Lauretta Kay Simpson-Chatman

Lauretta Kay Simpson-Chatman, passed on October 31, 2025 at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her husband and family under the care of Hospice in Wyoming, Michigan at Cortland of Wyoming.

She was born November 4, 1954 at Herrick Memorial Hospital in Tecumseh, MI to Lyle Dean Simpson and Katheryn Lucille Crist Simpson.

Lauretta graduated from Deerfield High School, the Valedictorian of her class, in 1972. 

She attended Michigan State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree June 11, 1976.  

She then moved to Grand Rapids, MI and achieved the Degree of Master of Arts in Counseling from MSU on May 6, 1994.

Lauretta held a variety of positions throughout her life. She spent many years in the healthcare industry at St. Mary’s Health Services as an ICU unit clerk and a patient advocate.

Lauretta was also employed as a student counselor at Aquinas College from 1997 up until her retirement in 2017.

One of Lauretta’s greatest attributes was the ability to initiate a conversation with anyone that crossed her path. She demonstrated this passion in her many travel adventures and day-to-day encounters.

Her enthusiasm for travel took her to numerous states within the United States and several international destinations. She relished trip planning and adventures.

A few of Lauretta’s many pastimes and interests were live music and accompanying along with her slinky.  Enjoying sports of any kind. She was a dedicated Spartan fan. She enjoyed dancing and was never one to shy away from moving to her own beat. She had a sincere camaraderie with many local establishments and friends. Lauretta did not pursue a driver’s license until her 30’s but when she did there was no stopping her. She thoroughly enjoyed her travels throughout MI to include attending and volunteering at Bliss Fest near Cross Village.  She had many good times at The Red Dock in Saugatuck. The St. Francis Sculpture Garden was very important to her.

In July 2024 Lauretta sold her home and moved to Cortland of Wyoming. This is where she met and married Clyde Chatman on February 21, 2025. A dear man who made her laugh and gave her joy. They found pleasure in each other’s company and conversation for only a short time. A moment where quality superseded quantity. 

Family members of Lauretta are her husband Clyde and stepdaughter, Joyce (Tony) Kozminski. Her siblings, David (Joyce) Simpson, Lucinda Coopshaw (Edward preceded in death), Merrie (Paul) Gilson, and Jeff (Sharon) Simpson. In addition, she had several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that she adored.  She was blessed with many beloved friends. A special kindness and gift of longtime friendship with Linda (Don) Idsinga and Chris R. Guis.

Following her wishes she has been cremated with her ashes to be placed at a later date.

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