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Dennis J. Baker

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Funeral Services:

Dennis J. Baker, PhD, 79, passed unexpectedly on December 18, 2022, at his home in Olivet, Michigan.
Dennis was born June 3, 1943, and was raised in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.  Dennis received his doctorate in Chemistry from the University of North Dakota.  He taught chemistry for many years at Olivet College.  After retiring, he stayed in Olivet.  Dennis was always interested in the sciences.
Dennis is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Mike Bricker of Fort Collins, Colorado.  Dennis is predeceased by his parents, Francis, and Kathryn Baker, and by his little sister, Judy.
Dennis will be buried in the Olivet Cemetery. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Frederick Carl Detering

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Frederick Carl Detering, 81, of Nashville, MI passed away on December 30, 2022. He was a Carpenter/Mechanic with Heart & Truss Engineering. Arrangements are being handled by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.

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Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr.

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Emerson Charles Hogan, Jr., 92, of Charlotte died peacefully at his home on Friday, December 9, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1930, in Dunkirk, IN, the son of Emerson and Ada (Bishop) Hogan. Emerson married Phyllis Lou Simmons on March 17, 1956. They were married for 64 years before her passing in 2020. He voluntarily enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country from 1951-1959 before his honorable discharge. Emerson worked as a Mold Maker for Indiana Glass in Dunkirk, IN before he was relocated to Owens Illinois in Charlotte, MI. He enjoyed his life, family, and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, tinkering on cars, gardening, and spending time with his grandkids.
Emerson is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Jim) McPherson of Montpelier, IN, Deb Hogan of Charlotte; son, Bill Hogan of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Della Gregory of Yorktown, IN. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis.
Hogan was a character and will be missed by many. His wishes were to be cremated and no services will be held at this time. A graveside service for Emerson and Phyllis will be held at a later date at the Gardens of Memory in Muncie, IN. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Harold Palmer Gray

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Harold Palmer Gray, 90, of Charlotte, a man greatly respected for his integrity and honor, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Born in Kawkawlin, MI on October 11, 1932, to Glen and Pearl (Jonas) Gray, Harold graduated from Eastern High School in 1950 and married the love of his life, Lauralyn Puffer, in December of 1951. An excellent Tool and Die maker, he crafted his skill over the years as he worked for Oldsmobile, GM, Fisher Body, Demmer Tool & Die, Olofsson’s Machine Tools Inc., and Cameron Tool & Die. The Grays spent eight years as Managers of Tecumseh Woods Lutheran Church Camp in Tipton, MI. Team One Chevrolet was his most recent employer, retiring from there at the age of 80. A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 30 years, Harold spent lots of time there volunteering for different projects and enjoying time with his church family.
While Harold was a skilled tool and die maker, he was also adept at many other things and a “jack of all trades,” which was great since he always liked to be busy. He was very proud of his 1929 Oldsmobile 2-door sedan that he restored. Other activities that kept him busy included woodworking (making jewelry armoires for his girls and toy boxes for all his grandchildren), playing pool, working on plumbing and electrical, he loved to hunt, and enjoyed the outdoors and long bike rides. His sense of humor was very quiet, he had a lifelong affliction with paronomasia (go look it up).
Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lauralyn; his daughters, Jan (Randy) Bruce, Sue (Richie) Johnson, both of Charlotte, and Amy (Stephen) Arneric’ of Leander, TX; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran Ave., Charlotte, MI on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church in honor of Harold Gray. Memories on Harold may be shared on his tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Samantha Mary Thomas

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Samantha Mary Thomas, 44, of Charlotte, a caring and loving mother, sister, daughter, and friend, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Sam was born July 11, 1978, in Lansing, the daughter of John Sheldon and Carol Lyn (Uchitel) Little. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1996 before enlisting in the U.S. Army as a chemical weapons specialist. Upon her return, she worked in various jobs, including two years at Hope Landing in elder care, and, most recently, one year at the Eaton Pub. She had a profound love of animals and was known to rescue many and find them homes. Above all, Sam loved her family.
Sam is survived by her daughter, Rylee Lynn; son, Connor Jaymes Thomas; her parents, John and Carol Little; andbrothers, John Little, Jr. and David Little.
Friends are encouraged to support Sam’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home, with visitation from 1-3:00 p.m. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Dorleen Wells

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It’s with sorrow that we announce the passing of Dorleen Ann (Richardson) Wells of Vermontville, MI. Born on July 22, 1948 in Hart, MI. She passed away on Thursday December 22, 2022 at age 74. She was married on October 31, 1970 to her husband and lifelong love Jack Wells. She enjoyed traveling, (AKA Queen of the road or MeMee) spending time with friends and family, photography, and party planning along with baking treats. Dorleen is survived by her husband of 52 years Jack Wells; son, Russell; daughter, Janell and husband Thomas Smith; grand-daughter, Karlee; great granddaughter, Emelia Martinez; cousin, Connie Ames; and lifelong best friend, Linda Sams; and many nieces and nephews and Richardson and Wells family members. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Richardson and mother, Geraldine Richardson along with father-in-law, Kenneth Wells and mother-in-law, Marianna Wells. Visitation will be Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1 p.m. The memorial service is scheduled to start at 2 o’clock directly after visitation at New Hope Community Church in Charlotte, MI located at 436 W. Harris St. A dinner will be served directly after the service. The family asks for any memorial contributions to be given to New Hope Community Church for their generosity and help with the service.

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Gracie “Sue” May Hayward

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Gracie “Sue” May Hayward of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, at the age of 84. Sue was born on May 1, 1938, in Ramsey, England, the only child of George and Grace (Payne) Hunt. She was proud of her English heritage and retained her English citizenship throughout her life. Sue worked as a civilian switchboard operator on the Royal Air Force Alconbury base in Cambridgeshire, England, where she met her future husband, Kenn Hayward, who was stationed there during his time in the U.S. Air Force and was also working as a switchboard operator. They married on January 1, 1960, at the Eaton Rapids Church of the Nazarene, and together lived in Eaton Rapids for their entire married lives. Along with Kenn, Sue was the owner and operator of the Basket Case antique shop in downtown Eaton Rapids for 25 years, and a longtime member of Mt. Hope Church in Lansing. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed her trips to England and annual motorhome camping trips in destinations with water. She was an avid birdwatcher and always found time to enjoy a great cup of tea. Above all, Sue was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and the time she spent with them.
She is preceded in death by her parents and a daughter, Michelle “Shelly” Hayward. Surviving is her husband, Kenn Hayward; sons, Wayne (Tracy) Hayward, Darren Hayward; daughter, Yvette Hayward; eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m.. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. The family received family and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Emerson Charles Hogan

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Emerson Charles Hogan, 92 of Charlotte, passed away on December 9, 2022. He was a Mold Maker at Owens Illinois. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Inc.

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Arthur Jarve

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Arthur “Art” E. Jarve, 79, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022, at home.
He was born on March 26, 1943, to Arthur and Marjorie (Schafer) Jarve in Highland Park, Michigan.
After graduating from Carleton Airport High School, he continued his education at Michigan State University and at Wayne State University, where he earned his B.S. in Business Administration.
On September 14, 1963, he married Sharon M. Wright in East Lansing, Michigan. Arthur worked for Rockwell International in Chelsea, Michigan for 12 years. He moved on to purchase his own business in Bellevue, Michigan. Along with his wife Sharon, they ran Bellevue Hardware, Inc. for 30 years and retired in 2008.
As an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshall, Arthur served in many ways, including being the chairperson of two building committees in Chelsea, Michigan and Charlotte, Michigan. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, camping and gardening. He took great joy in generously sharing his gladiola flowers that he grew with others.
Arthur “Art” is survived by his loving spouse Sharon: his two children, Patrick A. Jarve and Margery M. Szczerba; his five grandchildren, Katie M. Szczerba, Sarah A. Szczerba, Zane B, Szczerba, Effie G. Jarve and Amelia P. Jarve; his brother, Robert (Beth) C. Jarve; his two nieces, Erin Jarve and Kelly Naumes; and his two nephews, Dr. Robert (Amber) K. Jarve and Dr. Patrick (Dr. Nancy) O’Connor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William B. Jarve; his sister, Linda S. Jarve; his nephews, Daniel Jarve and Chris Naumes; and his son-in-law, Steve B. Szczerba.
Visitation and funeral services for Art were held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Christ Lutheran Church (440 West Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068). Pastor Dave Moran officiated.
Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Bellevue, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the charity of your choice, to the Bellevue Fire Department (115 E. Jackson St., Bellevue, MI 49021) or The Bellevue Memorial Scholarship Fund (201 West St., Bellevue, MI 49021).

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Neil O. Dygert Jr.

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Funeral Services:

Neil O. Dygert Jr., age 77, of Charlotte passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. He was born July 7, 1945, in Bellingham, Washington, the son of Neil and Kathryn (Freeberg) Dygert. When Neil was five years old, he and his family moved to Charlotte. He went on to graduate from Charlotte High School in 1963. Neil faithfully served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War with the 199th Light Infantry Division from 1968-1969. Soon after his return from Vietnam, Neil married Alice Fay Thomas on May 3, 1969, at the First Baptist Church in Charlotte. He was always a people person and enjoyed the company of others. He had a big heart and was always interested and ready for a meaningful conversation or just a lighthearted chat. Neil was a devoted Christian and taught Sunday School for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and bowling. Neil loved his family and cherished the many trips he and Alice took with the kids throughout the years.
Neil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alice; children, William Erik (Allison) Dygert of Vicksburg, Wendy Elizabeth (Allen) Jarvis of Charlotte, Michael Scott Dygert of Charlotte, Stephanie Lee (Mario) Sankis of Round Lake Beach, IL; grandchildren, Brennan Dygert, Sydney Taylor, Lincoln Taylor, Kaleb Jarvis, Kaitlyn Jarvis; sisters, Susan Farlin of Charlotte, and Ruth (Richard) Moody of Escanaba.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Edward Farlin.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Shaver officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Those desiring to make a contribution in Neil’s memory can make them to either the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.
To view Neil’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.

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