-

Funeral Services:

Mr. John Charles Van Vleet, 54, of Charlotte, passed away at his home, surrounded by family and loved ones. John was born and raised in Charlotte. He began working on the Roberts’ hog farm as a boy. He was a foreman and worked at Clark Foundation 18 years before venturing into business, starting Van Vleet Concrete Poured Walls. He later drove tanker truck for Butternut Creek transfers.

John was a member of the American Legion and AF Gold Prospectors Association of America.

John leaves behind his loving parents, Robert and Donna Van Vleet; wife, Marjorie; sisters, Kathy Reeser and Diane Lake; son, Justin Van Vleet; daughter, Niki Swain; two granddaughters, Brianna and Brinsleigh; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

John is preceded in death by his brother, “Bobby” Robert Loney Van Vleet.

-

Funeral Services:

Betty Lee Overmyer of Eaton Rapids, the coolest lady that ever lived in Eaton Rapids, passed away January 22, 2019, at the age of 83. Betty was born in Washington, Penn.  on September 22, 1935, the daughter of Angelo and Minnie (Bongiovanni) Colosi. She was a member of Eaton Rapids American Legion Auxiliary 15, the 3^rd district president of Michigan American Legion Auxiliary and a member of Lansing 40 & 8. Betty was a self-taught and self-employed tailor and cake decorator. Betty was a friend to everyone she met and will be greatly missed. 

Betty is survived by her daughters, Ginger (Dave) Boerkircher of Nebraska, Sherri (TJ) Caster of Oklahoma and Leann Owen of Charlotte; sons, Leonard Overmyer III of Grand Rapids, S. Bear (Cheri) Overmyer of Ohio and Jack Overmyer of Eaton Rapids; son-in-law, Richard Owen of Eaton Rapids; sisters, Beatrice Brownlee of Pennsylvania and Angela “Cookie” Colosi of Arizona; brother, Robert (Lana) Colosi of Buckley; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard G. Overmyer in 2002 and daughter-in-law, Jill Overmyer in 2014.

No services are planned at this time. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the American Legion Post 42, 1000 Lawrence Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit millsfuneral.com to place online condolences or to sign the guest register. 

-

Funeral Services:

Richard “Red” A. Elliston, 78, of Charlotte, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019, at his home. He was born August 26, 1940, in Pennfield Township in Calhoun County, the son of Richard and Florence (Corwin) Elliston. On December 23, 1977, he married Irene M. Nitz. Red was an extremely hardworking man. He retired after many years of service from GM in Lansing. When he wasn’t working at GM, he also installed siding and windows to make a few extra dollars. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and singing karaoke in his free time. 

Red is survived by his wife of 41 years, Irene; children, Kristin (Ed) Aldaco of Elkridge, Md., Eric Elliston of Lansing; step-daughter, Melissa Hillard of Charlotte; three grandchildren; and siblings, Butch (Judy) Elliston and Dorothy Pifer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Glen Wagner, Myrtie Munchbach, and Kay Hayes.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at Charlotte Assembly of God, with Pastor Jordan Humbarger officiating. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Red’s honor to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd., Lansing, MI 48911.

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

-

Funeral Services:

Phyllis J. Deuster, 84, of Lady Lake, Fla., passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, December 26, 2018.
Phyllis was born May 3, 1934 to A. Dale and Magdalen (Campbell) Baum in Charlotte. She graduated from Charlotte High School where she enjoyed playing the alto saxophone in the band.

Phyllis was an avid golfer and also enjoyed playing horseshoes, bowling, card club, mahjong, going on cruises and activities with The Villages Michigan Club. She retired to the Villages in 1988 from Charlotte, with her late husband Walter T. Deuster.

Phyllis is predeceased by her husband Walter Deuster; former husband, Henry Moore; stepson, Ron Moore; and companion, Thomas Lowe.

Phyllis is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Angela Moore of South Woodstock, Vt.; son, Mark Moore of Dallas, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Alex Cook of Bellevue; and brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Diane Baum of Charlotte. She is also lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Florida National Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in the memory of Phyllis Deuster to Sacred Journey Hospice, 138 Peach Drive, McDonough, GA 30253.

-

Funeral Services:

Ronnie Dean Maggard, 63, of Charlotte, passed away, Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing surrounded by his family. He was born February 11, 1955, in Lansing, the son of Daniel and Loretta (Young) Maggard. On April 29, 1972, he married the love of his life Valerie E. Hokonson in Tazwell, Tenn. Ron was a devoted family man. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Ron could often be found fishing, camping, hunting, or just hanging out at Fleet Service with his son-in-law and grandkids. He also traveled all over the country, following his grandson’s motocross competitions. Ron was also a huge Detroit Lions fan. He stuck with them through thick and thin. He always looked forward to a good game of poker with his buddies and trips to the casino. Ron was a magnificent cook and baker. You would often find him in the kitchen making his famous butterscotch pies or homemade noodles. Ron also enjoyed the many friends he made throughout the years while driving the Amish. 

Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Valerie; children, Charie (Dan II) Bryan, Shan (Tom Barthel) Maggard; grandsons, Dan “Bubby” (Bethany Packowski) Bryan III, Ashtin “Bean” (Shauwna) Bryan, Blaze Bryan, Brandon Bryan, Brent Bryan; great-grandson, Dan Bryan IV; mother, Loretta “Pat” Staley; sisters, Louise Haun, Marlene (Richard) Schofield; sister-in-law, Darlene (Dennis) Fast; and his best friend, Lenny the American Bulldog.

He was preceded in death by his father; and brother-in-law, Roger Haun.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Olivet. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Ron’s honor to his family. 

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

-

Funeral Services:

Marlin Elmer Gloor, 99, of Charlotte, died Saturday, January 19, 2019. He was just three months shy of his 100^th birthday. Marlin was born April 15, 1919 on the family farm in Hamlet, Ind. to Freed and Edith (Herbst) Gloor. He graduated from LaPorte High School in 1937. Following graduation, Marlin went on to proudly serve his country during WWII. He served as an airplane and engine mechanic and later as a pilot. Over his lifetime Marlin was a warrior; overcoming numerous very serious health scares from meningitis to cancer before advancement of medicine today. On October 25, 1944 Marlin married Nadine Parthun and together spent the next 67 years creating their legacy together before her passing in 2012. Growing up on a farm in Northern Indiana, Marlin grew to love tractors. Following his service in WWII Marlin went to work at Allis Chalmers in parts, service, sales and management before leaving the company in 1976. Marlin later went on to purchase Williams Farm Machinery. He co-owned the business until the late 1980s. Following his retirement, Marlin started to restore tractors. Marlin also enjoyed traveling all around the United States with his wife in their motorhome, fishing, hunting, and working on and flying his airplane with his children. Marlin’s biggest passion in life was his family.   

Marlin is survived by his loving family; sons, Edward (Charlotte) Gloor of Holland, Penn., David (Michelle) Gloor of Charlotte; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. 

Marlin was predeceased by his wife, Nadine; siblings, Marcella Gloor, Marshall Gloor, and Emil Gloor; and his parents.  

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Michael Rysko officiating. 

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Marlin on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. 

-

Funeral Services:

Donald Ray Emenhiser went to his eternal home on January 8, 2019, at the age of 75. Don was born July 3, 1943, in Brooklyn, Ark. to Delmer and Nora (Nelms) Emenhiser. He graduated from Port Huron High School. Don moved to Charlotte in 1962. He worked in construction and owned a business with his brother, Emenhiser’s Builders. Don married Anna Belle (Fraley) in 1989. On most Friday and Saturday evenings you would find Don playing cards with many friends. He was quite competitive when it came to card games. Don and Anna loved to travel. During the summer they would enjoy working in the garden so they would have lots to can for winter. Fall also brought hunting season, which was a favorite as well. Most importantly, Don loved family gatherings. 

Don was preceded in death by his father, Delmer; mother, Nora; and brother-in-law, Jerry Dunn. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anna Belle; son, Donald (Jaimie) Emenhiser; daughters, Michele (Scott) Snyder, Rebecca (Arnold) Dolman and Barbara (Steven Cook) Emenhiser. Don is also survived by Anna’s children who all dearly loved him as their dad as well, Kimberly (Danny Deater) Marple, James (Angel Hollister) Baker and Shane (Sherri Rinard) Baker; brothers, James (Nancy) Emenhiser, Gary (Sharon) Emenhiser and sisters, Linda Dunn, Patricia (Lee) Woodhams and Gloria (Ed) DeLong. Don has 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Saturday, January 12 at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Church of Christ, 64 VanSickle Drive in Charlotte. Family will receive friends before service at 2 p.m.

-

Funeral Services:

Alvetta Jean Lea, one of the nicest women in town that made everyone feel welcome in her home, died January 7, 2019. Alvetta, 79, was born at home in Bellevue on February 12, 1939 to Lyle and Ferne (Kinsey) Smith.  April 15, 1955 she married her sweetheart, Ronald Walter Lea, and together they raised five children that filled their home with laughter and adventures. Strong in many ways, Alvetta was a survivor, overcoming Polio and Rheumatic Fever in her younger years, then cancer and many surgeries later in life. In addition to raising a family, Alvetta also worked at Gambles Dime Store, and at Fruin Pharmacy in Bellevue as a clerk. Always thoughtful of others, Alvetta crafted over 500 hats, dolls, and scrubbies for many different charities, both through her church and privately. Her positive attitude, even through her illnesses over the years, and her kindness to everyone around her will always be remembered.

Alvetta is survived by her husband, Ronald Lea; children, Ron (Rosa) Lea, Terrie (David) Martens, Tammie Gibson, Carl (Diana) Lea, and Tina (Jeff) Scott; 16 grandchildren; 14 bonus grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and brother, Rick Smith. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert, Bruce, and Carroll; and sister, Myrna Lynn Avery.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 9 at Bellevue First Baptist Church, with Pastor Donald Francis officiating.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pray Funeral Home to help with final expenses. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Alvetta on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. 

-

Funeral Services:

Marie Josephine McKeon, 89, of Bellevue, former long-time waitress at Jim’s Tiffany Lounge, in Lansing, passed away on January 4, 2019. Marie was born on May 3, 1929, to Carl and Leona (Kratochvil) Anderson in East Jordan, Mich. She attended East Jordan High School. Marie married Joseph F. McKeon and together they began their lifelong legacy of 52 years, raising four children and creating lasting memories for them all. 

Marie’s employment as a waitress at Jim’s Tiffany Lounge for more than 20 years, with her quick and up-beat service, made her a favorite with many legislators that lunched there regularly. Marie was one of those special people that everybody loved; and will be remembered as someone always on the go. Marie was very proud that she and her husband built their own house in Bellevue, with help from their children, their family, and their friends. Marie was also proud of her children, and that she was her daughter, Nancy’s, best friend. Crafts were one of Marie’s favorite things to do. She was an incredible painter, until she lost her eyesight.  She loved garage sales and had an official bumper sticker to prove it. Marie was grateful for being a two-time cancer survivor, and felt this to be one of her biggest accomplishments.      

Marie is survived by her three children; son, Clinton “Harvey” (Tami) Bates; daughter, Nancy G. (Ronald, Sr.) Feher, and son, Michael P. (Lynn Granger) McKeon; brothers, Don and Bill Anderson; son-in-law, Bill Dixon; 10 grandchildren, Ryan, Nicole, Jenny, Michael, Ann Marie, Lisa, Sandi, Cindi, Nicki, and Ronny; and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Marie is predeceased by her husband, Joseph; daughter, Pamela Ann Dixon; grandson, Andrew Joseph Bates; one great grandchild; and brother, Robert Anderson.

Private Family Services will be held at a later date. 

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences on Marie’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.  

-

Funeral Services:

Dinah Kay Watson, an accomplished traveler who visited all 50 states, died January 5, 2019. Dinah, 75, of Charlotte, was born July 22, 1943 in Charlotte to Douglas and Helen (Hitt) Rickle. She graduated from Grand Ledge High School, and earned her associate’s degree. Dinah worked for two years as a hairdresser before she married Danny Watson on February 2, 1963. Dinah then worked for the State of Michigan until her retirement in 1999, and then worked in data processing at Auto Owners Insurance. The Eaton County 4H Fair was a big part of Dinah’s life, attending for 37 years proudly supporting her children and grandchildren. Everyone knew Dinah as a very caring person, always doing things for others and making family the center of her world.  In her spare time, Dinah loved gardening, reading, baking, playing poker, eating out, attending musicals, and especially enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren.  Her family laughingly says that she had a large collection of books, teapots, and other things that needed to be dusted.

Dinah is survived by her husband of 55 years, Danny Watson; daughters, Debra (John) Bussard, and Rebecca Ruhlig; grandchildren, Victoria Ruhlig, Katie Bussard, Jeff Bussard and Paul Bussard; sister, Barbara (Dave) Root; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her son, Randy Jo Watson; and her parents.

Memorial services were held Friday, January 11, 2019 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Jordan Humbarger officiating.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association. 

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