Thea Lapham

A vivacious and vibrant writer herself, Thea Lapham leaves behind a priceless account of her life that is only fitting to weave throughout the story of her life, creating a tapestry as exquisite and colorful as the woman who so many people adored. Thea often described herself as a “professional tattletale” as she had a unique way of getting people to open up to her and share their stories. Thea’s highly successful career and endless list of accomplishments are merely a reflection of the writer herself, and the tender heart that lie at the root of every word her pen detailed. It is not only her words that will be so fondly cherished, but her kind heart, generous spirit, and compassionate touch that reached so many.

The 1950s were a colorful time in American history as we had just begun our recovery from WWII, when suddenly the Korean Conflict developed. As the decade passed, literature reflected the conflict and insecurities that so many Americans felt nationwide. Books such as The Power of Positive Thinking and Life is Worth Living indicated the power of the individual to control his or her fate. It was also during this decade that Jim and Alice Prater welcomed their daughter, Thea, on March 28, 1956. It was often said that Thea was the spitting image of her father, and from a very young age, she treasured her mother deeply.

Raised as one of three children in the Prater family, Thea enjoyed a delightful childhood in which she spent countless hours with her mother whether they were playing Barbie Dolls, playing games, painting, or reading books. Thea also enjoyed time spent playing cards with her maternal grandparents, and spending summers in Nashville, Tennessee. Even during her childhood Thea enjoyed diverse interests including playing the guitar, going for walks in the woods with God, being the social butterfly of the neighborhood, and even the occasional misdeed.

Family was always of the utmost importance to Thea, and she enjoyed close relationships with so many members of her family all throughout her lifetime. She loved growing up with two brothers, and she also developed a special relationship with her aunt, Miss Pauline whom she visited in Nashville.

Thea attended local schools and while she was in the seventh grade, she met a young man two years her senior who, unbeknownst to her at the time, truly held the key to her heart. His name was Dean Lapham and although the couple began a dating relationship, Thea shamelessly broke up with him just two weeks later! Their paths would indeed cross again, but that would be down the road just a bit.

After graduating from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1974, Thea headed out into the workforce and began working at Gilmore’s Department Store. It would be her job here that set the stage for her to get reacquainted with young Dean in 1975. To their surprise, they discovered that they were completely compatible and complimented each other perfectly – what one lacked the other had. They were united in marriage on August 27, 1977, marking a new chapter in a love story that was laced with passion and mutual respect for one another. They hardly ever fought because being so like-minded, it would have been like fighting with oneself. In fact, Thea said of their relationship, “We are truly one person.” Together Thea and Dean enjoyed going to the flea markets and antiquing, or visiting the beach where they loved collecting shells while planning a home that reflected a passion for the Bahamas and all things natural.

When it came to her career, Thea was a self-described late bloomer who began writing for Western Michigan University’s “Western Herald” at the age of 29. Thea was always “on deadline” and often joked that she wanted to die with a pen in one hand and a notepad in the other. What made Thea such a remarkable writer was her endless fascination with why people did what they did and a passion for what was behind the scenes. The stories Thea penned often amazed the subject themselves as much as they did her readers. She went on to write and publish Fear No Flame, the history of firefighting from 1900 to 1920, along with over 5,000 newspaper, and both national and international magazine articles. Thea also worked with Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Great Britain; Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi; renowned attorney Sarah Weddington; and beloved trumpeter Al Hirt – just to name a few.

As successful as her writing career was, of even greater significance is the woman that Thea was each and every day. If someone needed a place to stay, she always made room for them in her own home. If someone was down on their luck and needed money, or perhaps a few groceries to fill their cupboards, she could always be counted on to help. Thea’s generosity of spirit and general thoughtfulness were two of the many things that continually set her apart from the crowd. She was enthusiastic, diligent, and in constant pursuit of the truth. Thea was a devoted and loyal friend with an insatiable sense of humor that left her always looking for the funny side of life.

The only regret Thea had as a writer was that she wouldn’t be able to write about the last and most glorious of all her journeys, the one to heaven. Although Thea’s loved ones say goodbye for now, her legacy is contained in her words including both her body of works and the memories of those who loved her - both of which will be forever cherished.

Thea Lapham died on August 30, 2009. Thea’s family includes her husband and soul mate, Dean Lapham; her father, Jim Prater, of whom she was the “spitting image;” her mother, Alice Prater; brother, Robert (Karen) Prater and his children: Abbey, Joe and Will; brother, David (Rachel) Prater and his children: Arianna and Alexander; in-laws: Harriet “Kelly” and John Grace; sister-in-law, Dale Ann (Steve) Erdman Badger; nephews: Adam and Chad Erdman; Dean’s grandmother, Mary Walter; and sister-in-law, Diane Lapham. Preceding her in death were her maternal grandparents, Alma and Robert Rozetta; paternal grandparents, William (Bowen) and Rachel (Maudy) Prater; and Dean’s Aunt and Uncle, Barb and Ward Walter. She also leaves behind a number of friends, including: Paula F. Casey of Memphis, Cindy Schrauben Issacs, Beth Johnson, Julie Cook, Don and Bonnie Wallace, and Lauran Cool. Visit with Thea’s family and friends while sharing light refreshments on Wednesday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes – Kalamazoo, MI. Services will be held Thursday 11:00 a.m. at the Richland Bible Church. Following the service, food and fellowship will be shared in the church hall. Cremation will take place after the funeral and her remains will be scattered in Nashville, TN. In lieu of flowers, Thea requests you purchase smoke detectors and batteries for distribution by your local Fire Dept. or Social Service Agency, donate to area food pantries (there will be a barrel at the funeral home collecting for the food bank at Richland Bible Church), and “random acts of kindness.” Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign her guest book before coming to the funeral home.