Larae Marie Gillings Munk, Esq.

LaRae Marie Gillings Munk, Esq. of Garden City, Kansas, formerly of Frankfort, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2021 surrounded by her daughter, brother and sister. Born of Lyle E. Gillings and Bernadine M. (Dimick) Gillings on December 29, 1950 in Platte, South Dakota, LaRae was famous for her curly red hair, and her ability to go against the grain her whole life. She was a graduate of Akron-Fairgrove High School and Central Michigan University. In 1988, she graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School with honors. She moved to northern Michigan shortly after and opened a law practice. LaRae famously took on cases and causes that would change the world. She was a pioneer in the charter school movement in Michigan and represented numerous school boards around the state for almost twenty-five years. More than just an activist for causes important to her, LaRae was a devout Christian and centered her life around her faith. LaRae was a very passionate person, who believed in being an effective leader, mentor and living her life by example. She actively participated in the World Wide Dream Builders group and often traveled around the country speaking on its behalf. Family was very important to LaRae and she was very active with her daughter Sarah, traveling and making memories. Everyone knew her two grandsons, Jaeden and Alexander, were her pride and joy and she remained to the end their most avid cheerleader. She loved to celebrate holidays with her family and was spontaneous in her random acts of kindness. LaRae is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Sarah Parker & Jim Colosky; grandson Alexander Colosky; mother, Bernadine M. Gillings; brothers, Donald (Janice) Gillings, Gary (Jackie) Gillings; sister, Deonna Montei; nieces, Dr. Heather Montei, Dr. Erin (Seth) Stanton, Dr. Alison (Chris) Witherspoon; nephew, Nicholas (Peggy) Montei; along with her grand nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts, numerous cousins, and countless friends. LaRae was preceded in death by her father, Lyle E. Gillings; grandson, Jaeden J. Colosky; sister, Karla Gillings; brother, Lyle Brett Gillings; and brother-in-law, Randy Montei. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Caro United Methodist Church with Revs. Ruby Saunders and Michele Hile officiating. Those not able to attend the funeral service in person may contact the funeral home at 989-673-2175 for livestream instructions. Burial will follow the service at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Christian Educators Association International or America's Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021 Time: 5:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Friday, May 21, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Caro United Methodist Church Address: 989-673-2246 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021 at the Caro United Methodist Church with Revs. Ruby Saunders and Michele Hile officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Friday, May 21, 2021 Brookside Cemetery Address: 1691 N. Hinson Rd. Fairgrove, MI 48733 Burial will follow the service at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove.