Obituaries
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.
Patricia A. Brown
Patricia A. Brown, of Marshall, died Friday, February 9, 2018. Patricia was born January 1, 1935 in Charlotte to Frank and Mildred (Wonser) David. She was an Olivet High School graduate. Patricia was known for her love for clowning, whether it was teaching clowning to others or traveling to different facilities as a clown, she loved to be able to brighten people’s day. She also was a Dachshund breeder. Patricia had a big heart for animals.
Patricia is survived by grandchildren, Pete (Charity) Brown, Joe (Tracy) Brown, Jessica Brown, Laura (Josh) Brown, Ben Brown, and Chrisie (Brent) Brown; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bruce (Bonnie) David, and Joan David-Mason.
She was predeceased by sons, Steve Brown, Stan Brown and Donn Brown; grandson, Chad Brown; and her parents.
A visitation was held on Thursday, February 15 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Patricia on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.
Marlene L. Colizzi
Marlene Louise (Johnson) Colizzi, 85, passed away, surrounded by her children, on February 23, 2018 in Charleston, S.C. She was born August 12,1932 in Lake Odessa to Ernest and Zora (Ward) Johnson. She attended Charlotte schools, graduating high school in 1950.
She married Sam Colizzi on June 12, 1965 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. Until 1977, she and Sam resided in Charlotte with their three children, Tony, Greg and Kristina. The family relocated to Brighton; Charleston, W.V.; Richmond, Va.; and Charleston, S.C. In her early years, Marlene worked for Eaton Federal Savings Bank in Charlotte, was a troop leader for Brownies and Cub Scouts, and was the PTA President in Brighton at Hawkins Elementary. She held officer positions with Stonehenge Garden Club in Richmond and New Virginians, was an active member of the Italian American Club of Richmond, Va., and joined her husband Sam in many other clubs and activities. She enjoyed travelling, family history, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, decorating her beautiful homes, cooking and hosting many parties. Marlene kept a home so welcoming that neighborhood kids and friends didn’t hesitate to walk right in to enjoy time with her and Sam. Her words were always filled with kindness, goodness and grace, and those who knew Marlene formed an instant and lifelong bond with her. Her radiant and beautiful eyes, smile and laughter, kind soul and generous ways always touched the hearts of others. She was considerate, hard-working, committed and dedicated to all aspects of her life, and especially cherished her grandchildren and spending time with them.
Marlene is survived by her sons, Tony Colizzi of Daniel Island, S.C.; Greg (Jeannine) Colizzi of Manakin Sabot, Va.; and daughter, Kristina (Robert) Windom of Daniel Island, S.C.; grandsons, John Colizzi, Joseph Colizzi, Max Windom, and granddaughter, Morgan Windom. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marguerite (Gordon) Johnson of Charlotte; nieces, Diane (Jerry) Baum and Toni (Steve) Wildern; brothers-in-law, and sisters-in law, Don and Elaine Colizzi of Charlotte; John and Joy Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; Dan (Anne) Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; nieces Nikki (Jack) Lennemann of East Lansing; Monique Colizzi of Charlotte; Neysa Colizzi of Northville, Mich.; and Angel (Richard) McCrumb of Eaton Rapids; nephew, Leonardo Stango of Fort Wayne, Ind.; as well as many other family members.
Marlene was predeceased in death by her parents; husband, Sam Colizzi in 2016; three sisters; and three brothers.
A funeral service will be held in Charlotte this summer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery – details forthcoming.