Shirley L. Laethem

Surrounded by loved ones, Shirley L. (Roth) Laethem of Gladwin, formerly of Fairgrove and St. Louis, Michigan, age 93, peacefully passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gladwin. Shirley was born November 13, 1931 in Flint, the daughter of Christian and Florence (Briggs) Roth. She was united in marriage with Paul Laethem on August 1, 1953 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro and he preceded her in death on October 3, 2018. Up until her sudden hospitalization two weeks ago, Shirley enjoyed her independence between Sugar Springs and Bradenton, Florida with her family and many friends she met wherever she went. She was a member of St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, Caro Moose Lodge, Gadabouts, Red Hatters, RiverRats, and several other organizations. Shirley didn’t just go to the parties, she was the party. She enjoyed many activities such as volunteering at the hospital, going out on the boat, and you may have received a handmade hat or two from her.

Shirley is survived by her beloved cat, Lacey, and her five children, Richard Laethem of Caro, Thomas Laethem of Bradenton, Paula & Randy Vandemark of Lapeer, Susan Vink of Bradenton, Kevin & Teresa Laethem of St. Louis; grandchildren, Christopher & Christine Laethem, Robert Laethem, Mandy & Jeff Lintner, Christina & Jason McLachlan, Alisha Laethem, Bethany Betts, Gevin & Sarah Vandemark, Trisha & Michael Thompson, Ryan Vink, Chelsea Vink, Brandon Laethem, Allison & David Bell, Jessica & Matt Myers; fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother Donald Roth; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte (Roth) Hills; brother Lynwood Roth, brother-in-law, Jack Hills, sister-in-law, Nancy Roth, and son-in-law, Glenn Vink.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro. Burial will be held at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. The family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at MyMichigan Hospice and Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care of Shirley. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Catholic Family Services, 710 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 or Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, P.O. Box 23 Ferrysburg, MI 49409.