Mary L. Birr's Obituary
Mary L. Birr, age 78, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Grand Rapids. She was born on November 23, 1945 in Muskegon to Garrit and Rosaline (Best) Pranger and resided most of her life in Muskegon. Mary was a longtime member of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church where she sang in the church choir. Mary previously belonged to Fellowship Church. She enjoyed many things in life such as gardening, swimming, and traveling but above everything the most important thing was her family and spending time with them. Mary was also a talented baker, especially her apple pie and brownies. On May 21, 1966 she married William “Bill” Birr and together celebrated 57 years of marriage. SURVIVORS include her husband, Bill; two sons, Michael (Tanya) Birr and David (Norma) Birr; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Jenn) Birr, Justin (Jordan) Birr, Meghan (Charlie) Schafer, Kyle Birr, Jacob (Kayla) Birr, Ashlee Kingery, and Amanda (James) Vandentak; five great grandchildren, Easton, Eleanor, Owen, Lawson, Oliver and 1 great grandson expected in September; brother-in-law, Jerry (Donna) Birr; and sister-in-law, Judy Pranger. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, James Pranger. FUNERAL SERVICES will be 11AM Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church (1568 W. Giles Rd) with Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 5-7 PM Friday, May 17, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100, and 1 hour prior to the service at church on Saturday. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions in Mary’s name to the charity of your choice will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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