Joan Sumerix

Joan Sumerix (85), devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023, at her home in Lachine. Joan was born April 5, 1938, to Alex and Connie (Lewis) MacArthur. She married her high school sweetheart, Ken Sumerix, on March 1, 1958. They celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary in March.

Over the years, Joan worked for McLellan’s, Alpena Agency, and Maxson’s and BJ’s country stores. But most importantly, she devoted her life to selflessly caring for her children and many generations of grandchildren. She loved to cook and bake for her family and did so every week as they gathered at her home. Joan also passed her deep faith in Jesus Christ along to her family. She was a faithful member of the Lachine Community of Christ Church, where she taught Sunday School and served as pianist for many years.

Joan is survived by her husband, Ken, and three children: Kim (Birte) Sumerix, Tammy (Terry) Bates, and Kendall (Melony) Sumerix, all of Lachine. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Stephanie (Jerrod) Villarreal, Nathan (Jessica) Sumerix, Terry Bates, Jr., Tiffany Bates, Clorissa (Daniel) Briseno, Andrew (Amanda) Sumerix, and Allen & Noah Sumerix; eleven great-grandchildren: Christopher (Hanna) Villarreal, Alex, Mason, & Claire Villarreal, Austin & Hudson Sumerix, Avery & Easton Bates, Elliot & Isabelle Briseno, and Alaina Sumerix; and two great-great grandchildren: Bryson & Huntley Villarreal.

Visitation will take place at Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena on Tuesday June 13 from 4pm to 8pm. Additional viewing will take place at the Lachine Community of Christ Church (12990 Atkinson Rd.) on Wednesday, June 14, from 10am to 11am with the funeral to follow at 11am. with Pastor Alison Woods officiating.

Interment: Long Rapids Cemetery

Memorials: Lachine Community of Christ Church