Laura Mischler, 88, of Montague, passed away Friday, September 19, 2025. She was born April 19, 1937, at home in Gage, Kentucky, one of 15 children to Ben and Bessie (Rowe) Clemons.
The family moved to Ohio in 1940, moving again in the 1950s to Stockbridge, Michigan, where the family settled. After marrying her late husband, Melvin (Mel), they moved in 1966 to Webster Road in Montague, Michigan, where the last of their nine children were born.
Laura’s first job was at the age of 3, checking eggs by candlelight for baby chicks to ensure the eggs were good for eating. She worked the muck fields for many years chopping onions, even while pregnant with most of the girls. Laura eventually became a cook/waitress at the restaurant she and Mel opened in Shelby in the late 60’s. Laura later worked at Howmet, retiring after 31 years. Laura and Mel converted a school bus into a camper, taking many trips to Canada. After retirement, Laura stayed busy, spending 15 winters in Florida, and summers were spent visiting family in Stockbridge and old Howmet friends. Up until the past few weeks, Laura tended to the self-serve corn and asparagus stand, riding her scooter out to tidy things up.
Laura enjoyed: yard sales and auctions, making ceramics, reading until her eyes began to fail, crocheting and gardening, moving flowers from one location to the other, playing Dominos, Checkers and Phase 10 were favorites, and watching Dr. Stanley on TV was a normal occurrence when stopping to visit.
Family was important to Laura; she talked to each of the kids at least weekly. Laura would keep the others up to date on the other kids and grandchildren. With nine kids, it was amazing how she kept up with each one of the families, including updates on cousins, Aunt Hazel and Aunt Faye.
Laura is survived by: her children, JoAnn Harrelson, Patty Kelly, Connie Worden, Sandy Bailey, Juanita (Steve) Fletcher, Sheila (Ted) Mays, Bill (Kim) Mischler and Dan Mischler; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Laura was preceded in death by: her parents, Ben and Bessie; husband, Melvin; and daughter, Ronda Flores.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan 49455, with Pastor Steve Lister officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the start of services, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Rothbury.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements. harrisfhome.com
