Eldon Thomas Stratton's Obituary
Edmore - Eldon and Donita (Lorenz) Stratton, ages 73 and 72, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019 and on Thursday, November 14, 2019 both at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. Eldon was born August 6, 1946 the son of Jolley Dee and Lucile Ruth (Morrow) Stratton and raised in Vestaburg graduating from Vestaburg High School class of 1964. Donita was born June 16, 1947, the daughter of Donald Nicholas and Hilma Maxine (Hiffner) Lorenz and raised in Mt. Pleasant graduating from Mt. Pleasant High School class of 1965. Eldon, together with his brother David, served his country honorably in the Navy in Spain and Italy and then was stationed at the Naval Base in Brunswick, Maine. Eldon and Donita were married on May 18, 1968 in Mt. Pleasant, the start of 51 years together. They shared many hobbies together including hunting, gardening, bird watching and feeding the birds, and fishing. Eldon's other hobbies included rock collecting. Everywhere Eldon went he found interesting rocks. Donita enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking and baking. She was well known for decorating cakes. Eldon was the Ferris Township Cemetery Sexton for over 40 years. He was also employed by Frigidaire from 1968 until his retirement in 2009. Donita held the title of "Super Mom".
Eldon and Donita will be missed by their children Deanna (Terry) Packer of Escanaba, Rebecca (Robert) Brauher of Vestaburg, Alice (Tony) Naimo of Crystal; grandchildren Tarin Packer, Elizabeth Brauher, Ashley Naimo, Anthony Naimo; great-grandchildren Persephone Inglesby, Addison Featherly; Donita's mother Hilma Lorenz of Mt. Pleasant, and her siblings Donald (Sandy) Lorenz Jr. of Midland, Daniel (Shari) Lorenz of Shepherd, Darlene Coffell, of Mt. Pleasant, and David (Ronda) Lorenz of Mt. Pleasant; Eldon's sister Betty (Doug) Hoek of Lansing, and sister-in-law Nicki Stratton of Vestaburg; several nieces and nephews.
Eldon and Donita were preceded in death by parents Jolley and Lucile Stratton, and Donald Lorenz; and Eldon's brother David Stratton.
A Celebration of their lives will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 with visitation from 9:30am to 11:00am and funeral service commencing at 11:00am at the Vestaburg Church of Christ in Vestaburg, MI with Pastor Harry Goldberg Officiating. A luncheon at the Vestaburg Church of Christ multi purpose building will immediately follow. Those wishing to contribute in their memory are asked to consider donations to Grace Fellowship Baptist Church of Edmore. Condolences and a full obit can be found at www. brighamfuneralchapel. com
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