BURTRAW, Lydia Marie, age 50 of Laingsburg, passed away suddenly and went into the arms of the Lord on Saturday February 12, 2011.

Funeral services will be held at Graham Community Church on Friday February 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Mike Hixson and Pastor Ronald Burtraw will officiate. The family will receive friends at Watkins Brothers Funeral Home in Perry on Thursday 2-4 & 6-8 PM.

Lydia was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 17, 1960, the daughter of Roger Sr. & Ellie (Baecker) Ling. She graduated from DeWitt High School in 1978 and then received her bachelor’s Degree from MSU. On August 7, 1982 she married her high school sweetheart & love of her life, Michael R. Burtraw in East Lansing. Lydia worked in the mortgage industry for many years, recently as branch manager for Amera Mortgage Corporation in East Lansing. She was a member of the Downtown Coaches Club, Women’s Council of Realtors, and MMLA.

She is survived by her husband, Michael, children Lindsey , Brandon, and Taylor, of Laingsburg. Her parents Roger Sr. and Ellie Ling of Lansing, brothers Roger, Jr.(Linda) of L’Anse, MI, Daniel (Patty) of Laingsburg, sister Michelle (Mark) Diamond of Williamston, father-in-law Ronald Burtraw (Bonnie) and Mother-in-law Merle Doyle (Ray), sister-in-law Jennifer (Joe) Kirschner of Metamora, MI, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

She loved her husband and children with all her heart. She was very giving and will be remembered by many for her generous and loving spirit. She never knew a stranger. She was always willing to lend a hand and reach out to those in need. Lydia was an avid Spartan fan and loved attending sporting events. She enjoyed reading, singing, vacationing, skydiving and playing Euchre with her club. Her beautiful voice is singing with Heaven’s choir, but here on earth her silence leaves a hole in our hearts.

Those wishing to honor Lydia with a memorial may make donations to: Lydia Burtraw’s Memorial/College fund at Michigan StateFederal Credit Union, to help fulfill Lydia’s dream of seeing her children complete their education. Online condolences may be sent to www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com