Luella M. Meinecke

Luella Mae (Rowley) Meinecke, of Millington, MI passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 5th, 2025 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was 95. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Mumford-Hudson Funeral Home in Otisville. Family and friends wishing to share condolences with the family may do so at a visitation on Monday, March 10 from 1pm until 7pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 11 at 1pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4941 W. Center St., Millington. Pastor Tim Martinal will officiate. Viewing will be held from Noon until the time of service. Burial will take place at Millington Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Paul Memorial Fund.

Luella was born in Flint, MI on October 25, 1929 to the late Norris and Velva (Prestige) Rowley. She lost her mother at a very early age and her father did his best to care for her and her three siblings until it became too much, as he was away for work. So at just 6 years old, Luella and her siblings went to live with their grandmother. The early death of her mother forced Luella to grow up sooner than most children and because of that she developed a fierce work ethic and will to survive on her own. Skills that would also develop an immense sense of independence that stayed with her throughout her life. She went to school in Millington and graduated high school in 1947.

On December 20, 1947, Luella married Robert James Meinecke and they were together for 61 years until Robert's passing in 2009. Bob and "Lou" had six children and were very active in all aspects of family life. They enjoyed time at the family cabin in Mio, MI and took many trips together over the years; including snowmobiling with friends, bowling and golfing together on various leagues and were known to hit a casino a time or two.

Luella worked many jobs over the years and as a teen worked at the movie theater in town and at Shrum's restaurant. But the bulk of her work life was spent at Weber's IGA. It was there, while working in the produce department, that she earned the nickname "Big Lou", a title that would stick with her for the rest of her life; one she was proud of and even used as her caller ID. The irony being how petite in stature she was; but that was the only tiny thing about her. She lived big, she loved big and she wasn't shy about speaking her mind. She was a staunch protector of her family and a woman of great faith. She was an active member of her church and was part of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. The group makes quilts to donate to several area charities, including Orphan Grain Train, Saginaw Rescue Mission and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. They also provide quilts for victims of house fires in the local community. Sewing and quilt making kept Luella busy in both mind and soul. Family and friends knew if the sun was shining, they'd find her in the sun room, stitching for hours at a time, working on her latest quilting project. She was blessed with many quilting friends and enjoyed trips to the fabric and quilt shop. Lou valued her time spent at Quilted Hearts Quilting in Millington and became dear friends with Julie there.

The only thing she may have loved more than quilting was watching and following local and college sports, and she was a diehard MSU basketball fan. Her wardrobe consisted of all things "State" and her favorite colors alternated between green and white, and red and white for her Millington Cardinals. It didn't matter where she sat in the crowd, Big Lou could be heard in the gym, stadium or on the field. She loved to banter with Michigan fans and she wasn't afraid to let the refs know how she felt about a call; especially if it involved one of her children or grandchildren. Lou was blessed with good health that allowed her to even be active in the lives of her great grandchildren, cheering them on with just as much enthusiasm as she had throughout the years. "Grapey" as she was known to them was their biggest fan.

Luella is survived by five of her six children; Velva Cobanovich, Vivian (John) Sherman, (daughter-in-law) Valerie Meinecke, Luann (Sam) Licavoli, James (Tracy) Meinecke and Barbara (Gerry) Smith; 19 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and son, Robert (Corky).