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Funeral Services:

Mary Ellen Kenyon, 67, of Charlotte, who lived a life of generosity and caring, died June 27, 2018. Mary was born June 12, 1951 in Detroit to Leo and Marie (O’Neil) Stelly. She was a social worker at the Eaton County Medical Care Facility for 25 years, retiring in January 2018. Mary was extremely crafty and loved woodworking, embroidery, and was a master calligrapher. She enjoyed eating out, yard sales, and “GoodWilling,” as well as watching birds in her sunroom for relaxation. She often showed her compassionate and generous nature by making donations to different charitable organizations. Mary devoted her life to caring for others. She was a great mom that loved her boys and was very close friends with them.

Mary is survived by her sons, Jonathon (Amanda) Kenyon and Andrew Kenyon; brothers, John (Joan) Stelly and Paul (D’Ann) Stelly; grandchildren, Aurora, Jordan, and Austin; as well as several nieces and nephews; and best-friend, Randi Colestock.

She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Marie Stelly; and her brother, Francis.

Friends are encouraged to support Mary’s family at visitation and memorial services on July 10, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is noon to 1 p.m. on July 10, with Memorial Services following at 1 p.m.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to National Public Radio (NPR), or Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services Activities Department.

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

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Funeral Services:

Bruce Burleson Hart, a man of integrity and service to others, died peacefully at the age of 78 on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Charlotte. Bruce was born April 19, 1940 in Charlotte, the son of Max and Esther (Burleson) Hart.  As a 12-year-old boy, he met his life-long friend and future wife, Marilyn, on the 4^th of July.  They remained best friends through high school and participated together in many activities. Bruce played trombone in the band and was a talented member of the debate team. After graduating from Olivet High School, Bruce attended one year of Olivet College before transferring to Western Michigan University. Concurrently, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving summers in officer candidate school. He graduated from WMU in 1962 before serving four years active duty from 1962-1966 in Newport, Rhode Island. Bruce would remain in the Navy reserves until 1984, retiring after 22 years of service to his country.

Following his service in Rhode Island, Bruce moved to Washington D.C., where he earned his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University. During his second year, he was honored to be asked to be a member of the Law Review. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1969 before working briefly for the Internal Revenue Service.  He moved to Dallas, Texas, where he opened his own private law practice and taught law at Southern Methodist University. During this time, he served as a member of the Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps.

Bruce and Marilyn, despite decades living separate lives, both returned home to Charlotte within a few years of each other. They were married January 1, 2000 and lived a life of love, Christian Faith and community service.  They were members of Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church in Charlotte and volunteered for many local groups and helped countless people in many capacities. Bruce was active in the Gideons and Charlotte Rotary Club. He received the volunteerism award for Guiding Harbor in 2018 and served 20 years on the Board of InterVarsity Christian Club. He operated his own private practice law firm in Charlotte, using his expertise to help many in need and organize countless service organizations. Many will remember Bruce for his service to others, to his country, and to his Faith.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughter, Alexandra Hart; brothers, Barry (Mary) Hart and Ben Hart; a niece; two nephews; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents.

Friends are encouraged to support Bruce’s family at visitation and memorial services. Memorial services are Saturday, July 14, at 1 p.m. at Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gary Wales officiating.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to John MacArthur’s Ministry “Grace to You” PO Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412, or to the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church.

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

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Funeral Services:

Brian Vern Hillard, a loving father, grandfather, son and friend, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 in Grand Rapids. Brian, 54, of Nashville, was born February 26, 1964 in Eaton Rapids, the son of Howard Dean and Carole Jean (Fox) Hillard. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1982 before working over 20 years as a mechanic at Spartan Motors in Charlotte. He then worked seven years at Potpouri Trailer in Charlotte before his illness. Brian was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and will be remembered for his constant willingness to help others in need. Above all, Brian loved his family.

Brian is survived by his children, Dustin (Jennie) Hillard, Dan (Heather Granger) Hillard, Brittany (Brandon) VanLiew, and Jeff Hillard; grandchildren, Hogan, Dayton, Kacen, Rowan, Crewin, Leo and Daxon; father, Howard Hillard; brother, Blake (Carol) Hillard; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole and his granddaughter, Koeli.

Friends are encouraged to support Brian’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home on Wednesday, just prior to the service.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids.

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

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Funeral Services:

Etoile Florence Howard, 92, of Lehigh Acres, Fla., passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018 at her home. Etoile was born October 23, 1925 in Grand Ledge, a daughter of Charles and Zola (Miller) Sattler.  She worked at Wilcox-Gay in Charlotte, and also McLean’s silk screening in Lansing. She enjoyed many things in her life, especially motorcycle riding, hunting, fishing, camping, Tip Up Town and her little dog, Bella.

Etoile is survived by her children, Kathy Eastman, Dina Boyd, Judy Reed, Cindy (Jim) Shaver, and Lynda Keith; daughter-in-law, Kathy Priesman; a very close family friend, Trish Smith; many grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard; sons, Michael Priesman and Dennis Sisco; son-in-law, Vern Reed; sisters, Trellis Schneider and Wanda Martin; and her parents.

A private graveside service will be held at Pioneer Cemetery in Grand Ledge.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.

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

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Funeral Services:

Genevieve Marie Eishen, loving mother and grandmother, was reunited in heaven with her husband, Duane on July 2, 2018, their 69^th wedding anniversary.  Genevieve, 87, of Olivet, was born February 17, 1931 in Olivet, the daughter of Clarence D. and Mary Catherine (Jordan) Adrianson. She graduated from Olivet (Walton) High School in 1947, where she worked briefly before starting her career with State Farm Insurance. She married Rolland Duane Eishen on July 2, 1949, and the two started their family. Genevieve retired after 29 years and enjoyed traveling with Duane to Florida, Texas and visiting family in Arizona. They enjoyed camping and time spent with their grandchildren.

Genevieve is survived by her four children, Nancy (Ron) Creech of Plainwell, Terri (Dan) DeBarr of Charlotte, Steve (Sandi) Eishen of Olivet, and Cindy (Richard) King of Gobles; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Duane; and her sisters, Shirley Knapp and Dorothy Volstromer.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home, with Pastor Darrell Clements officiating. Interment took place in Bosworth Cemetery.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.

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

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Funeral Services:

Duane Lee McGill, an inspiration to many, died peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018 in Ann Arbor.  Duane, 55, of Charlotte, was born September 19, 1962 in Lansing, the son of Dale and Rocksan (Wolcott) McGill. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1981, where he was a talented football player. He played at Central Michigan University before making the Lansing Crusaders semi-pro league and eventually earning a spot on the New England Patriots. Following his football career, he dedicated his life to inspiring and motivating others as a public speaker and author. His books, videos and speaking engagements impacted many lives, and will leave a lasting legacy of dedication and service to others. Above all, Duane loved his family, “coaching” his children along the way to a life of success and love.

Duane is survived by his five children, Duane McGill, Jr., Eric (Morene) McGill, Dane Kelly McGill, Chase McGill, and Whitney McGill; grandchildren, Julia and Oscar McGill; mother and father, Rocksan and Bill Kelly; siblings, Lanette (Jon) Cater, Kim (James) Baxley, Traci Goucher, Angie McGill Wilkerson, Lynn Goucher, and Robert McGill; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Dale McGill.

Friends are encouraged to support Duane’s family at visitation and memorial services.

A memorial service was held at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Visitation was from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 6, just prior to the service.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Homeless Angels; homelessangels.org.

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

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Funeral Services:

David R. “Spike” Uhl, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2018 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.  Spike, 64, of Charlotte, was born January 9, 1954 in Charlotte, the son of Darrell and Marquetta (Mulhollan) Uhl.  He attended Charlotte Schools and graduated in 1973. He worked at Specialty Casting, Inc. in Springport for 25 years. He married the love of his life, Teresa Lynn Harris on June 17, 1978.

Spike loved to spend time with his family and they went on many trips.  Camping, amusement parks and going to see his children play sports were some of his favorite things to do.  He was very good at telling tall tales and enjoyed seeing how long the other person believed him.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and just going for a ride. His most favorite holiday was the 4^th of July and he went to many parades and loved to watch the fireworks.

Spike is survived by his partner in crime and mother of his children, Teresa Uhl; children, Angela (Vaughn) Barnett, Aaron (Hayley) Uhl, Alanna Uhl and Andrew (Angela) Uhl; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kyle, Hunter, Daphne, Jaxson, Temperance, M’Kenna and Lakota; great-grandchildren, Parker, Jameson, Sienna, Akira, Kayden, Zaine and Lilith; siblings, Darrell “Mike” (Nancy) Uhl, Gerald “Ike” (Jean) Uhl and Doris (John) Uhl; and many other wonderful extended family.

Spike was preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Marquetta Uhl; grandchildren, Kayla and Kyle Barnett; and his nephew, Curtis Harris.

Friends are encouraged to support Spike’s family at visitation and funeral services. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m., just prior to the service on Saturday.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or New Hope Community Church.

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

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Funeral Services:

Lenore Pauline Schram, 91, of Nasvhille, a small but mighty woman, died peacefully July 4, 2018.  She was born in Novi to Clara and LJ (Schwartz) Putnam on June 22, 1927. She married the boy next door, Hugh Schram, on August 1, 1945. Lenore started studying for her teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti after World War II. Her studies were interrupted by the birth of her children, Jodie Jenks (Nashville, Mich.) and Tim Schram (Hubbell, Mich.). As years went by, Lenore and Hugh travelled the U.S. and landed in the Lansing area. Lenore finished her teaching degree and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Education at Michigan State University.  She taught sixth grade in Portland, Mich. and continued her career for 17 years as a teacher and reading specialist in the Lansing School district.

Along with busy careers in education, Lenore and Hugh bought a farm near Grand Ledge in 1956.  It became their labor of love and they created AppleSchram Orchard.  In 1987 they sold the farm to their niece, Jane Bush, who provided special friendship and support to her Aunt Lenore. Lenore was an expert quilter, winning blue ribbons at county fairs in Michigan and Florida.  She was an avid gardener and nature lover.  She found her spirit and grace when she was in the garden, walking in nature and spending time at her Canadian camp on Lake Achigan, Ontario with her dear lake friends.

Lenore is survived by her daughter, Jodie Jenks; son, Tim (Kathy) Schram; grandchildren, Scott Laakso, Debbie (Garfield) Rowe, Ira (Tracey) Schram, Emily Schram; many great and great great-grandchildren; sister, Gail Cotter; brother, Hadley Putnam (Carrie Ketterer); and many nieces and nephews; Lisa Neeb and The Luminate Care Giving Team; Joyce and Gerald Edgecomb, the best neighbors you could have; Lynn and Stan Marosz, her backyard Florida neighbors; and her cat Buffy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh; sisters, Patricia Porritt and Jane Sebastian.

Lenore’s family invites you to join them with your favorite story, poem, song, or dance at her visitation and funeral service. Funeral services are Monday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with visitation one hour prior to service from 9 to 10 a.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Teacher’s Guild.

The family would love to see your favorite story or poem on Lenore’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

Her family will remember Lenore as a small but mighty woman who lived a big life.

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Funeral Services:

Diana Kay Tharp, a dedicated teacher, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, in Charlotte. Diana, 56, of Charlotte, was born October 24, 1961, in Charlotte, the daughter of Carroll E. and Jane Anne (Smith) Tharp.  She lived an active childhood, always involved in the outdoors and school activities. Following graduation from Charlotte High School in 1979, she earned her bachelors of education from University of South Carolina and spent more than 10 years teaching in Whitmore, S.C., and Fayetteville, N.C. She later taught science at Pansophia Charter School in Coldwater.

Diana devoted her life to her students, always inspiring the wonder of science in them. She often led expeditions along the beaches of South Carolina to rescue migrating turtles. In Michigan, she ensured that foreign exchange students found the best experience in their studies, hosting trips up North to Mackinac Island and beyond. She enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Binder Park Zoo. Diana volunteered much of her time to her community and her church. As a member of the Gresham United Methodist Church, she helped organize various activities.  She served as her mother, Jane’s “right hand” at the Charlotte Community Nursery Preschool. Diana also loved special trips with her Aunts, and time spent with her nieces and nephews.

Diana is survived by her mother, Jane Ann Tharp; siblings, David (Betsy) Tharp, Sharon Gault, and Mark Tharp; aunts, Helen (Jack) Snedeker and Sue (Dick) Trimble; special nephew, Ian “Bug” Gault; and her nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is predeceased by her father; aunt, Sally Vanderploeg; and her brother-in-law, Danny Gault.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or Gresham United Methodist Church.

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