Mary Ellen (Kelley) Lauter

Lauter, Mary Ellen

Fowlerville, Michigan

Her Legacy… Mary Ellen Lauter, 88, passed away January 13, 2022, at her home in Fowlerville, Michigan. She was born on April 1, 1933, in Newberry, Michigan to Cory and Anne (Schwab) Kelley. Mary Ellen was a proud Yooper, growing up in Newberry, with her six siblings. Later she moved to Detroit and worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone, where she met the love of her life, the late Robert Lauter. They married on May 25, 1957, in Detroit, Michigan. Robert brought four children to the marriage, whom Mary Ellen raised and loved as her own. Mary Ellen and Robert completed their family by having three more children together. With an eye for details, and a focused perfectionism, Mary Ellen was successful in her career in banking. She started as a teller at National Bank of Detroit, and worked many years as a Difference Controller at Michigan National Bank. Her last job was at the City of Livonia’s Water Department, managing collection. When she was not working, Mary Ellen loved to visit the casino with friends and family, play her piano and organ, and work on her various sewing projects. She was a talented cross-stitcher and quilter. A member of the Fowlerville Village Quilters, colloquially known as “Stitch & Bitch,” her and the ladies would gather to create beautiful quilts for charity. She will be remembered for her artistic talent, the way she approached everything with detailed precision, her great sense of humor, and dedication to family. Family was most important to Mary Ellen, and she cherished spending time with them. She was a loving wife, dear mother, beloved grandmother, cherished great grandmother, and treasured friend. All that knew and loved her will dearly miss Mary Ellen, especially her beloved cat, Hobbes.

Her Family… Mary Ellen will be missed by her children, Susan Smith, Judith Gau, John (Amy) Lauter, David Lauter, Jennifer (Kenneth) Steinhauser; grandchildren, James, Michael, Jeffrey, Kris, Brian, Tammy, Jennifer, Lisa, Shelley, Bobby, Corey, Kent, Benjamin, Maryanna, Zach; 14 great grandchildren; daughter in heart, Dr. Lauren Phoenix; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lauter; son, Robert A. Lauter; daughter, Nancy Thompson; parents, Cory and Anne Kelley; and all of her siblings, Betty, William, Margaret, Judy, Nancy, and Timothy.

Her Farewell… Mary Ellen’s family and friends will gather 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 20 at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Lamb Chapel in Howell, Michigan. Her Community Farewell will be held at 11 a.m. (10 a.m. gathering), Friday, January 21, at Borek Jennings Funeral Home. Pastor Matt Nickels will serve as celebrant. Entombment to follow at 2:30 p.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be given to family for future designation.  Please leave a message of comfort for Mary Ellen’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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