Carolyn F. Laplow

We regretfully announce the passing of Carolyn (Emerson) Laplow, 85, of Midland, (formerly Millington) MI. Carolyn passed away peacefully, joining her Lord on Monday, March 20^th, 2023, after a long and beautiful life.

Carolyn was born on February 13, 1938, to Gordon and Maleta (Mackensen) Emerson in Midland, MI. Carolyn was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Beaver Township, where she attended school through the 8th grade. She graduated from Midland High School in 1955. On December 19, 1959, Carolyn married the love of her life, Richard Laplow, at Zion Lutheran Church. Together they went on to have five wonderful children, Kimberly, Tim, Jennifer, Gordon, and William. Carolyn loved her children dearly and proved her tremendous strength as a mother and woman in the years after the unexpected death of her beloved husband in 1991.

During her life, Carolyn volunteered a lot of her time supporting community organizations and projects. She was a devout member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and frequently volunteered at the St. Paul Lutheran School in the kindergarten classroom and the lunchroom. She was also a member of the Dorcas Society and a Stephen’s Minister. Additionally, Carolyn served several terms on the Millington Arbela Township Library Board and was very active in the Millington chapter of General Federation of Women’s Club where, at the peak of her membership, she held state level office titles and served as Director of Girlstown.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoyed collecting angels, cross stitching, crocheting, and never missed an episode of Perry Mason. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who was always there when you needed her and who loved her family.

Carolyn will be missed by her daughter, Kim (Fred) Mays, her sons Tim Laplow, Gordon (Tammi) Laplow, and William (Sherrill Langford) Laplow; her grandchildren: Sarah Mays, Emile (Bre) Noyes, Michelle Mays, Savannah (Brett Willette) Laplow, Gabriella Laplow, and Richard Laplow; and her great-grandchildren: Dylan and Kamryn Mays, Aubrie Laplow, Wyat Willette, and Gir Laplow. Carolyn is also survived by her sisters, Alice Crittenden, Laura Sasse, James (Susan) Emerson; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by her husband, Richard; daughter, Jennifer; grandson, Benjamin; sister, Karen Holmes; and brothers-in-law, Don Holmes, Jack Crittenden, and John Sasse.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (4941 Center St. Millington, MI 48746) on Monday, March 27^th, 2023, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Jim Bruner to preside. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Luncheon to follow after service. Committal service will follow at 3 p.m. in Millington Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage those planning an expression of sympathy to consider donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Millington, MI, or the Millington-Arbela District Library.

Share a memory of Carolyn at www.hanlinfuneralhome.com.

Carolyn and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home – Millington. 4823 W. Main St, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

HANLIN FUNERAL HOMES

Millington & Vassar

Serving Since 1928