Obituary of Rhea M. Erway

Erway, Rhea M. of Saginaw, Michigan Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt passed away on Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016, with her family by her side. She was 99 years old. Rhea M. Michael was born on July 11, 1916, in Merrill, Michigan to the late William and Emma (Dubay) Michael. She married Charles Joseph Erway on July 31, 1937; he preceded her in death on June 20, 1964. Rhea was a gentle and loving caretaker proudly taking this role throughout her life caring for her younger siblings, children and others. She was a devout Catholic and faithful member of St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church. Rhea believed in the power and miracle of prayer, and often did so for her family and friends. She was a volunteer for the Rescue Mission. In later years, she enjoyed traveling. Above all, she loved and cherished her family. She will forever be remembered for being selfless, for always making each person feel special, and for truly keeping peace with grace. Surviving are a son, Ronald Erway of Lake Leelanau, MI and his wife, Kathleen; a daughter, Kathleen Waier of Saginaw; 23 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Michael and his wife, Mary Jane; a sister, Wanda Foy and her husband, Tom. Also surviving are many special nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her caregivers: Beverly, Phyllis, Suzanne, Tracy and Kayce. She was preceded in death by a son, LaVerne "Bernie" Erway and his wife Judy; a daughter, Patricia "Maureen" Ostrander and her husband Wayne; a son, Michael P. Erway; and six siblings: Edward, Veronica, William, Grace, Lucille, and Ken. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Andrew LaFramboise will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Dominic Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church or the Saginaw Rescue Mission. Arrangements are entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.