Rosemarie "Tootie" Latta

Rosemarie "Tootie" Latta, 88, of East Leroy, graduated into the arms of her Savior on Friday, April 28th, 2023. Tootie was born on February 5,1935 in Battle Creek, MI, the daughter of Eddie and Hazel (Cruse) Grant. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the class of 1953 and went on to work for many years at Rhoades Construction Company.

On October 6,1956, Tootie married William Dean Latta. They were married for 62 years when he preceded her in death on March 28, 2019. Tootie is survived by her three children, Greg (Sue) Latta of Tucson, AZ, Penny Engle of East Leroy and Tim Latta of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) McDow, Jessica (Wesley) Jay, Tyler (Hannah) Latta, Corrie (Danielle) Latta, Alex (Samantha) Latta, Kelby Latta and Nick (Rachel) Latta; nine great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Brooks, Reese, Leelan, Peyton, KJ, AJ, Camden & Elsie; and siblings Jackie Pier, Linda Lint, Tom Hoexter and Terry Hoexter. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Nick Hoexter and son-in-law, Terry Engle.

In addition to raising her children and being a working mother, Tootie was dedicated to loving and serving others. She was a member of the Dexter Lake Church of God where she had many friends. She and Dean spent decades serving at their church, leading life groups and bible studies and mentoring others. They loved to camp and travel the United States in their motor home, making it a family goal of theirs to take the kids to all of the lower 48 states, which they accomplished. She also loved to play card games and host others in their home. She was known by her grandchildren for bringing the most gifts to birthdays and Christmases, often to Dean's surprise. By her family and many others, Tootie will be remembered most of all as a prayer warrior who faithfully prayed for her family and the needs of others. She was a listening ear, a wise soul, honorable and trustworthy. All who knew her, knew her smile and the warmth of kindness it beheld.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 8^th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Overflow Church in Battle Creek where a memorial service to celebrate Tootie's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tootie's memory to Women's Life Recovery Center and the Hope House. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.