Lillian Mae "Lill" McMullen, longtime Big Rapids resident, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018. Born Easter Sunday, April 17, 1927, in Royal Oak, her mother told her she was their Easter Lilly.

Lillian was the second of five children. Her father, Floyd Hall, died when she was nine and her mother, Elizabeth Pollock Hall, died when Lill was twelve. The five children fortunately were raised within their family. Lill and her sister Dorothy (Markel) lived with their Grampa and Gramma Hall in Bad Axe. As soon as she was old enough, Lill got a job as a phone operator with Michigan Bell Telephone.

She married David Hoyle McMullen in Bad Axe. In 1957 the family moved to Big Rapids where she continued her career with the phone company; she worked mostly evenings as the group chief operator for many years. Lillians family referred to her as Ma-Bell. When she retired from the phone company in 1978, she became a licensed relator and sold houses for The Silvernail Agency until 1986.

In her retirement, she and Dave spent many winters in Orange Beach, Alabama. They were devoted to the activities of their kids and grandkids. Lillian was actively involved in The United Congregational Church in Big Rapids where she loved to sing in the choir. She was a member of quilt clubs, bridge clubs, and the Red Hat Society. Lillian enjoyed fishing and was up for just about any adventure that was offered to her. After Daves death, she shared a condo in Orange Beach with her dear friend, Ann Agnew of Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Lillian carried good will and optimism to all throughout her life.

Surviving are one brother, James Hall of Foley, Alabama; her four children, Doug (Theresa) of LeRoy, Ken (Carol) of Big Rapids, Steve (Nancy) of Plymouth, Indiana, and Linda (David) Swanson of Stanton; her grandchildren, Paul (Nuria), Phillip (Traci), and Sarah (Nino) Fogaroli, Rose, Tim, and Bill, Katie (Todd) Wolff and Ryan, Elizabeth Swanson, Jackie (C.J.) Lewis, and Christopher Swanson; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband David in 1993 and her grandson Jordan McMullen in 2003.

A memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2018 at the United Church in Big Rapids with Pastor J.T. Hills officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the Church. Lillian will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to The United Church of Big Rapids.

The family would like to extend deep gratitude to Royal View Assisted Living Memory Care in Mecosta for their loving care and comfort since 2013.

Memorial care will be trusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Service Thursday, August 23, 2018 11:00 AM United Church of Big Rapids 120 South State Street Big Rapids,MI 49307