Florence Marion Girrbach

Florence M. (Sclater) Girrbach, age 79, of Hastings, passed away January 5, 2010 at her residence. She was born at home in Ecorse, Michigan on January 2, 1931, the daughter of James S. and Louise A. (Grant) Sclater.

The family moved to River Rouge, MI in January 1936. Florence attended Ann Visger Elementary School thru 6th grade, being active in both band and choir. She went on to River Rouge High School, where she was in the varsity band for five years. She was among the first few females that were accepted in an all male band. She and her lifelong friend, June Mecsey, were the first females to graduate as member of the marching orchestral band. She performed with the Michigan all-state band her senior year. Florence graduated June 18, 1948 as an honor student, being one of the top ten in her class. Prior to graduation, she worked at the Warehouse Grocery Supermarket as bookkeeper trainee and cashier. After graduation, she worked for the River Rouge Savings Bank as mortgage clerk and then mortgage teller until her marriage.

Florence married Thomas C. Girrbach on August 11, 1951 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in River Rouge, MI. They moved to New Jersey at Fort Monmouth where her husband was stationed in the U.S. Army. She returned home when he was shipped overseas to Korea. She then became a mother and homemaker. After his discharge from the service in 1954, they moved to Wyandotte, MI, then returned to River Rouge in September 1958. In June 1966, they purchased the Walldorf-Sponable Funeral Home in Hastings, MI where she continued to live until her death.

Florence returned to the work force in 1970 at Hastings Mutual Insurance company as Secretary to the Marketing Manager (all seven children were now in school). She received the Certificate of General Insurance from the Insurance Institute of America in 1984. In May 1996, she retired as Sr. Marketing Assistant. In addition to her work at Hastings Mutual, Florence was also instrumental in the Girrbach Funeral Home Family Business for more than 40 years. She would do most anything from the first call, to meeting with families , working in the office and most important she was the hair stylist who made hundreds of families very satisfied with their loved one's appearance.

Florence was a former member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and their Rosary Altar Society in River Rouge. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hastings. She served on the St. Rose Church Council, former member of the Knight?s Ladies, St. Monica?s Guild, and Rose?s Dustin Angels. She was also on the Board of Directors for the Hastings Chapter of the American Red Cross for seventeen year, serving in the capacity of Secretary, Treasurer and combined office of Secretary/Treasurer.

She enjoyed the following; her grandchildren in sport?s and other activities. She was an avid bowler, and her highest game bowled was a 277. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and Sudoku. Her family was her life, she loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas, her parents, daughter, Kathleen Schantz, grandson, Justin Schantz, brother, Robert Sclater and sister, Lorraine Monske. She is survived by sons, Timothy (Stephanie) Girrbach, Thomas (Kathleen) Girrbach, Jr., Ray (Deborah) Girrbach and Kenneth Girrbach, all of Hastings, daughters, Cynthia Girrbach of California and Sheri Girrbach of Hastings, Grandchildren, Courtney Ziny, Alicia Kaufman, Heather Schultz, Callie Courtright, Tera Gigax, Adam Schantz, Thomas Girrbach III, Chad Girrbach, Kyle Girrbach, Richard Nevins, Kevin Schantz, Haley Girrbach, Breanna Girrbach, Kristen Peplinski, Lindsi Kenyon, Allyson Nevins, Abigail Girrbach, Great-grandchildren, Zack, Zoey, Carleigh, Steven, Tylar, Madelynn, Graden, Cole, Jake, brothers, James (Bette) Sclater of Trenton, MI and Richard (MaryAnn) Sclater of Allen Park, MI, In-law survivors; son-in-law, Stanley Schantz, former daughter-in-laws, Robin Girrbach and Tamara Girrbach.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Rose Church Building Fund or St Rose School, 805 S. Jefferson, Hastings, MI 49058.

Visitation will be held Friday, 2-4pm and 6-8pm with a Rosary at 5:30pm, at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday January 9, 2010 at 11:00am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hastings, Father Alfred J. Russell, celebrant. Burial will be at Hastings Township Cemetery.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .