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Funeral Services:

Justine Janiece Snyder, 94, of Charlotte, passed away March 15, 2018. Justine was born July 14, 1923, in Charlotte, the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Ward) Malcuit. She graduated from Charlotte High School in the class of ‘39. On April 11, 1943, Justine and Raymond W. Snyder were married and shared the next 74 years together. Justine worked outside the home for Jerrold’s Apparel and later, the Charlotte Public Schools. Justine was a member of the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and The Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by four children, Janiece (Gary) Frace, Cathy (Alan) Baird, Michael (JoDean) Snyder and Michelle (James) Mitchum; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and her dear friend, Jo Cole.

Justine is predeceased by her husband, Raymond; and brothers, Ward “Bud,” Leo and Bruce Malcuit.

Justine’s wishes for cremation were honored and a memorial service will be held at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11 a.m.. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Those desiring may make contributions in Justine’s memory to the Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.

The family would like to thank her in-home caregivers and the staff at Hope Landing.

To view Justine’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Barbara Ann Day, a caring and patient mother, grandmother, wife and friend, died peacefully on Friday, March 16, 2018. Barbara, 84, of Charlotte, formerly of Potterville, was born July 23, 1933 in Portland, Mich., the daughter of Raymond and Anna (Zanto) Cross. She graduated from Portland High School and moved to Lansing, where she worked briefly for Michigan Bell as an operator. On August 30, 1958, she married Billy Joe Day in Clare, Mich., following his return from service in Korea. The two settled in Potterville to raise their family.  Barbara worked as admitting clerk for Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital in Charlotte, retiring after nearly 20 years.

Barbara enjoyed her shopping therapy and time spent on the golf course. She was an avid reader and especially loved dancing.  She had a soft spot in her heart for animals. Many will remember her kind spirit and willingness to help other, especially as a good listener. Above all, she loved time spent with family.

Barbara is survived by her son, Mark (Norma) Day of Charlotte; daughters, Kim Day (Evelyn Chambers) of Potterville, and Lisa (Ronald) Price of Mulliken; grandson, Zachary Price; three step-grandchildren; sister, Doris Shattuck of Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Billy Joe Day and her brother, Clare Cross; and sisters, Dorothy Fedewa and Katheryn Possehein.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment took place in Maple Hill Cemetery.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility Activity Fund or Eaton Community Palliative Care.  The family wishes to thank the staff at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for their compassionate care of Barbara.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Barbara on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

John J. Meeder, 91, of Boyne City, formerly of Potterville and Bellaire, passed away at home on Saturday, March 17, 2018. John was born on March 12, 1927, three minutes after his twin brother Jack, in Potterville, to Edward and Mabel (Heath) Meeder.

With a Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University, he worked as a teacher before joining the Michigan Education Association as a research consultant, retiring in 1988. John served in the military in both World War II and the Korean War.

In 1956 he married Annabelle LaTorre who preceded him in death in 2005. Also preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Dick Meeder; sisters, Anne Burley and Barbara Archer; and grandson, Stephen Hicks.

Surviving are his twin brother, Jack (Arlene) Meeder of Mancelona; sons, Terry (Johnna) Hicks of Cleveland Heights, Heath (Lori) Meeder of Boyne City and Torre Meeder of Boyne City; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, the family will remember him privately. In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider a memorial contribution in John’s name to the non-profit organization of your choice.

Arrangements were made by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at gaylordfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

James “Jim” Harry Augustine, 86, of Bellevue passed away March 13, 2018 at Evergreen Manor Assisted Living Facility in Battle Creek. Jim was born on January 9, 1932 in Battle Creek to Harry L. and Margaret (Burkett) Augustine. He graduated from Bellevue High School with the class of 1950.

Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force on December of 1950 and served our country until his honorable discharge in October of 1954. Jim served during the Korean War and earned many medals throughout his military career, including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Jim married Elaine Brown on October 10, 1954 in Bellevue. They had four children and spent 63 loving years together. Jim worked at for the Eaton County Road Commission as a Foreman for 37 years. He retired in 2000. Jim was also a farmer throughout his life, raising beef cattle. Jim was a member of the Heritage Hills Bible Church in Bellevue. He enjoyed cutting wood, and hunting deer and squirrel. He as also loved farming and 4H.

Jim is survived by his wife, Elaine Augustine of Bellevue; children, Glenn Augustine of Bellevue, Harry (Louise) Augustine of Bellevue, Dale Augustine of Battle Creek, and Robyn (Bill) Courtney of Bellevue; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret; sister, Marilyn Thornton; and brother Jerry Augustine.

Friends and relatives will be received at the Heritage Hills Bible Church on March 18, 2018, from 5 to 7 p.m. with family present to greet friends at that time. A funeral service will take place at the church on March 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest in Ellis Cemetery in Assyria Township following the service.

The family is being served by the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue Chapel.

Memorial contributions are requested to Heritage Hills Bible Church, or the Barry County 4H Scholarship Fund. Donations for the church may be sent to 13015 S M-66 Highway, Bellevue, MI 49021. Assistance with memorials for the Barry County 4H is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Bellevue Chapel.

Please leave the family a personal message and sign the online guest book at kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Bruce E. Sherman, 80, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018 at Eaton Community Palliative Care with his family by his side. He was born January 30, 1938 in Charlotte, the son of Allen and Barbara Sherman. Bruce graduated from Lansing Sexton High School with the class of 1956. Bruce loved his family with a fierce devotion and always saw to it that they were taken care of. He worked his entire career in road construction. Bruce was an extremely hard worker who always made sure that the job was done properly. In his younger years Bruce participated in many different sports. He enjoyed bowling, baseball, football, and running cross country. Bruce was also a Golden Glove boxer in Lansing. Bowling was a passion of Bruce’s. He could often be found bowling at many different places across the entire state. In 1990 Bruce was inducted into the Greater Lansing Bowling Hall of Fame. Bruce was a member of First Lutheran Church of Charlotte and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

Bruce is survived by his children, Bruce Dean Sherman of Charlotte, Robin Dixon of Texas, Gregory Sherman of Texas, Camila (John) Grider of Vermontville, Julie (Chris) Frank of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Jennifer (Meghan Reese) Sherman, Eric Sherman, Lawrence Julson, Samantha Julson, Audrey Dixon, Kaylin Sherman, Regan Sherman; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Duane (Roberta) Sherman, Douglas (Deanna) Sherman, Dennis (Tawni) Sherman, Joy Sherman-Hunt; special friend, Catherine Christiansen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Kenyon Sherman; and nephew, William Anderson.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at First Lutheran Church of Charlotte, with Pastor Tim Olson officiating.

Those desiring may make contributions in Bruce’s honor to the Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Bruce’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.=

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Funeral Services:

Dolly Isham was born Zeatha Dolena Smith, the daughter of Allie (McLean) and Joseph “Harry” Smith, on March 11, 1928. Having always preferred the name Dolly, her friends and family remember her by this name.

Dolly passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in the company and comfort of family.

She was preceded in death by both her parents; her sisters, Cherry Michaud and Isabelle Smith; her brothers, William Smith and Frank Smith; her son, Scott Isham; and her granddaughter, Laura Isham.

She is survived by her husband, Neil G. Isham (Pete) with whom she celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on February 27, 2018. She is also survived by one brother, Donald Smith; her sons Michael (Don) Isham of Atlanta, Ga., Brian (Barbara) Isham of Traverse City, Gary (Terry) Isham of Charlotte, and Mark (Christine) Isham of Durango, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Joan Isham and Gary (Debbie) Christner who long ago become known as the sixth brother; grandchildren, Jason Isham, Alyssa James, Anne Kuhns, Will Ferguson, Casey Ferguson, Allison Isham, Matthew Isham, Erika Isham, Josh Isham; and two great-grandchildren, Kiera Isham and Zadie James. Many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and family friends will miss Dolly’s loving presence.

Dolly was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and maintained her Canadian citizenship throughout her life. She loved spending time with her family in Canada. It was a highlight to take her boys to visit their cousins in Canada each summer. The family bond that was developed during those years continues with the family reunions that were held at Sand Bay, Ontario and recently moved to the Sylvan Shores Estate near Cheboygan. Dolly and Pete married in 1948. During the early years they resided in different communities, including Charlotte. In 1957 they began construction on their family home in Albion, where they resided for over 60 years.

Pete and Dolly retired 31 years ago and early on they enjoyed traveling. They worked as campground hosts at Pictured Rocks National Park in northern Michigan and Junction Creek USFS campground near Durango, Colo. Both gave time and talents to the Pine Mountain Settlement School in Kentucky as well as dedicating many hours to their own church, Caring Community Church of Albion. Dolly was a person of strong Christian faith and she had a special heart for the children of the church.

Dolly’s family would like to thank the many people who honored her life by helping her through her last days. She was blessed to have received the best and kindest of care from all she came in contact with, but especially of note are the staff and friends at Maplewood of Marshall and at Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services.

Visitations are scheduled at Caring Community Church in Albion on Friday, March 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. The memorial service will be Saturday, March 17 starting at 11 a.m. Condolences can be sent to the family through Kempf Funeral Home of Marshall. The family suggest memorial contributions be sent to the Caring Community Church Building Fund. Dolly and Pete were early members of the church and strong supporters of its growth.

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Funeral Services:

Robert John Briggs, 66, of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018 at his home. He was born November 17, 1951 in Lansing the son of Benjamin F. and Ruby Briggs. Bob graduated from Charlotte High School in 1969. On October 26, 1987 Bob married Jennifer Beebe in Las Vegas, N.V. He worked 30 years at the Charlotte Post Office, where he served as a window clerk. Bob and Jen loved taking regular trips to the casino together. You could often see them walking together throughout Charlotte. He enjoyed bird watching, camping, golf, and all sports. Bob was a huge New England Patriots fan. He was usually never too busy to stop and watch the game.

Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jennifer; sons, Randy (Melissa Wieting) Holton of Charlotte, Matthew J. (Heather M.) Briggs of Newago; grandchildren: Tyler Holton, Tahya Briggs, Avy Briggs; brother, Jerry (Joann) Briggs of Sunfield; sister, Phyllis Carr of Albion.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation was held February 19, 2018 at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte.

Those desiring may make contributions in Bob’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

To view Bob’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Jacqueline Marie Nichols, 88, of Charleston, W.V., formerly of Charlotte, passed away, March 6, 2018, surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo C. Nichols.

She was employed by Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Charleston and was transferred and retired from Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Charlotte. She attended North Charleston Apostolic Church.

Surviving is her son, Tom Cobb and wife, Peggy, of Anamosa, Iowa; daughter, Patti Ross and husband Jeffrey of Florence, Ky.; sisters, Eloise Gay Barker and Janice E. Kinder; and husband, Robert (with who she made her home) all of Charleston; grandchildren, Justin Ross and wife, Stacy, Lisa Ziehr and husband, Chris, Travis Ross and wife Samantha (Sam), Tammie Klaiber and husband Chris.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at North Charleston Apostolic Church. Friends may call from noon until service time at the church.

Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Graveside service and burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte on Monday, March 12, 2018 at 1 p.m.  Arrangements in Michigan provided by Pray Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Donald Gary Ells, 81, of Charlotte, passed away at home on March 5, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Don was born June 15, 1936, in Charlotte, one of five children born to William and Aletha (Root) Ells. He married Katherine Ditchfield on September 15, 1962 and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage.

Don’s brothers, Mickey (Joyce) Ells and Bill (Sharon) Ells have gone before him to be with the Lord. Don will forever be remembered by his brother, Ted (Ann) Ells and loving sister, Marilyn (Carroll) Briggs; his beloved children, Donny Joe, Allen (Colleen) Ells, Linda (Scott) McDiarmid, Michael (Carmen) Ells, and Sandy (Robert) Wehr.  Don will also be missed by all of his treasured grandchildren, Deanna, Tanya, Victoria, Mark (Stephanie) Wehr, Matt (Timara) Wehr, Nichoal (Trevor) Kirkendall, Sarah McDiarmid, Amanda Ells, Ashley (Shawn) Smith, and great-grandchildren, Sadie Kirkendall, Ericka Smith, and Conner Wehr, a great-granddaughter on the way, and countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him.

Don loved his farm. He was often seen riding his quad around the farm perimeter daily and enjoyed watching deer and turkey cross over the farm from one woods line to the other. He loved mushrooming, visiting with family and friends on the porch while watching the birds and traffic go by. He also enjoyed playing Michigan Rummy with his children and grandchildren, going to the casino, motorcycle, and hunting.  Don never missed his grandchildren’s many sporting events. He was an active member of the Eagles Club in Charlotte and he will be missed by all his friends at the Club. He was also a member of the Moose Club and going to auctions.  Don was known to find four-leaf clovers, even on a wagon loading hay.  His bible holds hundreds of four-leaf clovers.  Don worked 36 years at General Motors in machine repair and served 9 years in the Michigan Army National Guard Charlotte Charlie Battery 1^st of the 119^th FA.

A celebration of life was held Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Don will be laid to rest in West Carmel Cemetery alongside Ells ancestors dating back to 1852.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Arie #3552 in Charlotte.  Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Don on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.