Carol Fitch
Carol L. Fitch, 90, of Ludington, former longtime resident of Scottville, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Carol was born on February 14, 1934 at the family home in Amber Township and was the daughter of Claus and Louise (Omholt) Chilberg. She graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1952 and shortly after graduation she married her high school sweetheart H. James Fitch on June 28, 1952 in Ludington. Jim and Carol spent the next 68 years by each other’s side until Jim preceded her in death on September 21, 2020.
Carol was also preceded in death by her sons Daniel James in 1998 and John Wayne in 1987; her parents Claus and Louise Chilberg; her brothers Karl, Wayne, and John Chilberg; and her sister Marie Squires.
Jim and Carol operated the Fitch family fruit farm in Summit Township and later purchased the Chilberg family farm in Amber Township. They harvested cherries, apples, peaches, plums, and pears for over 25 years before Jim became the agent for the Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance Agency in Scottville with Carol working closely by his side. Carol had also worked for Lidke’s store in Scottville. Following their retirement, they enjoyed splitting time between their homes in Florida and Scottville, getting together with friends and family playing setback and pinochle, and especially enjoyed spoiling their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jim and Carol were longtime members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, and the Mason County Farm Bureau. Following Jim’s passing; Carol became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington across the street from their residence at Longfellow Towers.
Carol will be greatly missed by her daughter Mari-Kae (Butch) Sterley of Ludington; 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren; Jim’s sisters Grace Margaret Christensen and Kathy Falor; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.
A ceremony to remember Carol will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington. Friends may gather with her family for a time of visiting from 2 p.m. until time of service at the church. Carol will be laid to rest with Jim at Summit Cemetery in the spring when the fruit trees are in blossom. Those who wish to remember Carol with a memorial donation are asked to please consider the Raymond Schulte Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Scottville Clown Band, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454, or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 209 N. Rowe St., Ludington, MI 49431.
Please visit Carol’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to share a tribute or memory of Carol with her family.
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