Willow June Stover's Obituary
Willow June Stover, age 94, of Coral, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with her daughter by her side. Willow was born on April 12, 1930, in Flushing, Michigan, to Howard and Thelma (Sawtell) Neville. She grew up in Flushing and graduated from Flushing High School in 1948. During her senior class trip, she met Lyle D. Stover, who would become her best friend and the love of her life. The couple married on May 20, 1950, in Flushing and settled in Lansing. In the early years of their marriage, Willow embraced her role as a homemaker, devoted wife, and supportive mother. Later, the family moved to a small hobby farm in Potterville, where Willow transitioned into the role of a farm wife. Together, she and Lyle worked tirelessly to expand the hobby farm into a thriving 2000-acre cash crop operation.In the early 1990s, Willow and Lyle retired to the cottage they had built on Cowden Lake. There, they created a welcoming space, hosting weekly breakfasts for neighbors and forming lasting friendships. They also spent winters in Florida, where they enjoyed life on the waterfront.Willow was known for her ability to connect with anyone, whether it was her neighbors, friends, or strangers she met on her travels. She deeply cherished her grandchildren and created countless fond memories with them. An active member of Cowden Lake Christian Church, Willow was loved for her kindness, generosity, and feisty spirit. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a true partner to Lyle throughout their life together.
Willow is survived by her daughter, Dana (Dan) Fruchey of Sheridan; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Stover of Potterville; her grandchildren: Matthew (Tracy) Trumble, Andraya (Andrew) Wells, Sarah (Josh) Kalil, Rachel (Alex) Marks, Jon (Melissa) Hayes, Mike Hayes, Eddie Hayes, Benjamin (Carrie) Fruchey, Matthew (Kerri) Fruchey, and Kathryn (Michael Carreira) Fruchey; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her neighbors, friends, and church family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lyle; her son, Chris Stover; her parents, Howard and Thelma Neville; and her brother, Donovan Neville.
A celebration of Willow's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Cowden Lake Christian Church, with Pastor Julie Drews officiating. The family will greet friends starting at 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In honor of Willow's vibrant spirit, the family invites everyone to wear brightly colored and casual attire to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cowden Lake Christian Church. Condolences may be shared online through the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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