Onylea Armstead passed away on January 18, 2023 at Hale Creek Manor at 90 years of age. She was surrounded by her family. Onylea was born on July 13, 1932 to Erma (White) Atkinson and Howard Atkinson. She married Orval Armstead on November 4, 1951. They were married until his passing on January 14, 1989.
Onylea lived in the Hale area her whole life. Besides being a homemaker, she was employed as a secretary for Scofields, worked at Hale Area Schools. Part time she wrote articles for the Arenac newspaper. Onylea worked 20 years in 81st District Court in Iosco County and retired December 1998. She enjoyed every place she was employed.
Onylea loved her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. She had a love for music, playing the piano. She was an avid reader, and had a remarkable memory. One of her hobbies she enjoyed was researching family genealogy.
Through the years she was actively involved with the school and community. Onylea was a member of the Hale United Methodist Church and played piano for services for approximately 40 years. She was a life member of the Eastern Star. She belonged to a card club which played together for 50 plus years.
Survived are daughters Julie (Paul) Westcott, Jill (Luke) Sidebottom, Jonell Evitts ,(Tina Shields). She has one Sister Cleta Sestak, and Sister in laws Lillian Armstead, Viola Valent, and Ila Bolen. Grandchildren Aaron, Jacob, Chelsea, Jeffrey, Laura, Nathan, she also has twelve great grandchildren. She has several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Preceding her in death was her parents, husband Orval, daughter Jana Barnes, Sister in law Blanche Davidson, and brother in laws Joseph Sestak, Norris Davidson, Donald Armstead, John Valent, and James Bolen.
The family would like to thank everyone at Hale Creek Manor for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness, to our Mother and family. We also want to express our thanks to Compassus for their excellent care and concern for our Mother.
Services for Onylea will a visitation at Buresh Funeral Home in Hale, MI on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Saturday, January 21, 2023 visitation from 10:00am to 12:00 at Hale United Methodist Church, with the funeral beginning at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be directed to Hale Creek Manor or Hale United Methodist Church.
