Obituaries
Eleanora R. Jarrett (Gidner)
Eleanora R. (Gidner) Jarrett, 97, of Charlotte, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Eleanora was born November 15, 1919 in Eaton Township, the daughter of Leon A. and Lulu G. (Strickland) Gidner. She was a 1937 graduate of Charlotte High School. While in Battle Creek she had been employed at Woolworths and Maggie’s Hallmark, and with her husband, had owned the Koffee Klatch. She had been employed at Joanne’s Fabrics in Charlotte and had volunteered in the Tri-County Office on Aging.
Surviving are her brother, Keith (Ellen) Gidner of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Joyce Gidner, Alice Gidner, Bruce Gidner, David Gidner, Cindy (Gary) Sabo and Brian Gidner and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Jarrett; brother, Robert Gidner and nephew, Roy Gidner.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, located at 550 E. Shepherd Street in Charlotte, with Pastor Timothy Olson officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the services at the Church.
Memorial contributions may go to the First Lutheran Church or to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Arrangements by: Burkhead-Green Funeral Home
David Arthur Crowner
David Arthur Crowner, 85, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 7, 2017 in Lansing. David was born October 8, 1931, in Lansing, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Shaffer) Crowner. He graduated from Dimondale High School before studying drafting at Michigan State University, a skill he took with him to General Motors. Early in his career, he was called to enlist in the Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Frechen on October 15, 1955 in Lansing. He went back to work as a crane operator for Oldsmobile for 30 years, retiring in 1981. Many will remember David’s mechanical gifts and his love for automobiles. He was a proud member of the Mid-Michigan Street Rod Association, founding member of the Headers Car Club, and served several years as safety inspector for the National Street Rod Association. He could fix anything and served as a local encyclopedia for anything auto-related. David was a man of great integrity and humor, and would do anything for his family and his friends. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Betty, father to their three children, and loving grandfather.
David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; their three children; Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, and Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Greg (Amber) Rinehart, Andy (Marcie) Rinehart, Holly (Dave) Evert, Charley (Ashley) Crowner, and Nicki (Garrett) Bensinger; several great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; brother, Philip Crowner of Olivet; sister, Jane Crowner of Okemos; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two grandchildren, David Crowner in 1979 and Skye in 1980; and one great-grandchild, David Evert.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Windsor Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of David on his Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com.
Harold R. “Woody” Woodman
Harold R. “Woody” Woodman, of Charlotte, died April 11, 2017. He was born May 26, 1946 to Wallace and Doris Woodman. He was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served in the Marine Corps. Harold was a member of the VFW Post 2406 and American Legion Post 42 in Charlotte. He loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Theressa; son, Wallace (Karen) Woodman; daughters, Sherry (Scott) Eldridge, Mary (Denny) Bassett; and 12 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life luncheon for family and friends is planned at the American Legion Post 42, 1000 Lawrence Highway in Charlotte on Saturday, April 15 at 1 p.m.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Riders.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories of Woody on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Norman Crabtree
Norman Crabtree, 59, of Nashville, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 26, 2017 in Ann Arbor. Norman was born August 11, 1957, in Charlotte, the son of Charles Darrah and Betty Lou (Powers) Crabtree. He worked for more than 15 years for the Charlotte Shopping Guide, first with his own paper route and later as a delivery driver. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Norman also loved old western films, an interest he inherited from his father.
Norman is survived by his step-daughters, Kaitlyn and Tobi Kerley; sisters, Sharon (Troy) Foster and Lou Ann (James) Primm; brother, Charles (Deb) Crabtree; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Dale Crabtree.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Area Humane Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Norman on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home
Cleone Alice Keefus (Sayles)
Cleone Alice Keefus, 87, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. She was born June 19, 1929, in Eaton Rapids, to Herbert and Ellen (Leanard) Sayles. Cleone lived her life the way she wanted, and had no worries. She enjoyed playing Bingo, Keno, and scratching-off lottery tickets, as well as drinking Bud Light in long-neck glass bottles. Cleone’s caregiver over the years was her granddaughter, Jenn. Most of all, Cleone loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and was fondly known as “Crazy Grandma.”
Cleone is survived by her children, David (Natalie) Keefus, Sharon (Keith) St. John, Terry (Steven McCloud) Fancher, Cheryl Keefus, and Patricia Driksna; six grandchildren, Marlena (Chris), Roger (Danielle), Debbie (Eric), Stacey (John) Jenn (Craig), and Brian (Erica); and numerous great- and great great-grandchildren; siblings Phyllis McDaniel, Barbara Folsom, and Herbert Sayles Jr.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Keefus in 1995.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 14, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to SIREN/Eaton Shelter or Children’s Miracle Network.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cleone on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.