Elizabeth Empie

Elizabeth C. Empie, age 87, of Sand Lake, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at home under the care of her family and Gentiva Hospice. The daughter of Raymond Andrew & Matilda Elvera (Stevens) Ostrander, she was born on June 11, 1936 in Lakeview. She met her future husband out front of Wolverine World Wide, after his Aunt Lorraine Day set them up. On May 5, 1962, in Lakeview, she married her love, Neal Raymond Empie, and together they enjoyed almost 62 years of marriage and raised three children. Elizabeth was a devoted member of the Huggard Bible Church for over 60 years. During her years there, her servant heart helped her bless so many. She was an AWANA teacher for the “Sparks”, helped with Vacation Bible School, and was the custodian for over 60 years, until she was 83 years old, only being forced to retire when the Covid pandemic surfaced. As a faithful servant, she led multiple children to the Lord throughout the years. She also enjoyed knitting and making quilts for graduates and fire victims. She was a phenomenal cook, having one of her famous cherry pies bring in $150 for a church fundraiser. When she wasn’t at the church, you could find her enjoying WWE and watching Emeril Legasse. While she lived a life of service, rooted deep in her faith, her family was her greatest joy. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Warren Ostrander; two sisters, Nancy Miller and Judith Scott; and a son-in-law, Ronald Ream. Surviving are her faithful and devoted husband, Neal Empie of Sand Lake; their three children, Gil & Judy Empie, Betsy & Bill Trowbridge, and Susan Empie; seven grandchildren, Michael & Mary, Jessica, Christine, Victoria & Majid, David & Rachel, Kelly & Jacob, and Julia; eight great-grandchildren, Lily, JJ, Justice, Kaitlyn, Emma, Carson, Ava, and Grace; a special friend, Mary Martin, whom was her pen-pal; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Elizabeth’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elizabeth Empie, please visit our flower store.