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Winifred Jean Bearup

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Winifred Jean Bearup (nee Crooks) passed away on January 27, 2023, in Charlotte. She was born August 28, 1920, in Allison, Colorado and grew up in Telluride and during the Depression, in Durango, the daughter of native Coloradan Edna Biggs Crooks and Frederick Crooks, a Scottish immigrant who came to the U.S. at the age 17 in search of foundry work with the mines.
Jean graduated from Durango High School in 1938 and worked at a pharmacy for the following year to save money for nursing school. She entered the Denver Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1939 and graduated as a registered nurse in 1942, signing up for military service the month before graduation. While waiting for the Army’s orders as to when and where to report, she worked as a floor nurse at Durango Mercy Hospital for six months before reporting for duty in January 1943.
She was commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant at Fort Carson, Colorado where she immediately was assigned to the base hospital caring for soldiers injured during maneuvers. She served in this capacity for eight months before signing up for overseas duty and was transferred to Fort Jackson, South Carolina in September 1943.  Here, too, she was assigned to the base hospital caring for injured and ill soldiers. During this time, her overseas unit formed, the 165th General Hospital. She and her unit, composed of 30 doctors, 50 nurses and 220 enlisted men, departed New York Harbor aboard the British troopship HMS Scythia in early September for a twelve-day crossing to Cherbourg, France which had been liberated by Allied forces only six weeks earlier. During her Atlantic Crossing, German submarines were twice detected, causing evasive action.
Jean’s unit was the first to arrive directly in France, all previous Army units having first arrived in the British Isles. The 165th promptly erected a tent hospital 25 miles south of Cherbourg. Within a week, Jean’s hospital was receiving heavy casualties from Operation Market Garden, the battles for Brest and Aachen, the sieges of German-held areas in Brittany and, ultimately, the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. Jean was assigned as the sole nurse for a 40-cot post-operative tent ward, saying she never once had an empty bed for her first six months with the 165th. The heaviest single event casualties arriving at her hospital were the survivors of the sinking of the SS Leopoldville troopship in the English Channel on Christmas Eve 1944 which resulted in over eight hundred lives lost. Jean worked two days without rest caring for many of the one thousand survivors. Ironically, her future husband, one of the uninjured survivors of the torpedo attack on the convoy, gathered the soldiers under his command to re-group on a hillside only a few miles from her tent hospital.
With the war in the European Theater now beyond the German border, Jean’s unit was moved eastward to Verdun in March 1945, at which time she was promoted to First Lieutenant. When V-E Day was declared in early May, the 165th was decommissioned and Jean boarded a troop train for Marseilles for re-staging and re-training as part of a new hospital unit being formed to go to the Pacific Theater. It was there that she met Captain Stuart Bearup and, after a four-month courtship, they were married on October 16, 1945 in Fontvielle, France by the 66th Division Chaplain. The couple had a five-day honeymoon on the French Riviera. The Army sent Stuart back to the States while Jean was reassigned to the 81st General Hospital back in Verdun. While there, the Army decided to return Jean back to the States as well in late December 1945.
The newlyweds first made their home in Lansing while Stuart completed his degree at MSU and then moved to Charlotte where he became a partner in the Charlotte Insurance Agency. After the war, Jean brought three children into the world and by the mid 1950’s she was hired as a floor nurse at Hayes Green Beach Hospital where she served for 22 years before being appointed Director of Nursing, a post in which she served eight years before retiring. Jean and her husband travelled extensively both before and after their retirements, including returning to the French chateau where they were married thirty years earlier. They went to Europe several times as well as Africa, took cruises in the Caribbean and visited several points around the United States, including many return trips to her beloved Colorado. Jean was also an active partner in her husband’s numerous trips and conferences as part of Rotary International. She was for many years active in the General Federation of Women’s Club-Charlotte, the church choir of the Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church and in her nineties spent a day each week on the campus of Michigan State University mentoring international graduate students at Friendship House MSU. Her most prized activities throughout her life were as Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Throughout her long life, she was quietly proud of her service to her country during World War II.
Even at 102, Jean was able to live in her own home in Charlotte until October when she was admitted to the Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services facility. Although declining and ill, during her four months there she was a delight to the caregivers and made a special point to value and thank each one individually every day.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years, Stuart; her parents, Frederick and Edna; and her brothers, Russell and William. She is survived by her children, Pat (Gary) Webber (St. Cloud, Minnesota); George (Pat) Bearup (Traverse City); and Richard (Judy) Bearup (Charlotte); as well as her precious grandchildren Stuart, Grant, Brooke, Jay, Kate, Jessica and Ted. She had eight great grandchildren, Owen, Archer, Willa, Sutton, Winifred, Benjamin, Abbigayle and Zackery. She is also survived by Lawrence & Carol Fields (Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina) who were like a son and daughter to her; and Charles Schaefer (Charlotte) who was also like a son; and by her beloved nieces, Colette Ferran (Los Angeles) and Carol Bearup (Surprise, Arizona); and nephew, Duncan Crooks (Canton, Ohio).
A memorial service celebrating Jean’s life will be held in June at Pray Funeral Home. Once a date is finalized, it will be shared on Pray’s website. Those wishing to share a memory or words of tribute to Jean, do so on the website at www.PrayFuneral.com. For those wishing to consider donations in Jean’s memory, donations may be made to Friendship House MSU, Maple Hill Cemetery, Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church or Sparrow Eaton Hospital.

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Mark Valentine Esterhai

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Mark Valentine Esterhai, age 64, of Eaton Rapids, MI passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS. Mark was born on February 14, 1958, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island the son of Louis and Elizabeth (Paterson) Esterhai. He moved to Eaton Rapids in the early 1960’s where he was raised at the VFW National Home and went to school with the class of 1975 and received his diploma in 1981. Mark worked at Nava Stone Company in Cement City as a brick manufacturer and was the first licensed riverboat captain in the state of Michigan. His passion was captaining riverboats and he drove for many years as the captain of the Michigan Princess out of Lansing. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, college football, music, golfing and taking long drives with no particular destination in mind. Mark loved hosting reunions and parties at his home especially for his family and extended VFW family.
Mark is survived by his wife, Susan (Brandt) Esterhai; daughter, Amber (Jason Church) Esterhai; “adopted” daughter, Gabby Rugg; brothers, Rob (Rae) Esterhai, Stephen Esterhai; sisters, Betty (Bill) Steele, Andrea Larson and several nieces, nephews, beloved friends and extended VFW family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids chapel with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Susan Esterhai to help cover final expenses. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Mary Jean Daniels

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Mary Jean Daniels of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Island City Assisted Living, surrounded by her loving family. She resided in the Eaton Rapids area for the past 10 years. She was 96 years old. Mary Jean Townsend was born on June 22, 1926, in Saginaw, the only child to the late George L. and Josephine (Pump) Townsend. She was raised in Saginaw for her early life, and her later school years she lived in Detroit. Mary Jean graduated from Cooley High School, Class of 1944. With formal education completed, she worked for a Department of War Office. Her family then moved to Midland and Mary Jean worked for Dow Chemical and met her husband, Vitold “Vic” Daniels from New York. Two years later, they were married at St. Brigid Catholic Church, Midland on February 7, 1948. They moved to Munster, Indiana and Vic worked in Chicago. While living there Vic took ill and died on July 9, 1953. After Vic’s death, Mary Jean moved back to Saginaw to be close to her parents. She worked as a travel agent and had several secretarial jobs including working for Equitable Life for 25 years. Mary Jean was a faithful member of St. Dominic Parish – St. Steven Catholic Church. Mary Jean volunteered with the READ Association at a local elementary school. She loved to spend time in her flower gardens, sewing, golfing, bowling, caring for her kitties, and spending time with her family, friends and especially with the “Girls Night Out” group. Her biggest travel adventures were to Alaska and Austria.
Mary Jean will be dearly missed by her children: Gary (Patricia) Daniels of East Lansing; Barbara (Russell) Hicks of Eaton Rapids and Karen (Brian) Habeck of Midland; 10 grandchildren: Maggie, Matthew, David, Katrina, Erin, Kristin, Tara, Amy, Jeffrey and Monica Jean; and eight great grandchildren.
A funeral service for Mary Jean was held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl officiated with entombment following at Oakwood Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Humane Society of Saginaw County. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.

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Wilma Ann Campbell

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Wilma Ann (Whitinger) Campbell, an inspiration and teacher to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on January 13, 2023. Wilma Ann was born to Elwood Edward and Eunice May (Fladeboe) Whitinger, on September 19, 1936, in Charlotte, Michigan.  She was the second child of a talented family of six.  Her parents recognized early the musical ability Wilma had and she began dance lessons at the age of three.  She was a good student, and participated in many extracurricular activities: band, cheerleading, plays, and had many lifelong friends in the CHS class of 1954.
Wilma had an opportunity through her Lansing dance teacher to open her own studio in Charlotte. During her senior year, she became the owner and teacher of her very own dance studio.  Soon after she had a blind date with a handsome young man from Olivet, and the couple fell in love. Both Norm and Wilma were ambitious yet family oriented, so while Wilma taught dance classes, Norm attended General Motors Institute in Flint. Once married, it wasn’t long before Norm was an engineer at GM and they had three children to add to their happiness.
Wilma owned the Campbell Dance Studio for 41 years where she and daughters Lori and Mary Jo taught classes.  Many dancers started as toddlers and continued through high school and beyond.  Hundreds of students and their families became part of the family of Campbell dancers over several decades.
During her career Wilma was able to study with tap-greats at various workshops and conventions in Chicago, New York, LA, and Las Vegas.  Her continued education with the art of dance never stopped, whether learning or teaching it.  Her annual dance recitals were wonderful productions. The dancers especially looked forward to performing and many fond memories were made.  She was a pro at enlisting people to help with behind-the-scenes projects, as well as getting a reluctant person to perform.  One did not say “no” to Wilma.
Wilma formed the “Dancing Deputies” group to perform as the local entertainment for Charlotte’s annual Frontier Days festival.  She was passionate about bringing entertainment to her community.  Her dancers performed in talent shows, chorus line and band bounces for the CHS band, along with the Lowell and Chesaning Showboats as well as many other venues.
As the years went by, she was delighted to add more family, with in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She was adept to social media so was able to stay in touch with her grand and greats and extended family and friends. She made all who knew her feel special and loved.  Her very large extended family on both sides of the family tree benefited from her positive nature, kindness, and life lessons along the way.
During retirement Wilma and Norm enjoyed life on the road in an RV, life in Florida during the winter, and at their haven at Sugar Springs near Gladwin, MI.  The grandchildren have many fond memories of golf camp, fishing trips, and swimming either in the lake or the clubhouse pool.  Much special time was spent with the grandparents. Wilma’s favorite pastime at the lake was the sunset rides on the pontoon when the weather suited her just right.
Wilma returned to live in Charlotte once Norm passed away in 2003. It was great to have her home and  close to family again.   It didn’t take her long to become involved again with the Eaton Area Senior Center.  She was once again able to be either direct or be part of their variety shows and entertainment.  She taught computer lessons to seniors to keep up with modern technology.
Wilma is survived by her children, Lori (Steve) Coplin, Andy (Karen) Campbell, Mary Jo (David Hosey) Campbell;  grandchildren, Jason Mills, Ryan (Nicci) Baum, Kindra (Larry) Smith,  Patrick Baum, Holly (Chip) Nevins; great-grandchildren, Dayton Cubis, Lincoln Baum; Camden, Caysen, Colbie Nevins; Rozlyn, Molly, Brady Smith; brother, John (Sue) Whitinger; brothers-in-law, Gerry Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, Gerry (Patti) Congleton; many nieces, nephews and their children; as well as cousins and their families; and several of her life-long friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Norm; parents-in-law, George and Bea Campbell; sisters, Lucille Tuckey, Marion Whitinger, Leila Whitinger, Linda (Matt) Silvas; in-laws, David (Judy) Campbell, Daniel Campbell, Shirley Campbell; son-in-law, Rex D. Baum; daughter-in-law, Cammi D. Campbell; and grandson, Corey A. Campbell.
Friends are encouraged to support Wilma’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family received visitors Friday, January 20th at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Celebration of Life service was held Saturday, January 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Charlotte Assembly of God. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Wilma’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 SIREN of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Roxann Marie Moore

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Roxann Marie Moore, a very giving individual that was dearly loved by many, died January 21, 2023, at her home in Charlotte surrounded by her family. Roxann, 59, was born April 26, 1963, in Lansing to Michael and Rose Marie (Mesler) Kempf. Roxann and her husband John ran a successful business they loved and cherished together for 39 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University after graduating from Charlotte High School. Always taking care of everyone around her, Roxann loved being a mother and grandmother and doting on her family, as well as caring for others in the business she and her husband John owned and ran together, Moore’s Country Living. Anything pink, sparkly, glamorous, or bedazzled appealed to Roxann, which explains why she loved trips to local casinos, trips to Vegas, and sunsets. Some of her other favorite things include shopping, time spent at the sand dunes and Silver Lake, bonfires, and Chardonnay during many of these activities.
Roxann is survived by her husband, John Moore; children, Shelby (Sydney) Moore, John Michael (Haily) Moore; Heather (Sean) Yancey; grandchildren, Blaire, Henzlee, Ella, Layla, Harper, and Brooks; father, Michael Kempf; brother, Michael (Michelle) Kempf; sister-in-law, Jill Kempf; mother-in-law, Carol Moore; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Rose Kempf; brother, Ron Kempf; father-in-law, Jack Moore; and step father-in-law, Bob Kidder.
Friends are encouraged to support Roxann’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, January 27, 2023, 5-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services are Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor John Bailey officiating. 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 Roxann’s 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 for a college fund for her grandchildren. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Carl “Roy” LeRoy French

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Carl “Roy” LeRoy French, a good-hearted family man, died on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Roy 95, of Charlotte, was born September 5, 1927, in Vermontville, MI the son of Carl and Ethel (Chapman) French. In 1947 Roy began working for the Charlotte Chair Factory where he worked until his retirement in 1992. In 1951 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served in the Korean War. Upon his return he married the love of his life, Margaret Lightner on February 16, 1957. His mission from that day forward was to irritate Margaret every day. Roy was a man who was always providing for his family, at one point he worked three different jobs to provide for his family. His hobbies included tinkering in his garage, going to auctions, watching NASCAR, game shows, and westerns. The family also went on several camping trips. Roy hated camping but was a good sport because Margaret loved it. Roy loved having family gatherings for the holidays. His biggest passion in life was his grandchildren.
Roy is survived by his children, Carla Frazier of Sunfield, Cindy French of St. Johns, Jacquelyn French of Charlotte, and Steven French of Charlotte; grandchildren, Joseph Collier, Brian Collier, Angel (Mike) Dager, Donald Collier, Robert Collier, Anthony Rugg, Mindy Rugg, and Christopher French; great-grandchildren, Abreana, Camden, Ashley, and Carly; sister, Geneva Butler; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Margaret; siblings, Pheobe Clouse, Lola Magoon, James French, and George French; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Roy’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, January 24, 2023, and funeral services were Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Royston officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Roy’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.

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Lori Lou Spotts

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Lori Lou Spotts, age 58, of Saginaw, MI, formerly of Charlotte and Lansing passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at her home in Saginaw after a courageous battle with liver cancer.
She was born April 28, 1964, in Charlotte, MI the daughter of Steven L. and Linda (Bowes) Spotts.
Lori graduated from Olivet High School in 1983. She had previously worked at the Lansing State Journal.
Lori was preceeded in death by her grandparents, Clifford and Frances Spotts, and grandmother, Harriet (Bowes) Starkweather; uncle, Linden Spotts; and aunt, Rhonda Gembura.
Lori is survived by her companion, Billy Adams; father, Steven Spotts; mother, Linda (Bowes) Cottenham; stepmother, Nora Guerra Spotts; siblings: Kristine Hurley, Crystal (Chris) Kuzma, Stevie Jo Spotts, Shai Sproat, Daniel Cottenham, Darren Cottenham, Honey Cottenham, Jessie Cottenham and Jamie Cottenham; aunt and uncle, Paula and Louis DeFabio; and several nieces and nephews.
At this time no services are planned. The family is in care of Evans and Browne Funeral Home.

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Patrick John Hickey

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Patrick John Hickey, age 67, passed away unexpectedly in an accident at his home on January 14, 2023.
Pat was born November 11, 1955, to Louis and Donna (Smith) Hickey.
He attended Maple Valley Schools graduating in 1973. After graduation he was employed by Carefree Windows and was with the company 30 years until their closing. He was then employed by Spartan Motors for 10 years until his retirement.
In his younger years he enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his friends and traveled to western states and also to Canada.
Pat grew up on the family farm on Valley Highway and purchased the farm upon his mom’s passing. He enjoyed being back on the farm and sharing it with his family.
Jill and Pat were married at St. Cyril Catholic Church on December 29, 2012. They enjoyed biking, camping, traveling, and time spent with their grandchildren, who were included on many of these outings.
Pat was a devoted family man. He lovingly cared for his parents in their final years. He will be greatly missed as a wonderful husband, stepfather, and adoring grandfather.
Pat was a lifetime member of St. Cyril Catholic Church in Nashville, serving faithfully in whatever role was needed. He was the current treasurer of the Maple Valley Alumni Association. He enjoyed his friends and classmates from the class of ‘73.
Surviving are his wife, Jill; stepdaughters, Kristen (Chris) Miller and Sarah (Troy Sloan) Shoemaker. He was adored “Papa Pat” to Palyn, Claire, Gracie, Jack, Emma and Michael.
He is also survived by his brother, Ed (Nora) Hickey; and their children, Lori Joostberns and family and Skeeter Ebersole and family; brother-in-law, Pat London; nieces, Stephanie (Brandon) Delinsky and family, and Kelsey (Steve Najar) London.
Also surviving Pat are his mother-in-law, Anne Lehman; father-in-law, William (Linda) Lehman; brothers-in-law, Billy Lehman and Scott McLachlan; aunt, Sharon Halliwell; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen London; and sister-in-law, Beth McLachlan.
Visitation was held at Daniels Funeral Home on Friday, January 20th with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 21 at St. Cyril Catholic Church.
The Funeral Mass was held at St. Cyril Catholic Church on Saturday, January 21 at 10:30 a.m. with interment at Lakeview Cemetery to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Cyril Catholic Church or the Maple Valley Scholarship Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Daniels Funeral Home-Nashville, conveniently located at 9200 East M-79 Hwy, Nashville. For further details please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.

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Nelson Chris Haahr

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Nelson Chris Haahr, a man who never let adversity change his great attitude about life, died January 19, 2023, at the age of 54. Nelson was born March 11, 1968, in Midland to Nancey Lee Franklin. Nelson enlisted in the Army after high school, and then at the age of 21 had a severe auto accident that left him paralyzed. Although life threw him many twists and turns, Nelson’s attitude about life was phenomenal, he was always good natured, funny, had a very artistic streak, and knack for always remembering names. In January of 1999 he married Sheryl Sevitts and during their honeymoon they went scuba diving. Nelson never let being confined to a wheelchair confine his attitude toward experiencing life to its fullest. This was one of the reasons that he made friends with everyone he met.
Nelson is survived by his wife, Sheryl Haahr; daughter, Sydney Hamilton; grandson, Kalub Hamilton; mother, Nancey Johnsen; stepfather, Roger Malfrom; best friend, Daniel Rathke; and his “adopted” family the Statts who cared for him after his accident.
Friends are encouraged to support Nelson’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A memorial service is being planned at a later date. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions in care of Sheryl Haahr to help with expenses. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gretchen Lee Converse

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Gretchen Lee Converse, age 92, of Charlotte, MI passed away on December 23, 2022, in Summerfield, Florida. Gretchen was born on August 9, 1930, in Eaton Rapids, MI the daughter of Arlington and Vera (VanWagner) Crawford. She was raised in Eaton Rapids where she graduated from high school class of 1948. Gretchen worked for Oldsmobile in Lansing for nine years, worked as a transport driver for Avis Rental Cars, as a real estate agent and volunteered at the Eaton Community Palliative Care Thrift Store for over 10 years. She was also a member of the New Hope Community Church in Charlotte for many years.
Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Max Converse.
Surviving are her children, Mike Love, Craig (Tina) Love, Kristine Priesman; seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Gretchen. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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