Amanda A. Lawton

Amanda A. “Mandy” Lawton, of Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 23, 2024.  A lifelong Lansing resident she was a graduate of Lansing Eastern High School (’57); Central Michigan University (B.S.) and Michigan State University (M.A.).  She was a devoted member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority serving on various local and national committees supporting the organization.  She was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for many years, serving on the Vestry and VBS staff.  Mandy was an accomplished educator dedicating her life’s work to teaching children in the Eaton Rapids School District for over 25 years with a passion for helping children learn to read.

In retirement, Mandy spent countless hours as a volunteer at Sparrow Hospital’s gift shop and as a member of the Independence Village knitting group, knitting hats and blankets for newborns and mittens for needy children in Lansing.  Mandy was an avid Spartan and could often be seen cheering on Michigan State as a regular season ticket holder at football, basketball and hockey games.  A devoted Mother, she was always present on the baseball diamonds, football fields and hockey arenas supporting her sons’ passions.

Amanda was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Mildred Hicks of Lansing, MI; and is survived by her sons, Ronald Lawton of Owosso and Michael (Julie) of Fleming Island, FL.  Mandy was the proud and loving grandmother to Jordyn and Devin Michalec (Grand Rapids), Alex and Natasha Lawton-Zandstra (Grand Rapids), Monica and Phillip Manto (Anacortes, WA), and Jacob Lawton (Asheville, NC).  And she adored her great-grandchildren Camille “Millie” Manto (2), and Lucy (2) and Lennon Michalec (1).

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Independence Village (2530 Marfitt Rd., East Lansing) at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.