Martha E. Lathrop's Obituary
Mrs. Martha E. Lathrop, age 89, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017 in Muskegon. She was born in Buchanan, Michigan on February 17, 1928 to Carl and Lydia (Hittle) Duis. Martha moved to Muskegon when she was 19. She met and fell in love with Harold Lathrop, and they were married on April 18, 1945. Martha had been employed by University Park Nursing Home for 17 years prior to her retirement. She was an active member of Community of Christ Church where she was a member of the Ladies Aid. Martha went back to school as an adult, and earned her high school diploma from Orchard View in 2002 at age 74. She was a member of the Dangl School Patrol Group, was active with 4-H, and was a Cub Scout den mother. She enjoyed BINGO, knitting, and ceramics. Most importantly, Martha loved her family, and especially enjoyed being involved in her grandchildren’s lives. She is survived by two daughters, Micki (James) Cripe and Carlene Bryant; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); 11 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Leona) Duis and James (Sharon) Duis; sister-in-law, Clara Duis; and two special friends, Wilma Sheffer and Carol Ade. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Rev. Harold Lathrop; daughter, Kathy Stafford; son, Robert Lathrop; her parents; sister, Luella Bunnell and two brothers, Fred Duis and Edwin Duis. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Community of Christ Church with Rev. Arnold Hicks officiating. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions to the family to help defray funeral expenses would be appreciated.
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