Pray Funeral Home, Inc.

10/24/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful part of saying goodbye is being able to take part in it.

10/23/2026

Kay Dawn Gingrich, 82, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver, died Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Lansing. Kay Dawn was born November 25, 1943, in Charlotte, the daughter of Clifford and Jeannette (Barrett) Tinkey. She married the love of her life, John William Gingrich, on April 8, 1961, and together they spent the next 60 years creating their legacy. John and Kay Dawn loved traveling, they traveled to just about every state in the US. Their favorite destination was any place out west. Kay Dawn was an avid BINGO! player and loved playing cards with her family, especially with a can of Coke at her side. She was also known for her extensive collection of all things "chickens," from figurines and beyond. Above all, Kay Dawn loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Kay Dawn is survived by her son, Todd Gingrich; grandchildren, Jesse (Hannah) Simons, Heather Gingrich, Trevor (Shyenne) Gingrich, Grant (Kate) Gingrich, Jasmine (Sam) Hoag, and Trent (Mia) Gingrich; great-grandchildren, Levi, Laci, Lakin, Evangeline, Elyse, Isaiah, Emmanuel, Waylon, William, Banks, Harvey, and two more on the way. She was predeceased by her husband, John in 2022; son, Tim Gingrich in 2023; and her brother, George Tinkey in 1985.

Friends are encouraged to support Kay Dawn's family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

10/23/2026

Who is the veteran you’re honoring today? Share their name so we can thank them together.

We’re proud to serve veterans and their families with the highest level of care and attention. Every detail matters because their service matters.

10/22/2026

Last week we were on the road again. This time it was for a service at Jones Cemetery near Rives Junction. Another example of Pray’s creating meaningful memorials anywhere.

10/22/2026

There’s still time to join us for our final Group Grief Support gathering with Maximum Living Associates.

Grief can feel different from one day to the next, and having a place to connect with others who understand can make a meaningful difference.

October 27 | 6–7 p.m.
📍 Pray Funeral Home

This gathering is open to anyone who could use support, understanding, and connection. We hope you’ll join us.

10/21/2026

Pumpkin patches, apple picking, or just a good book and a cup of something warm, fall traditions look different for everyone. For some, it is the crunch of leaves underfoot. For others, it is the first sweater of the season or the smell of something baking in the oven.

However you spend it, fall has a way of bringing a little extra comfort into the everyday.

Tag someone in your life who loves fall!

10/20/2026

Honoring a veteran’s service can be one of the most meaningful parts of saying goodbye.

Military honors bring together longstanding traditions that recognize a life of service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. Whether held at the funeral home or cemetery, these moments give families and communities an opportunity to pause, remember, and pay tribute.

It is always a privilege to help honor those who served.

10/19/2026

Carol Bartholomew passed away peacefully in the early hours of October 19, 2026 at Island City Assisted Living in Eaton Rapids after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's. Carol was born September 28, 1949, to George and Doris (Weimer) Norton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The family relocated to Fulton, Michigan when Carol was at the tender age of three. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1968 where she participated in girls' sports and cheerleading. On May 10, 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Louis Bartholomew. Together they made their home in Fulton and celebrated 34 years of marriage.

Carol worked as a beautician until the arrival of their first child, then she became a full-time homemaker and voluntary firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Wakeshma Township Fire Department. Carol was known by many titles throughout her life; daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Renowned for being fiercely protective of her family and not one to suffer fools easily, many people were intimidated by Carol. But those close to her also knew Carol's love for life, superb sense of humor, and extraordinary generosity.

Carol will be dearly missed. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis; her parents; and sisters, Jeanne Martin and Betty Gerould. Carol leaves behind to cherish her memory her son and his wife, Allen and Debbie Bartholomew of Portage; her daughter and...

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10/19/2026

Gerald Robert Driver, 80, of Charlotte, known affectionately as "Terry" to his family and friends, who was a generous man and was always willing to help anyone in need, died October 18, 2026. He was born February 15, 1946, in Lansing to Hannis and Cora (Cox) Mantyla.

Terry began his schooling in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and later graduated from Waverly High School in Lansing. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 as a Field Wireman with the 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment. During his service, he spent nearly nine months overseas during the Vietnam War, where he earned a Silver Star and Purple Heart. Following his return home, Terry began a 32-year career with General Motors as a Press Operator at Plant #2 until his retirement in 2003.

On April 22, 1981, Terry married the love of his life, Carolyn Sue Behl. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Family was at the heart of their lives, and Terry and Carolyn treasured the time they spent with their children and grandchildren. Outside of family life, Terry found enjoyment in golfing and fishing, two pastimes that offered him the opportunity to relax and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. Terry was proud of the two "hole in ones" he made at the Chisholm Hills Golf Course. He also looked forward to the morning breakfast gathering with his service buddies at Big Boy.

Terry is survived by his...

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Share Memories and Support the Family.

10/19/2026

Ever notice how some rooms just feel 'lighter'? We’ve obsessed over the small details—the plushness of the chairs, the temperature of the air, the placement of the tissues—so you don’t have to. It’s our way of offering a silent hug when words aren't enough.