Sarah May Gatehouse's Obituary
Sarah May Gatehouse, age 88, of Stanwood, Michigan, formerly of Blanchard, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with her loving family by her side.
Sarah was born on January 15, 1938, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ralph and Sarah Howell. She was a woman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures and whose greatest happiness came from the family she loved so dearly.
On March 3, 1956, Sarah married Kenneth Fey Gatehouse Sr., beginning a lifelong journey centered on faith, family, and devotion.
Sarah had a gift for nurturing beauty, especially through her flower gardens, which she lovingly tended throughout the years. Her favorite flowers were lilies and hydrangeas, and much like those blooms, Sarah brought beauty, strength, and grace to the lives of those around her. She enjoyed baking and took great pride in feeding her family and friends, always making sure the children in her life were spoiled with sweet treats and love.
Sarah also has a special love for birds and found great joy watching them from her home. She appreciated their beauty and the peaceful moments they brought to her days. She treasured the time spent with her brothers and sisters, sharing stories, laughter, and a lifetime of memories. Nothing brought Sarah greater happiness than holding each new grandbaby and great grandbaby as they entered her family. She treasured every opportunity to cuddle them, love them and watch them grow. Those precious moments spend rocking babies in her arms because not only cherished by her but for the family to see. A reflection of the deep love she carried for her family.
Music brought Sarah immense joy, especially the song “Baby Likes to Rock It.” She was known to pull her car over, jump out, and dance with her children and grandchildren whenever the opportunity arose. She loved to drive—and she loved to drive fast. She also enjoyed her time spent in Florida and treasured the memories made there.
As the matriarch of the Gatehouse family, Sarah was the heart and foundation of generations. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure. At every family gathering, Sarah could often be found quietly scanning the room, admiring the family she had built and the legacy of love she created. Sarah was funny, loving, generous, and always willing to help a family member in need and always had open arms for all whom entered her home.
Hunting season was a special time for Sarah. She looked forward to family members bringing home their harvests, and she delighted in preparing wonderful meals while listening to the many stories shared around her table. Those moments, filled with laughter, food, and family, became treasured memories for all who knew her.
Sarah is lovingly survived by her children, Brenda (Brian) Krum, Terry Gatehouse, and Ken Gatehouse Jr.; her sister, Jennie (Fred) Moody - Huey; her grandchildren, Tony (Jodi) Gatehouse, Nick (Sara) Schoner, Sarahmae Gatehouse, Jack (Joanna) Gatehouse, Jerimiah (Whitney) Gatehouse, Jenna Gatehouse, Dillon (Rachel) Gatehouse, Talia (Rudy) Boyne, Grace (RJ Bradshaw) Gatehouse, Shalyn (Trevor) Collins-Hayes, Kelli (Chris) Walton, Karie (BJ) Boyd; 23 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Fey Gatehouse Sr.; her second husband, William “Bill” Snider, Parents Ralph and Sarah Howell; her son, Jack Gatehouse Sr.; daughter-in-law, Sona Gatehouse; grandson, Joshua Gatehouse; brothers, Dan Howell, Harold Howell, and John Howell; and sisters, Mary Lazarus and Dottie Meyers.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to Corewell Health Hospice in recognition of the compassionate care provided to Sarah and her family.
Funeral services for Sarah will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Patti Hicks will officiate.
Sarah’s family wishes to thank all those who shared in her life and love. Her kindness, laughter, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home, Remus, Michigan.
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