Catherine I. "Arkie" Laporte

Catherine I. "Arkie" LaPorte, age 84 of Midland, died Saturday morning March 12, 2011 at Brittany Manor. The daughter of the late LeRoy and Ethel (Moore) Saxton was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas on July 1, 1926. Catherine had attended the University of Minnesota in 1939 and the attended The Stamps Baxter School of Sacred Music. In 1941 she moved to Midland and went to work for The Dow Chemical Co. until her retirement in 1982 after 32 years of service. After retiring she wintered in Lakeland, Florida from 1982 till 1992 where she headed The Dow Chemical Co. Retiree's Reunions. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 1961. Catherine was involved with starting the Diana Eves group at the Midland Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was past President of Ladies Auxiliary at American Legion Berryhill Post #165. On June 6, 1947 in Midland Catherine married Virgil M. LaPorte. He died on May 14, 2000.

Surviving is her daughter, Connie (Doug) Argyle of Beaverton; grandchildren, Dennis (Laura) Argyle, Dena (Ken) Johnson, and Tina (Matt) Schelich; 7 great grandchildren, Victoria, Kaylee & Alyssa, Sophie, Morisa, Kaylee and Grant. In addition to her parents Catherine was preceded in death by brothers, Donald, Gerrall, Jack, Robert and Ferris Saxton.

Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday March 15, 2011 at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Pastor Mark Miller of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be offered to Aldersgate United Methodist Church or the organization of choice. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com. Family wishes to thank the staff at Brittany Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Catherine.