Obituaries

Virginia Bell (Rice) Michalski, age 97, of Stalwart, Michigan, died on February 5, 2026, at Mackinac Straits Hospital, in St. Ignace, Michigan. She was born on September 23, 1928, in Rose City, Michigan, to Joe and Viola Bell (Partlo) Rice.

Virginia was raised in Rose City and attended Pickford High School. From a young age, she was known for her strong work ethic and independence. She met Stanley Michalski through a mutual friend at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. In her early years, she held various part-time and seasonal jobs, including tending to cabins in a local park and working as a live-in babysitter, while raising six children. After her children were raised, she spent five years working as a sewer at UP Plastics.

Virginia had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found joy in nature throughout her life. She loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking, and took pride in creating things with her hands. Indoors, she could often be found with a ball of yarn, knitting or crocheting, a quiet pastime that reflected her patience and care for others.

Virginia is survived by her children, Barbara Pierce of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, Thomas (Mary Jean) Michalski of Pickford, Michigan, Richard Michalski of Goetzville, Michigan, and Beverly (Timothy) Arman of Pickford; daughter-in-law, Valerie Michalski; grandchildren, Laurie (Mike) Maris, Travis (Nikki) Michalski, Ginger (Jason) Wallace, Brock (Shelly Bishop) Michalski, Ramsey (Karen) Michalski, Marlee (Jonathon) Six; Jennifer (Brian) Murphy, Scott Michalski, Emily (Kevin) Sharpe, Nikki (Andrew Vaughn) Romeri, Jessica Arman, Katie Arman, Zachary (Ashley Nettleton) Michalski, and Valanie Michalski; thirty-four great-grandchildren; twelve great-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Michalski; parents, Joe and Viola; children, Betty Letarte and David Michalski, granddaughter, Valeena Michalski; brothers, James Rice and A.C. Rice; daughter-in-law, Kim Michalski; and grandsons-in-law, Joe Spencer and Maxwell Romeri.

Visitation will be on February 14, 2026, from 12 Noon till 2:00 PM, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129, Pickford, MI 49774. The Funeral Service will follow beginning at 2:00 PM.

Virginia’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan, with the burial to take place in the spring of 2026.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.