Carol L. Church's Obituary
Carol Louise Church, 94, passed away in Fruitport, MI, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Carol was born in Caro, MI, on August 17, 1931, to Robert and Ruth (Nickless) Chambers. She graduated from Vassar High School and went on to receive her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University. She worked as a schoolteacher for Millington Public Schools for 34 years before retiring in 1988. On June 25, 1960, she married Weyman Church, and the two of them spent 49 wonderful years building their family together until he preceded her in death in 2009.
Carol had a passion for sharing her knowledge with others, teaching many people how to sew and play piano over the years. She was very interested in her family’s genealogy, even writing a book about it through her research. She was an avid reader, a master quilter, and proficient with a muzzle loader. She loved to travel, spending summer vacations at their family cabin in Lewiston, MI, and winters with Weyman in Davie, FL. The two of them greatly enjoyed sailing on their family boat and going on many snowmobiling adventures over the years. She and Weyman moved to Ravenna, MI, in 2005, where she attended Stafford Street Community Church and started a monthly senior luncheon for members of the community. Carol enjoyed a nice glass of wine, and also attending events put on by the Muskegon Civic Theatre. Carol was a kind, generous, and determined woman who loved spending time with her family.
Carol will be lovingly remembered by her two children: Gary (Irene) Church and Kathy (Dave) Flatgard; two grandchildren: Kaitlyn (Cody) Fought and David Flatgard; and her beloved dog, Sammy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. The family would like to express special thanks to her “girls”, Peggy and Connie, and to the staff at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care and support these past few months. A Private Family Service will be held for Carol in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MARS – Missionaries Around Ravenna in Service. Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St, Ravenna, MI, 49451.
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