You will be forever missed. You will be in our hearts always. You were the friend everyone wishes they had.

Steve,

Condolences from your Brothers and Sisters at UAW local 602. We will be sending our prayers, love and thoughts to you and your family. 

In Solidarity from your 602 family.

Steve,

 Linda and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and all of your family.

Billy and Linda Faust

I met Nola when I was working for Okemos Schools over 20 years ago. In the time that I knew her, I witnessed the talent she had for bringing people together. She knew how to help people form and maintain connections in a way that looked easy. To be around her was to feel accepted, connected, valued, understood, and entertained. Having a friend in her meant having a person to talk to who knew what it was like to face hardship, but whose resilience and compassion made hardship easier to face. Her sense of humor was unmatched and her sense of community unquestionable. She laughed freely and loved fiercely. She was smart, creative, even tempered, and ever kind. 

You will be missed, dear friend, but I know you’re safe in our Father’s arms. 

Love,

Linda Cooper 

I wrote Apple Blossoms because it was the only way I could put into words the deep sense of loss I felt when I heard about Nola’s passing. The apple blossoms were in full bloom that day, and they immediately made me think of her—of where she lived, just past the apple trees on the hill.

Nola had a gift for storytelling. She could spin a tale so well that you’d be hanging onto every word, caught between laughter and amazement. Her stories made moments feel bigger, more alive, more unforgettable. She was inspirational to me in this way, she taught me to dream and think big - she often took me to the movies as a child, where first began dreaming about making movies. She had this way of turning even the simplest experiences into something magical.

But more than anything, Nola loved people. She loved her family, loved a good joke, loved the kind of laughter that echoes long after the moment has passed. Losing her feels like losing a part of home.

The song Apple Blossoms isn’t necessarily about hope—it’s about the void, the space left when someone who shaped your world is suddenly gone. But apple blossoms themselves symbolize hope and renewal, the start of something new. That contrast stuck with me.

I like to think that Nola is on a journey—going somewhere with new beginnings, just a little ahead of us all, but still connected. She was always looking beyond the horizon, scouting out the next adventure or traveling spontaneously. Hope, new beginnings; it feels like a transition as if she's closed the door to the Caddy and hit the pavement - she's a soul traveling on.

The world keeps moving, even when it feels like it shouldn’t. Not because we forget, but because the love, laughter, and stories and support from the people whose lives she touched will never fade.

Safe travels to you once again my dear friend, until I get to see you again!

We love the Tarrant family, and Nola was such an amazing joy to us all. Steve, we extend our heartfelt love, prayers, and deepest condolences. Melvin and Veronica Johnson and Family

 I am so sorry to hear of Nola's passing.  I haven't seen her for years but I have so many fond memories of her easy laughter, her faith, and her devotion to her kids and her husband.  I remember her advice to me when I was a young mom complaining about how hard it was to be a mom, and she said it is hard, but you just need to realize your life isn't your own anymore, and  just realize that being a mom is a life time job, and to just have fun with it.  She was right.   I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you Steve and Eric, Heather, Tom, and Matt. You are all in my prayers.  May God bless you all with the peace the passes understanding as you grieve the loss of Nola.