LAMPHEAR - Irene Martha Rosell Lamphear, age 89, passed away Friday, January 11, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rollin Knapp Lamphear; grandson, Brent Baughan; sister, Barbara Wilkinson. Irene is survived by her children, Martha (Ron) VanHorn, Bruce (Linda) Lamphear, Maureen (Mark) Baughan, Heidi (Michael) Hart; grandchildren, Aaron (Rachel) VanHorn, Janelle (Tom) Troszok, Christanna (Kyle) Hansbarger, Corissa (Matt) Gilmer, Brenna (Andrew) Mell, Travis (Keli) Baughan, Derick Baughan, Bethany (Josh) Metivier, Emily Hart; great grandchildren, Abigail and Nolan VanHorn, Elliot Troszok, Kyleigh and Kaylyn Hansbarger, Vivienne and Bennett Gilmer, Landon Mell, Dexter and Ettalynn Baughan; sister, Imogene Klein; sister-in-law, Avis (VanAtta) Fauble. Irene drove bus for Sparta Area Schools for 27 years. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 15 at Plainfield Christian Church, 7255 Pine Island Drive, Belmont. Her family will greet relatives and friends 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday at Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice or St. Jude’s Childrens’ Hospital. To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com. Born January 2, 1930 at home on the farm during a blizzard, Irene always described herself as a farm girl. She loved planting, harvesting, and even weeding. She canned and froze the vegetables and fruits that she harvested, and hated to waste anything! And, she always loved her flower gardens.**She started driving when she was 9 and got her drivers license when she was 14. As a teen, she hitch-hiked from Summer Camp in Brighton back to her home in Sparta and she and her Luther League friends took a trip to the Grand Canyon. She rode a donkey to the bottom of the Canyon.**Irene met Rollin at an Egypt Valley Grange square dance. After they married, they traveled (mostly by car) any time they could. Irene went to Alaska twice, Hawaii, Maine, Florida, Washington and almost every other state. Many times they pulled a travel trailer, but sometimes they just put chaise lawn chairs in the back of the truck and would sleep there. Whichever it was, they loved camping and seeing the country.**After retiring from driving bus for 27 years, Irene would chauffeur neighbors to doctors appointments. She sent thousands of cards and notes, wrote her Memories into a book, was a member of the Algoma Township Historical Society… and oh yes… Irene could break into song spontaneously at any time! To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Irene Martha Rosell Lamphear please visit our Sympathy Store.
JAN 15. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
Plainfield Christian Church
7255 Pine Island Dr. NE
Comstock Park, MI, 49321
JAN 15. 11:00 AM (EST)
Plainfield Christian Church
7255 Pine Island Dr. NE
Comstock Park, MI, 49321
Barb Dowdy lit a candle in memory of Irene Martha Rosell Lamphear
- Barb Dowdy
I only met her once, at Brenna & Andrew's wedding, but I could tell what a wonderful lady she was. From the photo's I can see she had a very full life with a large, loving family around her. I hope all the fond memories will help ease the pain of your loss.
- Barb Dowdy
A special memory I have of your Mom is a very recent one, just a few weeks ago. My husband's family loves to go Christmas caroling and every year we head over to Meadowlark and sing through their hallways….some residents listen from their room, but others eagerly come to their door and want to sing along. Your Mom almost ran to her door this year…LOL We enjoyed singing with her and of course she knew all of the words. Then we visited for a while, catching me up on all of her children. Your Mom was such a loving and caring woman who had a deep and beautiful relationship with God, which she shared with everyone she met. I am so sorry I am unable to attend your Mom's funeral service, but please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Roman & Kay (Anderson) Krupp, and my Mom, Doris Anderson.
- Kay L Krupp
I knew Irene for many years, first as a parent and bus driver. Then as a friend of Dorothy Ringleberg and finally as a Meadowlark resident. When we had a field trip or away game we were always delighted to learn that Irene was our transportation hostess. The middle school kids could still belt out, "The Wheels on the Bus…" with Irene. I attend a church that has a Women's Ministry group and Dorothy Ringleberg was a member there, too. Irene attended many special events with her so we kept in contact. After Dorothy could no longer remain in her home, we continued to visit her. On Dorthy's 101 birthday, unbeknownst to each other, five of us showed up including Irene and a friend to wish her a happy birthday. Bev was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and moved into Meadowlark. Lo and behold, there was Irene, at first in independent living, then assisted where she was just down the hall from Bev. Her smile and song put a ray of sunshine in the dining room. When I would inquire how she doing the response was always the same. "I can't complain," and the smile on her face verified the statement. Irene was a wonderful lady and will be missed. I always told her, "Best bus driver, ever," and I meant it. Joan bellis
- Joan Bellis
Irene will be missed she was a great lady. She moved in across the street from us on Pine Island after her daughter moved out. Maureen her daughter lived there prior to Irene and Rollin I would watch those two working in the yard together from sun up to sun down. They made a great team. Irene was more than just a bus driver she was my very good friend whom I shared secrets with. She was a very beautiful lady I remember asking her to not drop me off to my home. Of course she couldn't do that. She knew things about my life that I couldn't share with anyone but her. I am very sorry for her family they are now missing the most loved person in the world. Pamela Zank Burgess
- pamela burgess
She was a wonderful bus driver as well as a great lady…when me and my sistets were younger , we lived my grandma and grandpa mapes who once lived on 11 mile and pime island…she loved to sing and was an all around wonderful person who always had good spirits anout her, i loved having her as a bus driver…its sad to hear a beautiful person has left us….her memories will live on..my prayers to the family… Tammy (mapes) Bigelow
- Tammy (mapes) Bigelow
We would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. With deep sympathy, we share your sorrow, after the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. May God give you the strength to endure the pain you are going through and may he embrace you and comfort your family during this difficult time."Jesus said to her: 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.'"-John 11:25
- magallon family
Irene was the bus driver for all 3 of our children. She did the bus education for incoming kindergarteners which was a highlight for the kids. Always kind, thoughtful and had such a cheerful heart ❤️. I remember her saying to the parents, (with a twinkle in her eyes), "I promise I will only believe 50% of what I'm told happens at your home if you will promise to believe only 50% of what you hear about what happens on the bus ". Irene was a precious soul who was much loved by the children and parents alike ❤️Ô∏è
- Karen Houtman
Mrs Lamp hear was our bus driver for years…we always knew we were safe with her! She was the most caring person! Prayers for the family… Valarie ( Lee ) Osech
- Valarie ( Lee ) osech
Irene was my bus driver and I always remember her as having a smile on her face! I actually was just thinking about her recently and I’m happy to see she had a wonderful life filled with family love. Sheri Anderson (Sheets)
- sheri anderson
My wife Beverly Punches worked with Irene at Sparta area schools. Irene was always going the extra mile relating to all the students on her bus route. Such a giving person even in her later years A real child of God.
- Jim Punches
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of Irene Martha Rosell Lamphear.
- Medium Dish Garden
I shall miss my Aunt. She was more like a big sis. Always made my marshchino bday cake. So many happy times to remember with our two families. RIP Aunt Rene. Love forever, Lee and Connie
- Connie Poulin
Pretty Please was purchased for the family of Irene Martha Rosell Lamphear.
- Pretty Please
Irene was a dear neighbor and friend. We loved her dearly. She shared her love of Jesus with us. Thank you God for putting Irene in our lives. Bill & Linda Bronkema
- Linda Bronkema
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