Mrs. Eleanor Ann Lutes' Obituary
Eleanor Ann Lutes daughter of Roy and Kathryn Rose was born on January 29th, 1926 in Muskegon Michigan. She attended public schools in Muskegon and was a 1944 graduate of Muskegon High School. Living through the Great Depression and witnessing the great challenge it provided for Americans, she went to work for the Norge Corporation as a secretary supporting the war effort. She then transferred to the Muskegon Piston Ring where she was employed as an inspector for greater than 35 years. In 1947 she married Jack E. Lutes and set about raising a family. In 1948 daughter Linda was born. Eleanor and Jack were close to their parents and the extended family enjoyed their first grandchild. In 1955 daughter Cathy was born and the family was complete. Eleanor continued working at the Piston Ring while husband Jack was employed as a tool and die maker at Sealed Power Corporation. In 1965 they built their dream home in Norton Shores, but the celebration was muted by Eleanor’s father’s passing. Roy and Jack were avid fishermen and fished Muskegon Pier and Muskegon Lake together. When salmon were introduced to Lake Michigan, Jack bought a fishing boat, aptly named the JACK-EL, and Eleanor became a fisherman’s wife, rising in the wee hours of the morning to fix the “fisherman” breakfast before he headed to “sea”. Eleanor learned to smoke, grill, pickle and cook fish. Her infamous smoked fish graced the tables of many a friend. Eleanor was a remarkably strong woman and devoted her life to her family, first care giving for her mother and then for her husband when he was rendered a quadriplegic in 1987. She tirelessly cared for him in their home for over ten years. Eleanor enjoyed home decorating, cooking, gardening, handicrafts and shopping. But most of all she enjoyed her family and friends, especially her two grandchildren, Kristen and Christopher who were the light of her life. Eleanor was an indomitable woman and a proud UAW worker who touched many with her kindness and caring. Even as she descended into the dark world of dementia, she continued to aid others that were less well-off whenever she was able. She was the embodiment of strength, determination, and perseverance. Her favorite place in this world was in the home she and Jack designed and built and she decorated. Surviving Eleanor are her two daughters, Linda (Don) Potter and Cathy (Mike) Norkus; her two grandchildren, Kristen and Christopher; and cousins, nieces and nephews. Eleanor’s life spanned the Great Depression, the Great War, and encompassed love and loss, joy and pain. She is now at peace. We celebrate her life and thank God for her 88 years. We would like to thank the staff of Seminole Shores Living Center for the care they provided to Eleanor in the last four years of her life and to the staff of the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence who provided loving care in the last few days of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Harbor Hospice 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441 designated for the Poppen Residence or the Seminole Shores Living Center, 850 Seminole Road, Muskegon, MI 49441. A MEMORIAL LUNCHEON will be held 12:30 PM Saturday, February 15, 2014 at The Lee Chapel 6291 Harvey Street 231 798-1100
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