 15, 2019 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Deb’s memory to the family to help with funeral expenses. There will be a pool tournament on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2 p.m., held at CB’s. Contributions may also be given on the Go Fund Me Page on Facebook (https://www.gofundme.com/5pavjz-in-loving-memory-of-deborah-ramirez?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dn_cpgnstaticxlarge_r), Mike’s Sports Page, CB’s and Evelyn Bay.
Patrice A. Halloran
Patrice “Pat” Annette Halloran, a loving mother and grandmother, died Friday, February 8, 2019 in Lansing. Patrice was born December 31, 1946 in Battle Creek, the daughter of R.G. and Sharon (Ellis) Rounds. Pat graduated high school in Galveston, Texas, before returning to Michigan, where she raised her family and worked nearly 30 years with General Motors. Pat loved sports, especially the MSU Spartans, and playing cards with her friends. She was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed trips to the casino. The most important part of her life was time spent with family, especially following her great-grandchildren as their No. 1 fan through their many sporting events. All of the many family friends will miss “Grandma Pat” cheering from the sidelines.
Pat is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Bill) Rounds; grandchildren, Ashley (Rob), Tori (Brittany), Heather, Holly, Hailey (William), Tyler, Tara, and Corrie; great-grandchildren, Devon, Braylen, Camden, Ariana, Dominik, Ali, Matthew, Dougie, Evelyn, MyKenzie, Luna and Abel; and her best friend of 50-plus years, Yvonne “Sis” Moore.
She is predeceased by her daughters, Christine Halloran and Stephanie (Halloran) Amos; and her mother, father, and step-mother, Gladys Rounds.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 11, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Pat on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Rickie D. Starkweather
Rickie Duane Starkweather, son of Theo Duane and Shirley Mae Starkweather (Burkett), entered into eternal sleep January 29, 2019 at 59 years of age.
He is preceded in death by brother, Jerry Starkweather.
He leaves behind sister, Vickie (Ronnie) Corbins of Charleston, S.C.; brothers, Randy Starkweather, Terry (Arline) Starkweather of Phoenix, Ariz.; aunts, Flora Cousins of Vermontville, Rachel (Jim) Clark of Lake Odessa; and many cousins and friends.
He will surely be missed.