Michael Allen Raby
Michael Allen Raby, 60, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Monday, October 21, 2024. Born on September 20, 1964, in Eaton Rapids, Michael grew up in the community he loved and graduated with the class of 1983. He worked in traveling janitorial services, cleaning retail stores throughout Michigan, and held roles as a prep cook at Don’s Truckstop in Dimondale and most recently at Dowding Industries.
Michael had a heart for helping others, always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need, no matter the time of day. His generosity and selflessness were evident in his volunteer work with Eaton Community Palliative Care, where he contributed his time to tasks such as mowing lawns, grocery shopping, and ensuring supplies were available. His dedication to serving others earned him the honor of Volunteer of the Year. Michael loved to stay active, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends. Whenever an opportunity presented itself, he would travel with his mother to hospice conferences and to hospital gift shop shows. Before his eyesight declined, he was like the song “on the road again”.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Kyser; father figure, Bud Schmidt; sisters, Renee Kyser and Elonda (Don) Watts; grandparents, Clarence and Marion Trombley; and his aunt and uncles, Carolyn and Bill Spiker, and Bill Gaunt.
Michael is survived by his mother and father figure, Margaret Kyser-Pike and Jim Pike; siblings, Mark Wilcox, Alan Schmidt, Paul (Linda) Schmidt, Charley Schmidt, Cheryl (Dave) Emerson; nieces and nephews, Alexa (Ben) Colestock, Alana (Tim) Ferris, Alissa Allen, Garrett (Amy) Schmidt, Shawna Schmidt, Grant Schmidt, Reid (Jenna) Schmidt, Micalyn (Ethan) Wilcox, Travis Wilcox; aunts and uncles, Kathryn (Joe) Pore, Loretta Gaunt, Mary Ann (Will) Miller, Vonnie (Bruce) Murdock; his dear friend, Missy Minaya; as well as many great-nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, with a meal to be served at the funeral home afterward. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Eaton Community Palliative Care for their unwavering love and support throughout the years.
In honor of Michael’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.