Mary Lee Eldridge
Mary Lee Eldridge, 71, of Cheboygan, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital in Petoskey. The daughter of Norman and Ruth (Freeland) Aubrey, Mary was born in Petoskey May 20, 1946 and raised in Onaway. On December 12, 1964 Mary and Clayton “Chum” Eldridge were united in marriage and made their home in Cheboygan. A lifelong resident of northern Michigan, Mary worked for many years distributing the Detroit News, Free Press, and several other newspapers. Although she worked outside of the home Mary’s priority was being a loving wife and nurturing mother. She worked hard to make a home that was warm and loving. Kind and motherly, Mary opened her heart and her home to help others. Over the years, she took in many young people who were troubled and having difficulties in their lives.
Strong in her faith, Mary was a longtime member of the Community of Christ Church in Cheboygan. She volunteered often at the church, helping with clothing giveaways and working the church food booth at the Cheboygan County Fair each summer. Politically active, Mary was a member of the Cheboygan County Democratic Party and served as the vice chair for several years.
Always pleased with a good find or a bargain, Mary enjoyed thrift store shopping and collecting antiques. She loved hunting for rocks to put in the rock gardens around her home and even had her grandchildren on the look out for beautiful rocks. Mary had a special place in her heart for animals and was especially fond of dogs.
Mary was a good Christian woman who loved her family dearly. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed every minute she spent with them. Charitable and kind, she served her church, friends and neighbors and helped those who were less fortunate. Her gentle and loving spirit will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Surviving Mary are her three sons, Scott (Sheryl) Eldridge of Nashville, and Mark (Roxanna Tolar) and Jason (Kathy) Eldridge, both of Cheboygan; the six grandchildren she adored, Christopher (Rachel), Cameron, Casey, Cathryn, Jonathan and Gwendolyn; as well as her brother, Raymond (Jane) Aubrey of Alpena.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Chum Eldridge, in 2005; brothers, George and Norman “Bub” Aubrey;
Cremation arrangements were in care of the Chagnon Funeral Home. Mary’s family received friends at the Community of Christ Church, 9854 South River Road, Cheboygan Sunday, March 18, until the time of the memorial service with the Rev. Ina Worthington officiating.
Mary’s final resting place will be in Millersburg at Riverside Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Mary to the Cheboygan County Humane Society, 1536 Hackleburg Rd., Cheboygan, MI 49721. Condolences may be shared with Mary’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.