Elsie Mae Criss

Elsie Mae Criss, born May 6,1942, died December 21, 2025, at the age of 83. Elsie was born in Ottawa Lake, Michigan to Clayton Seeley and Nellie Seeley. Her father Clayton died in WWll. Her mother, Nellie married John Orel, who later adopted her, and her brother Raymond (Seeley) Orel.

She married her high school sweetheart, Sherman J. Criss August 21, 1959. They were married for 62 years. Elsie was a stay at home mom until her children got older. Then she worked at the Savings and Loan bank, and later she drove a school bus for East Lansing for 25+ years. Elsie and Sherm lived in Haslett, Michigan for 50 plus years. In retirement they split their time between their place in Florida, Drummond Island, and Haslett. Due to mobility issues, they moved to Mason, Michigan until Sherm died. She then moved to East Lansing and lived next to Towar Hart Baptist Church, the church she grew up in until her passing.

Elsie is survived by her children, Tamara (Skip) Hedrick, Debra (Doug) Watson, Leslie (Bill) VanAtten, Sherman (Lisa) Criss. Grandchildren Jason Hedrick, Amber (Roger) Wood, Douglas (Amber) Watson, Elizabeth (Mando) Villarreal, Elaina (Chris) Brown, Samantha (Joe) Fazzingo, Dustin (Melinda) Criss. Great Grandchildren Madalyn and Jennabelle Hedrick, Roger, Casey, and Noah Wood, Aubrie, Alyssa, and Presley Watson, Carlos and Mila Villarreal, Vivian and Lincoln Brown, Gabriella and Dominic Fazzingo, Adrian and Vanessa Criss. Brothers and sisters Ray (Judy) Orel, John (Pam) Orel, Russ (Shannon) Orel, Chris Orel, and Sarah (Scott) Miller. Brother-in-law Donald Criss, sister-in-law Midge Criss. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends.

She was the oldest of seven children Raymond Orel, John Orel, Larry Orel, Russ Orel, Chris Orel and Sarah Miller. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Sherman John Criss, parents Clayton Seeley, Nellie and John Orel, grandparents William and Carrie Vanderlaan, mother and father-in-law Sherm and Elva Criss, grandson, Tyler Ryan Watson, brother Larry Orel, brothers-in-law Greg (Betty) Criss, and Daniel Criss.

Elsie accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior in her 30’s. Her love for her Savior was evident in the way she lived her life, raised her children, and how she cared for others. She was a dedicated member of Towar Hart Baptist Church where she served the Lord as the choir director for 50 plus years. She served on the Ladies Aid Committee, Mission Board, headed up many social events, directed Vacation Bible School, coordinated and led the Pair’s and Spare’s group that included many fun activities for many years. Elsie’s beautiful voice graced many weddings, and special occasions. Elsie had an adventurous spirit. She loved to travel. She and Sherm were privileged to travel to Israel for a Holy Land Tour. They went on a Caribbean Cruise, and an Alaskan cruise. At the young age of 80 she went Ziplining in Georgia with her son Sherm, and traveled to Mexico where she went on a river jet boat ride, rode in a Monster truck, and tubed down waterslides. She was known to ride Ski do’s, and quads. She enjoyed dressing up and going to theatre productions at the Wharton Center, attending the grand kids, and great grandkids recitals and sporting events. She sewed beautifully and when her children were young she made beautiful clothes for special occasions, and later made Easter outfits for her grand kids. She enjoyed crafting, taking day trips, going to the movies, attending festivals, and spending Summers at Drummond Island with her family.

Elsie earnestly prayed over her children, her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and friends. Her biggest prayer was that all those she loved, and held dear would know Jesus Christ as their Savior, so that she would see them again someday.

Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 3:00 pm on Sunday, December 28th with visitation from 2:00 pm until the time of service. A dinner will be served at Towar Hart Baptist Church - 6157 Towar Avenue, East Lansing, MI following the service.

Jason Hedrick, Douglas Watson,Dustin Criss,Roger Wood,Mando Villarreal, and Chris Brown will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial donations can be made to:

Towar Hart Baptist Church | 6157 Towar Avenue | East Lansing MI 48823

Or Gideons International – for the purchase of Bibles