Tillie Guerin

A stranger to none and a friend to all, Tillie Guerin brought such happiness to the world around her. She was deeply devoted to the family she loved, and she was thrilled to witness her family tree blossom to include not only children, but grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren as well. Guided by an unwavering faith, Tillie faced her fair share of challenges with a quiet strength and a graceful courage that are to be admired. She was a woman who was content in all things and could find the beauty in both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. Tillie leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be a lasting treasure in the hearts and lives of her family and friends for years to come.

Although the 1920s were primarily prosperous years, the 1930s were drastically different as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, but great hope was placed in Franklin D. Roosevelt as he was elected President of the United States in November of 1932. This same year was greeted with much anticipation for Oscar and Laura (Patton) Dyer as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the cool winds of fall began to settle in on the city of Salyersville, Kentucky, in 1930. The big day finally arrived on October 21st when the baby girl they named Tillie drew her first breath. She was the fourth of twelve children in her family as she was joined by her older siblings, Elmer, Marie, and Delmer, and her younger siblings, Mae, Faye, Joyce, Chalmer, Palmer, Denver, Dolores, and Ernie in the Dyer clan. Her youngest years were spent in Kentucky, but while still a young girl Tillie and her family moved to Plainwell, Michigan, where they settled in a place on Marsh Road.

In many ways Tille was a young girl of her generation. Her parents were hard working farmers, and although Tillie attended local schools she left school after the 4th grade to help on the farm. She primarily screened onions and also helped care for her younger siblings as well.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tillie when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Lester Guerin, and they met when she came in to the tavern he owned, Orangeville Tavern, for a pop after working in the fields. They began dating and later found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Tillie and Lester were married on August 1, 1951. Together they were thrilled to welcome two children, Gene and Norm, and later two daughters, Sandi and Patti, into their hearts and home. The Guerins lived next to the tavern in Orangeville where they enjoyed spending time together. During the warmer months they looked forward to camping every year together. Living on Gun Lake also provided the backdrop for countless family memories to be made. With a special place in her heart for animals, their dogs, Fluffy and Missy, were like additional members of their family.

Even though caring for her family was first and foremost in her life, Tillie also found time to pursue the things she enjoyed. Once her children were a bit older she began working at Kessler Clothing Manufacturing in Wayland. Tillie worked there for several years until retiring. Her loved ones appreciated her skills in the kitchen with her banana pudding and chicken and dumplings being among her specialties. Tillie was meticulous in keeping her house clean, but she also took great care in making sure that her yard was immaculate as well. She could often be found out working in the yard or caring for her beautiful flowers. Tillie enjoyed listening to gospel music as well as classic country. When grandchildren arrived she couldn’t have been happier, and being a part of their lives became a favorite pastime. Tillie was an active part in the lives of her grandchildren as she was there to celebrate in their birthdays and special days, and for other holidays like Christmas.

All who knew Tillie would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She possessed a strong and personal faith, and it was her faith that sustained her in the days following the death of her beloved Lester in 1995. She was the sort of person who was always happy, and since she was outgoing and talkative she never met a stranger. In fact, if Tillie realized that she didn’t know someone while she was out and about she would make a point of striking up a conversation with them. It is true that she could be a bit stubborn and outspoken at at times, but it was only when it came to matters that she felt passionately about.

With unending love for those around her, Tillie Guerin was a blessing to everyone she met. She had a warm and approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. A loving wife and devoted mother, Tillie loved caring for her family, and she looked forward to every moment they had to spend together through the years. Her grace, her kindness, and her love will never be forgotten.

Tillie Guerin, of Gun Lake, died on February 2, 2015, at the Wings of Hope Hospice Home in Allegan. Tillie’s family includes her children: Sandi (Kenny) Elkins, Pat Tabbert, Eugene (Jeanne) Guerin; her siblings: Mae, Joyce, Chalmer; 7 grandchildren; many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Guerin; son-in-law, Fran; 8 siblings; and a grandchild. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Thursday, February 5, from 12:00-1:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Tillie’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the family.