Mary Louise Satchell

Mary Louise Satchell of Caro, age 98, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 in Caro. Mary Lou was born May 26, 1922 in Frankenmuth, the only child of Clyde and Martha Elrich. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1940 and then worked at the Mary Lee Candy Shop in Saginaw and Universal Engineering in Frankenmuth. On July 19, 1942, she married Frank West Satchell. Together, they raised four sons and three daughters on their dairy farm in Ellington. The family farm became the center of Mary's life. Shortly before her death when she was asked what she liked best about being a farmer's wife, she smiled and said, "I just did what Frank told me to do." All who knew her would agree, that was an understatement. She drove tractor, milked cows, cooked for her large family, managed a busy household, and gathered extended family together many times for memorable holiday dinners. Mary was a member of Sutton-Sunshine United Methodist Church, Tuscola County Farm Bureau, and several Bridge clubs. She and Frank traveled extensively in their motor home, and also went to Hawaii, Alaska, England, Ireland and Australia. For sixty-five years, she gathered family and friends together at the summer cottage on Lake Huron. Following their retirement from full-time farming, Mary and Frank began spending winters at their home in Estero, Florida, where she enjoyed fishing, entertaining, and serving her delicious fish dinners. She also loved to read and make baby quilts. Left to cherish her memory are six children and their spouses, William & Peggy Satchell of Vassar, Sharon & Larry Robinson of Cass City, Kathy & John Pettigrew of Big Fork, Montana, Tom & Linda Satchell of Holly, Christina Linzalone of Franklin, North Carolina, and Herb Satchell of Caro; daughter-in-law, Ilene Satchell of Goetzville; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren with one more on the way; sisters-in-law, Ruth Baker, Esther Colling, Jan & Dave Weissenborn; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Satchell in 2005; and her eldest son, Michael. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the Ellington Township Cemetery with Chaplain Jerry Larkin officiating. A dinner will follow the service at Bill and Peggy's home, 3679 South Vassar Road in Vassar. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Residential Hospice of Lapeer or to the Sutton-Sunshine United Methodist Church. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, August 8, 2020 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 11:30 am 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 Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, August 8, 2020 Time: 12:00 pm Ellington Township Cemetery Address: Corner of Dutcher & Hurds Corner Road Caro, MI 48723 Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the Ellington Township Cemetery with Chaplain Jerry Larkin officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, August 8, 2020 Time: 12:00 pm Ellington Township Cemetery Address: Corner of Dutcher & Hurds Corner Road Caro, MI 48723 Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the Ellington Township Cemetery with Chaplain Jerry Larkin officiating.