Louise J. Hutchins

HUTCHINS, Louise Jane of Goodrich; passed away on October 6, 2025 at the age of 102 after a long life well lived. Louise was the second youngest of six children born to Andrew and Bessie (Skoug) French of Bangor, Wisconsin on December 19, 1922. Louise grew up on a farm without electricity where income from their milk cows left the family unaffected by the Great Depression. After graduating from Evart High School in 1941, Louise moved to Pontiac and lived with her brother Joe, during which time she attended a business institute. While attending classes and working at a local restaurant, she met Dayton Hutchins, a Lapeer native who was employed by General Motors. After marrying in 1942, Dayton was drafted into World War II. Following discharge at war's end, Dayton and Louise eventually made their home in Clarkston where they raised their two children, Prudence and Craig. They both retired from General Motors, traveled the world, and were married for 54 years. Louise was a woman of faith and an active member of the local United Methodist Churches in Clarkston, Goodrich and Ortonville. She once said the secret to living a long life was to "stay busy" and "to keep moving." Louise enjoyed staying active, making "soft" cookies, painting fine china, fellowship with dear friends and traveling south to see family. The greatest joy in her life was her family and she wanted nothing more than to have everyone together and happy. Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Dayton; her daughter, Prudence Dawley; her siblings, Roy, Marian, Winifred, Joseph and Emily; and her great-granddaughter, Hannah Dawley. She is survived by her son, Craig (Ann) Hutchins; four grandchildren, Jeffery (Denna) Dawley, Chris (Melba) Dawley, Katie Hutchins, and Matthew (Grissel Rivas) Hutchins; great-grandchildren Ashley Dawley, Jessica (Scotty) Terry, J.R. (Danielle) Dawley, and Chase (Katelyn) Dawley; and special great-great granddaughter Kaidyn Grace Terry. She also had an extended family of nieces and nephews who were close to her heart, including her niece Sandra and husband Don, with whom she lived toward the end of her life and for whom she had great affection. Visitation will take place Saturday, October 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 12 Noon at Goodrich United Methodist Church. The Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday at the Goodrich United Methodist Church with a luncheon celebrating Louise's life immediately following. Private Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Clarkston. Memorials may be made to the Goodrich United Methodist Church.