Lola "Ann" Edmiston

All who knew Lola “Ann” Edmiston would agree that she put the spice into life. She was outgoing and had a vibrant sense of humor and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. Ann was a devoted wife and mother, if ever there was one, and life only came full circle when her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She traveled all over, taking in so many of the amazing experiences that life has to offer. But it was sharing these experiences and adventures with her loved ones that was the very best part. Although life will never be the same without Ann here, the timeless legacy she leaves behind will be proudly carried on by those who follow her.

The first half of the 1940s were very much defined by our nation’s involvement in WWII. Although America was uninvolved at first, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, left President Franklin D. Roosevelt with no choice but to declare war the next day. As countless young men and women were serving overseas, rationing on common goods became a way of life for those who remained stateside. It was just after the war had ended and America was adjusting to being a nation at peace once again that Cleddie and Clara Jones were filled with unspeakable joy to announce the birth of their baby girl on November 7, 1946. Lola Ann was born in Paducah, Kentucky but raised in Detroit, Michigan, alongside her siblings Mark, Stephen, and Brian.

In many ways, Lola, or Ann as she was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was fairly common for a young girl of her generation. She was a bustle of activity, enjoying things like roller skating, bowling, and reading as she had an insatiable thirst for learning. She liked making the long walk to her best friend Cheryl’s house, where they listened over and over again to the latest 45’s whether they were from Elvis or Ricky Nelson. As Ann grew into a teen she helped care for her younger brothers and also did some additional babysitting for others. She spent long days roller skating, swimming, and chasing and running from boys as she and her friend Cheryl were known as the Smith and Jones duo. Actually, at times the partners in crime were called into question to confirm that they were indeed Smith and Jones!

Life grew exciting for Ann when she met the man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Dave Edmiston, and it wasn’t long after meeting that they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Ann and Dave were married on July 18, 1998 at St. Paul’s Church of Christ. Not only was she a devoted wife, but she was also a loving mother to her children including Rita Teresa, Carrie Theresa, Ann Marie, Patrick Michael, Lisa Jo, Chris Lawrence, David William, Charles Henry, Marci Lynn, Shannon Marie, and Cassandra Michelle. Throughout her life there was nothing that was more important to Ann than her family, and she loved her family fully and without condition. Not only did she have an open mind, which is a great asset as a mother, but she also had an open heart and an open door to everyone including various strays. Of course an open door also meant that she had an open wallet most of the time! Always the realist, it has been said that Ann received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from life’s school of hard knocks. She also spent many years working as a lead system analyst.

Ann loved to travel, usually with her family. Trips with her children were frequent, and they were always an adventure too. There were memorable times at the Wheels Inn in Chatham, Canada, with all of the family in addition to Boblo Island and several trips to Belle Isle. For many years Ann visited her father and brother in San Diego and also made numerous trips to Florida. Priceless memories were made on a trip to Hawaii with her husband as well as on a trip to Scotland with her husband and his family. As her family and friends can attest, Ann also visited countless casinos from coast to coast as gambling was a favorite pastime.

Always one to be busy, Ann was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed reading, music, and dancing, and for several years. She was also on Bailey’s bowling team with several family members. Ann enjoyed relaxing with some of her favorite television shows like Jesse Stone, Blue Bloods, and Rizzoli and Isles. Her favorite actor of all time was Tom Selleck. Her love for reading remained with her for her entire life, and some of her favorite authors were Nora Roberts, V.C. Andrews, and James Patterson. When it came to music, Ann liked listening to Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones.

Although her life was filled with enriching experiences that brought such joy to her journey, first and foremost to Lola Ann Edmiston was being surrounded by her family, creating memories in even the routine things of everyday life. It has been said that she was an old soul who greatly impacted all who were within her reach as she was truly extraordinary. Ann will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Lola Ann Edmiston died on May 18, 2014, at home in Croswell, MI. Ann’s family includes her husband, David William Edmiston; children, Rita Teresa (James) Langley, Carrie Theresa (Jason) Landon, Ann Marie (Robert) Wright, Patrick Michael Battle, Lisa Jo Edmiston, Chris Lawrence (Alicia) Edmiston, David William Edmiston II, Charles Henry (Christina) Battle III, and the late Marci Lynn Battle, Shannon Marie Battle, and Cassandra Michelle (Mitchell) Carter; grandchildren, grandmother of Rose & Lloyd McClemons, Michael Langley, Christina Hernandez, Thomas Ayotte, Mary Lynn Carter, Katie Schuster, Shannon & Bobby Wright, Mercedes Battle, Mattie, Rae & Chris Edmiston, Aylah Hudson, Kali Church, and Ella & Nicholas Battle; great-grandchildren, Tabitha Hernandez, Josefina, Luisa, Adalia, Maleki, Eli, Aden Landon, Alec Kinnard, Ethan Carter, and Serina McClemons; brothers, Stephen, Mark, and Brian Jones; and many loving family & friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, 2-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 p.m. until time of 7 p.m. service at the Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile Rd in Livonia (between Merriman and Middlebelt). To view Lola's personal webpage, please visit www.TurowsiLifeStory.com where you can leave a memory or sign the guestbook.