Lorna L. Fetters

Although her life was enriched in numerous ways, there was nothing that was more near and dear to the heart of Lorna Fetters than being surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted mother if ever there was one, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the role of a lifetime. Lorna loved doing special things with her children and grandchildren, yet she had a way of making even the ordinary things of everyday life extraordinary. She was very much the matriarch of her family, and her children held fast to knowing that she would always be there for them. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Lorna created a priceless collection of memories that will be forever cherished by her loved ones. The year 1929 is often remembered as the year of the historic crash of the stock market that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. The Roaring Twenties had been a time of great prosperity, however, the entire decade of the 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have faced with a soaring unemployment rate, a crippling drought, and little hope for relief anywhere in sight. It was also in 1929, just prior to that historic day, that a young couple from Paris, Michigan, was filled with great joy as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on August 5th with the help of a local midwife. Lorna Louise was the fourth of five children born to her parents, Lynn and Hazel (Corey) Luce, and she was raised in the family home alongside her older siblings, Irene, Vern, and Clifford, and her younger brother, Harold. For the most part Lorna was a typical girl of her generation. Her father was a local barber while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Lorna enjoyed things like swimming in the river and fishing with her siblings as well as jumping off the bridge into the water. It was a special treat when Lornas mother made them homemade ice cream, and they also loved it when their mother played the fiddle while they danced. She and her family regularly attended a Methodist church where Lorna played the piano and sang. Although she was raised in Paris, she attended Big Rapids Public Schools. Lorna was highly intelligent and mature for her age as well as she started high school at only 12 and graduated from Big Rapids High School when she was just 16. She was known for getting into her fair share of mischief as she and her friend, Katie, were partners in crime who often got into trouble at school. Life was forever changed for Lorna when she met a man named Alfred while picking cherries. They lived in a barn and tent during picking season, and Al made their rustic conditions a bit more desirable after getting a mattress for them to sleep on. However, Lorna was less than thrilled when she discovered that there were snakes at a place they stayed at for two weeks! She and Al later married, and together they were blessed with the births of five children including Sharon, Nancy, Marjory, Mary Jane, and Rodney. In addition to caring for her family, Lorna also worked at the Norge and then at the Breneman Curtain Roll where she tied springs. Lorna and Al raised their children in Muskegon, which is the place she called home for the rest of her life. She enjoyed taking the family to the cabin in Irons, Michigan, every weekend as well as a few trips to Niagara Falls. Trips to the zoo with her children were also frequent. Gathering with family was a favorite activity, especially for family reunions and holidays, and everyone always looked forward to Lornas amazing pies. Later divorced, Lorna continued to focus on her family. She saw her children and their families often and was an active part of their lives. It was such a special gift every time Lorna became a grandmother to a new grandchild. In fact, she loved being a grandma so much that she became a foster grandparent at Orchard View Elementary. Lorna loved every part of being involved with younger children and especially loved teaching them to read. After retiring in 1975 she met fellow foster grandmothers, Pat and Nancy, and they became fast friends. Lorna also met Vic later in life who became a great companion. Together she and Vic loved going out and doing things like eating dinner, dancing, and playing the accordion. They also spent about four months in Texas for years. Throughout her life Lorna enjoyed being busy. During the days of WWII she volunteered with the local county volunteer office for the Civilian Defense Duty in 1942. Lorna loved music, reading, and gambling, too. A gracious, loving, and generous woman, Lorna Fetters was a blessing to those around her. She was a constant and steadfast presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren with so much timeless wisdom to give. Lorna had a special place in her heart for helping children learn to read, and through her effort she made a significant impact in the lives of many. She could be determined when it came to things she was passionate about, yet her heart was as big as they come. Lorna will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Lorna L. Fetters died on Sunday, June 29, 2014. Lornas family includes her son, Rodney (Hilda) Fetters of Muskegon; daughters, Sharon (John) Stiegemeier of Grand Rapids, Nancy (Dale) Fetters-Beach of Alma, Marjory (Don) Fisher-Hallwood of Muskegon, Mary Jane (Jerry Knoll) Rockey of Muskegon; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews. Lorna was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one sister. Services will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014, Noon with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society or a foster grandparents program. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.