Anne C. Sayles 's Obituary
Anne C. Sayles, age 80, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 after “one of her best rounds of golf” with her dear friends. She was born on September 25, 1938 to Alvin and Bernice (Price) Martin in Muskegon. Anne graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1956 and on May 25, 1957 Anne was united in marriage to Burwell E. (Bud) Sayles. Together they raised 5 children and enjoyed 55 years of marriage until Bud’s passing on January 28, 2013. Anne was a loving daughter, caring sister, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always enjoyed hosting family gatherings which naturally included extended family. Anne’s greatest enjoyment came from watching her grandchildren at their sporting events. She was their biggest cheerleader! Anne always said kids and grandkids were #1 to her, joking that Bud was “at the bottom of the totem pole,” a place he happily agreed to, knowing full well her heart had room enough for everyone. On September 15, 2018, Anne became a great-grandma when Ollie was born. She was thrilled to be a “GG” and was looking forward to watching him grow up. Anne was a stay-at-home mom until 1970 when she went to work for Meijer. She stayed with Meijer for 38 years until retiring as the Receiving Manager of the North Muskegon store. During retirement, Anne and Bud would spend the winter months in Florida where they made many great friends. Anne also loved to trout fish on the Cedar Creek and Freeman Creek in Hesperia and Bitely; a talent inherited from her father! Anne never complained when confronted with any adversity that life threw her way; a trait she instilled in her children. When Dad became ill, she stuck by him “for better or worse,” sleeping by his bedside for weeks until doctors told her things would be alright and then caring for him for the remainder of his life. Anne was a “no nonsense” type of person who naturally commanded respect, admiration and love. She put up with zero BS, had a zest for life, was all things family and loved us all dearly. Our Mom is ultimately the reason that all of us are the way we are and we are profoundly better for it. She will continue to forever be the driving force behind our every move, holding us accountable every step of the way. She will always have a place in our hearts and minds, every day of our life. Anne is survived by her children, Carol (John) Schumacher, Doug (Sherri) Sayles, Eric (Kim) Sayles, Patti (John) O’Toole and Janet (Mike) Ruud; 11 grandchildren; Josh (Andrea), Nate (Bridget), Sam, Taylor, Jordan, Erin, Anna, Morgan, Jack, Reid, and Molly; 1 great-grandchild Oliver son of Nate and Bridget; sister Mary Jo Smith, sister-in-law June (Alvin) Martin, sister-in-law Megan (Louie) Martin, sister-in-law Mary Ann Martin, brother-in-law Thomas (Kathy) Sayles, sister-in law-Rita (Robert) Kelley and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers Alvin and Louie Martin. Anne wanted everyone to celebrate her life. Please join the family for Anne’s Party on July 27, 2019 at Fricano Place in Muskegon from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm. Memorial contributions can be made in Anne’s name to LifeCircles PACE of Muskegon. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Feel free to share a memory with the family at their online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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