Obituaries
Beverly A. Smith
Beverly Ann Smith, 82, of Charlotte, died on March 5 of 2018. She was born July 20, 1935 in Harrison, Mich. to Paul and Laura Catron. She graduated from Charlotte High School class of 1953. Bev worked for Fowler’s Chevy-Olds for 26 years as office manager, and then stayed on with the family handling their affairs for an additional 10 years. Afterward she worked in the accounting office for the Charlotte Wal-Mart for 15 years. In between all of that she sold Avon products for 25 years.
Bev belonged to the local chapter of American Business Women’s Association, and was the business woman of the year twice, and was awarded business woman of the decade once. Bev was a member of the Hayes-Green Beach auxiliary for 15 years, and volunteered in the gift shop at the hospital. She especially liked the used book sales.
Bev leaves behind her daughter, Lynn Ann (Mark) Zimmerman; son, Ray Smith; three grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah) Zimmerman of Omaha, Neb., Melissa (Jonathan) Timm of Tecumseh, Mich., and William (Candice Lonzer) Zimmerman of Adrian; and three great-grandchildren. Bev also leaves two surviving sisters, Ann (Robert) O’Brien, and Mary Krotcsky; as well as two step-sisters, Beva Lee Smith of Grand Ledge, and Jean Berryhill of Charlotte; two special cousins, Judy Hamp of Lansing, and Sylvia Speer of Traverse City.
Bev is preceded in death by her sister, Ruth (Dean) Carey.
Special thanks to friends and neighbors, Vanda Warren, and Bob and Pam Curtis. A big thank you to special friends, Pat Misler and family, and Betty Rosenbrook and family.
“Love you guys.” –Bev
Donations may be made directly to the family.
Larry H. Bates
Larry Herbert Bates, a loving father, grandfather, husband, son and brother, 60, of Lansing, died on Sunday, March 4, 2018. He was born on February 22, 1958 to Roy “Jerry” and Dorothy (Roper) Bates in Lansing. Larry graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1976. Larry worked at Motor Wheel and later as a truck driver for Coolidge Glass before his retirement in 1997.
Larry was a family man. He adored spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was the grandpa that was known for spending quality time with his grandchildren, whether it was getting down to their level to play with their toys or simply passing his knowledge onto them. Larry was an avid archery and gun hunter, as well as a woodworker. He loved building things with his hands. Camping was also a passion for Larry. A memory that his family will always cherish is camping in the infield at MIS during a NASCAR race. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt Sr. Larry is known for his keen sense of direction while traveling. Above all, Larry will be remembered as being a doer who was always willing to help out, and for his love for his family.
Larry is survived by his children, Tim Bates, Christina Gentilozzi, Victoria (Anthony) Singleterry, Ricky (Fiancé Skylar Hunt) Bates, Chase Bates, Paris Bates, Dimere Bates and Heavenly Bates; wife, Corrina “Cory” Bates; grandchildren, Trenton Bates, Sedric Bates, Jeremiah Maurer, Logan Maurer, Paige Allen, Emmalee Bates, Gabriella Gentilozzi, Oliver Singleterry, Alyssa Singleterry and Esmeralda Singleterry; mother, Dorothy; sister, Robin (Ken) Hill; sister in-law and brother in-law, Wanda and Jeff Bancroft, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry.
A celebration of Larry’s life will be held Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, with Pastor Mike Arnold officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Windsor Township Fire and Ambulance Services. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Larry on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Merle L. Willis
Merle L. Willis, 94, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018. He was born March 24, 1923 in Bellevue to Guy and Mary Pearl (Cosgrove) Willis. Merle graduated from Bellevue High School in 1940 and worked as a machinist for the Grand Trunk Railroad before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving in WW II and the Korean conflict.
He married Arlene (Hendershot) April 16, 1948. Over the years they lived in Battle Creek and Charlotte, retiring to the cottage he built on Marble Lake in Quincy. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and spent winters in Florida for over 20 years.
Merle was a loving husband, father, poppa, uncle, and friend to many. He was a skilled tool and die maker and a handyman, always tinkering with some project in his garage. He was a member of the VFW and the First Congregational Church in Charlotte.
Merle is survived by his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Arlene; daughters, Joyce (Stan) Otto of Otsego, and Jan (John) Simonsen of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Melissa McPherson of Hawkinsville, Ga., Matthew (Elizabeth) McPherson of Otsego, Christine (Darin) DeCator of Nunica, Mich., and Paula (Greg) Falcon of Bryan, Texas; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Leo G. Thrall of Hale, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Meda Ellen Thrall.
Special thanks are extended to his loving caregiver Amanda Johnson-Hegel, the nurses at Oaklawn Wound Clinic in Marshall, and the doctors and staff at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787 or Hospital Hospitality House, 1800 Henson, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
A celebration of life will be held at later date.
Lori A. Like
Lori Ann Like, a compassionate, hard-working wife, mother, grandmother and animal lover, died after a brief illness on February 26, 2018 in Battle Creek. Lori, 46, of Charlotte, was born March 6, 1971 in Charlotte, the daughter of Robert E “Buzz” and Diane Louise (Welch) Myers. She graduated from Potterville High School in 1989 before starting her family. Lori worked for Wildern’s Drug Store, Carl’s Supermarket, and most recently at Wal-Mart, where she greeted everyone with a smile.
Lori is survived by her husband of 12 years, Paul Allen Like; son, Brandon (Lora) Myers; daughter, Crystal Piper; grandchildren, Kelsey Myers and Karley Myers; step-children, Angela Ann Like, Paul Braford Like, and Julie Marie Braford Like; brothers, Mike Myers and Kevin Myers; and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, Buzz and Diane Myers.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 5, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Tom Evans officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lori on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Elizabeth I. Herban
Elizabeth Iola Herban, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sibling, who dedicated her life to helping others, of Charlotte, died Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Ann Arbor. Elizabeth was born April 22, 1956 in Mason to Phillip and Iola (Baker) Hayhoe. She was a 1974 graduate of Everett High School. During high school Elizabeth met her sweetheart Gregory Herban. On April 27, 1974, Elizabeth and Greg got married and together created their legacy. With Gregory being in the military, the couple lived on numerous military bases around the world. Elizabeth worked on the civilian side of the base as a restaurant manager. She was the first to welcome the soldiers home from Desert Storm at the restaurant. This reflected Elizabeth’s heart of gold and willingness to help anyone in need. Once Elizabeth moved back to Michigan she worked as a CNA at local nursing homes. Crafting was a hobby for Elizabeth as well as cooking, an interest she passed down to her children. Above all Elizabeth cherished being a mother and grandmother.
Elizabeth is survived by husband, Gregory; children, Greg (Teraesa) Herban, Dale (Brandy) Herban, Andrew (Kelli) Herban; eight grandchildren; siblings, Eugene (Debbie) Hayhoe, Joann (Ed) Greismer, and Bonnie (Roy) Melton.
She is predeceased by her daughter, Samantha; and her parents.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Battle Creek VA Medical Center or The Wounded Warrior Project.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Elizabeth on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.