Vivian Louise Cortright


Vivian Louise (McMurtrie) Cortright, 89, of Olivet, Michigan died in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family on May 24, 2023. She was born in Spring Arbor, Michigan to Vance and Ruth McMurtrie on May 22, 1934. Vivian graduated from Parma High School in 1952. On Vivian’s 21st birthday she married the love of her life Neil T. Cortright, and the two just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. After having lived briefly in Georgia, Vivian and Neil returned to Michigan, where they lived happily on their family farm in Lee Township for the past 64 years. Vivian was a hard-working farmwife who took great joy in caring for her family. She was known for her canning abilities and could often be found hard at work in her kitchen, mason jars lined up and ready to be canned. Vivian was an active leader in 4-H, where she acted as a mentor and role model to many. In her free time Vivian enjoyed crocheting, she lovingly crocheted blankets for every member of her family, blankets that will be treasured for years to come. Vivian loved to travel, she traveled all over the United States with her husband and friends, taking in all the sights and experiences she could. She was a strong and loving woman who will be missed greatly by her family.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Vance I. and Ruth (Thorpe) McMurtrie; siblings, Mary, Donald, and Thomas. Those left to cherish Vivian’s memory include her husband, Neil T. Cortright; children, Ronald (Brenda) Cortright, Teresa (Jerry) Schneider, Rebecca Cortright-Brown, Pamela (Eric) Sawatzki; eight grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, brother, Duane McMurtrie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service honoring Vivian’s life was held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Vickers Springport Funeral Home with Linda Carmoney officiating. Vivian was laid to rest at Lee Center Cemetery following the service. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Neil Vitale, Julie Cortright, Jason Cortright, Trent Robertson, Faith Cortright, and Vincent Cortright. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Careline Hospice, 103 S. Jackson St. Ste 200, Jackson, Michigan 49201. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Springport Funeral Home, 129 Pearl St./P.O. Box 235 Springport, Michigan 49284. 517-857-4848.