Arletta B. Hortop

Arletta B. Hortop, age 89, a resident of Imlay City since1993 and formerly from Armada Township, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016 at Heatherton Place in Imlay City. Arletta was born February 7, 1926 at her parents home in Macomb Township, the daughter of Harry & Beatrice (Weisskirch) Alwardt. She married the love of her life Don Hortop at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Macomb, Michigan on July 20, 1944 and he preceded her in death on November 20, 2015. Arletta, for many years until the early 1990’s was the secretary/manager of the Armada Fair, working with the 4-H horses and on its Board. Along with her husband Don, they were part of the Country Band the “Black River Cowboys” in 1947 and together they played in horse barns, cow barns, and even the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Around 1950, they started their own band call the “Saddledusters” and played all around Michigan. Don played the guitar, harmonica, and vocals and Arletta played the vocals, washboard, the “gutbucket” and tambourine. Their love of God and their church will be remembered always by anyone that knew them. They joined Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Washington Township in 1952, and Arletta worked with the Sunday School/Confirmation children for over 55 years. She also belonged to the LWML and was its former president. Her hobbies included 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, sewing, quilting and attending all activities in which her grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved. Arletta is survived by her children Allen J. (Cindy) Hortop and Louann A. (Jim) Hanvey along with 4 grandchildren: Dawn (Phil) Campbell, Lisa (Brian) Franey, Deanna (Josh) Brownfield, and Benjamin (Jane) Hanvey. Great grandchildren include Collin Donovan Campbell, Sarah Campbell, Alaina Franey, Abby Franey, Gwen Hanvey, Oscar Brownfield and Natalie Brownfield. Arletta was preceded in death by her brother Arnold Alwardt and her sister Arlene Furton. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at 11 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Washington Twp., with Pastor Jeffrey Draeger officiating. Burial will follow in St John’s Cemetery in Shelby Twp and immediately following the burial, a luncheon will take place back at the church. Donation to Our Redeemer would be appreciated. Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 5 from 2-8 at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home, Romeo Michigan and on Saturday from 10 AM—11 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.