Lota Ruth Hartel

Loving mother, Lota Ruth (Little) Hartel of Caro, formerly of Cass City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021, surrounded by her family. Lota was born and raised on her family farm, Littleson Farms, in Cass City. Her love of family and her strong work ethic came from her parents, Mack & Helen Little. Lota was the Salutatorian of the class of 1951 at Cass City High School. From there, she began her career in the business field, starting as a legal assistant for Caro area attorneys and later at the Walbro Corporation. Her next business venture would lead her to purchase the historic McNair Building in Caro and start Lota's Corner Cupboard. She then went on to purchase a bed and breakfast, fittingly naming it Lota's Bed and Breakfast. It was there that she could highlight her love of baking, gardening, doll-making, and showcase the many antiques she had collected over the years. Lota served on the Caro Chamber of Commerce for seventeen years and took great pride in the growth of downtown Caro, running the farmers market for many years. Lota was chosen as the Chamber's Member of the Year in 2000. She was also a member of the Novesta Church of Christ. Lota is survived by six children and their spouses, Sharon Reid of Richland, Scott & Molli Hartel of Rockford, Sandy & Jim Schulz of Unionville, Jeff & Ann Hartel of Caro, Libby & Paul Treiber of Unionville, Bradley & Valerie Hartel of Caro; seventeen grandchildren and their spouses, Ryan & India Reid, Christina Kula, Rachel & Chad Perkins, Brandon & Erin Hartel, Carrie & Travis Albertson, Terry & Gina Schulz, Crystal & Scott Bollman, Kayla & Matt Irrer, Adam Wentworth, Rebecca Hartel, Bradley & Miranda Hartel, Jessica & Kenny Cox, Carly & Tyson Valentine, Mackenzie & Lance VanHoost, Erica Treiber, Kayla Jamieson (Kevin Merchant), Allison & Pedro Diaz Mora; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; two siblings, Joyce Young, Hazel Caister and her husband, Murray; and many nieces and nephews. Lota was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and their wives, Keith & Wanetta Little, Harold & Joan Little. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Lota's family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be in memory of Lota to the Imagination Library of Tuscola County. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 12:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Lota's family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, December 11, 2021 Time: 12:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating.