Rose Monica Horton

Rose Monica Horton, 86, of Grayling Township passed away on Friday, November 3rd, 2006. She was born in Hamtramck, MI on December 15, 1919, the daughter of the late Joe and Francis (Gudavicuta) Mataitis. She married John Everett Horton in 1955; he preceded her in death in 1974. The Hortons moved to the Grayling area in 1960 following the construction of I-75. John was a highway department bridge inspector. Rose worked in Grayling and the surrounding area for many years. In the 1960's she was a waitress and housekeeper. In the 1970's she worked for the Bear Archery Company as a research assistant. In the late 70's and early 80's Rose was the "Bowling Alley Lady" at the American Legion Lanes. She especially enjoyed the youth bowlers. She was employed as a storekeeper at Camp Grayling for 15 years and retired in 1997. She was among the first group of women to ever be storekeepers in the Department of Military Affairs. In retirement she volunteered at the St Francis Thrift Shop. Prior to her move to Grayling, Rose built C-47's during WWII, constructed tires for the U.S. Rubber Company, and was active with many clubs in southeast Michigan. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a past Vice-Chairman of the Crawford County Democratic Party, and a steward in UAW local 1903. Rose enjoyed gardening, music and singing. She was an avid swimmer and diver. She was kindhearted and never turned down a friend in need. Rose is survived by: Daughter: Lorraine (Armand) Lawrence of Grayling. Sons: Clay Horton of Grayling, Mark Horton of Grayling. Sister: Anne Pelukas of Dearborn Three grandchildren: Monica (John) Hilyard of West Branch, Armand (Pam) Lawrence of Grand Rapids, and James Lawrence of Pensacola FL. Three great grandchildren: Alysa & Alexia Lawrence, Valerie Hilyard also survive her. Her parents, husband, and a sister, Frances Zalewski, preceded her in death. Visitation will be Saturday, November 11, 2006, 12:00 noon at the Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 North Down River Road, Grayling, MI. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. with the Reverend Ron Voelker officiating. Interment will be at Long Rapids Cemetery in Long Rapids, Michigan. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rose Monica Horton, please visit our flower store.