Maryetta LaClair

     Maryetta "Me-me" LaClair, age 93, of St. Louis, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Hampton Manor of Merrill, Michigan.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, with Pastor Billie Lou Gillespie officiating. Burial will take place at Emerson Township Cemetery, Emerson Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Maryetta was born in St. Louis, Michigan on May 20, 1931, the daughter Paul Adrian and Loma Eudora (LaRue) Wiles. She was a sister to seven brothers and a sister. Maryetta lit up a room and was cherished by her family for the joy she brought to all aspects of life.
     On April 30, 1949, Maryetta married Norman Ervin LaClair at her parents' home. They were blessed with forty-six years of marriage prior to his death on July 23, 1995. Together they had five children who were the lights of their life. The love they shared together was one of great joy and, even in the hard times, they found the light in all aspects of life.
     Maryetta's children blessed her with ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. She loved to spend time with all of her grandchildren whether it was taking walks through the trails at her cabin in Rose City, gardening, or playing card and board games.
     Maryetta enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, trips to the casino, fishing, camping and spending countless hours around the fire at her cabin. She was involved in 4-H for many years as a leader and also worked at a local nursing home as a dietary aide.
     She is survived by five children: Carol (Mike) Martin of Sumner, MI; Norma (Glen) Kendall of Pinconning, MI; Mary Lorenz of Clare, MI; Alan LaClair of St. Louis, MI; and Julie (Tom) Byrne of Hemlock, MI; 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, her brother Phil (Sue ) Wiles, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Norman, granddaughter Tina Martin, and 2 great granddaughters: Regan Schott, and Anahi Ortiz; son-in-law Bill Lorenz Jr., 6 brothers: Adrian, Richard, Bill, Roger, Dave, and Garth; her sister Lois Sandy, and special sister-in-law Millie Wiles.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Commission on Aging, 515 South Pine River, Ithaca, MI 48847 or T.A. Cutler Library 312 Michigan Ave, St. Louis, MI 48880. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.