Esther Yvonne Routley's Obituary
Big Rapids - Esther Yvonne "Vonnie" Routley, 82, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, March 16, 2020, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.
Vonnie was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Flag Day, June 14, 1937 to Carroll Andrew Eckman and Norma Naomi Newberry. She grew up in Lowell, Michigan and graduated from Lowell High School in 1955. Following graduation, Vonnie moved to the Big Rapids area, and worked as a secretary for Attorneys William McElwain and William Harper. She married James D. Routley on November 17, 1957 and they raised their four daughters in Big Rapids.
While her most beloved job was that of a mother, she also handled the bookkeeping for the family business. Later in life, she worked for Dr. David Routley, Chiropractor, and at Walmart.
In her free time, Vonnie volunteered at the First Baptist Church as a librarian, worked in the Gift Shop at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital, and occasionally helped at the Third Avenue Church community lunch program. She loved to crochet, was an avid reader, and a genius at crossword puzzles.
Vonnie is survived by her four daughters: Kathy (Jac) Simon, Karen Thompson, Karol (Bill) Frye and Kelly (Mike) Marek. She is also survived by brothers Carroll (Joyce) Eckman and Allan Eckman; brothers and sisters-in-law: Marilyn Routley, Bess Schultz, Bill (Sharon) Routley, Robert (Diana) Routley, Larry (Nita) Routley, Lorrie Routley, Jayne (John) Spedowski; and many nieces and nephews. Vonnie was blessed with nine grandchildren: Jaclyn, Jay, Kristen, Kaitlyn, Jessica, Ryan, Jacob, Justin and Erin, and four great granddaughters, Faith, Elizabeth, Mackynlee and Eden. She was so proud to see her grandchildren become adults.
Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents, stepmother Meredith (Schmidt) Eckman, her former husband James Routley, brother Dale Eckman, brothers- and sisters-in-law, David Routley, Jr., Robert Drews, Mary Belle Drews, Ronald Schultz, Gary Routley, Bobbie Ann Routley and Michael Routley; special Aunt Edna Wachter and Uncle Jay Morse, and beloved cousins Jim and Anna Pearl Westover.
Memorials contributions in her name may be made to the Spectrum Health Hospital Auxiliary. We praise God for the life of Yvonne Routley.
Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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