Obituaries
Michael Duane Harris
Michael Duane Harris, 79, of Charlotte, a loving father, grandfather, and brother, died peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024. Michael was born May 2, 1944 in Charlotte, the son of Donald “Bucky” and Betty (Isbell) Harris. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1962 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force and proudly serving two years during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he went to work as a lineman for Michigan Bell Telephone Company (later ATT). Throughout his career, he worked in several capacities, including cable splicer and construction supervisor, until his retirement. Michael married the love of his life, Mary Clarice Stephens on February 21, 1970, and the two enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Michael was a proud member of the American Legion and the 40 and 8 Club. He especially loved time spent at the family cottage on Higgins Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and time spent with his grandchildren. His family was everything to Michael, and he devoted his entire life to working hard to support them. He and Mary were members of Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte.
Michael is survived by his son, Michael (Lauria) Harris of Trenton, MI; daughter, Mary (Trevar Hogan) Harris of Marshall, MI; granddaughters, Alice Harris and Brooke Hogan; sister, Nancy Cherry; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 2019; and his sisters, Katheryn Davidson and Donna Oliver-Johnson.
Friends are encouraged to support Michael’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper officiating. Interment will take place in Deepdale Memorial Gardens in Lansing. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Michael’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Peace Lutheran Church in Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Audrey Mae Fancher
Audrey Mae Fancher, 75 of Potterville, a woman who was known for always helping others, passed away on January 5, 2024. Audrey was born July 21, 1948 at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia to Aubrey and Flora (Decker) Eason (Pearson). In her younger life, she loved roller skating with her cousins. Family and friends meant a lot to her. Audrey retired from General Motors where she was more than just a line worker, she was able to fix many different types of equipment, was involved in many different committees, and became a mother figure to many of her coworkers there. Perhaps her most coveted accomplishment was the completion of her Master’s Degree in Child Development to use in the caring of her son.
Not one to like being in the spotlight, but always looking for ways to help others, she spent the majority of her life protecting her son Calvin and providing options for his life. She liked to work behind the scenes doing things to support her son and extended family. She fiercely cared for others, often putting their needs above her own.
Audrey loved to travel to North Carolina and Alabama to visit family. She was also an avid NASCAR fan. Part of her travels included visiting many of the southern NASCAR tracks following the progress of her favorite driver Butch Fedewa, a local friend.
Audrey is survived by her beloved son, Calvin Showers Jr; her chosen brother and sister, Ken and Diane Pierce; and cousins, Brian Decker, Jeff Decker, Gerald Decker, Rochelle Decker Bargerhuff, and Lester Ingram. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey Eason, and Flora Eason Pearson; her stepfather, Glenn Pearson; and her much loved brother, Gary Eason.
Friends are encouraged to support Audrey’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Funeral services following at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Pierce officiating. Interment will follow in Dimondale Cemetery next to her mother. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons International, Helping Hands Food Bank, St. Vincent De Paul, St. Mary Catholic Church Food Pantry, or The Greater Lansing Food Bank. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Jeffrey Lynn Bisel
Jeffrey Lynn Bisel, age 73, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, with his family by his side. Jeff was born on March 7, 1950, to Melvin Bisel and Donna (Barrett) Face. Jeff was a Vietnam Veteran proudly serving his country in the United States Army. He then served with the Army National Guard for 19 years. Jeff worked for General Motors, retiring in 2003 after 31 years of service. Jeff was a diehard football fan, always cheering on the Detroit Lions. He liked watching NASCAR and taking Sunday afternoon naps in his chair. From a small boy he loved riding motorcycles and his passion for riding never left him even after a motorcycle accident in 2019. He bought a new Harley and rode every spring and summer. He was a member of the American Legion Post 42 and the Legion Riders, with whom he participated in poker runs and parades. He was a life member of the VFW Post 2406 and served a few years on the honor guard honoring those that served and protected. Jeff loved spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved cheering them on during their sporting and life events. He had a passion for hunting and enjoyed his hunting trips with his friend Duane and was overjoyed when his grandsons got a deer. He was extremely proud of his grandson, Blaine, when he joined the United States Navy. He was looking forward to his grandson, Devin’s upcoming wedding and watching him grow into an adult. His granddaughter, Kasen, was his pride and joy.
Jeff is survived and will be tremendously missed by his wife of 30 years, Sheila; daughters, Tricia (Jason) Somers and Kristin VanDorpe; grandsons, Devin Somers, Blaine Somers; granddaughter, Kasen VanDorpe; mother, Donna Face; grand-dogs Meena Mae and Paisley; sisters, Stephanie Williams and Deb Bisel; and special friends, Sirrae and Duane Harder and Ron Colson.
He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin Bisel; step-dad, Oscar Face; father and mother-in-law, Ed and Frieda Andrews; and brother-in-law, Hal Andrews.
Per Jeff’s wishes, there will be no funeral and cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date.
Those desiring may make contributions in Jeff’s honor to the charity of their choosing.
To view Jeff’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home..
Nyla May Hisler
Nyla May Hisler, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Sunnyside AFC in Marshall. She was born September 21, 1933, in Lee Township, Calhoun County, Michigan, the daughter of Leslie and Gladys (Allen) Ross. Nyla graduated from Olivet High School with the class of 1951. On December 21, 1952, she married Ron Hisler at the Olivet Congregational Church. Nyla worked several jobs throughout her life. She began working at State Farm Insurance in Marshall, then went on to work at Sears, delivered mail out of the Eaton Rapids Post Office, and retired from PNC Bank in Charlotte. Nyla was a devoted member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church for many years. She looked forward to helping at their monthly pancake breakfasts. Nyla also assisted Ron in many of his Eaton County Shrine activities. She volunteered as a 4H leader for many years when her children were growing up and taught Sunday School. Gardening, cooking, quilting, sewing, cards, dancing, and traveling were just a few activities that Nyla enjoyed. Some of their most memorable trips were to Yellowstone, Australia, Hawaii, and Panama. Ron and Nyla also took all of their children on two Alaskan vacations, a west coast cruise, and a color cruise on the east coast. Her family was first and foremost in her life. She cherished family gatherings and each and every holiday they spent together.
She is survived by her children, Debbi (Roger) Quada, Craig (Cindy) Hisler, Tammy (Paul) Wolf, Rhonda (John) Geething; grandchildren, Culley Bunker, Mindy LaFay, Melissa Bremmer, Michelle Wolf, Amanda Robinson, Terran Myers; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; four brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Bosworth Cemetery.
Those desiring may make contributions in Nyla’s memory to the Brookfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 430, Charlotte, MI 48813.
To view Nyla’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Loretta May Miller
Loretta May Miller, age 90 of Wyandotte, Michigan, died January 11, 2024.
Born November 7, 1933, Loretta is the beloved wife of 34 years to the late Arlie Boyd Miller; loving mother of Cathy (Michael) Buiten, Bonnie (Dave Potter) Miller, and the late Julianne Miller; and dearest grandmother of Grace (David) Swartley and Matthew (Alexis) Buiten. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Memorial contributions are appreciated to Reach Across https://reachacross.us/. Please select ‘Give to a Missionary’ and type ‘Sarah Peters 49’ in the comments section.
Services for Loretta were held on January 13, 2024. Arrangements by Molnar Funeral Homes – Nixon Chapel, www.molnarfuneralhome.com.