EVELYN RUTH WISE

Evelyn Ruth (Coats) Wise, 96, was born March 6, 1924 to Curtis and Nellie (Foos) Coats in Flint, MI. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941. She worked for Lawrence Shearer Insurance, Anderson’s Resort and Covel Manufacturing Company.

Evelyn passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021.

Evelyn married Horace “Hoddie” Wise on May 16, 1942 in St. Joseph. They were married for 52 years and worked together on the family farm, Wise Farms & Storages, while residing at their lake home on Big Crooked in Sister Lakes.

Evelyn was a member of the Keeler Methodist Church, a founding member of the Sister Lakes School Board and a member of Child and Family Services. She was passionate about horses and a prominent member of the horse racing community with many track wins in Hot Springs, AR and Miami, FL. Her joys in life included reading, swimming, playing cards, gardening and baking. The most important source of strength and support was spending time with her family.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter-in-law.

She is survived by children: Barry Wise and Larry (Kathyrn) Wise; grandchildren, Lynne (Leo) Raczykowski, Barb (Jerry) Wheeler, Danielle Wise, and Brandy (Matthew) Tenter; great-grandchildren, Bradley Wheeler, Julia Raczykowski, Bryce Wheeler, Zoe Raczykowski, Nicholas Tenter and Nathaniel Tenter; sister, Mikki (Jim) Swisher; nephew, Zack Swisher and nieces, Nicole and Katie Swisher.

A private celebration of life service was held on Saturday, Feb. 27 for family at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice Caring Circle of St. Joseph or the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan.