Obituary of Virginia Lyons

Lyons, Virginia Lee “Toots”

Saginaw, MI

On June 20^th, 2024 while residing at the Roosevelt House, Virginia passed peacefully from this world into heaven with so much love surrounding her during this journey with her daughter and granddaughter by her side as she left this earth to join Jesus and her husband to her eternal resting place.   

Toots was born April 1, 1936 to the late John and Virginia (Kerbeck) Kellett and stepmother Iva (Doyle) Kellett who raised her from a young age.  Toots attended Saginaw High School and then began her working career at Sunshine Biscuit where she no doubt developed her famous “sweet tooth”.  She then worked many years at Saginaw Processing before retiring to care for her elderly father.  Toots married the love of her life, Don Lyons on June 2, 1956 at Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church in Saginaw, MI he preceded her in death on February 8^th, 2021.   

Toots was a former member of Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church for over 60 years.  After the closure of Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church, she began attending Countryside Trinity Church.  She was a holy woman of God, great in faith, and a perfect example for all to emulate. 

Toots was a sweet and cheerful woman who always loved to exercise.  She was always attending senior dance classes, rollerblading around her neighborhood, walking on her treadmill or peddling away on her exercise bike.  While one might not have referred to her as crafty, she sure did love to do her paint by number wall paintings, including those on black velvet.  Toots was a music lover who loved to sit at her chord organ, and even taught herself the harmonica that she played for us just a few weeks ago.  She could listen to a song, and then learn it, her most popular being the Michigan Fight song.   Which also includes another one of her favorite past time activities, and that was watching sports with her hubby! Whether it was the Wolverines, Tigers, Lions or most importantly (at their house at least) the Red Wings.  One of them were always on when you would go to their house.  Toots was a huge Elvis fan girl, and she was so happy the time she and Don were able to see him in person.  Her greatest joys were family gatherings spent with those that meant the most to her. 

Toots will be deeply missed by one daughter and one son, Sue (Doug) Kohl and Rick (Terri Stark) Lyons; five grandchildren, Nick Bernard, Jill Bank, Brett Lyons, Blake(Casey) Lyons, and Brooke (Jacob List) Lyons, seven great-grandchildren, Mia, Maguire, Evelyn, Emmitt, Scott “Junior”, Reese, and Riggs; sisters, Bonnie (Lou) Blank, Sandy Devito, sisters in-law, Marti Kellett, Ivaleen Kellett, Marcia Bennett, and Sandy Bean; cousin, Barb Kowalski, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Besides her parents and husband Don, Toots was preceded in death by her son, Chuck Lyons, brothers, Dave Kellett, Jack Kellett, Robert Bennett, and Son-in-law, Jay Bernard. 

The family wishes to thank the staff of The Care Team Home Health and Hospice for their care of Toots over the last few months.  The family also wishes to acknowledge Toots’ second family, the residents, and the beautiful staff of The Roosevelt House Assisted Living Community.  They became her second family the day she moved in, and cared for her as one of their own, until the day she passed. 

FUNERAL SERVICE:  A Funeral Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 26^th, 2024 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd (off State St.).  A private burial for immediate family to follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens will take place.  Per Toots’ request, in lieu of traditional mourning funeral attire, she requests the joy of your company in bright colors, reflecting her vibrant spirit

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road on Wednesday, June 26^th, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

MEMORIALS:  In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to The Roosevelt House, 17935 Roosevelt Rd. Hemlock, MI 48626. 

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lyons family.  Please share your thought and memories with the family at the funeral home through: www.DeislerFuneralHome.com