Leola Jean Reich

Leola Jean Reich, age 86, of Cedarville, Michigan, died June 28, 2018, at her home on the lake. She was born January 29, 1932, in Pickford, Michigan, to Lorne and Hazel (Smith) Hillock. Leola was a woman of great faith, a devoted wife of 65 years, and a loving mother. After graduating from Pickford High School, she attended Bay City Business College, graduating with a two-year business degree. Her first job was as a secretary in Roscommon, Michigan. She married Dale Rye Reich on June 10, 1953, at the Pickford Methodist Church. She lived her first year of married life in Germany, where Dale was stationed with the United States Army. Leola worked while raising seven children, first selling Avon, then working as a secretary at the Rudyard School District, Beacom Insurance, and Les Cheneaux Construction Company. During those years, she also served as Marquette Township Clerk, was active in many community organizations, and was involved in her church. Leola was an avid knitter, making sweater sets and afghans for all of her newborn grandchildren, as well as mittens, scarves and sweaters for family members. She was a skilled seamstress as well, making school clothes for her children and even bridal and bridesmaid dresses for family weddings. Leola enjoyed swimming alone in the morning in the lake outside her home. Leola was involved in her community, taking meals to those in need, remembering people with cards and letters, and collecting Christmas gifts and donations for a Mexico ministry. Leola is survived by her husband, Dale; children, Jan (John) Scholke of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Randy (Diane) Reich of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Marty (Tena) Reich of San Jose, California, Greg (Lynn) Reich of Plymouth, Wisconsin, Carla McKerchie of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Landa (Bob) Miller of Hessel, Michigan; seventeen grandchildren; and eighteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Viola Shultis of Shokan, New York, and Eleanor (Glenn) Crisp of Mackinaw City, Michigan; sister-in-law, Chalta Hillock of Springfield, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Lori Secor of Hessel; and former son-in-law, Bob McKerchie of Appleton, Wisconsin. Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Lorne and Hazel Hillock; in-laws, Arthur and Hilda Reich; son, Carl Reich; brother, Lamar Hillock; sister-in-law and her husband, Donajean and Clyde Cross; brother-in-law, Stan Shultis; two grandchildren; two nieces; and three nephews. Services will be held Monday, July 2, at R. Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 in Pickford, Michigan. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. with the funeral service to begin at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in Cottle Cemetery in Marquette Township, Pickford. Memorials may be made to Cedarville Senior Dinners, c/o Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, Community Action Agency (CLMCAA), 524 Ashmun St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or McLaren Hospice, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770.

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Leola Jean Reich

January 29, 1932 - June 28, 2018