View Announcements by Category:
Anniversaries  |  Birthdays  |  Births  |  Engagements  |  Obituaries  |  Weddings  


Betty Ann Cartwright

-

Funeral Services:

Betty Ann Cartwright, aged 93, died peacefully on Monday, May 29, 2023, after suffering a stroke. Betty was born Betty Ann Sophia Hulsmeyer on August 15, 1929, in Sidney, Ohio, to Silas and Eva Amalia (Metz) Hulsmeyer. She grew up in Anna, Ohio, and graduated from Anna High School in 1947. She married Charles Hugh Cartwright of Sidney, Ohio, on May 1, 1949. She and Chuck moved around for several years while he served in the Air Force before finally settling in Eaton Rapids, MI, in 1957. They spent the remainder of their 73-year marriage building their lives and raising their family in the Eaton Rapids community.
Betty was an accomplished seamstress and worked for Laura’s in Eaton Rapids for nearly a decade doing alterations. She also did work for individuals in the community as well as her family, including altering several of her granddaughters’ wedding dresses. Later, Betty sold Avon for more than 30 years, and she loved the connections it gave her to her friends and neighbors. She was an avid gardener, an enthusiastic fan of Spartan football and basketball, a loyal follower of Detroit Tigers baseball, and a devoted viewer of TV’s “Survivor.” Above all, Betty loved her family and friends.
After her husband Chuck died last year, she made the difficult decision to leave her home and move to StoryPoint Independent Senior Living in Rockford, MI. She quickly made many new and dear friends, and she eagerly joined in on a wide variety of activities, like cardio drumming, yoga, and balance class. Most days, you could find her playing game after game of euchre with anyone who would join her.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Lori (Eric) Maxey of Grand Rapids; her son, Bruce (Deb) Cartwright of Littleton, Colorado; her son-in-law, Andrew Curtin of North Yarmouth, Maine; her daughter-in-law, Peggy (Larry “Doc”) Mueller of Mason; her sister, Donna (Jim) Cowperthwaite of Cincinnati, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Cartwright; her daughter, Cynthia Cartwright; her son, Craig Cartwright; and seven siblings.
A memorial service for Betty will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church at 600 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, with a visitation from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., a celebration of life service beginning at 4 p.m., and a reception to follow. If you would like to honor Betty’s life with a donation, please consider contributing to the First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids or the Eaton Rapids Senior Center.

Read More

Lois Marie Sensat

-

Funeral Services:

Lois Marie Sensat of Charlotte, a handywoman that could fix many things around the house, died June 5, 2023, at the age of 68. Lois was born August 31, 1954, in Lansing to Irvin and Joyce (Parks) Covell. She liked to stay busy, so was always doing things like crocheting, gardening, playing on the computer (especially Solitaire), taking road trips, watching her favorite TV shows, and finding the flaws in movies. She worked at GM for 30 years before she retired in 2007. Independent, head-strong, and funny are some of the words her family used to describe her.
Lois is survived by her children, Ricky (Corie) Parker, Donna Aeder, and Jennifer (Matthew) Hilton; nine grandchildren, Courtney, Sean, Aryan, Bazyli, Ѐamonn, Brittany, Dakota, Ryen, and Kaylee; three great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Eli, and Bryer; and her sister, Mary Jo Covell. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Lois’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, June 8, 2023, 4-6:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with funeral services following at 6:00 p.m. 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 Lois’ tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to the family to help with final expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read More

Nancy Gloria Mayhew

-

Funeral Services:

Nancy Gloria Mayhew, 89, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Charlotte. Nancy was born October 17, 1933, in St. Clair Shores, MI, the daughter of Sicilian-born Giuseppe and Pietrina Galatioto. She graduated from St. Clair Shores High School before going to work in Detroit for Ma Bell Telephone Company. She soon met the love of her life, Donald Lee Mayhew, upon his return from service in the Korean Conflict. Nancy and Don married on August 6, 1955, in St. Clair Shores and raised two daughters. They soon moved to Charlotte, where Nancy went to work as a receptionist in the original Hayes Green Beach Hospital and a few years as a teacher’s assistant at West Windsor school. She then worked several years as an ad designer for the Charlotte Shopping Guide, before settling into her final career as a Para Pro with the Charlotte Public Schools. She worked at both Galewood and Parkview before her retirement. She and Don enjoyed travel in retirement and were lifetime members of the Eaton Area Senior Center. They took many memorable trips, including one to Hawaii. They enjoyed summers on Duck Lake and winters at Anna Maria Island, FL. Nancy especially loved time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who often visited in at the lake and in Florida.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Pamela Wiener and Julie (Larry) Kramer; seven grandchildren, Sam (Ali) Wiener, Traci (Evan) Jones, Molly (Jake) Miller, Jake (Katie) Kramer, Becky (Zach) Gilliland, Ben (Laurel Burgam) Wiener, and Nick (Sydney) Wiener; ten great-grandchildren, Miles, Blake, Judah, Delaney, Madeline, Andrew, Keira, Emilia, August, and Ethan; brother, Joe (Karen) Gale; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Donald Mayhew in 2010; and her siblings and siblings-in-law, Sam and Marie Galatioto, Concetta and Kenny Kendall, Felix and Yvonne Gale, Sebastian Galatioto, Josephine and Sabby Portuesi, and Delores and Joe Bezel.
Friends are encouraged to support Nancy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Laura Cooper celebrating. Interment will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. 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 Nancy’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 the Eaton Area Senior Center or Eaton Community Palliative Care. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read More

Paul A. Dills

-

Funeral Services:

Paul A. Dills, 93, longtime resident of Eaton County passed peacefully on Friday June 2, 2023.
He was born June 24, 1929, in Pigeon, MI to Ernie Dills and Agnes Bauer. He was married to his wife Lois Dills for 68 years. They resided on the family farm in Benton Township for most of their years together until her death in 2018.
As well as farming, Paul started Paul’s Gun Shop in the basement of their home in the 1960’s and Farmers Machine Shop together with his father and Dills Excavating with his sons for many years.
He served on the board of the one-room Doane School with other neighbors. And he also served on the Benton Township Fire Board for sixteen years.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; his sister, Gayla; and his sister Marilyn.
He is survived by sons, Ned (Kimberly) Dills, Ted Dills; and daughter Nancy (Paul) Hicks; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge, MI 48837.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The National Rifle Association or to ProMedica Hospice. Online condolences can be shared at www.millsfuneral.com.

Read More

Hershel Copeland

-

Funeral Services:

On May 21, 2023, we lost a great man. Hershel Copeland was born on January 30, 1951, in Martin, KY to Walter and Avene (Mullins) Copeland.
Left behind to mourn him are his loving wife of 40 years, Connie; sons, Scott, Mike (Missy), Joe (Dawn), Jesse (Cathy), and Cody; grandchildren: Isabelle, Dylan, Tom, Mike, Lindsey Beaulieu, Tristian Roc, Shylo, Austin, Riley, Zoey and Ava; and great-granddaughter, Lakelynn Roc. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Danny (Sharon), Fred (April), Vivian, Vechel (Jim), Vicki; and sister-in-law, Sue. Hershel was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donnie; brother, Dwayne; and sister, Violet.
He left us far too soon, but we all feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have had him for as long as we did. He loved his wife, sons, and grandchildren with everything he had and then some, and we all knew it. We love you Daddy, Dad, Grandpa and Papa.

Read More

Mark Dwayne Dawson

-

Funeral Services:

Mark Dwayne Dawson of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on June 2, 2023. Graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 9 at Forest Lawn Dimondale. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home.

Read More

Raejean Carol Babcock

-

Funeral Services:

Raejean Carol Babcock, age 65, of Potterville, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, June 2, 2023. She was born December 9, 1957, in Charlotte, the daughter of Harold and Shirley (Ross) Moon. Raejean graduated from Maple Valley High School with the class of 1976. Raejean was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was a wonderful gardener and enjoyed spending time working in her flower gardens. Raejean enjoyed cooking and baking and always looked forward to baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren.
Raejean is survived by her daughter, Nicole (Matt) Sims; mother, Shirley Moon; grandchildren: Braxton Sims, Maci Martins, Trevor Babcock, Chloe (Tyler) Jackson; great grandchildren: Miller, Matthew, and Memphis Jackson; siblings: Linda Pfeiffer, Kim (Dan) Thornton, Colleen (Ted) Lampel, Vicki (Jimmy) Stigall, David (Karen) Moon; and ex-husband, Mike Babcock.
She was preceded in death by her father and son, Matt Babcock.
In keeping with Raejean’s wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Those desiring may make contributions in Raejean’s memory to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. To view Raejean’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.

Read More

Kenneth Gene Kowalk

-

Funeral Services:

Kenneth Gene Kowalk of Eaton Rapids, passed away May 30, 2023, at the age of 78. He was born in Lansing, MI, December 9, 1944. Ken retired from GM in 2004 after 37 years, and was a master of all trades, including building houses and restoring cars. He was a member of the Falcon Club of America and the Fairlane Club of America.
Ken is survived by his wife, Dorothea Kowalk; son, Kenneth Kowalk of Waldorf, MD; siblings, Gretchen (Roy) Kunkel of Eaton Rapids, Brian Miller of Eaton Rapids, James (Carol) Miller of Eaton Rapids, Deborah Miller of Charlotte, Kurt Miller of Springport, Barrie (Stan) Latoski of Eaton Rapids, Yolanda Anicola of AL; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Anicola and stepfather, Clare Miller.
Funeral services were held Tuesday June 6, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, 518 S. Main St. Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Burial of cremated remains with full Military Honors will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuvneral.com.

Read More

Richard Harrison Haddix

-

Funeral Services:

Richard Harrison Haddix was born on April 4, 1932, the fourth of nine children but the only son of Howard and Ethel Haddix in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He graduated from Lake Odessa in June 1950. As a young man he worked at the family-owned sawmill in Lake Odessa, where his passion for woodworking was ignited. During high school he met the love of his life, Gayle Root, and they were married on June 27, 1952. They went on to have three daughters, and again Richard was surrounded by all women. In August of 1952 he volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Richard took pride in being a Veteran. After his service he went to trade school in Memphis, Tennessee and became a Licensed Lumber Inspector. In 1955 he worked for Budgess Lumber Company in Grand Rapids as a Lumber Buyer, covering the states of Michigan, Northern Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. He later became an Independent Contractor prior to full retirement. Retirement allowed him to have time to do the many things he loved like: model railroading, painting and drawing, woodworking, carving, traveling, hunting and fishing.
Richard was blessed to have the ability to take his family on many trips. He and Gayle spent several winters in Tucson, Arizona and traveled to many states with their friends. In 1962 Richard gave his heart to the Lord. In 1969 he became an ordained minister and led a small church in the basement of their home in Lake Odessa. In 1978, he and his family joined a church in Charlotte and later moved to Charlotte in 1982. Where he has resided since. Richard will be remembered for his love of dogs especially his best friend Shep, and “Being a Picker,” his great sense of humor, loved to be the center of attention, and always being the comic. He loved to share stories about his past experiences and travels and even wrote a book about his life for his family.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gayle (Root) Haddix in March of 2006; parents, Howard and Ethel Haddix; sisters, Geraldine Eno, Virgilene Hiller, Adilene Eckman, Lorna Sherman, Sandra McCloud; brothers-in-law, Ross, Calvin, Roger, Don and Leonard. He is survived by his three daughters, Jeanie Bayly, Jeri (Bob) Leiby, Kim Dickinson; 13 grandchildren and many more great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many friends. Richard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Sensations Memory Care and of Elara Caring.
Friends are encouraged to support Richard’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Friday, May 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42, Charlotte. 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 Richard’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Read More

Brenda Joyce Pellegrino

-

Funeral Services:

Devoted mother and grandmother, Brenda Joyce (Magliochetti) Pellegrino, age 74, was reunited with her Heavenly Father on May 10, 2023. Brenda was born on January 9, 1949, to Armando and Mary Magliochetti in Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the third of four daughters. She had fond memories of her childhood with her sisters and many cousins. She married Anthony Fredrick Pellegrino, Sr., and spent over 55 years together.
Brenda worked as a manager in multiple customer service positions as she had phenomenal leadership qualities. Dedicated to her family, she moved multiple times between Connecticut, Texas, and Michigan to be with family in their times of need and joy. Her greatest delights in life were spending time with her family, cooking diverse delicious meals, and taking care of others. She has provided great strength, loyalty, and love with her grandchildren, for which they have echoed immense gratitude. Being the matriarch of the family, she never feared to speak her mind to advocate for those she loved. She was a mother and confidant to many. She can be remembered for her warm, welcoming presence and her quick wit.
She is preceded in death by her loving, devoted father Armando; mother, Mary; her beloved sisters, Pamela Lowden, Patricia Anzollotti and Beverly Magliochetti; and son, Americo Pellegrino. She leaves behind earthside her children, Anthony Fredrick Jr., Armando Anthony, Mark Anthony, and Gina Marie Pellegrino. She will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, great grandchildren (known as Gigi), and extended family and friends. A private service was held by family.

Read More