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Ethel Loraine Slack, age 96, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
She was born Jan. 10, 1930, daughter of Herman and Frances (Martin) Mock. She lived in the Bronson area most of her life and graduated from Bronson High School in 1947. In 1948 she married Max Lilly, he preceded her in death. She enjoyed working at Bronson Plating for 23 years retiring in 1993. On Nov. 11 1972 she married Gerald Slack at the Missionary Church in
Burr Oak by Rev. Runyon. She was a member of the first Baptist Church in Bronson where she was involved with Seekers Club, Release Time, and was head of the kitchen for a few years where she planned funeral dinners, Fellowship Dinners and other special meals. This was her way of serving the Lord.
She was also recording secretary for the local union, she enjoyed being a 4H leader, her sewing, crossword puzzles, word search, reading and especially cooking.
She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
She and her late husband, Gerald, liked to travel and especially enjoyed their time up north where Gerald was from.
She is survived by daughters Marilyn Carpenter, Bonnie (Rick) Farrand, Linda Newman and Carol (Steve) Busby; her step children Cindy Huffman, Ron Slack and Lennie (Lisa) Slack; also, her brothers Norman Mock, and Jerry (Dianne) Mock and grandson Sean Newman, who lived with Gerald and Ethel.
She has 15 grandchildren, Kendra, Tera; Lindsey, Bessie, Charlie, Colleen; Matt, Greg; Sean, Micael, Alysha; Heather, Sara, Tyler and Becki; 6 extended grandchildren; 28 great grand children, 11 extended ones; and 9 great, great grandchildren and one cousin Maxine Mock.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Gerald; son Ron Lilly; son-in-law Terry Carpenter; grandchild Bill Lilly (son of Carol Busby); babies Christopher and Christine (twins of Marilyn Carpenter); a brother Arthur Mock, daughter-in-law, Ruth Lilly, and sister-in-law Marcia Mock
Ethel’s family will receive friends and relatives from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Bronson First Baptist Church: 140 Buchanan St, Bronson, MI 49028. A Funeral service celebrating Ethel’s life will begin at 12:00 PM following the visitation with Pastor Tim Roland officiating. Interment will follow in Matteson Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be directed to the Bronson First Baptist Church or to a charity of one’s choosing. Envelopes will be available at church.
Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.
