Mildred Lively
Mildred S. Lively passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, at age 90.
She was born April 17, 1931, in Bellevue, Kentucky, the daughter of Guy and Blanche (Maurice) Springgate. She met her high school sweetheart, Bill Lively, at Cloverport High School in Kentucky, where they graduated in 1948. Bill and Millie were married the following year and worked together as a loving and dedicated couple for the next sixty-six years. They moved to Michigan to build a life, a home and a family in the early 1950’s. In the ensuing twenty-five years Millie raised four children as an energetic homemaker and mother, keeping the household functioning smoothly. In addition, she worked for the Potterville Public Schools for nearly 30 years as a teacher’s aide and playground supervisor. Her children will always remember family trips to California, Kentucky and Florida, and her uncanny ability to do everything necessary to prepare a family of six for these wonderful trips. Bill and Millie supported each of their children in all their endeavors and protected them from undue trauma on the sometimes-rocky path to adulthood and beyond. Their children will be forever grateful for their stability and love.
In retirement Millie and Bill enjoyed travel together, journeying to Europe multiple times, Alaska twice, Mexico once and numerous destinations in the U.S. A consistent walker, you may have seen her briskly making her way down Pinch Highway. She was an avid reader and she and Bill never missed watching a game of her beloved Spartan basketball team. She was a regular figure at her grandchildren’s events and found great joy in their accomplishments. She was also a member of the Sycamore Creek Church, formerly the Potterville United Methodist Church.
Considering her humble beginnings, Millie made a quality life for herself, with her family at its center. Despite the loss of the love of her life, Bill, in 2016 and her physical and mental decline in the last few years she kept a positive spirit. She maintained many friendships and brightened the days of staff and residents at Story Point in Independence Village Grand Ledge, her last home. Her children are grateful and indebted to the staff at Independence Village for the care and compassion shown to their mother.
From her family:
You did your job well Mom!! Now you can rest. We will miss you and you will always have our love and gratitude.
Millie is survived by her children: Maureen (John) Sorbet, William “Aaron” Lively, Michelle (Dean) Peters, and John “Mark” Lively; 7 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband William “Bill” Edward Lively, and sister Juanita (Edward) Speer.
A graveside celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday April 16, 2022, at Benton Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in loving memory of Millie Lively to the Sycamore Creek Church-Potterville Campus or to the church or charity of your choice. The family is being served by the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, Grand Ledge. Online condolences may be placed at, www.millsfuneral.com.