Margaret "Mikie" Saunders

With an ever-curious mind, Mikie Saunders was usually up for anything. An outgoing and fun-loving woman, it was a joy to be in Mikie’s company. Just as loving and kind, she was a friend to many, and loved being surrounded by those she loved and cared about. Mikie’s kindred spirit found her enjoying the things she loved doing most in life, and her talents spoke volumes for her ingenuity. Although she will be dearly missed, loving thoughts of her will remain in the hearts of all.

Mikie’s story began in a year that played a significant role in American history. As World War II raged overseas, rationing took place on the home front. Women entered the workforce in droves, replacing men who were off to war. While the Battle of the Bulge and the D-Day invasion made headlines, it made for worrisome hearts back home in the States. The entertainment world brought welcome relief with the sounds of Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters while American baseball created a needed diversion during these times of struggle. Among the chaos as winter was closing in on the Michigan city of Kalamazoo, Jim and Louise (Phillips) Reddy found much to be thankful for when on December 10, 1944 they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Margaret “Mikie” Evelyn Reddy.

The youngest of the three Reddy children, Mikie joined her two older sisters, Patricia and Carol. Her father worked on the lake freighters on Lake Michigan as a cook while her mother was an administrative assistant at the Vicksburg Old El. Having grown up on Indian Lake, Mikie enjoyed numerous adventures during her childhood, and especially loved spending time on the lake and all it had to offer. Mikie attended the area schools where with her outgoing personality and fun-loving ways enjoyed many friendships. She played the trombone in school, and also served as drum major for the high school band. In high school, Mikie and a handsome fellow named Bruce Saunders were high school sweethearts. They dated throughout most of high school, and attended prom together, eventually graduating from Vicksburg High School.

Happily married on September 17, 1962, Mikie and Bruce made their new lives together in Kalamazoo. Before long they welcomed the births of three children, Jodi, Don and Kevin into their lives, and couldn’t have been happier. They spent memorable times together as a family, and Mikie had a special way of making the holidays a fun and meaningful time. She made a good home for Bruce and the kids, and was almost as good of a cook as Bruce was!

Mikie loved to travel. One of her favorite places to visit was Hawaii, but she absolutely loved the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where as a family they shared many great times. Mikie spent many nights by the campfire on their excursions up north, taking in the serenity and wide open spaces. She also loved the outer banks of North Carolina which made for fun-filled vacations, too. Where ever they went or whatever they did, Mikie was always up for a challenge or something new to experience. Bruce was a pilot and she so enjoyed flying with him. When they did travel, Mikie was sure to have plenty of snacks for along the way. Yet by far, Mikie was just as content and happy simply being in the midst of the family and friends she loved.

Talented in many respects, Mikie could play anything on the piano just by ear, and loved almost every type of music. She especially enjoyed listening to marching band music. Mikie made stained glass, and did some leather work which allowed her creative side to flow. With Mikie’s heartfelt love for animals, Bruce got her a dog, Murphy as a puppy and he never left her side. She also loved horseback riding and spending time with her horse, Adam.

It is no wonder that Mikie’s favorite color was purple. With the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red, it was in Mikie’s nature to be a little of both. She had a way all her own of making life exciting and fun, yet allowed herself to enjoy quiet contentment and reflection just the same. With her creative flair, she combined both attributes which made Mikie all the more loving. For these things and so much more, Mikie will be deeply missed and fondly remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Margaret “Mikie” E. Saunders, of Mendon passed away on Monday, April 27, 2015 at the age of 70. She is survived by her husband, Bruce; three children: Jodi Saunders of Iowa, Don Saunders and Kevin Saunders, both of Mendon; four grandchildren: Tyler, Cayden, Gibson, and Greyson; and one great-granddaughter: Maddison. She is also survived by her sister: Patricia (Bruce) Imanse of Schoolcraft. She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her sister, Carol Reddy.

Mikie’s family will receive friends on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from noon until 1:00 pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697) where the funeral to celebrate her life will be held at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at McKain Cemetery. Please visit Mikie’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her online guestbook, and share a favorite memory and/or photo of her. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Great Lakes Hospice and/or to the Alzheimer’s Association.