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Funeral Services:

Rhea Rae Ferrier, 81, of Taylor, Mich. went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 15, 2018. She passed away at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born to Alfred and Naomi Raven on October 24, 1936 in Webster City, Iowa. She was a graduate of Creston High School in Grand Rapids, Central Michigan University with a B.A. in education, and from Moody Bible Institute with a M.S.

She was married to James Ferrier on January 4, 1958. They resided in Charlotte, and Nashville before moving to Taylor. Rhea was actively involved in her church and community. Throughout her lifetime she was a high school English teacher, Sunday School teacher, women’s chaplain at Eaton County jail, taught home Bible studies, involved in Child Evangelism Fellowship, participated in several missions trips, facilitator for Life Skills International, and supported many children through Compassion International. She and her husband also welcomed five of the “Lost Boys” from South Sudan into their home.

Rhea loved reading, painting, speaking, writing and traveling. Her family was her “pride and joy.”

She is survived by her husband, James; and five children, Andy (Lea) Ferrier, Rane (Larry) Popa, Shan (Sarah) Ferrier, Jordan (Vicki) Ferrier, Tim (Susie) Ferrier. She is also survived by 27 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and predeceased by one granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held to honor her life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at West Windsor United Brethren Church, located at 7275 Windsor Highway in Dimondale. 

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Funeral Services:

Janette Mae Howard of Charlotte, a woman devoted to her family and friend to many, died October 18, 2018 at the age of 84.  Janette was born in Jonesville, Mich. on February 25, 1934 to Homer and Valerie (Wagner) Crandell. Family was always the center of Janette’s life. She was one of eight siblings growing up, which provided a wealth of adventures. Later she fell in love and married Wayne Gilbert Howard and together they raised four children. Janette thoroughly enjoyed being a wife, mother, and grandmother, traveling, working at the family business, Howard Construction, and just being together as a family. Zoey, her daily four-legged walking partner, meant the world to Janette. Friends could always be found in her weekly routine throughout her lifetime. Janette believed in unconditional love of others and was deeply treasured by many in return.

Janette is survived by her daughters, Maria (Gary) Seybert, Nancy (Rodney) Mott, Sherrie (Steve) Hewitt; son, Terry Howard; grandchildren, Brandy Mott, Shannon Marshall, Mykl Howard, Tara Howard, Ryon Mott, Kellie Mott, Jason Mott, Josh Hewitt, and Tonja Hewitt; and siblings, Frank Crandell, Raymond Crandell, Violet McCrimon, and Doris Wight.  

She was predeceased by her husband, Wayne Gilbert Howard in 2006; son in-law, Rodney Mott; brothers, Darrell Crandell, Billy Crandell, Jerry Crandell; her parents and her beloved dog, Zoey.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte VFW Post 2406.  

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Janette on her Tribute Page at PrayFuneral.com. 

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Funeral Services:

Kathy Noah Hain, 74, of Rochester, Mich. died August 31, 2018. She was born in Jackson, Mich. on September 12, 1943. She was the daughter of Elliott “E.J.” Noah and Helen Parks Noah. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1961 and from Central Michigan University in 1965, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority.

Kathy married Tony Hain December 17, 1967 and they raised their children, Kristen and Scott, in Flushing, and then Rochester. Kathy was a realtor for 17 years with Weir, Manuel, Snyder and Reinke. She was a member of the Meadowbrook Women’s Club and the Meadowbrook Theatre Guild. She was a founder of the Women’s Fund, which is part of the Rochester Community Fund. She enjoyed reading and discussing novels, cooking and entertaining in style, home decorating, European travel, fashion and gardening.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Tony; her daughter, Kristen and her husband, Ken McPherson; her son, Scot and his wife, Amy; and her adored grandchildren, Jacob, Maggie, Henry, and Helen McPherson, and Kate and Sam Hain. She is also survived by her sister, Leila Noah Klaiss and her husband, Neil; and many nieces and nephews, including Melissa Klaiss Martino and Libby Klaiss.

She was predeceased by her parents and granddaughter, Hannah Hain.

Funeral services were held September 6, 2018 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Rochester.

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Funeral Services:

Maxine M. (Brooks) Fhaner passed away October 20, 2018 at the age of 91.  

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Robert C. Fhaner. 

Maxine was born and raised in Grandville, Mich., the daughter of Roy and Eva Brooks.  

She is survived by her son, Jerry (Eileen) Fhaner; daughter, Jill Krusell; granddaughter, Sally (Alex) Krusell; and great-granddaughters, Kidist, Aynalem and Tarikwa. Maxine worked at the Accident Fund in Lansing, moved with Bob to the Houghton Lake area for 35 years, where she worked for Kronner Pharmacy for many years. She loved to paint, do needlepoint, read and she did crossword puzzles daily. Her mind was sharp even to the end. Maxine and Bob returned to Eaton County in 2008, spending their last years near family and childhood friends.  

There are no funeral services being planned.  

Cards and condolences can be sent to Jerry Fhaner, 5134 Nellies Lane, Charlotte, MI 48813.

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Funeral Services:

Phillip “Phil” Herbert Merrifield, a man who enjoyed his morning coffee and, in the evening, an Old Milwaukee, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 18, 2018. Phil, 73, was born February 17, 1945 in Grand Rapids to Herbert and Evelyn (Windquest) Merrifield. Phil enjoyed being outdoors; he took a strong pride in his yard and his garden. He loved having cookers in his backyard and having the entire family over. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Phil loved cruising the backroads in his black streaker van. He always told his children “if you’re kicking up dust you’re going too fast.” Phil had a strong passion for singing; every Thursday he could be found singing to the patients at the Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services. His love for singing was passed down to his children. Above all, Phillip adored his family. He never forgot a family member’s birthday and always treated you to a cake on your special day. 

Phil is survived by his loving family; first wife, Jane Merrifield-Gidner; children, Martha (Terry) Bryant, John Merrifield, Jack (Benita) Merrifield; grandchildren, Steven Bryant, Michael Bryant, Hunter Merrifield, Angel Merrifield, Arianna, and their mother, Tara Ankney; siblings, Roger (Marilyn) Merrifield, Rick (Linda) Merrifield; foster children, Tara Siler, Sean Brady, and Troy Brady. 

Phil was predeceased by his parents, and grandson, Joshua Bryant.   

Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating.  

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Eaton County Health & Rehabilitation Services Activity Fund. 

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

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Funeral Services:

Daniel Joseph Nordenbrock, 87, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2018. He was born November 3, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Joseph and Helen (Brunsman) Nordenbrock. Dan graduated from Connersville High School in 1949. After graduation Dan met the love of his life Mary M. Carey while serving in the United States Air Force. They were married on June 23, 1956. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in 1961. Dan worked as a computer systems analyst for Care-Free Windows in Charlotte and retired after many years of service. Dan was an extremely handy person and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed reading and taking his dog, Timmy for his daily walks through Bennett Park. Dan was also a tireless volunteer for Eaton Community Palliative Care, Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services, and Meals on Wheels. Dan was also a great storyteller. He would often change them up from time to time, just to keep things interesting. 

Dan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary; children, David Nordenbrock of Grand Rapids, Martha Cooper of Grand Rapids, Ruth (Bob) Blameuser of Antioch, Ill., Joseph Nordenbrock of Grand Rapids, Sara (Ralph) Rounds of Hart, Danny Nordenbrock of Alpena, Kevin Nordenbrock of Antioch; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Anne Carter of Florida; brother, Kenneth (Sally) Nordenbrock of Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Joan Smith, Willis Nordenbrock, Fred Nordenbrock, and Joe Nordenbrock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop celebrating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Dan’s honor to St. Mary Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary Blvd., Charlotte, MI 48813.

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

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Funeral Services:

Virginia “Jean” Gilbert, 79, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Monday, October 15, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 17, 1939, the daughter of Manual and Francisca (Baladez) Becerra in Cleveland, Ohio.  Jean was employed with General Motors until her retirement. On June 27, 1981 Jean married Gerald Gilbert in Charlotte at the Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing Bingo at the Charlotte American Legion and Firekeepers Casino. Jean and Gerald would get together with friends every Saturday to play cards; sometimes they would play during the week.  They traveled all over the United States with their motorhome enjoying time in Tennessee, Missouri, Las Vegas, and North Carolina.  Jean enjoyed cooking and baking especially for family gatherings.  More than anything she loved her family and her dog, Benji.  

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Gerald of 37 years; children, James (Elaine) Salians; step-children, Debra Loudenbeck, Donna (James) Beaurdrie, Laurie (Michael) Becker, Gerald (Shannon) Gilbert, Jr.; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three brothers; and one sister.  

Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Snater; parents; step-father, Rodrigo Vaquera; six brothers; and one sister.  

Funeral services took place at Kempf Funeral & Cremation Services in Marshall on Friday, October 19, 2018, with Father Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment followed the service at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.  

Memorial contributions may be directed to McLaren Homecare & Hospice, 2815 S Pennsylvania Ave. Ste. #4, Lansing, MI 48910 or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 807 St. Mary’s Blvd., Charlotte, MI 48813. 

Friends may send condolences or share a memory at kempffuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services:

Pamela Marie Gibson passed away in her home on October 23, 2018 at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosalie Gibson and her grandparents.

Pamela is survived by her life partner, Darrin Harmon; her children, Darrin Jr., and Anastasia Harmon; father, Terry Gibson, Sr.; siblings, Terry (Ted) Gibson, Jr., and Amanda Gibson; and many more family members.

Visitation will take place Thursday, November 1, 2018, from 10 to 11 a.m. at New Hope Community Church, located at 436 W. Harris Street in Charlotte. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made to: Darrin Harmon, C/O John Boy Electric, 317 Hall St., Charlotte, MI 48813.

A special thank you to Joyce and Bill Gavaldon for their support through this troubling time.

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Funeral Services:

Matilde “Matt” R. Silvas, 79, of Charlotte, passed away on October 15, 2018. He was born on February 26, 1939, to Pedro and Felicitas (Rodriguez) Silvas in New Braunfels, Texas. His family of eleven moved to join the Rodriguez cousins who had made their home in Michigan. He married Linda Whitinger on July 29, 1961. Matt was fun, generous, happy, helpful and willing to help whenever and wherever he could. Matt and Linda’s family grew by four, and each of those children had friends who thought of the Silvas house as their own. Their welcome sign was always visible, and the pair were thought of as Mom and Dad by many. There were multiple cousins on both sides of the families, and they meshed often for gatherings. Picnics, tug-of-war, annual Cedar Point trips, go to the lake trips. A carful and caravan was always the Silvas way of traveling. Matt was a hard worker from the moment he left school until he retired from Fisher-Body. He worked hard so he could play hard. He loved to golf, and he loved his Detroit Tigers. He installed a pool in their backyard so his family could swim, but more importantly so extended family and friends could come on over to swim and share a cookout. His love for his family, beginning with Linda has come first, then the children, and then he absolutely adored his grandchildren, great, and great-greats. He was the kind of papa/uncle who spoiled kids by not really meaning “no,” and no harm/no foul. He fiercely loved his family out loud, like a magnet to steel.

Matt is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Jodie (Steve) Driver, Rob (Michelle) Silvas, Amy (Aaron) Sawatzki and Angel (Eric) Bartlett; grandchildren, Jennifer (Thomas) Hoffman, Kenny (Annalesha) Silvas, Todd (Sarell) Driver, Rikki (James) Shepherd, Randi Sawatzki, Rob (Kayla) McElhaney; great-grandchildren, Martina and Landon Hoffman, Devin and Drake Silvas, Aubrie and Kameron Driver, Madeline and Gemma Shepherd, Stevie and Raelynn Sawatzki, Ellie Mae McElhaney; and a great great-granddaughter on the way, Dylan Rae; siblings, Mary Cruz, Sid (Dora) Silvas, Pete (Maria) Silvas, Bruce Silvas, Jobie Moist; in-laws, Cruz Silvas, Teresa Silvas, Wilma Campbell, Leila Whitinger, John (Sue) Whitinger; countless extended family, and lovingly known as “Favorite Uncle Matt,” his many nieces and nephews would throw down to claim they were his favorite.

Matt was predeceased by his parents; and brothers, Pedro, Juan, Frank, David; and life-long cousin and cherished friend, Joe Rodriquez; in-laws, Sherrie Silvas, Lucille Tuckey, Marion Whitinger, Norman Campbell.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation will be held Monday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences on Matt’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

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Funeral Services:

Helen Lucille Bly, a kind, gentle, and loving family matriarch, died October 12, 2018. Helen, 97, was born September 15, 1921 to John and Atha (Schneckenberger) Grimes, and lived her entire life in Charlotte. A CHS graduate in 1940, she married Kay Charles Bly on October 24, 1941 in Charlotte, and together they created a beautiful, loving home and family. She loved cooking and baking, especially molasses cookies, which she enjoyed sharing with company in her home. Talented in the garden, Helen enjoyed flower gardening, as well as vegetables that she would can for her family, always striving to be the best homemaker ever. Helen also loved camping in Harrison, trips to Florida, writing in diaries, and putting together puzzles. She was an excellent role model for her children and grandchildren, she loved her family and they adored her.

Helen is survived by her children, John (Brenda) Bly, and Rebecca (Richard) Fain; grandchildren, John Kay (Lisa) Bly II, Chuck (Kelly) Fain, Elizabeth (Paul) Lee, and James Kay Bly; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Ashley, Scott, Kaycee, Taylor, Brendan, and Grant; as well as seven great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Kay in 2003; infant sister, Mary Louise, brother, Dick (Delores) Grimes, and her parents.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 17, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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