Lucile P. LaRock's Obituary
Big Rapids - Lucile P. LaRock, 87, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday May 17, 2018 , at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.
She was born March 5, 1931, in Norwich Township, the daughter of Edward and Susan (Harter) Fortin, and graduated from Fremont High School in 1948. In 1954, Lucy married Nowell LaRock, and they made their home in Big Rapids where she has lived since.
For several years, Lucy worked at Martz & Shapley Pharmacy. More recently, she worked at the Ferris State University Bookstore before retiring.
Lucy was a long-time active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. She was a member of the Altar Society, helped establish the student hot lunch program at St. Mary's school, and also helped to start the cub scout program there.
Lucy enjoyed gardening, bird watching, visiting their cabin, and most anything outside. She loved to embroider, and made homemade quilts and teddy bears for her grandchildren, whom she adored. She was also a great cook, and assisted on many funeral luncheons at St. Mary.
Lucy is survived by her husband Nowell; their children John (fiancée Marika McFarland) LaRock of Detroit; James (Kathy) LaRock of Sparta, and Annette LaRock of Big Rapids; 6 grandchildren, Tammy VanHouten, Jeromy, Christopher, and Michael LaRock, Danielle Hyde, and Nicole Kantz; 8 great-grandchildren (with one more on the way); 2 sisters, Mary Eckels and Edna Olson; and several nieces and nephews. Lucy was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Karen LaRock, 1 sister and 1 brother.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 21, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Michael Burt celebrant. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Lucy's family will greet friends after 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the St. Mary Parish Center Roof Fund, or Spectrum Health Hospice.
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