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Laura Heslet-Hallan

January 5, 1956 - October 7, 2018
Lawton, MI

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Visitation

Friday, October 12, 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Paw Paw Location
60900 Michigan 40
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3870
Driving Directions

Service

Saturday, October 13, 2018
3:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Paw Paw Location
60900 Michigan 40
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-3870
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Boys Town
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Laura Heslet-Hallan was a loving wife, a caretaker of many, and a cherished grandmother and friend to many. In her presence, she made sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable. Maybe it was her great sense of humor or her desire to help whenever there was a need, Laura always provided a caring touch in her relationships with friends and family. Her zest for life and laughter will forever be missed.

The decade in which Laura began her life was one that truly made its mark in history. The world had been relieved of WWII long enough to make life a bit easier on everyone, but the struggles with Korea still made many hold their breath in hope of better times. Taking minds off international conflicts came amazing breakthroughs in the medical field. These included the polio vaccine and the ability to successfully transplant organs.

Laura's year of birth, 1956, proved to make its own place in history. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act which created an impressive 41,000 miles of open roads for the public to travel. And while these roads were built, rock-n-roll was paving its own legacy with Elvis Presley. He made his debut appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and earned himself a place on US music charts with the song, “Heartbreak Hotel.”

Just days after ringing in the new year, Ross and Janet (Schneeberger) Heslet celebrated new life. On January 5th, their sweet baby girl was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They named her Laura. She and her little brother, Rick, completed the family together.

Her parents worked hard to support the family. Her father was a truck driver, covering many miles on the open roads. Her mother stayed home to keep the family organized and happy. She spent her childhood in her birth city of Ann Arbor where she made many memories playing and enjoying a youthful life.

It was fate's way that brought her to an adult life similar to her mom and dad's. She met the love of her life through her father's truck driving. It so happened that Lee Hallan took a job in Marcellus with Laura's father. The two hit it off quickly finding that their slightly wild sides paired up well.

As Autumn began, so did Laura and Lee's life together, for they were married on October 12, 1985. This day was one of the best days of her life. Laura stepped right into motherhood, as Lee had two teenaged boys, Rob and Jay. She welcomed them with open arms and became a steady influence in their lives. With Lee on the road often, Laura always kept the house in order and the bills paid. In time, the family moved to Lawton, Michigan.

Laura's outgoing personality was a perfect fit for the various jobs she worked. She was a waitress for many years working for Beaver's Expressway Inn, Homestyle and Coffee Break. She was a customer favorite because she had an easy way about her - making conversation come naturally. She made others feel at home with her generosity and desire to help when needed. This natural trait was apparent in all aspects of her life, especially at home. She was known for her open door policy with the "no questions asked" expectation if someone needed a comfortable place to stay.

As Lee and Laura continued to enjoy life together, they began to mellow one another out a bit. Lee continued to drive, and Laura enjoyed going along with him especially when his travels took him near the water. The vastness and beauty of large bodies of water provided Laura with a sense of peace. Mostly though, she enjoyed taking good care of Lee. Laura wanted to make sure he was happy, and she would always make sure to tend to his needs.

In the earlier days of their marriage, she made great efforts to tend to his appetite - but not always with great success! There are many stories about how those meals didn't always go as planned. As time passed, however, she learned to be a good cook. Her homemade trail mix became a stand-by traditional treat during the holidays.

Laura began to suffer health problems in 2007, and she was forced to stop working. This didn't get in the way of her ever-cheerful way about living her life to the fullest. This break from working also provided an opportunity to enjoy her grandchildren. Jessica, Elizbethe, Arabella, Brittani, Myranda, Derek and Alex, held a special place in their grandmother's heart, as she spoiled them whenever she was able.

Though Laura was there for her family constantly, there were times when she was able to reflect upon her own time. In these moments, she might have been found listening to country music with the likes of some of her favorites: Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Randy Travis. Curling up with a romance novel or a religious book also helped pass her times of leisure. When all else failed to entertain, she relied on the television for relaxation watching Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, NCIS, Law and Order, and just about anything on the Hallmark Channel. Perhaps her ultimate television experience occurred when the University of Michigan played or when any Detroit teams were on. She even enjoyed watching drag racing and tennis.

Laura will always be remembered for her advice to her family about making sure to put themselves first. Ironically, she leaves behind quite a legacy of the opposite, for she was constantly putting the needs of others before her own. She sought out adventure and maintained a good sense of humor through all of her life's journey. For all of these things and more, we will forever hold Laura in our hearts.

Sadly, Laura died on Sunday, October 7, 2018. In her 62 years of life with us, she left behind many great memories. We will never forget her, and she will be missed dearly. Members of her family include her husband: Lee, 2 sons: Rob (Kim) Hallan and Jay (Judy) Hallan, 7 grandchildren Jessica, Elizbethe, Arabella, Brittani, Myranda, Derek and Alex, 1 brother: Rick Heslet, 1 aunt: Barbara Schneeberger and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Ross and Janet Heslet and her Uncle Derrill Schneeberger. Cremation has taken place. Visit with family and friends on Friday from 5-7pm at the at the Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870 where services will be held Saturday at 3pm. Please visit Laura’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Boys Town. She was preceded in death by her parents Ross and Janet Heslet, her Aunt Barbie Schneeberger, and her Uncle Derrill Schneeberger. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to Boys Town.

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