Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation

Jowett Family Funeral Home and Cremation Serving all of Benzie County since 2004, located in Benzonia. Specializing in Cremation and Burials. Specializing in Cremation and Burial Services.

As a family-owned funeral home, we serve every family as our own. Our arrangements and services revolve around providing the highest quality care at the most reasonable prices. Serving all of Benzie County for 10 years with locations in Frankfort and Benzonia.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved sister, Silvia Bolado, 73, on November 23rd, 2025. Bor...
11/30/2025

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved sister, Silvia Bolado, 73, on November 23rd, 2025. Born on December 19, 1951, in Brownsville TX., to Carlos and Amelia Bolado, Silvia lived a dynamic life, filled with God, love, family, friends, hopes, dreams, and miracles.

Silvia worked and retired from Mitchell Corp., volunteered at medical facilities and organized and raised thousands of dollars for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, BACN, and walk-a-thon Benzie Senior Resources, and many other charities and works
of the Lord.

Silvia was renowned for her ability to unite all people, and celebrated by all who knew her for her gifts to organize, inspire, and lead those around her with love and faith. Silvia was well known for her thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, big heart, and zest
for life. She enjoyed being around and talking with people no matter where she was.

She loved Elvis, walking, laughing, spending money on those she loved, (which was just about everyone), cooking, eating, collecting rocks/bottles, music, dancing, concerts, going to the casino, car rides, trips to Mackinaw, the color purple.
But most of all, Silvia loved God, the Republic of the United States, her family, and her friends.

She was dearly loved by her family and small community. She will be greatly missed by many.

Silvia is survived by her siblings Jose Miguel “Joe” (Ofelia) Bolado, Maria Aida “Mary” (Larry) Mortenson, Juanita “Janie” Nichols, Rosa Imelda Bomer Bolado, Rosa Linda (Juan) Mendez, Baltazar “Alex” Bolado, Manuela Guadalupe “Mellie” (Greg) Long,
Jessie George (Karen) Bolado, many nieces and nephews, and very close, dear friends Kathy Didier and Myrtle Moore. She is proceeded in death by her parents Carlos Lerma and Amelia Bolado, brother-in-law Art Nichols, niece Candi Nichols, and nephew Justin Bomer.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm with a visitation beginning at11:00 am at Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia MI.

Ruth Carolyn Lyon, a woman who was known as “Mom” to everyone she encountered, passed away peacefully on November 17th i...
11/30/2025

Ruth Carolyn Lyon, a woman who was known as “Mom” to everyone she encountered, passed away peacefully on November 17th in Richmond, California. Ruth was filled with love, laughter, and strength which she generously shared with everyone she knew. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, she leaves behind a legacy defined by her loving soul and remarkable will.
Ruth was well known for planning ahead and wanted this quote to be shared in her obituary:

In the end, the best we can hope for is that we’ve left our mark on the people who matter most to us, that we’ve loved them so well, a piece of us will forever remain a part of them. ― Jennifer Ryan

Life's Journey and Loves.
Ruth was born in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of the late Ernest Baynes Allen Sr. and Bonna Estell (Allinder) Allen. She was baptized at Mt. Olive Methodist Church in Marion, OH where she lived for most of her life. On January 9, 1976, she married Paul Lyon and was forevermore his “Ruthie”. They retired together to their beloved lakehouse in Honor, Michigan in 1989.
Ruth spent the final years of her life living in the San Francisco Bay Area to be closer to her son J.R., and family. Over the years she opened her heart to her children’s own friends, becoming known as “Mom” and “Momma Ruth” to many of them. She enjoyed spending time with friends, playing bridge, sharing margaritas, and caring for those that she loved. She remained well connected with family, friends, and all of her ‘kids’ far and near through Social Media.

A Life of Strength and Generosity.
Ruth will be remembered as a true survivor with a strong character and enormous heart. She endured the hardships of losing two children and a grandchild, and bravely battling and surviving two types of cancer. Even throughout these struggles, she remained positive and unfailingly giving to those around her. Even though she downplayed it when her friends told her she was strong, her strength, love, and resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Ruth was a member of numerous organizations for which she cared deeply, and served on the board of many of them. She was especially proud of her profound and meaningful work with Compassionate Friends, an organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families that have experienced the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling.
Ruth wrote the following two poems upon the passing of her grandchild, Jessica.

Organizational Memberships
Member, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church & Choir, Warden & Lay Reader, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Member, St. Luke’s Society
Recipient Citizen of the Year Award 2001 of Benzie Co.,MI Facilitator, Bereavement Support Group Facilitator, Children’s Grief Therapy Editor, Bereavement Support Newsletter Member, Transitions Task Force, Grand Traverse Region Member, Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Team Captain, United Way Past member and President, Marion County Medical Auxiliary Marion, Ohio Past member, Women’s Hospital Board Marion General Hospital, Marion, Ohio Past member, Marion Country Club Marion,Ohio

Family
Ruth was preceded in death by Husband - Paul Lyon, Daughter - Terri Huggins, Granddaughter - Jessica McCoy, Daughter - Lori Hoffman, Son-in-Law - Mike Hoffman, Daughter-in-law - Sandra Lyon, Brother - Ernie Allen, Sister - Lois Phelps,

She is survived by her loving family Son - J.R. Parish (Bill Delaney) - San Francisco, CA, Son - David Lyon - Conroe, TX, Son - Jon Lyon (Shelly) - Soddy Daisy, TN, Daughter - Barbara Postell (Mark) - Marion, OH, Daughter - Anne Lyon - Amelia, OH, Sister-in-law - Jean Lyon - Russell, KY, Niece - Carolyn Walters - Marion, OH, Niece - Jeannie Ahern (Jim) - Marion, OH, Grandkids - Brittany, Tiffany, Terri, Nora, Jodi, Broc, Lindsay, Sara, Joshua, Chad, Christopher, Lauren Great Grandkids - Brynnlee, Avery, Andrew, Carson, Hudson, Sophia, Hillary, Leah, Halee, Hannah, Keegan, Bryenna, Great Great Granddaughter - Freya
Many other Cousins, Great Nieces and Nephews. All of her dear friends at Truewood, and every place she's ever lived. Her friends were her family.

Funeral Services and Interment
A memorial service to celebrate Ruth's life will be held in the Bay Area at [TO BE CONFIRMED].
A second ceremony and burial will take place in Ohio at a date in the near future. Ruth will be laid to rest with family at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Marion.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Compassionate Friends - a self-help organization offering friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved families.
Turning Point - Marion, Ohio - which serves domestic violence victims and their families.
Muttville - which provides rescue, foster, adoption, and hospice services for senior dogs aged seven and older.

Lynda J McDonald of Kaleva passed away November 23, 2025, at the age of 60.She was preceded in death by her parents Elay...
11/28/2025

Lynda J McDonald of Kaleva passed away November 23, 2025, at the age of 60.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elayne and Eldon McDonald as well as her brother Bob McDonald.

She is survived by sons Roary (Meredith Brookshear) McDonald, and David Bloore, daughters Randi (Chadd) Knapp, and Devin Mooney, grandchildren, Wyatt McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Peyton Knapp, Johnathan Knapp, Colton Knapp, Madison Fast, and Abel Spaulding, sister Karrin (Brian) Veenstra, sister in law Colleen McDonald, nieces Vanessa Ihle, Alison Bird, Daniela Hoggard, Caitlyn Melnyk, and Kelly McDonald, and nephew Josh McDonald.

Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia. www jowettfamilyfuneralhome.com

Silvia Bolado passed away November 23, 2025 at the age of 73. Full Obituary to follow. A service will be held on Thursda...
11/28/2025

Silvia Bolado passed away November 23, 2025 at the age of 73. Full Obituary to follow. A service will be held on Thursday December 4th at 1:00 pm at Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia. A visitation will start at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Benzonia Township Cemetery.

Ned Coleman Vogt, of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November, 21, 2025, at the age of 68. Ned was born i...
11/28/2025

Ned Coleman Vogt, of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November, 21, 2025, at the age of 68. Ned was born in Hollywood, Florida to Neil and Suzanne (Ross) Vogt, on September 10, 1957.

Ned spent his childhood in Ann Arbor, where he graduated from Pioneer High School (class of '75). He enjoyed many summers on Crystal Lake in Frankfort, MI.

After a year at Washtenaw Community College, Ned moved "up north" to Traverse City to attend Northwestern Michigan College and Ferris State University. While at NMC, Ned was enrolled in the Aviation program and then received his Business Administration degree from Ferris State University. Ned became a Certified Flight Instructor for NMC where he enjoyed teaching other students the love of flying

He loved working on cars, flying his own plane, sailing, waterskiing, and snow skiing. Skilled in carpentry, he helped build many homes around Frankfort. Known for his free spirit and great sense of humor, Ned always greeted passersby with a warm smile and a friendly hello.

Ned is survived by his sisters Laurie Harris and Martha (John) Papineau, nephew Neil Harris, nieces Alison Harris, Jeana (Mike) Kramer and Morgan Papineau, and many great friends.

Ned was predeceased by his grandparents, parents Neil Vogt and Suzanne Vogt Reising and brother-in-law Bill Harris.

Ned's family would like to thank his caregivers for the wonderful care they gave him, as well as his many friends who called or visited in his final days.

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place in the spring. Memorial donations may be made in honor of Ned's passion for aviation to the NMC Flight Department, where a scholarship will be created to support future pilots in his memory. nmc.edu/give -Gift designation "Ned Vogt Memorial Scholarship"

Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

Yvonne Noel (Houlne’) Polise, age 80, of Sarasota, Florida, and Beulah, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 18,...
11/25/2025

Yvonne Noel (Houlne’) Polise, age 80, of Sarasota, Florida, and Beulah, Michigan, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following an unexpected illness. Her daughter and close friends were lovingly by her side.

Born on Christmas Day, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Yvonne was adopted by Francis and Lois (Lamoreaux) Houlne’ and raised in Aurora, Illinois. She graduated from Madonna High School, then attended St. Louis University for two years where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority. She graduated from Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois in 1967 and worked in the Department of Obstetric Nursing. It was during nursing school that a fellow classmate introduced her to a handsome pilot, Jim Polise. The two married on July 15, 1967, in Aurora and began a beautiful life together—a nearly 57 year partnership that lasted until Jim’s passing in June 2024.

Yvonne and Jim first made their home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before settling in Warsaw, Indiana, where they raised their three daughters and built lifelong friendships. Yvonne worked for many years as the Admissions Director at Miller’s Merry Manor. After 21 years in Warsaw, a new chapter took them to Portland, Maine, where Yvonne found the joy of retail working at her beloved Hallmark store—a place Jim jokingly said she spent all her paychecks. They eventually returned to Warsaw in 1999, where Yvonne, true to form, found yet another Hallmark store to call home.

In retirement, Jim and Yvonne split their time between Greenfield, Indiana, and Sarasota, Florida as well as touring the country in their RV. They purchased a home in 2017 on Crystal Lake in Beulah, Michigan where they spent their summers. They continued wintering on Lake Ibis in Sarasota, where they embraced the communities at Sun Outdoors and Church of St. Patrick Catholic Church and enjoyed the Florida sunshine.

Yvonne gave generously of her time and spirit. She was a proud team member of the IU Health Miles for Myeloma ride and an Auxiliary Member of the Sun Outdoors Resort Honor Guard. Her
hobbies included recreating cherished family photos with Diamond Dotz, playing the dulcimer with the Sun Outdoors Musical Group, working on crosswords, knitting blankets and doing cross-stitch, reading, and taking part in spirited card games with friends. She loved theater outings, family gatherings, and evenings filled with laughter on Kentucky Avenue.

Yvonne is survived by her three daughters, Connie (Mike) Mills, Deb Polise (husband Kevin Jowitt), and Vickie (John) Slater; her grandsons Mitchell Mills, Chandler Mills, and Jack Slater; and her brother Joe Houlne’.

Whether caring for others as a nurse, laughing with friends, or fiercely competing at the card table, Yvonne approached life with sincerity and quiet strength. With Jim often traveling during his 45 years as a corporate pilot, she wholeheartedly carried the home front, making sure her girls were involved in everything they loved and guiding them into the strong, independent women she was so proud of.

Though her family will miss her beyond measure, they take comfort in knowing that Yvonne is now reunited in heaven with her beloved “Jimmy.”

A private burial will take place on November 28, 2025, in Frankfort, Michigan. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.

The family invites those wishing to remember Yvonne to consider a memorial contribution to Dogs Inc. In a touching continuation of the Polise family’s legacy, Dogs Inc. has trained a service dog named Jim in memory of Yvonne’s late husband. Jim just graduated and was placed with his guardian, Linda, on November 13th. Linda stated at the graduation ceremony that she especially loves that Jim has a silly personality but is always ready to work. For those that knew Jim Polise, these characteristics describe him perfectly! If you would like to make a donation, please go online to dogsinc.org.

Mary Margaret Johnson, 79, of Benzonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Orchard Hou...
11/25/2025

Mary Margaret Johnson, 79, of Benzonia, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Orchard House in Frankfort, Michigan, with her family by her side. Born in Big Rapids, Michigan, on April 16, 1946, she was the youngest daughter of Amy Opper and William and Carolyn Opper.

Mary earned her degree in Social Sciences from the University of Michigan–Flint. She spent over 26 years employed by the State of Michigan at the Benzie County Department of Social Services as a Social Worker for most of her career. Known for her unwavering compassion and commitment, Mary touched countless lives through her work and her generosity. Her desire to help others began at a young age—at the age of 4, she famously painted her Aunt Evelyn’s new beige car, bright red after she found out that her aunt couldn’t find a red one to buy. Helping people was simply who she was.

Mary cherished her family above all. She loved her children and their families unconditionally and especially enjoyed traveling to wherever their sporting events took her. She earned the nickname “Grandma Game” for her constant presence and unwavering support at games, concerts, and theater productions. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader, on and off the court.
Her generosity of spirit extended beyond her family. Mary gave countless hours of service to her community, volunteering with the Benzie Teen Parent Program, the Benzie Athletic Booster Club, the Benzie Historical Museum, and the Point Betsie Lighthouse. She also cherished simple family routines, such as, on Saturdays, as a busy working single mom, taking her sons to their bowling leagues in Traverse City, her daughter to gymnastics, grabbing lunch together and then dropping all three of them off to go roller skating, while she went grocery shopping. Memories we will cherish forever.

Mary is survived by her children, Rachelle (Tom) Stapleton, Matt (Julie) Johnson, and Brad (Patty) Johnson; and by her grandchildren, Jeremy (Caitlin), Connor (Christy), Tessa, and Leah Stapleton; Elise, Kara, and Mitchell Johnson; Jared (Morgan) Johnson, Trevor, Austin, and Kyle Johnson. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren, Oakley, Ian, Aubrey, Madeline, and Jada; her sister, Kathy (David) Brown; many nieces and nephews and former husband, Charles (Janine) Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Karl Opper, William “Bud” Opper, and Elizabeth “Beth” LaCombe; and her nephew Robert Martin and niece Martha Opper.

A celebration of Mary’s life is being planned for the summer of 2026, and details will be shared with family and friends at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone at Colby’s Orchard House and Bayside Wellness for the love and care she received.
Mary will be remembered for her generosity, her loyalty and devotion to others, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her.

Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

Toni Lea Markey, 74, passed away peacefully at Munson Hospital on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after a long and complic...
11/25/2025

Toni Lea Markey, 74, passed away peacefully at Munson Hospital on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after a long and complicated battle with multiple medical issues. Her family was by her side.

Toni was born on August 14, 1951, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the daughter of Robert Weber and Norma Weber. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1969 and began her career in the pest control industry in 1977. Starting in office work, Toni worked her way up through a variety of roles and eventually became a successful pest control franchise owner in both Michigan and Alabama. After retiring, she returned home to Michigan, where she cherished her time with her grandson Brixton, who brought immense joy, purpose, and light to her life.

Toni was a devoted Michigan State Spartans fan. She loved gardening, exploring the Upper Peninsula, and reading through cookbooks—especially those featuring recipes with lemons, one of her favorite flavors.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Markey; her son, Jason Nickol; daughter-in-law, Julie Nickol; and her beloved grandson, Brixton Nickol. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Weber; sister-in-law, Debbie Weber; brother, Tim Weber; sister-in-law, LuAnn Weber; Scott Weber; sister-in-law, Kelly Weber; and Don DiVanni.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma DiVanni; father, Robert Weber; sister, Gail Weber; and brothers, Patrick Weber and Harry Weber.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 13th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Garden Theater, located in Frankfort, Michigan. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor Toni’s life.

In honor of Toni’s love for animals and children, the family asks that memorial donations be made to your favorite animal charity or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

Dianne M. Burnett was born on October 7, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, to Donald and Anne Bucher. She passed away peacef...
11/22/2025

Dianne M. Burnett was born on October 7, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, to Donald and Anne Bucher. She passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at home under the compassionate care of hospice, just as she wished.

Throughout her life, Dianne lived in Indiana, Minnesota, and Michigan—each place holding its own special meaning and shaping the woman she became.

Dianne was often described as an “old soul.” She was creative, artistic, and deeply compassionate. She found joy in cooking and caring for others, tending her gardens, and surrounding herself with animals and the quiet beauty of nature.

If you were to ask Dianne, she would say her greatest gifts in life were being a mother and a nana.

She is survived by her children, Sarah (Jason), Emily (Paul), and Jacob (Danielle); and her beloved grandchildren, Aaron, Maci, Hannah, Isaac, Justin, Paul, and Molly.

To honor Dianne’s memory, step outside, walk along the beach, and pick up a piece of driftwood or a small stone that catches your eye—just as she often did.

A private celebration will be held next summer.
jowettfamilyfuneralhome.com

Karen Sue (Keillor) Johnson passed away November 4, 2025 at the age of 76. She was born July 28th,1949 to Malcolm & Bert...
11/20/2025

Karen Sue (Keillor) Johnson passed away November 4, 2025 at the age of 76. She was born July 28th,1949 to Malcolm & Bertha Keillor. She later married Randall Johnson on August 8th,1967.

Karen was known for being an amazing cook, baker and a fantastic mushroom hunter. But above all else her favorite things in the world were being a wife, mother, grandmother and, most of all, a Gigi.

Karen is survived by son Jeff (Jenny) Johnson, daughter Kimberly (Kelly) Sanchez, sister Bonnie Ness, sister-In-Law Adell Porter, grandchildren: Tyler (Tuesday) Schmidt, Cori (Katherine) Schmidt, Jonny Johnson, Julie Johnson, Kortlyn (Greg) Pries, Dallas Pries, great grandchildren: Celeste Schmidt, Cassius Schmidt & Matthew Kolenbrander, with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband Randy, brother Walter Keillor, granddaughter Destiny Schmidt, son-in-law Joseph Schmidt.

A service will be held on Saturday December 6th at 2:00pm at Eden Bible Church with Dan Ingersoll officiating, visitation will be from 1:00pm-2:00pm prior to the service

Contributions can be made to Gift of Life @ Donate Life America, Michigan Special Olympics Area 36
Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia

James Elroy "Jim" Gilbert, 94, passed away Saturday November 15th at his home in Elberta. Born in Arcadia in 1931, he ma...
11/17/2025

James Elroy "Jim" Gilbert, 94, passed away Saturday November 15th at his home in Elberta. Born in Arcadia in 1931, he married Joan Fitzhugh in 1949 and moved to Elberta. After their marriage, he went to work for Smeltzers. He worked five years as a planer at the Pontiac Mill in Frankfort, primarily recruited to play on the company baseball team. Jim began a long career
with the Ann Arbor Railroad, starting as a coal dock worker, working in the rip track, and retiring as foreman of the railroad yard and marina when the railroad left Elberta. In his retirement he became Doug Carter’s Mr. Fix It at Chestnut Hills Golf Course.

Jim served his community in many ways: on the Elberta Village Council, as the Mayor of Elberta, President of the Elberta Public Schools, and the wastewater treatment plant operator; he also helped coordinate the merger between Frankfort and Elberta school districts in the 1960s. Additionally, he served on the Pine Island Cove community council when he and Joan wintered in Florida.

Most importantly he loved his family. Jim is survived by his son, Roger (Sarah) Gilbert; his daughter Marilyn (Fred) Schmitt, his five grandchildren: Jim Gilbert, Elizabeth Weldon, Dan Schmitt, Angie Schmitt and Brian Schmitt, and his seven great grandchildren: Wyatt Card, Colton Card, Gabriel Gilbert, Alexis Gilbert, Allison Gilbert, Peyton Schmitt and Lily Schmitt. He
is also survived by his brother Carroll Gilbert, his sisters Betty (Ken) Fitzhugh and Joyce (Ed) Howard as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

For over 20 years, Jim loved playing independent league baseball with teams from both Arcadia and Frankfort. One of the teams in Arcadia was almost completely made up of Gilbert family members. He was also a lifelong and loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers and loved to tell stories of trips to the old Tigers stadium at Michigan and Trumbull.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan, his brothers Fay, Gerald, Verle, and Phillip and his parents Alice and Floyd Gilbert as well as his in-laws Orlo and Goldie Fitzhugh.

A visitation will take place Saturday November 22 from 2-4 pm at the Jowett Funeral Home in Benzonia with a memorial service planned for the early summer. Memorials may be made to the Elberta Heritage Center, PO Box 574, Elberta MI 49628. Please put “Building Campaign” in the memo line. Checks can be made out to the Elberta Labor Heritage Center. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

Randy Lee Monroe passed away October 31, 2025 at the age of 68.To know Randy (dad) is to know love.He loved his family w...
11/17/2025

Randy Lee Monroe passed away October 31, 2025 at the age of 68.

To know Randy (dad) is to know love.

He loved his family with all his heart. This man had a spirit within him that would never give up! He was Santa Claus every day to all those nearby. Often Randy would hear someone say they wanted something and the next time you saw him he had exactly what you wanted (and some things you didn’t like a trick golf ball). My dad was the most laid-back man, someone that I would describe as the most thoughtful, most generous, most loving, gentle giant. He would always have a smile and crack a joke that would leave me smiling. A warrior. He fought every day to provide, protect, and care for my mama bringing her a smile and a giggle with every ounce of energy he had. He loved his dogs as if they were his children, spoiling them rotten as much as he spoiled us with his presence. He loved to go on road trips with my mom, dance, golf, bowl, fish, and coach. Always a sports fan with a positive attitude, cheering on his teams and loved ones even when they were down.

At 18 years old, my father was married and raising 2 babies. Beginning working at Pet milk in 1977 as a general laborer, he worked his way up to being a head cook as well as being a Pinkerton guard until 1991. He then joined Alcotec and continued to dedicate himself to a hard work ethic both working and managing through to his retirement 30 years later. The next 4 years we were all on borrowed time as my dad had less than a 50% working heart. He became my mama’s full-time caregiver and protector in the years that followed. Thankful we all were for the miracles that kept him here and gave us each more moments.

As a father and a grandfather, he was simply the best. He coached my brother and I in baseball and taught us all there was to know about how to play ball. He was an avid softball player, golfer, and bowler in his adult years. One of my best memories is going to the Frontenac and watching my dad bowl. I thought he was a professional. Later in life he would continue to coach sports to his grandchildren, leading them to both success and memories that will always be cherished. Many loving moments of bowling with Tyler and most recently competing in a golf league with Cole. Grandma and Grandpa‘s house was the place to be any weekend as the grandchildren were spoiled and loved endlessly. The grandbabies were the absolute highlight of their life. As a brother and a husband, they would say that my Randy was everything to them. He will be missed endlessly.

Randy is survived by the love of his life. Mary Kathleen Monroe. Daughter, Heather. Grandchildren, Tyler, Cole, Drew, Keegan, Autumn, and Summer. Brothers Terry Monroe and Eric Rice, Dennis Wolfgang. Sister Gail and Craig stoops. Sister-in-law, Debbie Spafford, Jeanne Wolfgang. Long time friend Ed, and many others. Preceded in death by his mom Olive Lucille Rice, his dad, Robert Monroe and his beloved son Randall Stewart Monroe. Close family and friends that adored him that have passed…Onalee Wolfgang. Walt and Joe Stratton. Friends – Doug, Glenda, Norm McCall, Gordy, and Mabel.
A service will be held Sunday November 23rd at 2:00 pm with a visitation at 1:00 pm at Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.

Address

7223 South Street
Benzonia, MI
49616

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