Louise Rees

Louise Rees age 88, of Ovid, Michigan, also known as “The Blueberry Lady” passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016, at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, St. Johns, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Philip Lutheran Church, Owosso, MI, on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Brian Heidt officiating.  Burial will take place at DeepDale Memorial Gardens, Lansing, MI at 2 P.M.  Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Houghton Chapel, 232 E. Oak St, Ovid, MI on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M., and on Thursday prior to the service for one hour from 10 – 11 A.M. at the church.

Louise was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 3, 1927, the daughter of Jacob E. and Hilda E. (Carstensen) Walimaki.  Louise married the love of her life, Charles R. "Dick" Rees, on March 19, 1949; he preceded her in death on February 6, 2015.  Louise was a secretary at John Bean in Lansing.  She was also the owner operator of Oak Ridge Blueberry Farm in Brant, MI., and D & L Strawberries in Ovid, MI.  Louise lived most of her life in Ovid, MI. She was a member and former Choir Director at St. John's Lutheran Church in St. Johns and member of CMI Concert Choir as well as a Member of the Michigan Blueberry Growers Association.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann Rees of Ovid, MI, sons; Richard (Kathy) Rees of Beaverton, MI, and James (Martha) Rees of Lexington, IL.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren and two great grand daughters and many nieces and nephews.  Louise was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dick and two brothers and one sister.

Memorials may be made to Ovid Healthcare Center Activities Department 9480 E-M21 Ovid, MI 48866 or Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor Garden Club, 1101 South Scott Rd, St. Johns, MI or Sparrow Hospice, 1215 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing 48912.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan.