Frances “Fran” Drue (Gross) Laich

Frances “Fran” Drue (Gross) Laich, wife of Michael D. Chappell was born October 21, 1934 in Rogers City to Francis Kennedy Hamilton and Cora Ethel Smith.  Fran attended Rogers City schools and graduated in 1952. 

Fran married Harry C. Gross June 6, 1953.  From this union Harry C. Gross and Rochelle (Steve) Pilarski were born, who survive her. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jason Gross, Kara (Joe) Timrack, Allison (Elijah) Bush, Zachary Ostrander-Gross, Eric Gross, Jesse Pilarski, Phoenix Pilarski and Zachary Pilarski; and great-grandchildren, Jamison Gross-Booth, Jeffery Gross, Jonathan Gross, Landyn Timrack, Abigail Timrack, Tre Bush and Harlyn Bush.

Fran married Leonard M. Laich July 12, 2003.  From this union, she gained stepdaughter, Mary Laich; and stepsons, Charles (Cathy) Laich, Fred (Susan) Laich and Richard (Linda) Laich; six step-grandchildren, Russell Laich, Megan Laich, Molly Laich, Naomi Hardsty, Jasin Gallagher and Brian Laich; and three step-great-grandchildren, Veda, Baxter and Watson.

Fran married Michael Chappell May 20, 2017 and gained stepdaughters, HyunJu Chappell and Brooke Chappell; stepsons, Bromley Chappell and Cameron Lee Chappell; and a step-granddaughter, Zoe Chappell. They enjoyed their travels to various places around the United States, including Graceland, the home of Fran’s favorite singer Elvis Presley and their times spent at the family summer home on Grand Lake. 

Fran and Harry moved to Lansing to help her son Harry with his business, Nova Vida Inc. (group homes for developmentally disabled adults) in 1987 and Fran worked in various capacities through early 2018, primarily as manager of operations at the Bittersweet Home.  She was also very acti

ve in the Delta Township Senior Center, where she played euchre.  

Fran is preceded in death by her parents; and husbands, Harry C. Gross and Leonard C. Laich; and a sister, Lila Bethley.

Services for Fran will be as follows:

Calling: Sunday, September 30 at Beck Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m.

Funeral: Monday, October 1 at Beck Funeral Home. There will be a family hour from 10-11 a.m. with funeral services commencing at 11 a.m. followed by the committal service at Memorial park Cemetery in Rogers City. 

Luncheon to follow at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rogers City.