Obituaries
Janette M. Howard
Janette Mae Howard of Charlotte, a woman devoted to her family and friend to many, died October 18, 2018 at the age of 84. Janette was born in Jonesville, Mich. on February 25, 1934 to Homer and Valerie (Wagner) Crandell. Family was always the center of Janette’s life. She was one of eight siblings growing up, which provided a wealth of adventures. Later she fell in love and married Wayne Gilbert Howard and together they raised four children. Janette thoroughly enjoyed being a wife, mother, and grandmother, traveling, working at the family business, Howard Construction, and just being together as a family. Zoey, her daily four-legged walking partner, meant the world to Janette. Friends could always be found in her weekly routine throughout her lifetime. Janette believed in unconditional love of others and was deeply treasured by many in return.
Janette is survived by her daughters, Maria (Gary) Seybert, Nancy (Rodney) Mott, Sherrie (Steve) Hewitt; son, Terry Howard; grandchildren, Brandy Mott, Shannon Marshall, Mykl Howard, Tara Howard, Ryon Mott, Kellie Mott, Jason Mott, Josh Hewitt, and Tonja Hewitt; and siblings, Frank Crandell, Raymond Crandell, Violet McCrimon, and Doris Wight.
She was predeceased by her husband, Wayne Gilbert Howard in 2006; son in-law, Rodney Mott; brothers, Darrell Crandell, Billy Crandell, Jerry Crandell; her parents and her beloved dog, Zoey.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte VFW Post 2406.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Janette on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Kathy N. Hain
Kathy Noah Hain, 74, of Rochester, Mich. died August 31, 2018. She was born in Jackson, Mich. on September 12, 1943. She was the daughter of Elliott “E.J.” Noah and Helen Parks Noah. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961 and from Central Michigan University in 1965, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.
Kathy married Tony Hain December 17, 1967 and they raised their children, Kristen and Scott, in Flushing, and then Rochester. Kathy was a realtor for 17 years with Weir, Manuel, Snyder and Reinke. She was a member of the Meadowbrook Women’s Club and the Meadowbrook Theatre Guild. She was a founder of the Women’s Fund, which is part of the Rochester Community Fund. She enjoyed reading and discussing novels, cooking and entertaining in style, home decorating, European travel, fashion and gardening.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Tony; her daughter, Kristen and her husband, Ken McPherson; her son, Scot and his wife, Amy; and her adored grandchildren, Jacob, Maggie, Henry, and Helen McPherson, and Kate and Sam Hain. She is also survived by her sister, Leila Noah Klaiss and her husband, Neil; and many nieces and nephews, including Melissa Klaiss Martino and Libby Klaiss.
She was predeceased by her parents and granddaughter, Hannah Hain.
Funeral services were held September 6, 2018 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester.
Maxine M. Fhaner
Maxine M. (Brooks) Fhaner passed away October 20, 2018 at the age of 91.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert C. Fhaner.
Maxine was born and raised in Grandville, Mich., the daughter of Roy and Eva Brooks.
She is survived by her son, Jerry (Eileen) Fhaner; daughter, Jill Krusell; granddaughter, Sally (Alex) Krusell; and great-granddaughters, Kidist, Aynalem and Tarikwa. Maxine worked at the Accident Fund in Lansing, moved with Bob to the Houghton Lake area for 35 years, where she worked for Kronner Pharmacy for many years. She loved to paint, do needlepoint, read and she did crossword puzzles daily. Her mind was sharp even to the end. Maxine and Bob returned to Eaton County in 2008, spending their last years near family and childhood friends.
There are no funeral services being planned.
Cards and condolences can be sent to Jerry Fhaner, 5134 Nellies Lane, Charlotte, MI 48813.
Phillip H. Merrifield
Phillip “Phil” Herbert Merrifield, a man who enjoyed his morning coffee and, in the evening, an Old Milwaukee, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 18, 2018. Phil, 73, was born February 17, 1945 in Grand Rapids to Herbert and Evelyn (Windquest) Merrifield. Phil enjoyed being outdoors; he took a strong pride in his yard and his garden. He loved having cookers in his backyard and having the entire family over. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Phil loved cruising the backroads in his black streaker van. He always told his children “if you’re kicking up dust you’re going too fast.” Phil had a strong passion for singing; every Thursday he could be found singing to the patients at the Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services. His love for singing was passed down to his children. Above all, Phillip adored his family. He never forgot a family member’s birthday and always treated you to a cake on your special day.
Phil is survived by his loving family; first wife, Jane Merrifield-Gidner; children, Martha (Terry) Bryant, John Merrifield, Jack (Benita) Merrifield; grandchildren, Steven Bryant, Michael Bryant, Hunter Merrifield, Angel Merrifield, Arianna, and their mother, Tara Ankney; siblings, Roger (Marilyn) Merrifield, Rick (Linda) Merrifield; foster children, Tara Siler, Sean Brady, and Troy Brady.
Phil was predeceased by his parents, and grandson, Joshua Bryant.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Phillip on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Daniel J. Nordenbrock
Daniel Joseph Nordenbrock, 87, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2018. He was born November 3, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Helen (Brunsman) Nordenbrock. Dan graduated from Connersville High School in 1949. After graduation Dan met the love of his life Mary M. Carey while serving in the United States Air Force. They were married on June 23, 1956. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in 1961. Dan worked as a computer systems analyst for Care-Free Windows in Charlotte and retired after many years of service. Dan was an extremely handy person and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed reading and taking his dog, Timmy for his daily walks through Bennett Park. Dan was also a tireless volunteer for Eaton Community Palliative Care, Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, and Meals on Wheels. Dan was also a great storyteller. He would often change them up from time to time, just to keep things interesting.
Dan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary; children, David Nordenbrock of Grand Rapids, Martha Cooper of Grand Rapids, Ruth (Bob) Blameuser of Antioch, Ill., Joseph Nordenbrock of Grand Rapids, Sara (Ralph) Rounds of Hart, Danny Nordenbrock of Alpena, Kevin Nordenbrock of Antioch; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Anne Carter of Florida; brother, Kenneth (Sally) Nordenbrock of Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joan Smith, Willis Nordenbrock, Fred Nordenbrock, and Joe Nordenbrock.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Dan’s honor to St. Mary Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Dan’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.