Molly F. Noling

Molly Flo Noling

79, of Leland, MI, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Molly was born on February 21, 1933 in Frankfort, Kentucky, the daughter of Russell Glen and Iris Wynema (Sheets) Young. She grew up on a working farm; an upbringing she felt taught her many life lessons, which she shared generously with her family: stories of hard work, simple pastimes, and lively adventures with her sisters. Although spending a majority of her life "up north" she still identified herself as a Southerner, proudly standing during Dixie at the Sunday Night Sings in Leland.

Upon arrival in Indianapolis, Molly worked at Western Electric, before moving on to Hurty Peck (later called Universal Flavors) where as head of the Billing Department she was instrumental in both the design and implementation of their first computer system, and served as its first Data Processing Manager. It was through her work there that she met her husband of 45 years, Larry, who she married on November 24, 1967.

While her career highlights were many, it was in her role as family matriarch that most will remember her. She loved summers at the family home in Leland as well as enjoying winters on Sanibel Island, Florida, where she developed an avid interest in shelling.

She was an excellent cook, long famed within the family for Mother Molly's baked beans and fried chicken and the world's best key lime pie. She was an inspiration to her family, the leader of the merry band, and founding mother of the Leland Wood Nymph Society.

Molly loved puzzles: jigsaws, crosswords, Wheel of Fortune, Scrabble - a skill which came in handy while keeping track of her large extended family. Over the years, she welcomed many to the cottage, the lake, and the beach house. She loved nothing better than being surrounded by her children, her beloved grandchildren & many great grandchildren, sharing their stories and accomplishments with evident pride.

In addition to her husband Lawrence Noling, Molly is survived by her children, David Noling, Susan Pandorf, Jamie May, and Robert Herman; sisters, Glenna Barker, Susanne Scott, and Loretta Lancaster; sixteen grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children Richard and Glenn Herman.

In later years, she returned to Leland and became a year-round resident, enjoying feeding the local wildlife, reading, and visiting with her friends and family. She touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Molly's Life will be held December 28 in Leland, MI. Memorials may be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy, Clay Cliffs Project, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay, MI.