Obituary of Saralee M. Thompson

Thompson, Saralee Margaret (Murray) Minden City, MI Saralee, age 82 passed away August 11, 2017 at Henry Ford Hospital after a short illness, with her family at her side. She was born January 15, 1935 in Carsonville Michigan to the late Neil and Anna (Robinson) Murray. Saralee grew up in the Sandusky area and was a proud member of the Sandusky High School Class of 1952. She married Thomas T. Thompson on March 6, 1954. She was a mother and farmer's wife most of her life while pursuing her passion of painting. Saralee was a lifetime member of the Minden City United Methodist Church, UMW, Pastor Parish Council, Zephyrhills United Methodist Church, Chapter #400 Order of Eastern Star, Minden City Cemetery Association, and the owner of The Tole Barn where she taught painting classes for many years. She also taught painting classes in Zephyrhills, Florida. She was an accomplished artist, winning a number of awards for her work with oils, watercolor and other mediums. Her favorite subjects included horses, barns, flowers, birds, and people. For over 50 years she used her love and skill of art to teach many to paint who never thought they could. She operated a painting studio with classes out of her home. Her art captured the emotions and life of her subjects. A quote in Latin, "Ars longus, vita brevis" or "art is long, life is short". Her art work will continue to speak to us about how her eyes saw the world. Saralee could also be found in her flower gardens, playing cards, reading a book, traveling, or making time to visit with family and friends She is survived by three children, Murray (Emelie) Thompson, Marilee Schock, Lucinda (Dr. Tom) Michalek, daughter-in-law, Mary Anna Thompson; grandchildren, Adam(Brandy) and Jason Thompson, Nathan Schock, Neil (Anne Marie) Schock, Travis Schock, Nicholas(Jeanna) Michalek, Matthew( fiancée Becky Mergener) Michalek, Sarah and Elizabeth Michalek, Tammy McPherson; great grandchildren, Pheobe and Olivia Thompson, Silas, Adelina, and Eli Schock, Mallory and Ty McPherson; her brother Donald(Neita) Murray; sister-in-law Germaine Thompson; and maid-of-honor and best friend till the end, Joyce (Jensen) Houck. Was preceeded in death by her husband Thomas, son Kevin, grandson Andrew Michalek, brother Gordon Murray, and sister Marilyn Batkie. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 19, 2017 at 11 A.M. at the McGregor United Methodist Church, 2230 Forester Rd., Deckerville, MI 48427. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday August 18, 2017 from 5-8 P.M and on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 9-11 A.M. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Minden City Cemetery Association, c/o Dale Volz 6191 E. Huron Line Road, Minden City, MI 48456 or the Minden City United Methodist Church, 1436 Main Street, Minden City, MI 48456. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Adam & Jason Thompson, Nathan, Neil, & Travis Schock, Nicholas and Matthew Michalek. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan 888-273-3553.