Obituary of Patsy Jean LaRue

Patricia Jean LaRue, age 92, a lifelong resident of Bay City, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Sylvester Assisted Living Home in Linwood, MIchigan. Patricia “Patsy” is survived by her six children and their spouses, Greg (Jill) LaRue, Mark (Sue) LaRue, Brendan (Stephaney) LaRue, Bridget (Grant) Elowsky, Geoff (Michelle) LaRue, and Megan (Brett) Kobell. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, Payton LaRue, Braden LaRue, Jill Nemode, Jennifer Howell, Nicolas Trepanier, Jeremy Trepanier, Tyler LaRue, Parker Elowsky, Hudson Elowsky, Elle LaRue, Ava LaRue, Mayson Kobell, Brandon Kobell, Mackenzie Seymour, Logan Wenz, Bianca Guzman, Halle Gray, Tatum Carbeno, Colson Trepanier, Mason Trepanier, Makayla Trepanier, Jadin Trepanier, Kennedy Trepanier, Carter Fairchild, and Axel LaRue. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jeanette Kelly; her husband, Merrill LaRue; her daughter, Molly LaRue; and her granddaughter, Carolena Kelly Elowsky. Patricia was born in Bay City, Michigan on February 18, 1929 to William and Jeannette Kelly. She graduated from Central High School and went on to instruct ballroom dancing for Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Flint, Michigan. She later married Merrill LaRue on October 1, 1955. They were married for 51 years until his passing in 2006. Our mom was an only child and always wanted a big family. Well, be careful what you ask for because she got her wish. She had seven children in 10 years. Together, with my dad, they raised 7 very independent, high-energy children. Even though we were quite a handful, she still made time to be the President of the PTA, to create amazing Halloween costumes every year, her famous cream puffs from scratch (which we still have not been able to recreate), specialty desserts for teachers who were “lucky” enough to have us in their class. So many sacrifices were made by our mom (and dad). Every year, my parents stayed up all night wrapping gifts until the early morning to ensure that our Christmas’ were amazing and memorable. My mom started adding secret codes to the presents so we wouldn’t try to peek at our gifts before Christmas day. She tried to be one-step ahead of us. Every Easter break, our family went to Hollywood, Florida for 4-5 weeks where many great memories were made and are still being made, as all of us kids still make the trek to Florida each year. Our mom was an amazing cook, making sure that she had a homemade dinner prepared for the entire family every night. She loved animals and was always quick to bring home a stray. She loved estate sales, antiques, and a great deal. She was also a skilled Black Jack player. She gave everything she had, so that we would not go without. A celebration of our mother’s life will be held at a later date when we can gather safely. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Bay County Humane Society in honor of Patricia LaRue. We would like to thank Carolyn Galiardi, The Toni and Trish House, Michelle Sylvester and her daughter Missy for the loving and tender care they provided for our mother in the end of her life. We will forever be grateful for their kindness and compassion. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com