Emmalee Street

Emmalee Street, born August 4, 1927, at the Clawson Family Farm in Ithaca, Michigan, peacefully passed away January 14, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Traverse City, Michigan. She was 97 years old. Emmalee’s unique name came about when the attending doctor combined “Emma” and “Lee,” creating the beloved name she carried throughout her life. She was married to the love of her life, Orlin Lawrence "Larry" Street, and together they raised five children while moving to various police posts across Michigan as Larry served in the Michigan State Police. She was the proud matriarch of a growing family, including her children: Larry Street (Nancy), Mike Street (Mary Jo), Shirley Menhennick (Dennis), David Street (Donna), and Nancy Street. She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. After Larry retired from the Michigan State Police, he and Emmalee pursued their shared passion for raising, training, and racing Standardbred trotters. For 25 years, they wintered in Hawkinsville, Georgia, where they trained their racehorses. Their dedication and skill produced one Michigan 3-year-old trotting state champion (KZ Sherry), two 4-year-old trotting champions (Spring Fancy & TC Express), and numerous futurity, Breeders Crown, and stakes winners. At one time, their horses held an impressive 13 track records across Michigan, a testament to their hard work and love for the sport. Emmalee was preceded in death by her husband, Orlin Lawrence Street; her parents, Clayton and Alta Clawson; her sister, Evelyn Gross; and her brother, Nyle Clawson. A devoted homemaker and hostess, Emmalee was known for her warm hospitality and exceptional cooking. Her apricot jam and chocolate peanut butter cookies were family favorites and symbols of the love she poured into every gathering. She also had a playful and youthful spirit, marked by her cherished tradition of making a snow angel at the first snow of every year, a gesture that embodied her joy for life. A gentle soul, Emmalee was averse to swearing, her trademark expression, “Ah, fooey!”. Her family fondly reflects, “A little bit of Emmalee lives in all of us,” a sentiment that speaks to the impact she had on those who knew her. Emmalee’s legacy of kindness, devotion, and family will forever be cherished by all whose lives she touched. Details of her memorial service and celebration of life will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers a contribution to Hospice of Northern Michigan, in Emmalee’s name, would be appreciated.

Emmalee Street

August 4, 1927 - January 14, 2025