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Maria (Ryan) Spence

January 29, 1931 - April 24, 2025

Obituary For Maria (Ryan) Spence

Maria Ryan Spence, age 94 of Lake City, passed away at Autumnwood of McBain on April 24, 2025. Maria was born on January 29, 1931 in Pontiac, Michigan to Emerson Alonzo and Frances Annabel Ryan. She married Clarence B. Spence on April 4, 1953 in Milford, Michigan and he preceded her in death on June 9, 2014.

Maria was formerly from Walled Lake where she retired from being site hostess for “Meals on Wheels” at the Walled Lake Villa. She had previously done volunteer work for Walled Lake Parks and Recreation and Friends Ministry. She was a former member of the Walled Lake Baptist Church and presently a member at the Lake City Baptist Church. Maria played in a Pinochle Club for 15 years. Her hobbies included decorating cakes, ceramics, macrame, porcelain doll making, and her biggest passion was painting.

Survivors include her children; Mark (Sarah) Spence of Manton and Sue Spence of Lake City, grandchildren; Luke Ancick, Brandi Kinyon, Andy Spence, Alex Spence, and Caleb Drake, great-grandchildren; Ethan Ancick, Vivian Kenyon, Lilly Spence, and Tatum Spence, siblings; James (Prudy) Bedford of Alabama and Alan (Mary Lou) Bennett along with many other relatives.

Maria was preceded in death by siblings; Charlotte Bennett, Maru Lou (James) Bedle, Rob (Mary) Bedford, and Stanley Bennett.

Private graveside services will be held in the Lake City cemetery officiated by Salvation Army Captains Greg and Liz Bock. Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain and thoughts and prayers may be left at www.burkholderfunerals.com

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Condolences

April 27, 2025

Kenneth Spence

Mark and Sue, Thank you for caring for your mom. At 94 she was well put together. Sorry I couldn't be with you but my thoughts are surely with you. I would have loved to share some stories. I'm in PA now. I'll send you some links.
April 27, 2025

Amanda

Sorry for your loss. We have missed her here at Lake City Baptist Church, as she hasn't been able to come to church in years. We have missed her bake goods. And we still have her painting she did for us. She now is with God no more pain and suffering.
April 27, 2025

Matt Bedford

Condolences Mark and Susie. My dad really loved her and always enjoyed seeing her. Aunt Maria baked the cake for Julie's and my wedding 40 years ago! She said the first one was free🙂. You were fortunate to have her in your life. Cousin Matt Bedford
April 26, 2025

Jacki Seelye

We're thinking of you Sue, though we only met your Mom the one time we were both taken with her and could see why she was so dear to you. So sorry for your loss. Scott and Jacki
April 24, 2025

Susan McClung

Maria was very special. I worked with her at friends ministry thrift store in Lake City for several years. She enjoyed bringing in special baked treats.
April 24, 2025

Niki VanderMeulen

I am sonsorry for your loss Sue, your mom was a lovely lady, and she will be missed.