Greta M. Gregory

LANSING, Mich. - Greta M. Gregory, 81, passed away on May 5, 2016, following complications from a stroke.

She was born and raised in Ironwood, where she married her husband of 63 years, Frank "Skip" Gregory. Together they raised their four children in Michigan, Nevada and New Jersey.  

Greta's parents were Norman and Eliza Richards, of Cornwall, England. Norman died when Greta was only 4. Eliza taught Greta all she knew about knitting, crocheting, sewing and, of course, making pasties. She tried her hand at everything from hooking rugs and batiking Ukrainian Easter eggs to counted cross-stitching fabulous works of art.  

Greta had a career with Michigan's Department of State, but her real vocation was travel. She toured extensively in Europe and cruised the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean and around most of South America. She told wonderful stories about Mexico, Morocco and Iceland. Her charm bracelet bears testament to travels in every one of the United States.  

Greta was beautiful, smart and funny. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and instilled those values in her children. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and aunt whom we are blessed to have had in our lives.  

Greta was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Eliza Richards; her brothers, Norman and William; and her sister, Rose.  

She is survived by her husband, Frank; and her children and their families: Steven, Nanette, Paula and her children, Gregory, Candace and Alex Olivarez; and Victoria (Bruce) Dittmer and her children, Erin and John (Chrissy) Dittmer. Additionally surviving are two great-grandchildren; Greta's brother, Kenneth; and sisters, Violet Ballard and Norma Ayers.

Greta was loved by many, many nieces, nephews and in-laws, as well, and will be missed tremendously.

There will be no services.