Obituaries
Beverly R. Trumley
Beverly Ruth Trumley, 86, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018. She was born September 17, 1931, in Lansing, the daughter of Clark and Wilma (Wood) Greenshields. Bev married Richard Lee Trumley on February 7, 1953, in Charlotte. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Bev always saw to it that the needs of others were always meet before her own. She was a gourmet cook who enjoyed preparing magnificent meals for family and friends. Bev was passionate about many different forms of art — from creating beautiful watercolor paintings, sculpting, knitting, or assembling a collage with peacock feathers. She and Dick enjoyed their numerous trips throughout the world. When they weren’t traveling they enjoyed spending time at their homes in the Florida Keys, Charlotte, and in northern Michigan. She was an avid MSU fan but was especially fond of MSU basketball. Bev was a lifelong member of the Charlotte O.E.S. and GFWC Charlotte. She also volunteered for Mobile Meals of Charlotte for many years.
Bev is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard; sons, David Lee (Ghizela) Trumley of Berlin, Germany, Stephen Richard (Debra) Trumley of Fruitport, Mich., John Howard Trumley of Charlotte; eight grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; brother, Harry (Debbie) James of Venice, Fla.; and sister, Carol Thompson of Port Townsend, Wash.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bruce Greenshields; and sister, Catherine Mahan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Bev’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Joy Arlene Hicks (Brummette)
Joy Arlene Hicks, 77, of Charlotte passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. She was born February 17, 1940, in Eaton Rapids, the daughter of Earl and Kressa (Calhoun) Brummette. Joy was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time together around the bonfire. Joy loved all things outdoors. Whether it was gardening, picking up sticks, or enjoying a Bud Light with friends, she loved it all. You could also find her frequenting all the local garage sales during the summer months.
The family would like to especially thank the tremendous staff at Sensations in Charlotte and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for their wonderful care during Joy’s illness.
Joy is survived by her children, Jodie (Charlie) McLean of Grand Ledge, Mark (Michele) Montgomery of Charlotte, Janele (Chris) Rankin of Olivet; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Eddy (Marlene) Brummette, Shirley (Dick) Crosslan, Dick (Janet) Brummette, Doug (Joanie) Brummette, Bev Geiser, and Barb Bodell.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family will receive friends at a memorial gathering on Saturday, February 17, 2018, from noon to 2 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.
Those desiring may make contributions in Joy’s honor to Sensations Memory Care, 511 E Shepherd St., Charlotte, MI 48813; Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202; or Eaton County Humane Society, PO Box 233, Olivet, MI 49076.
To view Joy’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
James Robert Ensign
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 9-10
February 3, 2018, at the age of 89, James Robert Ensign rose on the wings of the morning to dwell at the right hand of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As an ordained Lutheran minister, Bob’s Christian faith was the bedrock of his life, and he centered all he did on his belief in God’s promises of grace and forgiveness, redemption and everlasting life.
He is survived by Mary, his loving wife of 68 years; daughters, Elizabeth (Barry) Latoszewski of Vermontville, Mary Copping of Whitehall, Sarah (Tom) Gruber of Rockford, Laura (Brad) Beyer of Onsted; and his son, Paul (Terry) Ensign of Blanco, Texas; along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his older brother, Earl (Katherine) Ensign of Toledo; and brother-in-law, Carl (Joyce) Satre of Syracuse, Ind.
Bob was born March 22, 1928 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Earl Scott Ensign and Grace Borgelt Ensign. He graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1946, attended the University of Toledo, and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He and his dear “Marybelle” were married by her father, the Rev. W. Carl Satre on April 14, 1950 at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Toledo. He worked as a journeyman pattern maker for his father at the Ensign Foundry in Toledo for several years. They moved to Springfield, Ohio where he enrolled at Wittenberg University, and the Hamma School of Divinity. In May 1961 he was ordained as a Lutheran minister (ULCA/LCA). He served as pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Springfield, Ohio; All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington, Ohio; and Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe, Mich. A talented photographer, he later joined the La-Z-Boy Chair Company in Monroe as head of commercial photography and cinematography.
In 1988 Bob and Mary moved to Cedarville, Mich. and became faithful members of Bethel Lutheran Church. A man of boundless curiosity, Bob used retirement to pursue his many interests as a licensed pilot with an instructor rating, a HAM radio enthusiast, photographer, sailor, and serious amateur astronomer. A skilled woodworker, he crafted numerous wooden boats including a 24-foot twin masted “Sharpie” sailboat, which he christened “Wings of Morning.” In 2002, at 74, he sailed this boat solo on Lake Huron in a roundtrip east from Cedarville to circumnavigate Drummond Island.
The Ensigns moved to Charlotte in 2004 to be closer to their children and found a welcoming family at First Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Bob continued his studies in astronomy and enjoyed many nights of stargazing from his backyard. Bob and Mary became residents of Cambrian Assisted Living in Tecumseh, Mich. in 2015 with a church home at Grace Lutheran. They returned to Charlotte in 2017 as residents of the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services. The family wishes to thank the staff at ECHRS and Sparrow Hospital for their compassionate care. We rejoice in Bob’s triumph over death, and say with the Apostle Paul: “Thanks Be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us the victory!”
Funeral services were held Thursday, February 8, 2018 at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte, with Rev. Timothy Olson officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church of Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Bob on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Richard Eugene Halstead
Richard Eugene Halstead, 70, prankster and lover of all things related to fast cars, died February 6, 2018 at his home in Bellevue. Richard was born December 3, 1947 in Three Rivers, Mich. to Herbert and Doris (Crawford) Halstead. He was a very funny person who loved to joke around. His passion was going fast, he was known for his love of cars (especially hot rods), racing, and as a gear head. Richard was very proud of his service to his country, serving in the Army during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged and later enlisted in the Air Force for 3 ½ years, and after his honorable discharge again enlisted, this time in the National Guard. Richard married Marie A. Roth on October 4, 1969. They loved spending time with family, and traveling, especially out west.
Richard is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marie; son, Rick (Amber) Halstead Jr.; daughter, Laura (Robert) Wiborn; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Geraldine Jaquez; and brothers, James (Linda) Halstead, John (Paula) Halstead, and Roger Halstead.
He was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Herbert Jr.
Funeral services are Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Chuck Jenson officiating. Visitation will be just prior to the service, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Richard on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Jacquelyn Darlene Ames (Carter)
Jacquelyn Darlene Ames of Charlotte, a highly respected woman of Christian values and rock for many people, died February 5, 2018 with her family by her side. Jackie, 79, was born October 2, 1938 in Eaton Rapids to Harold and Irene (Tyler) Carter. Jackie graduated from Charlotte High School in 1956, and on October 26, 1957 she married David Ames. Together they raised their children in the church, serving many different ministries. Jackie was a prayer warrior and lived a life celebrating her Lord and Savior. She was very proud of her family and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren hosting many get-togethers and making everyone feel special and loved.
Jackie spent 12 years living in a motorhome, traveling to mountains and beaches with her husband, and serving as evangelists to churches in several states. She loved spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants and experiencing new adventures. In her younger years, she worked for Michigan Bell prior to the implementation of 9-1-1, and helped save a life. Other places Jackie worked include Care Free Industries, World Magnetics, Coast to Coast Hardware, and as a church secretary.
Jackie is survived by her husband of 60 years, David Ames; children, Tami (Richard) Nederhoed and Randy (Rainel) Ames; daughter in-law, Kim Ames; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Steve Whitaker and Dan Whitaker; sister, Connie Whitaker-Ames.
She was predeceased by her parents; son, Dennis in 2006; brothers, Jerry Carter and Virgil Carter; sister, Jean Carter; and brother, Rod Whitaker.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 9, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Shane Bryant officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Charlotte Assembly of God Jackie Ames Memorial Fund.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jackie on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.