Rosella McLaughlin, 96, of Coldwater, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Drew’s Place of Hillsdale.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater with Pastor Shayne Looper from Lockwood Community Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mason Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, May 11, 2015 from 6-8:00 PM at Dutcher Funeral Home.
Rosella was born December 19, 1918 in Burr Oak, MI to John W. & Sarah A. (Slane) Shreve. She was the last survivor of sixteen brothers and sisters. At the age of three, Rosella contracted spinal meningitis, paralyzing one leg. By the age of seven, her strong will and determination permitted almost complete recovery and few people ever knew of her previous paralysis.
Her father was a tenant farmer, moving from farm to farm, in the employment of Lincoln Life Insurance Company. One year she attended five different grammar schools, as the family was constantly moving throughout the tri state region. On August 31, 1937, she married Ralph T. McLaughlin in Collins, IN. After 72 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 2009.
Rosella worked briefly at the Coldwater State Home and for several years operated a catering business in Coldwater with her sister. Her cooking prowess was evidenced by the excellent pies served at the monthly dinners at East Ovid United Brethren Church. She and Ralph will, perhaps, be remembered by local outdoorsmen as local fur buyers for over 50 years.
Rosella is survived by her son Jerry(Elizabeth)McLaughlin of West Lafayette, IN, son-in-law Jack Kistel of Girard, her grandchildren Marcia Barry, Mark Kistel both of Coldwater, Angie McLaughlin of New Mexico, Andrew(Kate)McLaughlin of Alaska, great grandchildren Sierra & Sophia Stone, Taylor & Kaitlynn Kistel, Geoff Barry, Megan Barry, Hawkin McLaughlin and great-great granddaughter Mila. In addition to her husband and siblings, she was also preceded in death by her daughter Janean A. Kistel in 1995.
Memorials may be directed to the McLaughlin Family Memorial thru Branch Co. Community Foundation (supporting local libraries, boy scouts & 4H clubs) or the Commission On Aging. www.dutcherfh.com.