Obituaries

Neva Jean (Ames) Perry, age 93, of Pickford, Michigan, died on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at MyMichigan Long Term Care in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She was born on February 21, 1932, in Pickford, to William Earl and Ruth Margaret (Beacom) Ames.

Neva grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School with the Class of 1949. Following graduation, she attended U.P. Schools for Practical Nursing, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification. She worked for General Telephone as a switchboard operator for three years before later joining Pickford Public Schools as a hot lunch cook, where she served for thirteen and a half years. Neva then worked at War Memorial Hospital for twenty-two years before retiring in 1997. Throughout all of these roles, she lovingly raised her five children.

Neva was a member of the United Methodist Church in Pickford, the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Red Hats Society.

Neva enjoyed knitting, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, dancing, reading, gardening, and crocheting sweaters and mittens for her family and friends.

Neva is survived by her daughters, Debra (David) Lamb of Pickford, Barbara Jacques of West Allis, Wisconsin, Susan (Rick) Burch of Osceola, Indiana, Cynthia (Bruce) Dumke of Menominee Falls, Wisconsin; son, Michael (Denise) Perry of Brookfield, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Sarah (Todd) Hipps, Emily (Dan) Tomasi, Erin (Jason) Strankowski, Shawn Jacques, Trevor Jacques, Ross (Katrina) Burch, Chad Burch, Justin (Rachel) Dumke, Lindsey (Chris) Basing, Jared (Luarie) Dumke, Breanna Perry, Michael (Jonathan) Perry Jr., Jason (Nidia) Strekow; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and sisters, Margaret (Charles) Izzard and Velma (James) Graham.

Neva was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth; brother, William “Boone” Ames Jr.; grandson, Justin Perry; and lifelong friend, Elsie (Norlin) Klier.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774. The Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM.

Neva’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Neva’s memory to the MyMichigan Medical Center Sault Auxiliary, 500 Osborn Blvd. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 or MyMichigan Sault Long Term Care, 500 Osborn Blvd. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.