Norene Ann Laney
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Norene Ann Laney

  • October 27, 1930 - December 11, 2011
  • Stevensville, Michigan
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Memories & Candles

“I was saddened to learn that Norene had passed away, and I wish to extend my sympathy to Norene's family. I am a first cousin of Norene--Norene's...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Carol Schuster (Semmelhack) - IL

“I am so sorry to read of her passing. My heartfelt sympathy to all of her friends and family. Warmest Regards, Shane Allen ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: Shane Allen - Austin, TX - Friend

“My deepest sympathy to Norene's family. I am a first cousin to Norene (my mother, affectionally called "Aunt Bob") and Norene's mother (our Aunt...Read More » ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: Caren Burchett - Warrenville, IL

“Dear Family & Friends, Know of my sincerest sympathy as we mourn the loss of your "Loved One" Rene. She was a beautiful & special lady who taught us...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Fr. Bill Jacobs - Benton Harboe, MI

“I first met Rene in 1975 when I opened the Second Hand Rose thirift shop at the YWCA in St. Joseph, Mich. She was my volunteer worker for the 5 yrs I...Read More » ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: Susan Schulstrom - FL

“My heart goes out to the Laney family at this time of deep loss. Dick and Rene were loved dearly by our Sable Shores family and by anyone who had...Read More » ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Renee' Reid-Smith - Stevensville , MI

“May the many cherished memories of your Mother provide a source of strength and comfort for you at this time. We have many cherished memories of The...Read More » ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Jerry and Imelda Knowles - MI

“Dear Phil & Laura, My thougths & prayers are with you both during this difficult time! ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Sonja Henschel - Stevensville, MI

“Our prayers and best wishes to the entire Laney extended family! ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: Chris Ferry - Indianapolis, IN

“I was lucky to been one of your moms careivers. Your mom was a joy to be around. Love, Debbie ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: Debbie - St Joe, MI - Friend

“So sorry for your loss. She will be missed Keeping all of you in my prayers at this difficult time. ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: nannette (nisevich) ames - IN

“Rene I'll deeply miss you and your kind and sweetness for other people. You and Dick will always be in my heart. I just want to say thank you for...Read More » ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: John Rogers - Friend

“My best days were spent having tea with Rene while talking for hours about our shared interests. She will be dearly missed. You're right, what a...Read More » ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Bobbie Roloff - St Joseph, MI


Norene Ann Laney, 81, of Stevensville went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 11, 2011 at Royalton Manor in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Rene was born October 27, 1930 in Calumet City, IL to Charles and Anne (Bissa) Metzcus. She attended Indiana State Univ. in Terre Haute, IN where she met her husband, Dick Laney to whom she was married for 59 years. The couple raised four children living in various parts of North American including Battle Creek, MI; Kitchener, Ontario; Valparaiso, IN; Lincoln, RI and finally Stevensville, MI.

Rene was active in the local community serving on the Bridgman Chamber of Commerce, including as President for several years. She ran the YWCA resale shop in downtown St. Joe for many years. Rene was a long time member of the local Executive Professional Woman's Association. In 1976, she supported her husband in launching a local business, B&L Information Systems, Bridgman and worked in various capacities until her retirement in 2008. Rene enjoyed travelling with her husband, both domestically and internationally. She really loved reading and was a founding member of a local book club. She was a science-fiction and supernatural enthusiast, enjoying books, movies and TV shows on the subjects. Rene enjoyed gardening, and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame football fan. Most of all, Rene enjoyed being with her family and simply spending time with them. She was a true role model of a mother and grandmother and will be missed dearly.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Laura Litke and her sons Keaton and Cameron, all of Scottsdale, AZ; sons Philip Laney, his wife Becky, their children Dawson, Tela Lilly and Trent Lilly, all of St. Joseph, MI; Richard, his wife Brenda, their son Ross, all of Shelbyville, IN; grandson Hayden Davis of Holland; her sister Gail Metzcus of St. Clair, MO; brothers Charles Metzcus, his wife Rosemary of Hialeah, FL; Michael Metzcus, his wife Joan of Millbrae, CA; Greg Metzcus of Shelton, WA and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Joanne Metzcus and Donna Philips, daughter-in-law Donna Laney, daughter Lynn Davis and her husband Dick Laney

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 19, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Father William Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman. Visitation will be held 2:00 until 4:00 PM Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen or SS John and Bernard Parish. Those wishing to sign Rene's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.