Laurene Boyles

Our precious mother and grandmother, Laurene Pearl Boyles, age 99, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at her home in Burnips, after a long, full life on earth, and into the arms of Jesus.

Laurene was born to Anthony and Fredricka Berens July 4, 1924. She was the oldest girl of their 14 children. She and Richard Cheyenne Boyles, from Liberal, Kansas, met through the School Weekly Reader Pen Pal Program and later married, in the yard of her parents home, June 12, 1944. Together they went to California where Richard served in the U.S. Navy and she returned home to work in Grand Rapids producing wartime supplies. Her sons still proudly call her “Rosie the Riveter." When Richard returned to Burnips after WWII, he built the house he had sketched while he served on the USS Portland. There they raised their six sons and lived until they passed away. Richard preceded her in death in 1999.

Laurene was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; four sisters; five sisters-in-law; six brothers-in-law; and a baby sister she never got to meet. She is survived by her brother, Lorne Berens of Dorr; sisters Una Miller of Mississippi and Treasure Berens of Dorr; and sister-In-law, Shirley Davis of Wellington, Kansas. Also surviving are her children Richard (Diane) Boyles, Robert (Marla) Boyles, Lyle (Janet) Boyles, Jody (Judy) Boyles, Bill Boyles, Randy (Suzzi) Boyles; grandchildren Erika Davidson (Eric Staffeld, fiancé), Scott (Tammy) Schneider, Sherry Billington, Keena (Kenneth) Kelley, Kenneth (Amber) Boyles, Krista (Kevin) Munson, Bryan Boyles, Kevin (Ashley) Boyles, Dan Boyles, Joel (Joan) Boyles, Kari (Jacob) Dunham, Brett Boyles, Addison Boyles; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Laurene’s life and the homegoing she longed for will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024, with visitation one hour prior, at Diamond Springs Wesleyan Church, 3562 136th Ave., Hamilton, MI 49419. Pastor Mark Inman and Pastor Kevin Munson will be officiating. In honor of Laurene and in lieu of flowers, contributions marked “Bill” can be given to Jody or Bob Boyles to be put in a trust to help our brother Bill live on his own or to Wings of Hope Hospice or Diamond Springs Wesleyan Church. Interment will be at Salem Township Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.