Obituaries
Melvin William Strong
Melvin William Strong, formerly of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 96. Melvin was born on March 18, 1930, in Blanchard, Michigan, the son of William and Alta Strong.
Following high school, Melvin enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 12 years on active duty. During his military career, he was stationed at various locations throughout the United States as well as in Germany. Following his honorable discharge from active duty, Melvin continued his service to his country for another eight years in the Army Reserves.
Melvin worked for General Motors Fisher Body Plant and later worked for Coopers as a service manager. He eventually opened M&M Auto Sales in Lansing, which he owned and operated for many years.
A lifelong automotive and racing enthusiast, Melvin had a particular passion for NASCAR and Sprint Car racing. He and his wife, Nayola, enjoyed traveling throughout Florida in their RV, following the Sprint Car Circuit and making many wonderful memories along the way.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Nayola Strong, and his family.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to a local hospice organization of the donor’s choice in memory of Melvin Strong.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Robin Elaine Boerma
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robin Elaine Boerma, born on October 24, 1968, in Lansing, Michigan. Robin went to be with the Lord on August 28, 2026, at the age of 57, with her loving family by her side. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Robin lived a fulfilling life rooted in compassion and care. A proud graduate of Montcalm Community College, she dedicated over thirty years of her life as a Licensed Practical Nurse, most recently serving at Medilodge, where her nurturing spirit touched the lives of many residents and their families. Her commitment to her profession exemplified her genuine love for helping others, and she always found joy in the small, everyday moments spent with her patients.
Beyond her professional achievements, Robin was an avid lover of music, having received awards for her clarinet playing in high school. She cherished the beauty of life, whether through travel, fishing, or enjoying a meal out with family and friends. Her deep affection for animals was only surpassed by her unwavering love for her family, whom she cherished above all else. As a devoted mother, she embraced her role with warmth and grace.
Robin will be lovingly remembered by her spouse, Elwynn Boerma; her son, Jacob Boerma; her father, Bill (Janell) Hess; her mother, Marjorie (Johnnie Morris) Markle; She is also survived by her brother, Will (Sherry) Hess, along with many other cherished relatives and friends.
Robin was an active member of Essential Church in Williamston, where her spirit of kindness and generosity was felt by all who attended.
A memorial service celebrating Robin’s life will be held on Oct. 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Essential Church, 3510 Zimmer Road, Williamston, Michigan 48895. A memorial luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church.
The family invites all who knew and loved Robin to join them in remembering a remarkable woman whose legacy of love and compassion will continue to impact those she leaves behind. Memorial contributions may be given to Essential Church. Share your memories and condolences online at holihanatkin.com.
Randy Lee Hankins
Randy Lee Hankins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and cherished member of his community, passed away on August 27, 2026, while on vacation in upper Michigan, just three days shy of his 70th birthday. Randy was born in Lansing, Michigan, on August 30, 1956, to Marvin and Evelyn Hankins. Throughout his nearly seven decades of life, Randy touched countless people with his laughter, kindness, humor, generosity, and genuine love of being around others.
Randy was a man who believed that life was meant to be lived fully. He was community-minded, family-oriented, and always ready to share a laugh, tell a story, sing a song, or lend a hand. He had a large sense of humor and an even larger laugh, one that was unmistakably Randy and could often be heard before he entered a room. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, and he was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and people he cared about.
Above all else, Randy was proud of his family. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandra K. (Cook) Garvie. Their relationship was an important part of his life, and Randy was proud of Sandy and grateful for the life they shared together. He was a proud and loving father to Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie and Justin (Jessica) Garvie. His children were an important source of pride and joy, and he cherished watching them grow and create lives of their own.
Randy was also a proud grandfather to Nicki LaValley, Allison Garvie, Aaron Garvie, Rowan Garvie and Noah Livingston. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and he was grateful for every opportunity to spend time with them, share memories, and watch them grow. Family was never something Randy took for granted. He understood the importance of the people who stood beside him throughout life, and he treasured the connections he had with those he loved.
Randy often spoke with pride about how far he had come in life. He was grateful that he had the ability to raise himself up throughout the years and build a life through determination, hard work, perseverance, and his own unique strength of character. His journey was not simply about where he started, but about the person he chose to become. Randy knew that life could present challenges, but he also knew the importance of continuing forward, finding something to laugh about, helping others, and appreciating the people who mattered most.
Those who knew Randy well will remember that he was, in his own words, “cute.” In fact, one of his favorite sayings was simply, “I’m cute.” It was perfectly Randy – confident, playful, and always delivered with the kind of humor that could make people smile. He never seemed to take himself too seriously, and he had a remarkable ability to find humor in everyday situations.
His sense of humor was one of his defining characteristics. Randy loved making people laugh, and he had a natural gift for bringing lightness into a room. His big laugh became part of his identity, and friends and family will undoubtedly hear it in their memories for years to come. He was happy around people and enjoyed the simple pleasure of conversation, companionship, music, and sharing experiences.
Music was another important part of Randy’s life. He formerly sang in a barbershop quartet in Lansing, Michigan, and his love of singing eventually became part of his working life as well. During his years as a driver for EATRAN, he became known affectionately as the “singing bus driver.” It was a fitting nickname for a man who loved music and loved making people smile. He was proud to become an IT support person to the State of Michigan, ending his career with the Michigan State Police with a specialty in lien and cyber crimes.
Randy enjoyed music from many different eras and especially loved the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. Their music reflected some of the things he enjoyed most – fun, freedom, friendship, summer, and living in the moment. Whether he was singing, listening to his favorite songs, or enjoying karaoke, music was one of the ways Randy connected with people.
Randy also had a genuine passion for fishing. There was something about being outdoors, enjoying the water, and taking time away from the rush of everyday life that appealed to him. Fishing gave him an opportunity to relax, spend time with others, and enjoy one of the simple pleasures of life.
Another interest that reflected Randy’s personality was his love of coins and “numismatics.” He appreciated the history and stories behind coins and enjoyed the hobby as both a collector and an enthusiast. His interests were varied, and he had a natural curiosity that led him toward technology, history, cars, music, community projects, and many other things.
Randy had a special fondness for his “Black Mustang,” which was another reflection of his personality and his love of cars. He enjoyed being part of the car community and was past president and membership director of the Charlotte Cruisers Car Club and past president of the Jaycees. Cruising, and the friendships that developed around those interests gave Randy yet another way to be with all the people he cared about.
Randy is survived by wife, Sandy Garvie; children, Cassandra Hankins, Mark Hankins, Jason Garvie, Justin (Jessica) Garvie; grandchildren, Nicki, Allison, Aaron, Rowan, Draco, Memphis, Evelyn, and Ethan; siblings: Ronald Hankins, Darlene Keshick; many nieces and nephews; and extended family, Tony and JoDee Pruden, Kelly and Stan Karamol, and Kent and Teresa MacDonald. He was preceded in death by siblings, Marvin Hankins, Wayne Hankins, Karen Tate, Suzan Tyler, and Delores Tyler; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Randy’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastors Charles Jenson and John Messner 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 Randy’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smartphone). If desired the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry and the Michigan Heart Association. The family are in the care of Pray Funeral Home.
Charlotte Ann Walker
Charlotte Ann Walker, of Charlotte, Michigan, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Charlotte at the age of 84. She was born on May 23, 1942, in Sears, Michigan to Robert and Ruth (Murray) Lewis. Charlotte graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1960. She married the love of her life, Erwin Walker, on July 25, 1959 at the Charlotte Church of Christ, spending 67 years together.
She went on to build a steady and caring working life, serving in office roles for different doctors over the years. She primarily worked at Hayes Green Beach for more than 15 years as an office assistant in the billing department, where her dedication and reliability were part of her daily work.
Outside of work, Charlotte found joy in the simple and meaningful things she loved most. She enjoyed gardening and took special care of her flowers. She also loved crafting and working with her hands, especially through painting and sewing. She cherished time spent at the family cabin on Bertha Lake in Farwell, a place that held many special memories. Charlotte and Erwin also enjoyed traveling in their RV to Texas and spent many winters in Bandera, Texas. Most of all, Charlotte loved her family and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her loving husband, Erwin Walker; her children, LoriAnn Gonzalez, Bob (Jayne) Walker, and Daniel (Donna) Walker; grandchildren, Tearsa Spear, Jessica Walker, Jayme Walker, Jacob (Brittany) Walker, Jillian (John) Hoesli; great grandson Winton Walker; siblings, Diana (Jim) Wietzke, Roberta (John) Forell; and many nieces nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Arletta Lahr, and her brother, Duane Lewis.
Those desiring may make contributions in Charlotte’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
In keeping with Charlotte’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will take place at West Carmel Cemetery.
Friends are encouraged to leave online condolences on Charlotte’s page at www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com. The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Christi Jane Dutcher
Christi Jane Dutcher, 76, of the Gun Lake area, a woman of inspiration, ambition, and love, died peacefully after an extended illness on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Lansing. Christi was born September 24, 1949 in Charlotte, the oldest child of Robert Willis and Evelo LeJeune (Michael) Fulton. Christi grew up in a family for whom generosity was never an abstract virtue to be admired from a distance, it was a discipline practiced daily, in ordinary and extraordinary ways, and it shaped every decision she would go on to make for the rest of her life.
Christi graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1967 and went on to spend a brief period studying drafting at Lansing Community College. In her early years, long before shelters and formal support systems for domestic abuse victims existed in most small communities, Christi recognized the critical and largely invisible need that abused women and their families in the area had nowhere to turn for safety. Without hesitation, and without waiting for anyone else to act first, she opened the doors of her own home, offering shelter, comfort, and a loving hand to innumerable women and children who needed it most. It remains, in the eyes of her family, perhaps the purest expression of who Christi truly was: when she saw a need, she acted immediately, and she never asked for anything in return.
Christi knew what it meant to work hard for every dollar and to treat every customer with genuine care. She spent time at Michigan National Bank, as well, before settling into ownership and management of the family business, Fulton Lumber, in 1973. Christi logged countless hours at the counter and behind the store’s paint-matching machine, and she carried forward a lesson passed down through generations of her family: that the customer always comes first. Those who worked alongside her, and those who simply came in for a gallon of paint or a load of lumber, remember her the same way – warm, attentive, and utterly incapable of doing anything halfway. Friends often said Christi was “the definition of a go-getter,” and that the word “no” never seemed to have made it into her vocabulary.
Her willingness to dive in and help manifested itself in great measure with her civic duties and devotion to the community of Charlotte. She was involved with the Courthouse Square Association from the moment of its inception, and over the years she held nearly every position available on its board of directors, including president. For decades, she was, in the truest sense of the phrase, the “face” of Courthouse Square. She was the person who stood before city council and county commissioners meeting after meeting, advocating tirelessly for the site’s preservation and its place in the life of the town. It was through her persistence, her instinct for building relationships, and her refusal to let good ideas die on the vine that the 1885 Courthouse and Museum became not merely a historic building preserved for its own sake, but a living, integral part of Charlotte’s community identity, a gathering place, an educational resource, and a source of civic pride that has touched thousands of residents’ lives.
Christi also served as a member and Past-President of the Board of Trustees of the Vomberg Foundation, working alongside fellow trustees to serve the Foundation’s mission of providing scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. Christi helped open doors for countless young people across the Charlotte area who might otherwise have struggled to further their studies. It was a cause close to her heart, rooted in the same belief that carried through every part of her life: that investing in people, quietly and without expectation of recognition, is one of the most powerful things a community can do for itself.
The list of Christi’s accomplishments and contributions to Charlotte is vast. She helped to spearhead the first annual John Gaedert Generosity Celebration, helped developed CanDo’s organizational rally cry of “Shop Charlotte,” and was instrumental in uniting the efforts of local clergy, city officials, and the students and faculty of Charlotte High School around a single shared purpose of welcoming a group of young citizens from Burundi, a small nation in East Africa, to build an international bridge between two cultures. Christi received the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce’s “E Award,” an honor named in tribute to her good friend, Eleni Nicolau, as well as the Clyde A. Fulton Award, named for her grandfather.
Her generosity extended into her church as well, where for many years Christi was active in music ministry, played piano, and sang in the choir. Music, especially singing and playing the piano, were central to Christi’s life. For all that Christi accomplished in the public life of her community, her family says without hesitation that her greatest legacy was built at home. She was a wonderful wife, a loving mother, and, in her grandchildren’s own words, a marvelous grandmother. She set what her family calls “a sterling example of how to be a good person” for every generation that came after her. She taught her grandchildren that spare change was meant to be saved throughout the year and donated, at year’s end, to a charity of their own choosing. She taught them, too, that a good deed should never be done in expectation of a reward. Rewards, in her words, “will always be there in the end,” even if they aren’t visible right away.
Christi followed her children and grandchildren to their many activities and endeavors with the same boundless energy she brought to every part of her life. She could be found cheering from the stands at sporting events at both Martin and Charlotte High Schools, or other venues such as barrel racing. At the lake, Christi found time to kayak on her own and with her grandkids.She always refused to sit on the sidelines when there was fun to be had.
Over the many years Christi spent in the Charlotte community, she watched her grandparents and her parents give unselfishly of themselves to make their community a better place to live. In her own generation, she and her husband, Tom, along with her siblings and their families, carried that same tradition forward without ever treating it as a burden. Volunteerism was simply the watchword of her life, and sharing her time, her effort, and her financial resources with others was never framed as sacrifice. It was, as her family put it, “just the thing that you do.”
Christi is survived by her husband, Tom Dutcher; daughters, Rebecca (Robert) Elkins and Jen (Doug) Reed; grandchildren, Katelin Elkins, McKinnon (Becky) Elkins, Robert (Brook) Elkins III, Freddie Jo (Jeremiah Darling) Elkins, Mari (Jacob Cole) Elkins, Fulton (Raigan Garcia) Reed, Van Reed, and Tasha Elkins; great-grandchildren, Grant Roberts, Hazel and Rozilyn Elkins, Emma Bruischart, Harley Bruishart, Robert “Bubba” Elkins IV, Raelynn Elkins, Wesley Darling, and baby Elkins/Cole coming spring of 2027; her sister, Kathie Cook; brother, Mike (Janice) Fulton; brothers-in-law, Richard Butman and Jim (Susan Aguilar) Dutcher; cousins Wes Fredenburg, Bob Miller, nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Putter. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Nick Elkins; sister, Barbara Fulton; brother-in-law, Charles Cook; cousin, Connie Miller; parents, Bob and Evelo Fulton; mother and father-in-law, Wayne and Lola Dutcher; and aunt, Jerre Fredenburg.
Friends are encouraged to support Christi’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Courthouse Square Association, 100 W. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, Michigan. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Courthouse Square Association or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gerald Gene Fahner
Gerald Gene Fahner was a lifelong educator, student, naturalist, explorer and innovator. Affectionately known as Jerry to friends and family, he passed away peacefully at home in Dimondale, Michigan, on August 19, 2026. Born on December 27, 1946, in Howard City, Michigan, Jerry was raised on a family farm by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner, alongside his sister, Karen.
Jerry began his education in the one-room Maple Hill schoolhouse in rural Pierson, Michigan. In 1965, he graduated as salutatorian of his class at Tri-County High School in Howard City, Michigan. He went on to attend Michigan State University, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. For 33.5 years, Jerry taught high school math, chemistry, physical science and computer science at Eaton Rapids Public Schools.
Jerry’s life was centered around his beloved wife of 53 years, Nancy, his close-knit family, and his faith. He fully enjoyed the beautiful Dimondale property with pond and woods that he and Nancy developed into a sanctuary over their 40 years at home.
Jerry’s faith was the compass for his life. He served as the Pastor Parish Relations Committee Chair of the United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids for five years. He was also a member of the Men’s Bible Study group and volunteered regularly to support the church’s many social events and outreach activities.
Jerry had a wide range of meaningful interests and a deep appreciation for nature. He loved the changing seasons, farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, skiing, and camping with his family. He also enjoyed 3-D printing, welding, cooking, woodworking, and was an avid reader and technology enthusiast. He enjoyed the challenges of figuring out how to design, fix, build, modify, improve, or restore products or processes.
Jerry also loved driving and traveling. He began driving tractors at the age of four, and moved on to go-karts, sports cars, small planes, motorcycles, boats, large tractors, and motor homes. During summers, the family camped across most of the fifty states and into Canada. Jerry and Nancy enjoyed extensive travel throughout European countries, with his favorites being Germany, Switzerland, and Spain. Some of Jerry’s most memorable trips included exploring new adventures with his children and grandchildren.
In addition to Nancy, Jerry is survived by his daughter, Dr. Jennifer (Peter) Di Rocco of Kailua, Hawaii; his son, Matthew (Tracy) Fahner of Belmont, Michigan; and his two beloved grandchildren, Mason Di Rocco, 12, and Nora Di Rocco, 10. Other family members include his sisters-in-law, Judy Post of Kentucky, Faye (Michael) Miles of Grand Rapids; Mary Kay (Frank) Schultz of Sturgis; brothers-in-law Richard Ridderman of Indiana and Ronald (Mary) Doe of Ohio, and many treasured nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Arlene Fahner; his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Ailene Doe; and his sister, Karen Ridderman.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids at 11 am on Monday, Oct. 5.
Visitation will be held at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel at 518 Street in Eaton Rapids on Sunday, Oct. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Monday, Oct. 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton Rapids United Methodist Church: Food Locker Program or to the Eaton Rapids Teen Space.
To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.
Harold Arlo Whiting
Harold Arlo Whiting of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Harold was born on September 17, 1948, in Eaton Rapids, the son of Elmer and Lorraine (Deview) Whiting. He was raised in Eaton Rapids and graduated with the class of 1967.
Following high school, Harold was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country while stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War. After receiving his honorable discharge, Harold began a career with General Motors Fisher Body Plant, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.
Harold found great joy in the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved fishing for walleye on the Trenton River and spending time on Duck Lake, where he enjoyed catching bluegill and perch. He also took great pride in his produce garden, growing an impressive 5.5 acres of sweet corn, which he handpicked himself, along with a variety of other vegetables.
A true tinkerer, Harold could often be found in his garage working on his tractors or restoring and working on his beloved 1952 Dodge, which he affectionately named “Tinkerbell.” He enjoyed casino trips with Bev and their friends and loved traveling throughout the United States and abroad to visit his children while they served in the United States Air Force and were stationed around the world.
Above all, Harold was a devoted family man. He cherished family gatherings and treasured every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. He will be fondly remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, quick wit, and his mischievous love of playing practical jokes on just about anyone.
Harold is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Bev (Thelen) Whiting; children, Jodi (Roger) Ward, Rick (Vilma) Whiting, and Sue (Joe) Diaz; grandchildren, Carissa Diaz, Ashley Ward, Gwen Whiting, Alex Ward, Madeline Sarno, and Felicia Diaz; siblings, Elaine Blackburn, Margaret (Dan) Yerke, and Wayne Whiting; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. The family will receive friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m., with a rosary service beginning at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
Gene Montgomery
Gene Montgomery, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 24, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born on August 10, 1939, in Charlotte, the son of Marvin Bruce and Mabel Imogene (Wiseman) Montgomery.
Gene was a graduate of Charlotte High School, class of 1958. On April 29, 1970, Gene married Phillis Rae Granger at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. He went on to own and operate Scott’s Roofing for many years, building a life of steady work and commitment in the community he called home.
Gene was a man who truly enjoyed life and the people in it. He loved spending time with others and found great happiness in the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and mushrooming were among his favorite pastimes, and he also enjoyed riding minibikes with his friends at Pretty Lake. Racing snowmobiles and playing fast pitch softball were also activities that brought him a great deal of enjoyment over the years. He especially loved being at his cabin on Pretty Lake, a place that held many treasured memories. Above all else Gene’s family was the most important thing in his life. He treasured each and every one of them in a special way.
Gene is survived by his wife, Phillis; daughter, Jodi (Charlie) McLean of Grand Ledge, Mark (Michele) Montgomery of Charlotte; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.
Family and friends were invited to gather for visitation on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, Michigan. A second visitation was held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial service followed at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. A graveside service took place at Maple Hill Cemetery, 801 Tully Brown Drive, Charlotte immediately following the memorial service.
Those desiring may make contributions in Gene’s memory to Hospice of Lansing 3186 Pine Tree Road, Lansing, Michigan 48910.
To view Gene’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Charles Roe Cook
Charles “Chuck” Roe Cook died at home on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following a battle with cancer. Chuck was born in Muskegon on August 12, 1954, to Wade and Nancy (Francis) Cook. Just after he turned one, his parents as well as his paternal grandparents moved to Charlotte. After graduating from Charlotte High School in 1972, he attended Ferris State University but returned back to Charlotte to help in the family business. With Wade’s unexpected death in 1974, Chuck became a partner in Cook Heating and Air Conditioning with his grandfather.
In 1980, Chuck went to the Charlotte Frontier Days Saloon where he unexpectedly ran into a former classmate, Kathie Fulton. On November 27, 1982, they were married and moved to Battle Creek. Along the way, he worked for Combined Insurance and Migala Carpet, but returned to college, attending Olivet College and making the Dean’s List every semester. He was just short of his degree in elementary education when he began working at Fulton Lumber, where he was the yard supervisor. He discovered that he loved being a “yard dog” (his term), working hard outdoors with carpenters, handymen and DIYers, before retiring in 2017.
Chuck was a proud and loving father to Matt and Rob, and happily welcomed his two daughters-in-law, Jessica and Shannan, into the family. But he truly lost his heart to his two granddaughters, Evelo and Annabelle. His favorite activity was baking cookies with his two “sweeties”!
Over the years, his interest in sports ranged from season tickets to MIS to see NASCAR and Indy Cars, to golf (both playing and watching), and yard games. But he was a life-long Lions and Tigers fan and enjoyed an annual trip to a Tiger’s game with his sons for many years.
Family celebrations in his childhood meant trip to Newark, Ohio for Francis gatherings or to St. Joseph for Cook gatherings. Later, after moving back to Charlotte in 1993, it meant getting together on the front porch for wonderful cook-outs. Fortunate to have lots of family in the area, his happiest times were just “hanging out”.
Chuck instilled a solid work ethic in his children and was proud of his ability to create solutions to virtually every woodworking or building problem. He thoroughly enjoyed working with Bob, Christi, and Mike as well as both sons, and a host of nieces and nephews. He has a remarkable memory for names and faces, and always had a joke or funny story to share. During his illness, he made friends with every doctor, nurse, aide, tech and cleaner.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Kathie; his sons, Matt (Jessica Hix) and Rob (Shannon); his granddaughters, Evelo and Annabelle; his sister, Cathy (Daen) Cook; his brothers, Jim (Lisa) and Bill (Meredith) Cook; sister-in-law, Christi (Tom) Dutcher, brother-in-law, Mike (Janice) Fulton; brother-in-law, Richard Butman as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; and sister-in-law, Barbara Fulton.
Friends are encouraged to support Chuck’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, August 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Saturday, August 22, at 11 a.m. at The First Congregational Church in Charlotte with Pastor Adam Droscha officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to First Congregational Church in Charlotte, or the Charlotte Public Schools Education Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Gary John Aaron
Gary John Aaron “Hank,” 75, of Charlotte, died Thursday, August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 4, 1951, in Oil City, Pennsylvania, the son of William R. and Mabel I. (Baughman) Aaron.
Hank graduated from West Forest High School. He moved to Michigan to work for Owens-Illinois (OI), where he worked as a machine operator. On February 24, 1973, he married Kathy Ann Hinckley. Together, they raised three sons, Joe, Bill, and Charlie.
Hank was known for his sense of humor and his ability to bring laughter to those around him. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, riding his Harley, and cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and MSU sports teams. Above all, Hank cherished his family, especially his grandchildren.
When his boys were younger, Hank took great joy in watching them play sports. His family remembers that he was always there for everything, showing up to support his sons and later his grandchildren in all of their activities. Being present for the people he loved was simply who Hank was.
Hank will be remembered for his humor, his loyalty to his family, and the many memories he created with those closest to him. His family will forever cherish the time they shared together and the laughter that filled those moments.
Hank is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Joe (Tammy) Aaron, Bill (Tammy) Aaron and Chuck Aaron; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Jimmy (Sophie) Aaron, Sandy (Don) Hartsell, Barb (Steve) Czerneski, Cindy (Randy) Amsler, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; in-laws, Elam and Shirley Hinckley; granddaughters, Tori Aaron and Angel Aaron; brothers-in-law, Dean Hinckley, and Dan Hinckley; nieces, Gwen Hartsell and Kim Hartsell.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Oasis Senior Living and Residential Hospice for the loving care and compassion they provided to Hank and his family.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 10a.m. to 5 p.m., at Fox Park, Potterville, Michigan. Friends are encouraged to support Hank’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Athletic Boosters. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.