Obituaries
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.
Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home
Doris Gamble (Morrison)
Doris Gamble ascended into Heaven November 12, 2016. She was born on January 12, 1929 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Elmer and Edna Morrison, and step-father, Edwin Fetterman. Doris was a lifelong resident of Bellevue until the last two years of her life where she resided on Victoria Lane at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte. Doris graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1947. Doris and Hugh lived on the family farm in Bellevue where they raised two sons and two daughters. Doris worked at Hayes Green Beach Hospital as a nursery nurse and unit clerk on the first floor for 26 years. She was the recipient of Employee of the Year in 1989. Upon retirement she became secretary for her church in Bellevue. Doris was a lifelong active member of Bellevue United Methodist Church. Through the years Doris loved creative writing. She was certified as lay speaker in the UMC in 1992. Doris felt honored and privileged to lead worship in both Bellevue and Kalamo UMC churches. In 2000 Doris was awarded Peace Sermon of the Year by the West Michigan UMC Conference. Her unconditional love with inclusion of all people, and her tenderness and compassion for others will live forever.
Doris was preceded in death by the loss of her son, Ron in 1997.
Doris is survived by her son, James (Dido) Gamble; daughters, Mary (Bethany) Gamble, Johanna (Colin) Keyworth; grandchildren, Catherine (Brian) Hayes, Sarah (Richard) Cunningham, Kerry Keyworth, Dawn Dukeman, Don Gamble, Deann Gamble, Alison (Noah) Colvin, Melissa (Alex) Potter; great-grandchildren, Alexus, Analyse, Aleigh Hayes, Samantha Cunningham, Kenneth Cunningham, Michael Dukeman, Caleb Dukeman, and Dylan Potter.
A memorial service is planed for Doris on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Bellevue United Methodist Church.
Kenneth E. Young
Kenneth E. Young, 74, of Charlotte, died November 15, 2016 at his home. He was born February 24, 1942 in Reed City, Mich. to Clifford and Pearly (Porter) Young, one of five children. Ken worked at GM for 25 years, and retired in 1999. He enjoyed hunting, bowling, going to the casino, and loved his many pets. He was a member and former governor of the Moose Lodge. Ken loved his family and would do whatever he could for his children and grandchildren
Ken is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia (Pat) Young; sons, Dana Skinner, Donald (Pam) Skinner, Kenneth Young II, and Tim McConnell; daughter, Danette (Yul Cochrane) Young; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Durwood Young and Barney Young; and sister, Dorothy (George) Hanner.
He was preceded in death by daughter, Debbie Hawkins; sister, Glenda Carol; and his parents.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, November 21 at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Rob Schneider officiating. Visitation is Sunday, November 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday, November 21 from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Kenneth on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Funeral Arrangements by: Pray Funeral Home
Paul Winter
Paul Wm. Winter (Big P), 76, of Olivet, passed away on November 17, 2016. He was born March 8, 1940, in Grand Rapids. He was employed with Oven Fresh Bakery for over 35 years. He worked with his kids at Sunshine Toyota, spent time on the Tea Party movement, and was on the Olivet City Council.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Bonney; was the loving father of Brad (Crystal) Winter, Kevin (Tina) Winter, Lisa (Chris) Breedveld, Paula (Steve) Lesley and Marian (Chris) Washburn; was the adored grandfather of Adriona (Alex) Ansel, Arica (Brad) Groleau, Andrew Winter, Samantha Winter, Elizabeth Tarpley, Johnathon Walker, Kiersten Washburn, Ashton Washburn, Keegan Breedveld and Reagan Lesley; was the cherished great-grandfather of Carter Groleau, Drake Groleau, and Abraham Ansel and Elayna Groleau.
Paul lived his life as a heart survivor for many years. He adored his family and had a love for NASCAR and Fox News.
I can do all things in Christ that strengthened me, Philippians 4:13.
Arrangements were made by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.
Contributions appreciated to Esmay’s Garden: EsmaysGarden.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed at FarleyEstesDowdle.com.
Funeral Arrangements by: Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care
James B Davidson
James Burton Davidson, 94, of Charlotte, died on Friday, November 18, 2016. Jim was born September 2, 1922, in Charlotte, the son of James H. and Ulrica (Ottney) Davidson. He married Thelma Elaine Butcher on June 17, 1950 in Marshall, and the two raised four daughters. Jim retired after 39 years as a truck driver for Gale Briggs Concrete in Charlotte. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and gardening. He could recall the many stories from his past in spite of his battle with dementia.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Joyce (Thomas) Whitsett of Freemont, Ind., Barbara (Kim) Whitmore of Vermontville, Ellen (Kevin) Nash of Plymouth, Ind., and Karen Powell of Charlotte; nine grandchildren; great-grandchildren; one sister, Marquita Buckley; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Thelma Davidson; son-in law, Brent Powell; two granddaughters, Jennifer Whitmore and Crystal Day; five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 22 at Crossroads United Brethren Church in Charlotte, with Pastor Ricky Hull officiating. Interment was at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Jim on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.