Jennifer Mae Lillie, age 60, passed away at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, MI, on Friday, June 23, 2023 after a short battle with cancer. Jen spent her childhood in Fairview, MI and graduated from Fairview High School in 1982.
Jennifer was born the fifth of six children of Richard H. and Helen C. Dew.
Surviving her is her husband of 27 years, Michael E. Lillie, her mother Helen Carol Dew; sister Debra J. Dew, brother Elliott C. (Deborah) Dew, brother Farley D. (Denise) Dew, and sister Krystal K. Yoder, nieces Misty C. Dew, Jennifer L. Walker, Lacy A. (Tom) Hager, Emily J. (Josh) Lenneman, and Chelsea Q. Evans, nephews Alexander E. (Tonya) Dew and Ashton M. (Jennifer) Evans, and several grand nieces/nephews.
Along with her father, Jen was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony R. Dew.
After high school, Jen attended Oak Hills Christian College in Bedmidji, Minnesota. She then spent a summer working on Mackinac Island and that led her to a job at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City. There she met the love of her life, Michael. They married on May 22, 1996. They left the resort and went to work for Kmart for a short period of time. Then they obtained employment with Wal-mart and have been there almost 26 years. She was a very dedicated employee and the store will have a difficult time filling her shoes.
Jen enjoyed family gatherings, watching movies with her husband, going out to dinner, crossword puzzles and collecting cookbooks. She was passionate about any charitable contributions through her church and her and Mike were often one of the largest donors to a cause.
Visitation will be held at Fairview Mennonite Church on Monday, June 26, 2023 from 9 – 11 AM with the funeral immediately following at 11:00 AM, with Pastors Lowell Eastman and Caleb Simerson officiating. A luncheon will be served in the basement of the Fairview Mennonite Church following the graveside service at Fairview Cemetery and all are invited to attend.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI
