Obituaries
Mona Joan Ellard
Mona Joan Ellard, 76 of Charlotte, died peacefully after a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer on August 13, 2023. Mona was born on February 15, 1947, in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Charles D. and Donna J. (Diehl) Monica. She graduated from Delton Kellogg High School with the Leadership Award for the Class of 1965. She attended Western Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree in Home Economics. Her first teaching job was at Bentley High School in Davison, MI from 1968-1981.
She married her high school sweetheart Ed Ellard. They were married on June 7, 1969, in Delton after Ed returned from Vietnam.
In 1975 Mona earned her master’s degree in Adult Education in Home Economics from Michigan State University. In 1981, she started working for Michigan State University in the Cooperative Extension Service as the Home Economist for Eaton County. Mona retired from MSU Extension as the director of Eaton County in 2009.
Mona and Ed happily raised two children in Charlotte, MI. She was most proud of spending time with her children whether coaching a softball team, being a scout leader, or watching her children participate in 4-H. She loved helping at Courtney’s volleyball and softball games. She was known to a new generation as Grandma Coach. She cherished her grandchildren, she never missed a band concert, volleyball, baseball, soccer, football or track meet. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren.
Mona is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ed Ellard; daughter, Courtney (Scott) Quinn of Olivet; son, Kyle (Sharlene) Ellard of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, McKenna (Lindsey) Quinn and Conner Quinn; sisters, Gail (Mike) Gibson, Marsha (Larry) Veenstra, Daneen (Victor) Caro, Brothers; Gregg (Karen) Monica and Brad Monica; brothers-in-law, Danney Ellard and Roger (Connie) Ellard; and copious nieces, nephews and family friends. She was predeceased by her parents and grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Mona’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. Visitation also took place at First Baptist Church of Charlotte on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Private family interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Mona’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Community Palliative Care or First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Veronica Marie Piggott
Veronica Marie Piggott, age 95, of Eaton Rapids was born April 28, 1928 to John and Cecil Mominee and passed away on Friday, August 11, 2023. Veronica was a woman of many talents, including quilting, sewing and cross stitch. She also enjoyed baking, puzzles and playing cards. There was nothing she loved more, though, than spending time with her family. She cherished every moment she had, especially with her grandchildren. Veronica will be deeply missed and loved by all who knew her.
Veronica is survived by her children: JoAn (Bill) Goerge, Charles (Louann) Piggott, James Piggott and special daughter Nancy (Steve) Harmer; grandchildren: Scott Rathbun, Jessica Rathbun and Charles Piggott; great grandchildren: Samantha Rathbun and Morgan (Alex) Coy; great great-grandchildren: Weston, Brysen, Braxton and Brighton. Veronica is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Piggott; and siblings: Jack, Virginia, Jim, Lyle and Bob.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids for their excellent care.
A private burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in honor of Veronica may be made to Island City Assisted Living for their Bird Sanctuary (1507 Kyle Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827), she especially enjoyed watching the birds.
The family is being served by Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TiffanyFuneralHome.com.
Frank James Gatlin
Frank James Gatlin of Eaton Rapids, passed away August 14, 2023, at the age of 89. Frank was born in Obion County, TN, June 22, 1934, the son of Dalton and Ivadale Gatlin. He was employed with General Motors as a factory worker, retiring in 1985 with 33 years of service. Frank was a member of the Wayside Chapel in Mason for several years. He was a gifted mechanic who enjoyed working on cars. Frank was a well-known figure in Eaton Rapids. If you made a visit to Quality Dairy in town, you might have seen him sitting behind the counter eating a donut and sharing his life stories.
Frank is survived by his children, Nancy (Richard) Pruden of Eaton Rapids, Charles (Sally) Gatlin of Eaton Rapids, Dennis (Carissa) Gatlin of OK; grandchildren, Christopher (Laura) McDaniel, Amanda Handziak, Rebecca Lewis, Jennipher Longerbean, Dalton (Caitlyn) Gatlin; 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia Gatlin; six brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were at 5 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Visitation took place the same day from 3:30-5 p.m. Interment will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023, in Munger Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. To leave condolences for the family please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.
Evelyn J. Rigelman
Evelyn J. Rigelman, 96, of Olivet, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. She was born in Marshall, Michigan on April 9, 1927, the daughter of Clyde and Julia (Powers) Churchill.
Evelyn was a graduate of Marshall High School, Class of 1944 in Marshall, MI. She met Elsworth D. Rigelman “Al” while he was working on her family’s farm. They married in Angola, Indiana, on November 18, 1949, and together celebrated 67 years of marriage before he passed away on November 5, 2016. Evelyn worked outside the home at both Kellogg’s and O&I before raising her family at home. She enjoyed vegetable gardening, and her cats, but most of all her family.
Evelyn is survived by her three children, Steven (Jean) Rigelman of Olivet, Mike Rigelman of Olivet, Robert Rigelman of Lansing; grandchildren, Nicole (Brad) Baker of Olivet, Kristi (Bob) Janvrin of Marshall, Phillip Rigelman (Amy Whitcomb) of Olivet; five great-grandchildren, Lydia (Anthony) Twichell, Lilly, Levi, Landon, and Andrew. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, and parents.
Relatives and friends were received on Monday, August 14, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. A funeral service celebrating the life of Evelyn took place at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. James M. Gysel of Lee Center United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Rice Creek Cemetery, Marshall, MI. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to donate to a charity of one’s choice. Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.
Harold Williams, Jr.
Harold Williams, Jr., a hard-working and dedicated farmer, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Harold was born September 27, 1927, in Charlotte, the son of Harold Loomis and Etta Elizabeth (Remington) Williams. He attended Olivet High School. On April 4, 1946, he embarked on a beautiful journey of love and partnership when he married Alice Day. Harold lovingly described her as “the love of his life,” a sentiment that encapsulated the deep bond they shared throughout their years together. In fact, Alice and Harold entered the gates of Heaven only months apart.
Harold and Alice moved to Okemos shortly after their marriage, where Harold went to work farming on his uncle’s farm. He rounded his busy work-life with working part time at local slaughterhouses, and tending the grounds at East Lawn Cemetery. In 1966, Harold and Alice decided to move back to the Olivet area, where they bought Alice’s family farm on Bradley Road. Together, they raised crops and their two sons. Harold was an exquisite gardener. He loved time spent in the outdoors, especially raising vegetable and flower gardens to perfection, and in the woods hunting deer.
Harold is survived by his sons, David Williams and Lynn Williams; grandchildren, Scott Williams and Deanna Miller; great-grandchildren, Madison Williams, Jersey Gaedert, Simon Miller, and Nathanael Miller; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Audrey, Wava, Gleason, Romah, and Garry.
Friends are encouraged to support Harold’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation and Memorial Service dates will be available at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.