Catherine Raphael Epling

Catherine R. Epling
May 10, 1928 – September 4, 2025
Catherine Raphael Epling, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Marquette, Michigan on May 10, 1928; Catherine was the cherished daughter of Fiore and Marcella Tallarico.
Catherine spent her early childhood in the Ewen and Bergland area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, before moving to Lansing at age eight. Catherine graduated from St. Mary's Cathedral Catholic School with the class of 1947. At just sixteen, she earned her beautician license, becoming the youngest person in Michigan to do so; a record that still stands today.
On August 21, 1948, she married the love of her life, Joseph M. Epling. Together, they shared 43 years of marriage, raising a large and loving family. While raising her children, Catherine owned and operated her own business: Catherine's Beauty Salon, on N. Grand River Avenue in North Lansing.
In 1968 they moved to Las Vegas, NV due to our father's new job. While in Las Vegas they joined St. Viator Catholic Church where they were involved in many activities. Catherine was involved with their Altar Society and began teaching Catholic Faith Formation classes.
In 1976 they moved back to Lansing to our father's new job, it was then they rejoined Church of the Resurection, where we all attended church and school.
Once again Catherine found herself teaching Faith Formation Class again and for the next 20 years. She belonged to St. Catherine's Circle (altar society) and was co-coordinator for all parish funerals.
Catherine was a proud member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and a devoted participant in Family Community Education (FCE), an outreach of Michigan State University. During her membership she was elected and served on the Eaton County Board of FCE multiple times. While she fulfilled her county positions she also served on the State of Michigan Board of FCE.
Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Fiore and Marcella Tallarico; husband, Joseph; sons, David and Robert; daughter, Maryellen and grandson, Matthew.
She is survived by her 8 loving children: Jo-Ann Eicher of Las Vegas, John (Theresa) Epling of San Antonio, Tom Epling of Las Vegas, Karen (Greg) Dickenson of Las Vegas, Jim Epling of Las Vegas, Annette (David) Hall of Lansing, Kevin (Tammy) Epling of East Lansing and Bryan (Denise) Epling of Eaton Rapids.
She is survived by 17 grandchildren: Robert Eicher, Derek Eicher, Adam Eicher, Erik Epling, Jason Epling, Milo Epling, Casey Epling, Brittany Epling, Alexandra Epling, Benjamin Epling, Tiana Epling Schelin, Paul Epling, Charles Hall, Marcia Hall Bugbee, Kristen Epling, Tyler Epling and Jacob Epling.
Catherine is also survived by 26 great-grandchildren: Christopher Hernandez, Robby Eicher, Shawna Roberts, Isabella Epling, Everett Epling, Nathan Hernandez, Kaiden Hernandez, Karissa Hall, Stephen Helms, Reagan Epling, Grant Eicher, Catherine Eicher, Ocean Epling, Sutton Epling, Presley Epling, Madelyn Epling, Elija Epling, Luke Ballinger, Kori Epling, Kyli Epling, Konner Epling, Lilian Schelin, Eliana Schelin, Vivian Epling, Maverick Epling, and Marcella Epling.
Catherine is survived by 3 great great grandchildren, Bailey Hall, Trinity Roberts and Tristan Roberts.
How do you begin to describe our mom? A devoutly religious, strong willed, independent, extremely creative woman who loved camping (got to have those baked potatoes on the campfire), traveling to see her children and grandchildren throughout the U.S., (have tooth brush, will travel), family picnics (especially on Mother' Day no matter how cold or rainy), her wine parties with her fellow seniors, writing cards/letters and telling us ALL her stories, (please no interrupting) !!
97 years of life! Sometimes sad, tragic, hard but she lived a beautiful life! She will be missed by many, and I do mean many. The love she gave will endure through our family forever. Rest in the peace of your blessed Lord, Jesus Christ. Love always and always with love.
This was mom's sign off, please remember her as we sign off. LOVE ALWAYS AND ALWAYS WITH LOVE.
A visitation will be held at Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 520 Mt. Hope Ave, Lansing, on Friday September 12 at 2:00pm-6:00pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Church of Resurrection with Rev. Fr. Steve Mattson as the Celebrant. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday September 13 at 11:00am with Rev. Fr. Steve Mattson as the Celebrant.
"Love you always and always with love."