Loralee (Sampson) Lillibridge

Loralee (Sampson) Lillibridge, known affectionately by her great-grandchildren as Gigi, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025 surrounded by her children. She was born in Kyle, Texas on May 30, 1935 to the late Rev. Floyd and Lola (Hutton) Sampson. She led a life rich with creativity, love and dedication to her family. Her strong faith led her home to join her husband, Gordon, in eternal joy with whom she shared 61 earthly years in marriage.

Faith and Family were the cornerstones of Loralee’s life. Loralee is survived by her family, sons Michael (Cheryl) and Scott Lillibridge; daughters Cherie (Charlie) Roberts and Amy (Duane) Rasch; grandchildren Stacey (Justin) Longstreth, Carey (Dustyn) Taylor, Valerie (Alex) Calkins, Emily (Jeff) Menn, Adam (Onalee) Roberts, Erin (Matthew Jr) Krzykwa, Madison, Shelby Lynne and Hunter Rasch. Loralee was blessed with 16 great-grandchildren Asher, Charlotte, Emma and Violet Longstreth; Aubrey, Lora and Logan Taylor; Tristan, Memphis and Tenley Menn; Kayden, Penelope, Gordon and Theodore Krzykwa; and Beckett and Olivia Calkins. She is survived by brother-in-law Jim Lillibridge, sister-in-law Donna Lillibridge along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Loralee worked alongside her husband at their automotive repair center, Lillibridge Brothers Garage and Service in Wyoming, Michigan as bookkeeper. She was also a pattern maker for H.H. Cutler Children’s Clothing in Grand Rapids; and at the age of 70, Loralee published her first book, marking the beginning of her writing career. She was a published author through Harlequin, Belle-Bridge Books, and Tell-Tale Publishing. Loralee was a member of the Mid-Michigan Romance Writers.

As a mother, grandmother, Gigi and friend, Loralee’s impact will be felt for generations. Her stories will continue to be read and loved, and her values of faith, kindness and creativity will live on through the family she so adored. Her memory will be a treasure to all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00A.M. on Monday April 14, 2025 at Rockford United Methodist Church, 159 Maple St NE, Rockford MI 49341 with Rev. Anna Moon officiating.

Burial will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park, 50 Lake Michigan Dr, Walker MI

Relatives and friends may meet the family 4:00 to 7:00P.M. Sunday, April 13, 2025 at the Throop Funeral Home, 214 Church St, Coopersville, and Monday one hour prior to the service at the Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Rockford United Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Condolences for the family may be left on Loralee’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com