Lyle Edwin Thrush

    Lyle Edwin Thrush, age 93, of Vestaburg, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Country Blessings Adult Foster Care, St. Louis, Michigan.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 17, 2025, with Pastor Carl Cecil officiating. Burial will take place at Ferris Center Cemetery, Vestaburg, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Lyle was born in Alma, Michigan on February 7, 1932, the son of Jess and Hattie Elizabeth (Crittenden) Thrush. On February 17, 1951, Lyle married Vivian Donna Perry at her parents' home in Alma, MI. They were blessed with nearly sixty-nine years of marriage, prior to her passing on January 17, 2020.
      Lyle was a hard worker. He worked for Detroiter Mobile Homes, and Bottom Bros Gas Station. For many years he owned Thrush Realty in Alma. He had his pilot's license and enjoyed his time in the air. He was a talented woodworker spending many hours in his shop. He even made his own guitar among many other projects.
     Lyle was a gifted musician. He played with many different groups over the years. As a member of King's Four, he played on the Great Lakes Cruise Ship circuit. They were honored to play for the inauguration for Governor Blanchard. He was a fixture at the area jamborees.
     He is survived by six children: Ned Thrush, Lucinda "Cindy" (Mike Jones) Thrush, Lori (Greg) Kelley, Marty (Tamara) Thrush, Eric Thrush, and Lisa (Bob) Persall; nineteen grandchildren: Amy Thrush, Corrine (Bodie) Miller, Aaron Thrush, Chase Pendergrass, Olivia (Trey) Reno, Shane Kelley, Nicole Austin, Justin Thrush, Kayla (Clayton) Lance, Tyler Wing, Jordan Wing, Anna Thrush, Kyle Thrush, Kameron Thrush, Kiara Thrush, Nathan (Andrea) Gurski, Nick (Molly) Gurski, Tyler Persall, and Trinity (Brandon) Pick; many great- grandchildren, his sister Vanetta "Nicki" (Walter) Hosmer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Vivian, his son Kim Thrush, his grandson Zack Thrush, and nine siblings: Harold (Iva) Thrush, Violet (Paul) Odem, Arthur (Helen) Thrush, Jesse (Dorothy) Thrush, Melvin (Betty) Thrush, Clayton (Ruth) Thrush, Kenneth Thrush, Earlin (Betty) Thrush, and Velma (Jim) Miller.
     Memorials may be made to Country Blessings Adult Foster Care Home (formerly McKellar's Adult Foster Care). Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.