Lita J. Gillett

Lita J. Gillett
Lita Jannette (Clarke) Gillett left her earthly home for her heavenly home October 11, 2021. There she was reunited with the love of her life, Samuel Gillett.
Lita was born February 11, 1925, to Minnie and William Clarke. Lita was the third child of five. She is predeceased by her sisters, Aletha Clarke and Mary (Raymond) Stanke and her brothers, James (Dorothy) Clarke and Herbert Clarke. Surviving is her dear sister-in-law, Shirley Clarke, along with many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Eaton Rapids High School in 1943, Lita continued her education at County Normal School in preparation for teaching in a one room schoolhouse. After completing this training, she went on to teach for a number of years. Through the years she kept in close contact with her classmates from County Normal. They circulated a round robin letter to keep each other updated about their lives and had reunions once a year.
It was one of her County Normal classmates, Martha Moore Betz, who was responsible for introducing Lita to Sam. Less than a year after meeting, they were married. On June 14, 1947, Lita Clarke became Lita Gillett. It was a marriage that lasted until the death of Sam 67 years later. And while the marriage may have ended with the passing of Sam on March 10, 2015, Lita’s love for Sam never ended.
Sam and Lita made their home outside of Eaton Rapids. It was here that they raised their five children. Lita is survived by Doris (Rodney) Robertson, Lee (Michele) Gillett, Ralph (Lee Ann Lindahl) Gillett, Nancy (Bruce) Korthase and Lois (Doug) Bush. It was at this home that grandchildren came to celebrate holidays, make bird feeders, take walks to the barn, play with cousins, and enjoy the many books and toys kept from when their parents were young. These grandchildren include Lesley (Brian) Kozminski, Christa (Jeff) Hudson, Sara (Al) Finkelstein, Brian (Carrie) Robertson, Matthew (Courtney) Gillett, Rachel (Kellen Lister) Gillett, Barbara Bush, Michael Bush, Taylor Korthase, Katharine Korthase, and Molly Korthase. Great grandchildren include Simone and Camille Kozminski, Lauren and Lynsey Hudson, Julia and Ruby Finkelstein, Annabelle and Samantha Robertson, Matthew, Evelynn and Presley Gillett, Hudson Lister and Leevi and LitaMarie Bush.
Lita served her community by being an active member of the United Methodist Church. She held offices in the Griffith United Methodist Women for years and could be found in the back row of the Griffith United Methodist church every Sunday. The church was part of her family and an important and lasting part of her life.
She also held the position of Hamlin Township treasurer from 1971 to 1992. She saw the formation of Hamlin Township Fire Department and was proud of her part in the development of that organization.
Lita moved to Boyne City to be closer to more of her children in March of 2016. She first resided in Boyne City in an Assisted Living Facility. She lived in her own apartment there until her needs increased. In the Fall of 2018, Lita moved to Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. While there she enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles, doing word search puzzles, and amazing staff with her quick wit. When the pandemic closed the facility, the staff put in place window visits. And even though Lita’s family could not be inside next to her, there was great comfort in knowing the staff cared for her and loved her.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 6:00. In memory of Lita, the family encourages you to sit with a friend or family member and play a game of scrabble or put together a jigsaw puzzle! Be still in the moment and enjoy sharing a table and a quiet activity with someone you love.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lita’s name to Grandvue Medical Care Facility, 1728 S. Peninsula Rd., East Jordan, MI 49727 or Hamlin Township Fire Dept., 6463 South Clinton Trail, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.