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Funeral Services:

Eric James Stanton of Charlotte — a loving, supportive man that took others in like they were his own family — died unexpectedly November 25, 2019, at the age of 60. Born June 1, 1959, in Eaton Rapids to James and Vonda (Thompson) Stanton, Eric grew up learning to love farming and cooking from his grandma and grandpa Thompson as wonderful role models in his life. He married the love of his life, Carrie LeAnn Bailey, on September 16, 1983, and together they raised three children and built their own home. Eric was a carpenter with Carpenters Union, working all over the state of Michigan until his retirement in March of 2019. With a true love of the outdoors, Eric enjoyed hunting (he never missed an opening day of deer season), fishing with trips to Drummond Island as often as he could and had a real green thumb for “yard farming” with his very large garden. Family was everything to Eric; he put family first and never missed a sporting event or activity of his children or grandchildren. Christmas always had special memories for the family; his mom started reading a special Christmas story to Eric at the age of 2 and did so every year thereafter.

Eric is survived by his children, Derrick, Deven (Bridgette Gallagher), Megan Stanton, and Zach (Mindy) Holbrook; grandchildren, Ayden, Hoyt, and Wyatt Stanton; mom, Vonda Stanton; siblings, Mark (Betsy) Stanton and Karen Stults; and many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie in 2005; his father, James; and his grandparents.

Friends are encouraged to support Eric’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Monday, December 2, 2019, at 5 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Daniel O. Sowles officiating. Visitation is Sunday, December 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Eric on his tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com.  The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Crowner, 84, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Monday, November 11, 2019, in Charlotte. Betty was born March 9, 1935, in Cleveland, the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Catherine (McNabb) Frechen. She graduated high school before attending Rachella Beauty College. Betty married David Arthur Crowner on October 15, 1955, upon his return from Korea. She opened her own business, Betty’s Beauty Shop, which served as the neighborhood gathering place — where there was always coffee, conversation and a place for husbands to tinker in the garage with Dave. The two enjoyed 62 years of marriage until his death in 2017. Family would remain Betty’s greatest joy.

She is survived by her three children, Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, and Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte; 5 grandchildren, Greg (Amber) Rinehart, Andy (Marci) Rinehart, Holly (Dave) Evert, Charley (Ashley) Crowner, and Nicki (Garrett) Bensinger; several great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Coletta Vaughn; sister-in-law, Jane (David) Crowner-Friedman; honorary sons, George (Debbie) Theunick and Mark Kelley; and her nieces and nephews.  Betty was predeceased by her husband, David A. Crowner in 2017; two grandchildren, David Crowner in 1979 and Skye in 1980; a great-grandson, David Evert; sister, Barbara Jean Mosher; brothers-in-law, Gerald Vaughn and Phillip Crowner; and, most recently, daughter-in-law, Amy Crowner.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated November 14, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Church of Charlotte. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Betty on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Norah Elizabeth Rhoads, age 98, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Monday, November 25, 2019. She was born June 9, 1921, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Horace F. and Elizabeth (Hackney) Howe. Norah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed reading, playing the organ and Bingo. The family would like to especially thank the staff at the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services for the loving care they provided Norah during her time there.

She is survived by her children: Ruth (Howard) Sellick of Harrow, Ontario, Canada; Ronald (Linda) Rhoads of Charlotte; grandchildren: Colin (Cheryl) Sellick of Harrow, Ontario, Canada; Chad (Brenda) Sellick of Sarasota, Florida; Jeffrey (Janine) Rhoads of West Lafayette, Indiana; great-grandchildren: Cooper Sellick, Chase Sellick, Jonathan Rhoads and Joseph Rhoads.

Norah was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Beverly F. Rhoads in 2009; brothers: Allan Howe and Wilbur Flowers.

In keeping with Norah’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Norah’s honor to the Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, Activities Department, 530 Beech St., Charlotte MI 48813.

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

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Funeral Services:

Nancy Jane Duggan — the caring, fun-loving and thoughtful matriarch of her family, and mom to all — died Saturday, November 23, 2019. Nancy, age 82, of Charlotte, was born February 15, 1937, to Paul and Alice (Freebourn) Clinger in Pennsylvania. Nancy’s FAMILY was always her pride and joy. In her youth, Nancy helped her mother with her siblings. In 1966, she and her husband John moved to Charlotte to work at Owens Illinois (OI) with a large number of their family, where she worked in quality control until she retired in 1978. Jitterbug champions, Nancy and John loved to host family game nights and bible studies. Her faith was important to her. She was an amazing pie maker and would spoil her children and grandchildren whenever she had the opportunity. Nancy also loved bowling, Hallmark movies, decaf coffee and coffee shops with friends, word searches, reading, crafts, garage sales and flea markets and visiting the casino. Nancy had a heart of gold. The Christmas season was her favorite, and she would make sure that friends, family and strangers alike had gifts and a place at her table.

She is survived by her husband John; daughters Lorena Duggan-Scott, and Marcy Duggan-Beebe; grandchildren  Derek (Cathlene) Beebe, Nicole (Thomas) Brown, Matthew Scott, and Renee (Allen Sours) Beebe; great-grandchildren Jackson Brown, Caroline Brown, Adrienne Beebe, Hunter Sours, Elizabeth Beebe, and Josephine Beebe; brother James Clinger; and Sisters Bonnie (Robert) Jones, Linda Shepherd and Norma Martin. She was predeceased by her parents; brother Louis Clinger; and sisters Mary Clinger Jones and Irene Clinger Etzel.

Friends are encouraged to support Nancy’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Mark Booth officiating. Visitation was scheduled for Friday, November 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday one hour prior to the service. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Nancy on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Karin Suzanne Avery — a loving, loyal and passionate, daughter, sister and partner — died Sunday, November 17, 2019, after a long battle with Huntington’s Disease — a disease she fought up to the very end. Karin, 50, of Charlotte, was born August 18, 1969, to Chester and Ella (Richardson) Wright. She worked as a legal secretary for different law firms. Karin was very competitive. Whether it was euchre, bowling, typing or playing board games, she was not losing. She loved the outdoors — hunting, fishing, boating, camping and going to the beach. Karin was an accomplished pool player and also enjoyed a cold beer. Karin was not able to have children of her own and this led to a strong love for animals, and her cats and dogs were her babies.
Family and friends meant the world to Karin. She always greeted you with a smile and a big hug.
Karin is survived by her significant other, Brian Burke; father, Chester (Tess) Wright; sisters, Michele (Ray) Johnson, and Amy (Scott Brainard) Wright; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Remo), Joseph (Katherine), Tyler, Justin (Paige), India, Ava, and Kaitlyn; 3 great nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Whitley. She was predeceased by her mother Ella Wright; and nephew, Jacob Carroll.
Friends are encouraged to support Karin’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are Saturday, November 23, 2019, at noon at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Greg Pitchman officiating. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Crosswalk Teen Center in Charlotte or the Eaton County Humane Society. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Karin on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.

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Funeral Services:

Ernestine “Tina” Alice Ballard, 99, of Bellevue, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November  16, 2019, with family by her side.
Ernestine was born August 17, 1920, in St. Johns, to Ernest and Margaret (Eisler) Waggoner. She grew up and attended school in Lansing. On August 2, 1938, Ernestine married Charles G. Ballard in Bryan Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1991. Charles and Ernestine lived in the Lansing area prior to moving to Vermontville in 1951 and then settling on their farm in Bellevue in 1956.  Along with helping Charles on the farm, Ernestine was a stay-at-home mom to their two children, daughter Kathleen “Kay” and son Alfred, whom she lovingly referred to as “Butch.”
Tina enjoyed listening to music, especially her favorite country singer, Alan Jackson. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, playing cards and embroidery. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed listening to them on the radio. She preferred the commentators on the radio over the ones on the television. Ernestine’s happiest times were spent with friends, family and numerous family pets. She loved many animals (except snakes) but had a special place in her heart for dogs and kitty cats.
Ernestine is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Roger [deceased]) Hosey and son Alfred (Sharon) Ballard, six grandchildren: Rae Alice (Jeff) Murphy, Roger Charles (Deb) Hosey, Paula (Jeff) Light, Wendy (Jonny) Thornton, Karen (Doug) DeLand, and Jason (Amanda) Ballard; 13 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, stepfather, six siblings and a granddaughter.
Funeral services were scheduled for Friday, November 22 at the Bellevue chapel of Kempf Funeral and Cremation Services with Rev. Mikki Saandlin of the Bellevue United Methodist Church officiating. Interment was planned at Bellevue Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Bellevue Fire Department or Bellevue Good Samaritans. To leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook, visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Carol M. (Depeel) Tarr of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 5, 2019. She was born in Branch, MI, to Ruth and Ethro Depeel. She graduated from Mason County Central High School and attended Ferris State College. She was employed as a support specialist by the State of Michigan, from which she retired.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Stacey. She is survived by her four children, Robert (Barb) Tarr, Jeff (Lisa) Tarr, Sally Rankin, and Brad Tarr; six grandchildren, Jennifer Cameron, Melanie Wiegold, Casey Hussey, Bethany Rankin, Michael Tarr, and Luke Tarr; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made in Carol’s name to Sparrow Hospice. A celebration of life is being planned.

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Funeral Services:

Robert Earl Polhamus, 72, died on November 6, 2019, in Adrian, after a struggle with lung cancer. Robert was born in Hastings on April 24, 1947. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tanya Barnes, and infant son, Robert Aaron-Earl Polhamus. Bob is survived by his wife, Jackie (Husted) Polhamus; adopted son, Gerry Polhamus; two step-children; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

January 17, 1946 - November 18, 2019

Funeral Services:

Dewight Emerson Franklin, 73, of Charlotte, formerly of Dimondale, died Monday, November 18, 2019, in Lansing. Dewight was born January 17, 1946, in Lansing. He worked 35 years for General Motors before retiring and settling into time on the golf course and up north on Dyer Lake fishing. He was a devoted member of the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552, Charlotte Moose Lodge #2565 and American Legion Post 42 of Charlotte. Dewight married Sally Schlienze on July 30, 2005, and the two enjoyed countless road trips in their 14 years of happy marriage.
Dewight is survived by his wife, Sally; sister, Eilene Fritts; two brothers, Ron (Connie) Franklin and Rex (Evelyn) Franklin; and his greatest companion, his yellow lab Luke. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Bud Fritts and several siblings. A memorial service will take place at a later date.  If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Charlotte Eagles Aerie #3552. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Dewight on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

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Funeral Services:

Josephine Madeline Ostrowski, 90, of Olivet, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at her home with family by her side. Josephine was born April 11, 1929 in Throop, PA, one of nine children of Maciej and Anna (Fyk) Siedlecki. She graduated from High School in Stratford, CT, in 1946, making her the first of her family to earn her diploma. Josephine worked as a file clerk at various posts until marrying John Ostrowski on February 27, 1954. Following their marriage, Josephine settled into family life in Connecticut, briefly in Florida and finally in Michigan. Her family will always remember her loving hospitality, always making sure her guests were well nourished and comfortable. Her meticulous nature meant her home was always well organized. Josephine particularly enjoyed her time at home, especially watching the birds and deer pass by while working on her latest crochet or knitting project. She was a woman of devout faith and love for family.
Josephine is survived by her daughter, Joann (Jack) Ostrowski Parrinder; sons, John (Patti) Ostrowski, Jr. and James Ostrowski; 5 grandchildren, Louann Ostrowski, Ashley (J.D.) McDaniels, Eric (Nicole) Wells, Melissa (fiancé Scott Conger) Ostrowski, and Katie Ostrowski; 2 great-grandsons, Joshua and Jaden Ostrowski; brother, Vincent (Ruth) Siedlecki; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, John Ostrowski, Sr., in 1986; her parents; and her siblings, Walter (Julia) Siedlecki, Mary (Stanley) Oldakowski, Lucille (Fred) Fischialetti, Pauline (Raymond) Kotchkowski, Catherine (Tony) Prushko, Leo (Angie) Siedlecki, and Edward Siedlecki.
A Funeral Mass was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation was scheduled to take place an hour prior to Mass at the church on Friday. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church of Charlotte. Friends and family are asked to share memories of Josephine on her Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.