Obituaries

Elizabeth Alice Bumstead, age 86, of Hessel, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her sons on March 16, 2025. She was born on April 13, 1938, on the family farm on Six Mile Road between Nicolet and Lower Hay Lake Road to Haran and Mabel (Flood) Ellis.

Elizabeth married the love of her life, Eugene Ralph Bumstead, at Rosedale Community Church in 1956, and they shared a number of years together until his passing in 2011. Eugene was a member of the United States Marine Corps, and they resided in California while he served during the Korean War.

Elizabeth, fondly called Liz by her family and friends, was a homemaker and raised four children. The family traveled for Eugene’s work and finally returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in 1970. They began E.R. Bumstead’s Paint Store and Paint Contracting business where they both worked. Liz really enjoyed visiting with all of their customers and she also taught macrame classes for many years. In 1999 they both retired and spent many joyous years at their retirement home north of Hessel, where they could spend their time entertaining grandchildren, vegetable gardening, riding four wheelers, and being outdoors; which she loved. After Eugene’s passing in 2011, Liz continued enjoying and doing what they loved. She put a garden in every year and canned everything. She especially enjoyed watching David working around the property on his tractor.

Liz was a great cook and baker and would think nothing of being the hostess for many get togethers.

In September, her son Ralph took her to Juneau, Alaska, to visit her only surviving sibling, Lois, who she had not seen in years. She had a wonderful visit and lots of fun sightseeing and visiting with everyone.

Liz is survived by her sons, Ralph (Colleen) Bumstead, David (Judy) Bumstead; daughters, Kimberly (Glen Hornstra) Losito, Sheryl (Hans) Christiansen; sister, Lois Cook; brothers-in-law, Bob Bumstead, Chuck (Janet) Bumstead, Dale French; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Ralph; parents, Haren and Mabel; grandson, Michael Hall; beloved dog, Keida; brothers, Clayton Ellis, George Ellis, James Ellis, Herbert Ellis, William Ellis; sisters, Ruth McKenzie, Verna Rodgers, Eileen Martin, and Dorothy Jollineau.

Elizabeth has been cremated and will be placed alongside her husband and beloved dog, Keida, in the apple orchard at their retirement home in Hessel. There will be a Celebration of Life in the summer 2025. A Special thanks to her neighbor, Jane French.

“May God hold them all close together”