Lola “Billie” Columb, age 86, of 9825 County 513 T Road, Rapid River, MI died Sunday January 15, 2006 at the Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba where she had been a resident for the past 3 years. Lola was born January 15, 1920 in Little Lake, MI the daughter of Edward Wade and Gerta Rae (Walkup) Hews. She was raised in Little Lake and the family later moved to Trenary where Lola attended school. Lola was united in marriage to Lowell Columb on July 6, 1938 in Rapid River, MI and they made their residence in Jackson, MI until 1946 when they returned to Rapid River. After raising her children Billie worked for Jack’s Restaurant in Rapid River and also sold Avon before working for Northern Splice Veneers in Gladstone, from which she retired.

Lola was a member of the Rapid River Congregational Church and was active in the Women’s Fellowship Group for which she sewed carpet rags for the church rugs. Lola and Lowell loved traveling in their camper and bird watching. She also treasured spending time at home with her family and cooking for them. Her family loved her fried chicken, baked beans, cinnamon rolls and homemade pies. She also enjoyed playing cards and was always up for a competitive game of Aggravation. In her younger years she enjoyed playing the guitar and singing.

Survivors include:

1 Son: Joe (Beverly) Columb of Rapid River

1 Daughter: Gail (Joe) Stemack of Rapid River

2 Sisters: Greta Hews of Kingman, AZ; Darrell (Robert) Oberg of Rapid River

6 Grandchildren: Deb (Brad) Nedeau of Rapid River; Bill (Karen) Larsen of Gladstone; Wendy (Steve) Richards of Escanaba; Brad (Angela) Columb of Grand Rapids, MI; David (Chrissy) Columb of Mt. Pleasant, MI; Christy Columb of Mt. Pleasant, MI

5 Step Grandchildren

10 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death
by:

Husband: Lowell on April 16, 1989

2 Sisters: Patty Ann Hews and Claire Harmond

1 Brother: Sam Hews

Lola’s family will receive friends on Saturday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Lola “Billie” Columb will follow at 4:00 P.M. at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. William Rafuse of the Rapid River Congregational Church officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Rapid River Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Rapid River Cemetery in Rapid River.