On Nov. 10, 2018, Anna Lorraine Lutz, 84 years old, passed away at home in Kaleva surrounded by loved ones.

Lorraine was born March 3, 1934 as the third of four children to her parents, Carl Anderson and Olga Saari, who emigrated here from Sweden and Finland. She was very proud of her heritage. She lived on a farm with three siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse through the seventh grade. It really was a two mile walk up hill, but only in one direction. She graduated from Kaleva High School in 1952 as the class president of a class of 14. Her Kaleva Bulldogs family always stayed in close contact for the last 70 years and to this day remains a close group.

She met her husband, Calvin "Pete," the class president of the class of 1951. They had four children and built the family farm into a successful and thriving fruit, nursery and Christmas tree business. Lorraine started a successful fruit market and bakery business in Baldwin in the 1970s, driving 50 miles each way to run the business while raising the family and helping with the farm.

Lorraine and Pete moved to Okemos in 1978 while Pete worked with the Department of Agriculture, making many friends at Walnut Hills and in the Michigan State community. Eventually they returned to Kaleva to enjoy their eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and to be close to the farm that was now run by their son, Calvin II.

Lorraine was married to Pete for 67 years, and it was an amazing adventure. They traveled the world to Mexico, Guatemala, Tibet, China, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii and all across the U.S. She survived the MGM fire in Las Vegas, had breakfast with Elizabeth Taylor, went out in Manhattan with James Earl Jones after he performed the Great White Hope on Broadway and attended three presidential inaugurations.

She was competitive to the core, bowling a 297 once and winning so many trophies we ran out of places to put them. An even better golfer, winning club tournaments and her rivalry with Pete on the course was constant.

She was always an optimist, a true Pollyanna, even when the odds seemed impossible, she would give others hope. Even in her own final battle she would always say, "I think I'm a little better than yesterday," and was still making plans for next year. She believed anything was possible and showed her Finnish sisu, a relentless drive to persevere against any obstacle.

Lorraine believed strongly that each day was a blessing and you need to enjoy all of it. She practiced this ideology, never missing a chance to dance. Lorraine worked hard and she played hard, exuding an abundance of life and joy. Her laugh was contagious, fun and unique. Truly the life of the party, and all the while, Lorraine met people whom she kept in touch with throughout her life.

Her drive, competitiveness and optimism were only surpassed by the incredible, caring heart she showed for others. They took in many people to live with them if they needed a spot to settle. Diane (Dennis) Niemi-Mackey lived with them most of her life and Carol (Joel) Niemi-Meister for many years. Throughout the years over 12 people lived in their house. She did not judge people. She was generous with her time, her prayers and her kitchen was always open. She would shop until the stores closed to make sure no one was forgotten and all would have something for Christmas.

Perhaps Lorraine's biggest love outside of her family, her flowers, her travels and her golfing was Michigan State University. She loved the entire concept of tailgating with their decorated Michigan State motor home. It meant visiting with people, laughing, cheering, sharing her family with friends and cooking up kettles of food. The alumni band and even the university president would not miss her tailgate, where they knew there would be hot soup and cold drinks.

Lorraine loved to dance, loved to be with people, was always kind to others and was a fabulous role model for not just women but all people. She had a full and wonderful life and even when confronted with a horrible cancer, she kept her spirits up for all of those she loved. Lorraine left it all out there and would encourage everyone to do the same. She was loved and admired. She will be greatly missed.

Preceding Lorraine in death was her daughter, Deborah, who passed away on Aug. 9, 2018.

Lorraine leaves behind her husband, Calvin (Pete); and three children, Connie (David) Eckenrode, Calvin (Julie) Lutz II and Christopher (Kristin) Lutz. She had eight grandchildren, Matthew Eckenrode, Emily (Aaron) Spiering, Eva (Steve) Bradford, Calvin (Christa) Lutz III, Jared (Monika) Lutz, Wyatt, Sophie and Isabel Lutz. Lorraine had nine great-grandchildren, Bailey, Cal IV, Kaden, Layton, Lincoln, Anna, Emma, Lane and Jack. Family was her biggest love.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Onekama, with the Reverend Paul Pollatz officiating. Interment will take place in the Bear Lake Township Cemetery in the spring. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at the Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva, and one hour prior to the funeral service at church on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Salvation Army of Manistee County.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva is in charge of arrangements; www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.