Mary Louise Wilkes

     Mary Louise Wilkes, age 81, of Haslett, Michigan, formerly of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
     A Graveside Service will be held at South Bingham Township Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
     Louise was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 28, 1943, the daughter Allen Lyman and Erna Harriet (Love) Sperry. She graduated from St. Johns High School.
     Louise was an extraordinary woman who had a wide variety of interests and skills. She built and rode Indian and BMW Motorcycles, and raced powder puff. She was an artist who enjoyed painting, photography, sewing, and making crafts. She was very adventurous and loved to travel. She liked to share her knowledge and wisdom with others. She had a kind and generous heart and was loved by all who knew her. She laughed even through life's struggles. Her grandchildren were her crown, God was her guide, and love was her legacy.
     She is survived by her children: Douglas (Freda) Wise, Richard (Chrissy) Wise, Pamela (Dan) Cruz, and Candi Wilkes; 12 grandchildren: Jesse (Cheri), Jason (Jessica), Jackie, Michael (Alex), Christopher (Erin), Brandon (Sam), Journie, Danny (Gwynne), Laura, Amy (Tanner), Daniel (Heather), and Amelia; 26 great-grandchildren: Michael, Eric, Thomas, Christian, Aron, Nick (Miranda), Rachel, Zander, Amber, Shannyn, Danny, Liam, Logan, Evie, Asher "Ari", Trevor, MaryEv, Evelyn, Rosie, Amber, Geo, Noah, Sarah, Olivia, Benny, and Claire; and twin great-great grandchildren: Lonnie and Lilah. She was preceded in death by her parents, great-granddaughter Zoe, her sister Jane, and her aunt Ellen Rall.
     Memorials may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation - www.lesturnerals.org. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.