Rosella May Lehner

Rosella May Lehner of Caro, age 98, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community in Caro, following a period of declining health. Rose was born October 23, 1918 in Columbia Township, the daughter of the late William & Susanna (Dettweiler) Smith. She was united in marriage with Rev. Paul Raymond Lehner on February 11, 1939 in Carson City, and he preceded her in death on November 16, 1991. Rose spent her life faithful to God and community, having served most of it as a pastor's wife. She and Paul began missionary work in Kentucky from 1947-1954, and then pastored in North Star, Michigan from 1954-1960, Colwood Church in Caro 1960-1967, and Harrison church from 1967 until their retirement in 1983. She and Paul returned to Caro to spend their retirement years, and Rose continued her commitment to service by delivering meals for the Human Development Commission, volunteering for the Commission on Aging and working for Timberline Lodge in Caro. She authored two books and enjoyed painting China to be sold at craft shows around the state. Rose remained active at the Colwood Church as a Sunday school teacher and funeral meal cook, and was a member of the Women's Missionary Association. She will be best remembered for her kind and generous heart in a lifetime spent caring for others. Rose is survived by one granddaughter, Sharon Tomaselli and her husband, Chris, of Goodrich; one great-grandson, Matthew Graham of Goodrich; one great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Graham of Goodrich; two brothers and their spouses, Fred & Jo Ann Smith of Frankenmuth, Don & Carol Smith of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Rosella was preceded in death by one daughter, Naomi Jean Graham; six brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Colwood Church in Caro with Rev. Dr. Jason Garwood officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday 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 the Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Sharon Tomaselli, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, February 26, 2017 Time: 3:00 pm End Time: 7:00 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 Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the Colwood Church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Monday, February 27, 2017 Time: 11:00 am Colwood Church Address: 1840 N. Colwood Road Caro, MI 48723 989-673-3274 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Colwood Church in Caro with Rev. Dr. Jason Garwood officiating.