January 18, 1946 - June 5, 2017

Funeral Services:

Minnie Belle “Peggy” Jenson, 71, of Vermontville, died June 5, 2017 in Lansing.  She was born in Porthsmouth, Ohio on January 18, 1946 to Drew and Violet (Sparks) Yates. She moved to this area in 1968, following her sister’s family, and began working at the Townhouse restaurant. Minnie was well known as a great waitress who took excellent care of her customers at Sharon’s Café and the Charlotte Country Club. She was a caring, loving person, very understanding and compassionate, while always working hard and setting an excellent example and giving great advice to her friends and family. Minnie was known for her great memory and the love for her children and grandson.

Minnie is survived by her son, Michael Payne; daughter, Melissa Jenson; son-in-law, Eric; and her grandson, Jericho, who was the apple of her eye; and very special friend, Barb Powers.

She was predeceased by her husband, Neil Jenson in 1986; significant other, Ivan Suntken in 2011; sisters, Helen Jordan and Linda Back; brothers, Lee Yates, Robert Yates, and Clifford (Tick) Yates; several nephews and a niece.

A celebration of Minnie’s life will be held on Sunday, June 11, at 3 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor Charles Jenson officiating. Visitation is prior to the service on Sunday, from 1 to 3 p.m. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

November 4, 2941 - June 5, 2017

Funeral Services:

Connie Lou Owen, 75, of Charlotte, formerly of Olivet, passed away on Monday, June 5, 2017 at Sensations Memory Care in Charlotte. Connie was born November 4, 1941 in Charlotte, the daughter of Russell M. and Donnis L. (Gifford) Owen and was a lifelong area resident. She was a retired caregiver and babysitter for people in their own homes. She enjoyed listening to music, going for rides and loved all animals, especially cats.

Surviving are her brother, Marvin (Burdeena) Owen of Charlotte; sister, Nancy Lambert of Scottsdale, Ariz.; four nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sally Jensen; and brothers-in-law, Wes Lambert and Robert Jensen.

Per Connie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No services will be held. Private inurnment will take place in the Olivet Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may go to Sensations Memory Care of Charlotte or to the Tri-County Office on Aging.

Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home of Charlotte. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

December 16, 1947 - June 1, 2017

Funeral Services: June 5, 2017

Flora Mae Miller, 69, of Vermontville, passed away June 1, 2017 at her home. She was born December 16, 1947 in Beloit, Wisc., the daughter of Clarence and Marcella (Purdy) Hart. Flora married the love of her life, Richard John Miller Jr., August 8, 1981 at The Rose Garden in Lansing.

After moving to Michigan, Flora pursued an Art Degree at LCC. Later she became an Assistant Art Professor at LCC. She also sold real estate for Westdale Better Homes and Garden until her auto accident in 1991. Flora loved her family, spending time with her children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed summer camping trips, fishing, gardening and loved to Polka Dance around the house with anyone she could get to dance with her. She loved to bird watch, her favorite birds being hummingbirds. Her favorite flowers were red roses.

She is survived by her husband, Richard John Miller Jr. of Vermontville; their daughter, JoElla (Michael) Zimmerman of Portland; her son, Anthony (Thomas “T.J” Thias) Morris of Lansing; daughter, MarCella Morris of Eaton Rapids; step-children, Salinda and Chris Miller; 12 grandchildren, Emily, Trevor, Ava, Owen, Kevin, Brian, Tyler, and Nathan (JoElla and Michael’s), Katie Jo, Christopher (Tracey), Alexa, Shiyanna (MarCella’s); six great-grandchildren, Destiney, Richard, Austin, Keagan, Isaiah, and Jayce; sister, Patricia Alice Henning of Beloit; and three nephews, Mark (Kris) Winchester, Charles (Jessi) Winchester, and Clarence “Trinity” (Diane) Winchester, all of Beloit.

She loved her dear granddogs, Daisy Mae, Annie, Maggie Mae, Roxy, Oak, Tila, LuLu, Squirt, Pearl, Sadie, and Army.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Hart; mother-in-law, Arlene O. Miller; and her caregiver for the past 26 years, Judy Harmon. A special thank you to her long time caregiver and special friend Joyce Ginder.

Funeral services were held Monday, June 5, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kidney Foundation.

Memories of Flora can be shared with her family on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.

January 1, 1970 - February 1, 2017

Funeral Services: June 17, 2017

Phyllis O’Mara Toncray of Eaton Rapids and Duck Lake passed away on February 1, 2017 in Florida at the age of 91. She was born in Eaton Rapids to Leo O’Mara and Pauline Woods O’Mara on August 21, 1925. Phyllis was a 1943 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School and also attended Albion College. In 1943 Phyllis married Richard Horner Toncray. They remained married for 68 years until Richard’s passing in 2012.

Phyllis was her family’s “energizer bunny.” She enjoyed waterskiing, all types of fishing, golf, boating with her husband along the Florida coast, playing games, traveling, reading, cruising, creating personalized greeting cards and posters, and participating in numerous civic and social organizations. She was a huge fan of anything Disney, and she enjoyed many vacations and day trips to Walt Disney World with all of her family. Phyllis was a member of Duck Lake Country Club for 60 years. She was active in the women’s association and she was also a multi-time women’s club champion. In her later years she continued participating with her friends for lunch, card games, and socializing at “the club.”

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Mike O’Mara; sister-in-law, Sandy; and beloved daughter, Terry Toncray Becker.

She is survived by her son, Richard E. Toncray (Pamela); son-in-law, Charles T. Becker; grandchildren Richard Robert Toncray (Lisa), Lissa Toncray Marsolek (Chad), Brian Becker (Amber), Erica Becker; great-grandchildren, Richard Ryan Toncray, Alaina Toncray, Cole Marsolek, Kinsey Marsolek, Kenna Marsolek, Hayden Becker, Anna Becker, Audrey Becker, Elise Reaves; and niece, Lauri O’Mara Morris Lahr.

Phyllis was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was loved and she will be dearly missed by all.

The family of Phyllis cordially invites you to join in celebrating her life on June 17 at 2 p.m. at Duck Lake Country Club in Albion. We request you bring your fondest memories and stories of Phyllis. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so to the American Cancer Society or the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids.

February 23, 1947 - December 18, 2016

Funeral Services: June 17, 2017

Terry Toncray Becker of Merritt Island, Fla. and Duck Lake passed away on December 18, 2016 in Florida. She was born in Eaton Rapids to Richard Horner Toncray and Phyllis O’Mara Toncray on February 23, 1947. Terry was a 1965 graduate of St. Mary’s Hall, Faribault, Minn. She attended Albion College and later received a B.A. degree from Florida International University.  In 1967 Terry married Charles Thomas Becker.

Terry was a joy to her family and many friends from around the country, always unfailingly thoughtful and kind. She loved keeping in touch with her many beloved schoolmates from both Eaton Rapids and Shattuck-St. Mary’s School. She enjoyed playing golf with friends at Duck Lake Country Club where she was a 10 time Club Champion and she remained a member for most of her adult life.  She was also active in a Panhellenic group in Melbourne, Fla.

Above all she was a loving mother, grandmother and companion. She had a very special relationship with her granddaughter, Elise who has blossomed and thrived in good part because of Terry.

Terry was preceded in death by her father, Richard Horner Toncray; brother-in-law, Philip Becker; sister-in-law, Kathleen Becker; and her grandparents, Richard G. Toncray, Norma Horner Toncray, Leo O’Mara and Pauline O’Mara.

She is survived by her husband, Charles T. Becker; son, Brian C. Becker (Amber); daughters, Lauri O’Mara Morris Lahr and Erica L. Becker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Elise Reaves, Hayden Becker, Anna Becker, Audrey Becker; and her brother, Richard E. Toncray. Her mother Phyllis Toncray survived Terry, but passed away on February 1, 2017.

A memorial reception for all of her family and friends will be held on June 17, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Duck Lake Country Club in Albion. In lieu of flowers anyone wishing to make a donation can do so to The American Cancer Society.

Eli Rhoades

Celebrating 2 Years
Since May 13, 2017

Decorating with Balloons (small party)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Eli!
We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, Mia, Mocha, and all of your family!

November 7, 1922 - March 28, 2017

Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

Dorothy Mae Shaffer, 94, of Vermontville, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at her home. Dorothy was born on November 7, 1922, in Willis, Mich., the daughter of William and Emily Raymond. Dorothy graduated from Belleville High School. Her family moved to Nashville in 1941, where she met and married Raymond Shaffer on September 13, 1941. Dorothy and Raymond farmed for several years outside of Nashville.  In 1965 they moved to Vermontville, where she worked for Michigan National Bank. Dorothy enjoyed China painting, her flowers, and playing cards with her special friends.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Sue Ann (Dan) Smith of Bellevue; granddaughter, Carleen (Paul) French of Wausen, Ohio; grandsons, Lentz (Jenny) Becraft of Mattawan, Greg (Missy) Smith of Stockbridge, and Rob Smith (Lisa) of Battle Creek; great-granddaughters, Jacey Wood, Lauren Foltz, and Alexis Smith; great-grandsons, Christopher and Dylan Becraft; step-great-granddaughters, Randi, Brooklyn, and Brianna Baldridge and Jessie French; and step-great-grandson, Cody French.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Raymond; her parents; twin sisters, Eva Marie and Neva Irene Raymond; and brother, Harold Raymond.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Visitation was held from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017 at the funeral home.  Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville.

If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Capital Area Humane Society or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

March 28, 1989 - March 24, 2017

Funeral Services:

Desrea Ann Nevins, 27, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017. She was born on March 28, 1989 in Charlotte to Cynthia Admire. Desrea graduated from Charlotte High School in 2008. She enjoyed cookouts, camping, and participating in walks for cancer awareness. She was a lover of animals and particularly enjoyed horseback riding.

She is survived by her mother, Cynthia; her sister, April Blakney; her son, T.J. Thayer; two grandparents, Robert Dilday and Pam Admire; her great-aunt, Carla Dilday; three aunts, Candy (Paul) Thayer, Angie (Mark) Bailey, and Kellie Lawrence; her uncle, Mike (Tacia Daily) Patrick; nine cousins, Meagan (Rodger) Gleason, Kendra (Scott) Schneider, Jennifer Wiser, Rachelle Lewis, Dalton Lewis, Casey Polglase, Tori Daily, Seth (Britney) Bailey, and Jake (Britney) Bailey.

She is preceeded in death by her grandparents, Charlene and Al Perkins, Joe Admire, and great-grandparents Betty Dilday and John Bodell.

A celebration of life for Desrea will be held at another time.

November 15, 1919 - March 28, 2017

Funeral Services: March 31, 2017

Visitation: Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the services at the Church.

Eleanora R. (Gidner) Jarrett, 97, of Charlotte, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Eleanora was born November 15, 1919 in Eaton Township, the daughter of Leon A. and Lulu G. (Strickland) Gidner. She was a 1937 graduate of Charlotte High School. While in Battle Creek she had been employed at Woolworths and Maggie’s Hallmark, and with her husband, had owned the Koffee Klatch. She had been employed at Joanne’s Fabrics in Charlotte and had volunteered in the Tri-County Office on Aging.

Surviving are her brother, Keith (Ellen) Gidner of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, Joyce Gidner, Alice Gidner, Bruce Gidner, David Gidner, Cindy (Gary) Sabo and Brian Gidner and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Jarrett; brother, Robert Gidner and nephew, Roy Gidner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, located at 550 E. Shepherd Street in Charlotte, with Pastor Timothy Olson officiating. Visitation was held on Friday, March 31, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the services at the Church.

Memorial contributions may go to the First Lutheran Church or to Eaton Community Palliative Care. Arrangements were made by Burkhead-Green Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.

Funeral Arrangements by: Burkhead-Green Funeral Home

October 8, 1931 - January 1, 1970

Funeral Services: January 1, 1970

David Arthur Crowner, 85, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, April 7, 2017 in Lansing. David was born October 8, 1931, in Lansing, the son of Charles and Marjorie (Shaffer) Crowner. He graduated from Dimondale High School before studying drafting at Michigan State University, a skill he took with him to General Motors. Early in his career, he was called to enlist in the Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he married Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Frechen on October 15, 1955 in Lansing. He went back to work as a crane operator for Oldsmobile for 30 years, retiring in 1981.  Many will remember David’s mechanical gifts and his love for automobiles. He was a proud member of the Mid-Michigan Street Rod Association, founding member of the Headers Car Club, and served several years as safety inspector for the National Street Rod Association. He could fix anything and served as a local encyclopedia for anything auto-related. David was a man of great integrity and humor, and would do anything for his family and his friends. Above all, he was a devoted husband to Betty, father to their three children, and loving grandfather.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; their three children; Larry (Amy) Crowner of Olivet, Catherine Crowner of Charlotte, and Mike (Mallory) Crowner of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Greg (Amber) Rinehart, Andy (Marcie) Rinehart, Holly (Dave) Evert, Charley (Ashley) Crowner, and Nicki (Garrett) Bensinger; several great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; brother, Philip Crowner of Olivet; sister, Jane Crowner of Okemos; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two grandchildren, David Crowner in 1979 and Skye in 1980; and one great-grandchild, David Evert.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte, with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Interment took place in Windsor Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice.

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