Obituaries
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.
Abel Michael Clouse
Abel Michael Clouse, infant son of Corey and Kristy Clouse of Charlotte Date, died Tuesday, March 21, 2017. A brief memorial service was held Friday, March 31, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, followed by visitation until 7 p.m.
Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home
Alfreda G Kline
Alfreda “Freda” George Kline, 90, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in Okemos. Freda was born October 18, 1926, in Spartanburg, S.C., the daughter of Thomas Dallas and Annie Laurie (Lindsey) George. At the age of 17, Freda took the train to Washington, D.C., where she developed an interest in forensics and dreamed of working for the FBI. Upon her return home to South Carolina, she pursued that interest by attending Spartanburg Junior College, Erskine College, and Lander College (University), earning a degree in Microbiology. She married Robert “Bob” Kline on January 11, 1963 and the two settled in Charlotte. Freda retired from Sparrow Hospital microbiology lab after 27 years of service.
Freda was a skilled cook and owned an extensive recipe collection, oftentimes cooking by taste. She adored the many cats she owned over the years and considered them “fur babies,” also feeding neighborhood kitties. She enjoyed gardening, birds, and nature. She loved pansies and yellow roses, which always reminded her of her father. She was fond of the arts, literature, classical music and beautiful hymns. Her lifelong passion for music developed when she learned the piano in her youth. A minister’s daughter, Freda lived her faith, showing much kindness, love and compassion, ever generous and giving. She treasured time with her family, whether shopping with her daughter or working out with her son. She had a sense of style and fashion, and appearances and etiquette were important to her. She kept her sharp mind to the last, and wherever she went she won the hearts of those who met and knew her.
Freda is survived by her daughter, Karen (Dave) Brandreth; son, Kevin Kline; grandchildren, Sarah Wardell, Angela (Andrew) Goff, Jason (Rachel) Linn, Kevin Kline, Curtis Kline, Brooke Ibarra, and Tyler Kline; five great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn (Carlos) Frick of South Carolina; and seven nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband, Robert N. Kline II; son, Robert “Bobby” Kline III; sister, Charlotte Kelly; and brother, Thomas Dallas George, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating, followed by interment at Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Pray Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Humane Society, specifically for the care of cats. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Freda on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.