Patricia Louise Michael's Obituary
Big Rapids - Patricia L. "Pat" Michael, 87, of Big Rapids, passed peacefully on Monday, October 17, 2022, at her residence.
She was born March 8, 1937, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Gilbert and Opal (Bell) Dibell, the oldest of their six children: Richard, Bob, Bonnie, Sandy, and Judy, and the last to pass away. Pat grew up with her siblings, mother and stepfather Doyle Voss in a house on Bronson Ave. in Big Rapids.
Throughout her life she worked as a cook and waitress at the Oasis restaurant in Big Rapids and then worked at the Pine Shop in Big Rapids. For many years, Pat worked cleaning several homes and babysitting in the Ashton, Reed City, and Big Rapids area. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and Her faith and her family were foremost in her life.
Through her first marriage to David "Dave" Slusher, they had a son Loren, and she became a stepmother to David Slusher, Jr. Dave's untimely death would precede her eventual marriage to William "Bill" Smith, who would adopt Loren as his own son. Bill and Pat then welcomed their daughter Laurie into their family. Her ultimate joy, following raising her children, was watching her grandkids grow. She would call these years "the happiest of her life" and document them well with many, many pictures, which became among her most prized possessions. Following Bill's death, Pat moved back to Big Rapids where she married Donald Ward, and they lived together in her childhood home until his death in 2010. Pat remained in the Big Rapids area and would eventually remarry for a fourth time to Harold "Harry" Michael, of Big Rapids.
Pat was a woman of strong Baptist faith, and was an active member of the Charity Baptist Church in Paris, where she volunteered many hours and was involved with the Mary- Martha Women's Group. She had a standing commitment to visiting the senior center every Friday and was a frequent patron at her favorite restaurant, Bob Evans. Pat will be remembered for her fondness of the holidays, snowmen, sending cards to loved ones, and a profound love of animals. Throughout the years she had pet dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and various kinds of birds and fish, and loved to watch her bird feeders.
Pat is survived by her husband Harry; her daughter Laurie Smith Agar; six grandchildren, Loren Jr., Jennifer, Lenore, Carolyn, Leah, and Rebecca; 13 great grandchildren; stepchildren, David Slusher Jr., Glen and Gary Ward, and Sally and Gail Michael; brother Mike Voss; and many nieces and nephews. Pat was also preceded in death by her son Loren Smith Sr. on October 6, 2022.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Charity Baptist Church in Paris, with Pastor Dave Westover officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashton Cemetery. Her family will greet friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Charity Baptist Church. Pat's family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring team at Spectrum Health Hospice. 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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