Obituaries
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.
Mary Lou Schneckenberger (Terwilliger)
Mary Lou Schneckenberger, the perfect mother and grandmother, died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 1, 2018 surrounded by family. Mary Lou, 87, of Charlotte, was born November 6, 1930 in Charlotte, the daughter of Ivan and Doris (Veeder) Terwilliger. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948, where she was a proud majorette. She continued her baton twirling at Western Michigan University before marrying her life-long love, Richard Schneckenberger on July 31, 1949. Mary Lou remained a lifelong sports fan, supporting her brother, Wayne “Twig” Terwilliger throughout his long baseball career, even on the field during the Minnesota Twins World Series victories. She was a fierce Tiger Baseball fan, never missing a game, and enjoyed cheering on the MSU Spartans.
Mary Lou enjoyed time spent showing quarter horses with her daughter and granddaughter, and served as secretary for the Michigan Quarter Horse Association (MQHA). She was also MQHA member of the year and a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Throughout her life, she played bridge with a very tight group of longtime friends. Above all, Mary Lou treasured time spent with her family.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 68 years, Richard L. Schneckenberger; children, Patti Wright, Mike (Carol) Schneckenberger and Nancy (Kevin) Fullerton; grandchildren, Summer (Vinni) Ingalls, Kalyn Schneckenberger, Sonny (Jeff) Grendel, Ryan Schneckenberger, and Tyger Fullerton; great-grandchildren, Katie Spotts (Hunter Siefert), Shelby Ingalls, Wyatt Ingalls, Brogan Lynn Fullerton and Charley Kay Grendel; great great-grandchildren, Raven and Hazel Siefert; brother, Wayne (Lin) Terwilliger; and niece and nephew, Marcie and Steve Terwilliger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Richard Michael Schneckenberger; and grandson, Nicholas Michael Spotts.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Rev. Phil Hobson officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Mary Lou on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Edward E. Bentley
Edward E. Bentley, 83, of Charlotte, went home to be with his Lord on February 6, 2018. He was born January 8, 1935 in Fenton, Mich., a son of William and Florence (Blumberg) Bentley. He served with the Air Force and retired from General Motors.
Edward was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda, and an infant daughter, Amanda.
Surviving are his wife, Doris; children, Edward (Rhonda) Bentley, Tim (Tammy) Bentley, Judy (Robert) Gilpin, Jan Kollins and Gary Bentley; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Marilyn) Bentley; sister, Marian (Wes) Henney; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Oneida Gospel Church, with Pastor Larry Schrauger officiating. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge.
Arrangements were entrusted to Barker-Leik Funeral Home in Mulliken.