Florence Estelle Fuller

FLORENCE'S LIFE STORY:If life were a tapestry, the beautiful creation that represents the life of Florence Fuller would be woven with brilliant colors that reflect the extraordinary woman she was each and every day. She was resourceful, inventive, and content in all things, even when the road before her was not an easy one. Florence had an unmatched devotion and love for her family, and she lived her life to serve those around her, leaving behind a priceless legacy to be carried on by those who comprise the numerous branches of her family tree. On August 13, 1916, a bustling family from the Ruby Creek area of Mason County, Michigan, was pleased to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts. Florence Estelle was born at home directly across from the Taylor homestead and farm as the third of twelve children given to her parents, Grove and Estella (Augustine) Taylor. The Taylor family made their livelihood as farmers, and as a result they moved around quite a bit between South Bend, Indiana, Saugatuck, and Mason County, where they eventually settled on a farm in Ruby Creek. In many ways Florence experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. She attended the Ruby Creek and Carr Schools through the ninth grade. At that time she was needed at home to help on the farm and also with the care of her many younger siblings. Some of her duties included milking the cows and the never-ending job of picking rocks out in the field. Life was forever changed for Florence when she met the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. He was a good looking, red-haired young man named Jasper Fuller from Ruby Creek who caught her attention one day while riding his motorcycle. Shortly thereafter, the couple began dating and was married on November 22, 1934, in Scottville. The newlywed’s first home was a two room cabin thru the winter than an Army tent set up in the pasture, but they later bought a farm nearby. While converting the granary into their home, Florence and Jasper lived in the barn.Together Florence and Jasper were blessed with three children: Robert, Estella, and Patricia. As a wife, mother, and homemaker Florence was always busy. Everything that came out of her kitchen was extraordinary, and her cooking was always done on the wood stove, even during the heat of the summer, which of course made the whole house very warm. Florence’s homemade noodles, bread, and sticky buns were among the family favorites. No one who came to her home ever went hungry, and their Sunday night dinners always included the Hendrixon and Kirwin families. Deer season was also a time that brought others to the Fuller home for an unforgettable feast prepared on Florence’s wood stove. Throughout their 66 years of marriage Florence and Jasper lived life right alongside one another. They farmed together and had a fishing pond that they both loved. They raised beagle pups, up to 25 at one time, and canned fruits and vegetables from the plentiful yield on their farm. When they traveled to Alaska in Summer of 1952, Florence and Jasper loaded up with canned goods that were eaten along the way, no restaurants. Grandpa built the first pop-up camper trailer to pull behind the Nash. Total gasoline & oil for round trip was $192.98. As the years went by there was never anything of greater importance to Florence than her family. She treasured the times she spent watching her grandchildren play in their various sports including softball and basketball. Florence also made each one of her great-grandchildren their own quilt. Family traditions were important to her also including huge family gatherings for Christmas when everyone lined up in order by age and received a sock with an orange and five dollars inside. With her leisure time Florence was always doing something. She made quilts to donate to the American Red Cross and to local school auctions, and she also hooked rag rugs. Florence was the “go-to” person when it came to historical information about Ruby Creek as she liked keeping up with who lived where and who was related to whom. She was also the keeper of their family history. During her sunset years Florence continued to embrace both the great joys and the deep sorrows that came her way. She was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Jasper, but she drew strength from her family during the days, weeks, and months that followed. It was so much fun for Florence during recent years to watch her family enjoy the old cow pastureland that they turned into a mud bog pit. She also still liked to get out to the fishing pond nearly every day. The true independent woman that she was, Florence’s family even caught her up on the barn roof doing repairs just a few years ago! A true blessing in the lives of all within her reach, Florence Fuller was a dear woman to know and love. Although she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain close to all our hearts. Florence Fuller died on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Florence’s family includes her children, Robert (Dorothy) Fuller of Scottville, Mrs. Don (Estella) Stickney of Custer, and Patricia (Eugene) Proue of Ruby Creek; grandchildren, Duane (Suzanne) Stickney, Sue (Ed) Mikulskis, Sharon (Stan) McCumber, Dawn (David) Bankey, Karen (Mike) Hamilton, Steve (Jill) Stickney, Donna (Joe) Hoover, Wes (Jody) Strait, Carol (David) Stakenas, Joan Conklin, and Jim (Lori) Fuller; 3 step-grandchildren, Debbie Nelson, Patrick Proue, and Michelle Proue; 27 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Marjorie Cole, Genevieve Hendrixon, Bess Stolcenberg, and Edna “Chic” Payne; brother, Marvin (Pat) Taylor; sisters-in-law, Marian Fuller and Ella Mae Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper; son-in-law, Don Stickney; grandson, Dennis Stickney; great-granddaughter, Paige Conklin; sisters, Mildred Bayle, Orpha Kirwin, and Ruth Mary Ives; and her brothers Lyle, Claude, and Robert Taylor. Funeral services will be held for Florence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 24 at the Scottville United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Conklin officiating. Burial will follow at McCumber Cemetery. Visit with Florence’s family and friends on Friday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Carr Fire Department, or Harbor Hospice.

Florence Estelle Fuller

August 13, 1916 - March 15, 2012