Gay Nell (Garrett) Lantis

Gay Nell (Garrett) Lantis, 79, of Augusta, Michigan, died peacefully Monday, May 10, 2021, at the Laurels of Bedford.

Gay was born September 20, 1941 in Battle Creek, Michigan the daughter of Mervin H. and Anna M. (Smith) Giddings. She grew up in Augusta, attended Galesburg-Augusta Schools and watched over the Village most of her life. She was formerly employed at Beach products, until she was disabled.

Gay Nell Lantis was united in marriage to Donald Phillip Lantis on November 15, 1957 in Augusta. Her husband, Don preceded her in death February 25, 2003. Surviving are three children, Daniel Phillip (Mylene) Lantis of Spring, TX, Debra Gay Carlson of Thompsontown, PA, Duane Mervin Lantis of Augusta, MI; five grandchildren, JoAnne Boffey, Donald Boffey, Samantha Lantis (Corey Buell), Daniel Lantis (Jordan Fowler), Michael Jed Lantis; four great-grandchildren, Corey Allen Buell, Collin Duane Buell, Harper Sue Lantis, Clay Edward Moudy; sister, Helen Joy (Bill) Whipple of Augusta; brother Danny Dunn of Galesburg; brother-in-law, Rick Dunithan of Augusta, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to her husband, Gay was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Frankie Lantis and Dorothy J. (Garrett) Dunithan.

Gay was baptized in 1993 by Band of Warriors for Christ, a Christian faith. Gay was proud of and loved her role as wife, mother, grandmother and keeping everyone in line; she enjoyed being the boss. She loved family gatherings, cooking, reading, puzzles, canning, games and her swimming pool. She spent time playing BINGO and on-line games. Gay and her sister Joy had an unspoken competition that if one got something cool the other had to have it too the exact same thing. Gay collected spoons and bells as she and Don and family traveled across the United States. She loved her jewelry and she loved butterflies and was "Don's butterfly". She will be remembered as a great wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. She loved having her family around and in later years really enjoyed time she spent with her niece, Robin Payne.

Gay will be interred with Don at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a family service this summer. A gathering to celebrate Gay's life will be announced later.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 7956 Augusta-Custer Women's Auxiliary, PO Box 194, Augusta, MI 49012-194. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Augusta Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.