Josephine Anne Davis' Obituary
Josephine Anne Davis, age 88, of Big Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Corewell Health Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids.
She was born July 3, 1936, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Butler) Ottobre. Her family later relocated to Big Rapids, where she graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1955. A year later, on June 9, 1956, she married Martin E. Davis, Sr. Together they built a life on the Davis family farm, raising seven children and nurturing a legacy of love, resilience, and laughter.
Josephine had a quiet strength and a curious spirit. She found joy in simple pleasures—her vibrant flower gardens, rock collecting, especially pudding stones and round rocks, she could spend hours sorting through dirt piles in search of hidden gems, often driving Mart nuts trying to use the dirt for a project. She enjoyed crocheting, and her dollhouse, which Mart spent hours carefully customizing to her vision.
A homebody in her later years, Josephine cherished the comfort of her space. She loved clipping and collecting recipes—more for the joy of having them than using them—and spent countless hours birdwatching from her window, with a special fondness for hummingbirds. While she preferred quiet moments to social outings, her home was always open to family. Halloween visits from grandchildren were a favorite tradition, and no one left without a photo by the fridge.
Josephine has boxes of memories, including pictures of kids, cards, critters, and mementos. If you sent her a card or pictures you can be sure that it's somewhere filed in the archives with everything else. Nothing was too small to be saved and remembered. Her warmth, humor, and gentle nature will be missed dearly by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters Mary Myers and Lisa Davis of Big Rapids; her son Raymond “John” Davis (Jen) of Weidman; 31 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren; her brothers Paul, Patrick, Jim, and Don Ottobre; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband Martin E. Davis, Sr.; her children Martin E. Davis, Jr., James V. Davis, Kristina Davis, and Margret "Peggy" Davis; her son-in-law Fred Myers; and her sister Patsy Ottobre.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Father Jegar Fickel as celebrant. The family will greet friends at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Josephine’s name may be made to St. Mary Catholic School. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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