Stanley “Stan” Raymond Ziaya
Standish, MI
Stanley Raymond Ziaya, known affectionately as Stan, passed away on February 6, 2026 at the age of 80. Born on April 3, 1945, in Standish, Michigan to Margaret Bordeau and Stanley Raymond Ziaya, Sr., Stan was raised by his grandmother, Bausless Bordeau. He attended Standish Elementary and graduated from Standish-Sterling Central High School with the class of 1963.
Just after beginning his first job at the Standish IGA, he delivered groceries to Leonard Bashaw, his future father-in-law. Leonard was so impressed with Stan, he introduced him to his daughter, Judy, When Geraldine, his future mother-in-law, heard of their introduction, she shared enthusiastically with Judy how friendly and helpful he was when she shopped there.
Stan worked at the IGA until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. There, he chauffeured top officials in a jeep and operated heavy equipment on base.
Stan returned home after two years of service. He married Judy on August 10, 1968 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Standish. He worked for the next 36 years with A&P, which later became Farmer Jack. He served as a clerk, night stocker and eventually night shift manager.
Retirement in 2004 brought him joy, through having daily coffee with friends, gardening and puttering outside, and watching his favorite movies and television shows. According to Stan, there were only two places to vacation: Sault Ste. Marie and Mackinac Island. He spent many vacations watching the freighter ships pass through the locks. Also, though, he made his family happy by taking them to Cedar Point and Disney with his grand kids.
Stan put his family first. He was a good husband, father and grandpa. Sometimes, he was stubborn but that’s what made him the man he was. He was friendly, always smiling, and good natured. He enjoyed his life, loved God and his family, and will be missed terribly. He is predeceased by his son Donald and by his sister Sandy Rouse; and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy; son David and daughter-in-law Sarah-Jane; grandchildren Andrew and Sabrina, and three sisters: Julia Russell, Barbara Russell and Sharon Atchison.
Funeral Mass will celebrated Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 am at Resurrection of the Lord Church with Rev. Fr. David Parsch presiding; burial in St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery. Friends and family may visit at Lee-Ramsay Standish Chapel on Friday from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a prayer vigil service at 7:00 pm. On Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until time of service.
