Gretchen Marie Lawton

Gretchen Marie Lawton, of Swartz Creek, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at home with her family at her side. She was 60 years old.

Born February 26, 1965 in Farmington Hills, Michigan, she was the youngest of 11 children born to John M. and Ruth E. (McClure) Young. Gretchen married James Lawton on April 25, 1986 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brighton. She was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Swartz Creek as well as St Mary & St Charles Catholic Church in Cheboygan, and was an active volunteer with both parish’s. Gretchen worked for many years as both a bank teller and also as a paraprofessional which was her true calling, as she truly cherished working with her 1st grade children. She enjoyed quilting, loved time spent up north at the family cabin, she had an ever-present smile and a zest for life. Most importantly she was a devoted and doting grandmother to her two grandsons, Theo & Julian.

She is survived by her husband, James Lawton; two sons, Kevin Lawton (Erica) and Mathew Lawton and his sons Theo and Julian; her siblings, Diane Gavin (Dan), Sheri Harris, Marcia Merithew (Doug), Craig Young, Mary Posuniak (Joel), Karen Turner (Bruce), Joe Young (Susan) and Cindy Young; three sisters in law, Lin Lawton, Luann Lejune (Dave) and Janet Vespie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Mark and Paul Young and a sister Linda Calioa.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 11:00am at St Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4413 Morrish Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473 with Father Louis Ekka presiding, there will be visitation from 10:00am until time of mass. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025 from 3-6pm at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473.

Please visit www.sharpfuneralhomes.com to sign the guestbook and leave a memory.