Michael Mates

Michael Warren "Mike" Mates, age 57, of Ithaca, MI, peacefully passed into the arms of his Savior Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Sparrow Hospital - Carson City, Michigan surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 7, 2021, with Pastor Brian Wickes officiating.  Burial will follow at Sumner Cemetery.  Sumner, MI. Visitation will be held 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at the funeral home.  A livestream of the funeral will be available on the Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Michael was born in Alma, Michigan on December 6, 1963, the son of Warren "Butch" and Mary Katharine (Galloway) Mates.  He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1982 and earned an Associates Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences from MSU.

On February 17, 1996, Mike married Suzanne Marie Davis at First Church of God, Alma.  They have been blessed with 25 years of marriage.

Mike was an HVAC Process Operator for Michigan State University for 15 years until retiring in 2020.  Prior to that, he worked at Total Petroleum in Alma until their closure. He also owned and operated L&M Storage of Ithaca, Michigan.

Mike was one of the most particular people you ever met.  He had the strongest drive and a quick wit with a cheap sense of humor to go along with it.  He had a passion for mushrooming in Northern Michigan and fishing trips in Canada.  November 15th was an annual holiday for the Mates Family that was established by Mike.

During his courageous battle with cancer, Mike utilized his faith to fuel his determination and strength to carry on.  His faith in God gave him a peace that shaped his response to everything that came his way.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Suzanne and his girls: Lacie (Adam) Thomas and Mary Beth Mates of Ithaca, MI.  He is also survived by his siblings: Laurie Mates and Tom Matt, Matthew (Chelsea) Mates, Josh Mates, and Lyndsay (Chris) Turner; his father and mother-in-law Mike and Joan Davis.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be made to Freedom Way Church of God, 1636 S Crystal Road, Crystal, MI 48818.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.