Tressie E. Hotchkiss
Tressie Emily Hotchkiss, a woman who believed that you have two hands, one for you and one for helping others, died at the age of 99 on September 22, 2021 with many hands holding hers in her last few weeks and months. Tressie was a beloved resident at Hope Landing who suffered from dementia. She was born on a farm near Homer, Michigan on May 6, 1922 to Floyd and Bessie (Face) Stanham. After high school she moved to Lansing to take a business course, and worked several years for Fisher Body in Lansing. Tressie married Owen Hotchkiss of Marshall on June 1, 1946, and when they started their family, she stayed home to be a homemaker. They enjoyed many years of leading 4-H clubs, working on the farm and square dancing. Also a talented seamstress, Tressie made lots of clothing for her family over the years. Tressie volunteered at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in Charlotte for over 20 years and was also a member of the Senior Center in Charlotte. In her free time, she loved watching Tigers Baseball and MSU Spartans football and basketball, was a staunch Euchre player and she and Owen enjoyed John’s racing career.
Tressie is survived by her children, John Hotchkiss (and racing family), Debbie (Darrel) Gingrich, and Karen (Tim) Mikesell; grandchildren, Kim (Tim) Otto, Heather (Kyle) Young, Chelsea (Ryan) Wixson, and Garrett Mikesell; four great-grandsons, Bryce, Brock, Nolan and Grady; sister, Ruth Hamilton; and brother-in-law, Marvin (Susie) Hotchkiss. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen, in December 2000; and brother, Lloyd Stanham. The family would like to thank all the staff at Hope Landing and the nurses at Hospice of Lansing for their excellent care and concern during this difficult time.
Family and friends are encouraged to support the family at services or by sharing memories of Tressie on her tribute page at www.PrayFuneral.com Funeral services are outdoors in the Pray Funeral Home Gardens on Monday, September 27, 2:30 p.m. with Celebrant Laura Cooper officiating. Visitation is Sunday, September 26, 2-5:00 p.m. inside the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the Eaton Area Senior Center, Charlotte Courthouse Square Association, or Hope Landing. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home.