Vivian Charles Rairigh

           Vivian Charles Rairigh of Vermontville, passed away at home in the early morning of March 3, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was born at home in Woodland, Michigan on May 7, 1930 to Mearl and Clementine (Smith) Rairigh.

           He attended school in Woodland until the middle of the 8th grade when his family moved to their farm in Sunfield Township. He completed his school years in the Sunfield School, graduating in 1948.

           Vivian was drafted in late 1950 and served in the US Army until he was honorably discharged in January 1953. Part of his time in the Army was spent in Japan in the original M.A.S.H. unit, where he served as a Company Clerk (like Radar). His family is very proud of his service to our country.

           Vivian married Marjory Ann Meyers on February 28,1953. Last Thursday they celebrated 66 years of marriage, plus the time they dated bringing them together for nearly 70 years.

           Vivian and Marge raised their 4 children on their farm on Mt. Hope Hwy. In 1981 they sold their front acreage, keeping property in the woods, where they built a new home to accommodate their growing family as their children married and grandchildren were born.

           Vivian was a dairy farmer from 1954 through 1968 until circumstance demanded a change. He gave up the dairy cattle, but continued to farm the land as well as working at E.W. Bliss in Hastings. He was a machinist, reading blue prints and making parts for the presses produced at Bliss. In his “spare” time he liked to go fishing, and often caught some for dinner.  Another hobby he enjoyed was making things out of wood. Anything from an intricately cut trivet to an entertainment center, boxes and barns, and baby doll beds. He created the cross that is on the outside of Woodland UMC. He liked to make something out of nothing, and he created for and with his kids and grandkids.

           Vivian was a devout Christian throughout his life, he walked the talk. He was a member and served in various capacities at Bismark Methodist, Woodland, Vermontville and finally at Nashville UMCs. He served his community through his work with Habitat for Humanity, and Lakewood Community Christmas baskets, and he “walked” the CROP Walks.

           Vivian was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Dorothy Henney, Clayton Rairigh, Ilene Pierce, Melvin Rairigh and Ione Sayer. He was also preceded in 2014 by his son, Randall Charles Rairigh.

           He is survived by his wife, Marge. Also, by his daughter, Elnora (Harry) Wallin, and their children, Drew (Rachael) Sayer, Craig (Erika) Sayer, and Barry (Jessica) Sayer; by Randy’s wife(Sue) Rairigh, and their children, Ranell (Michael) Conner, Mearl (Tracy) Rairigh, Devin (Danielle) Rairigh, Tamara (JC) Hurst, and Tracy Thompson; by son, Dallas Rairigh and his son, Quentin White-Rairigh; by daughter, Nola (Mark) Payne and their children, Danielle Payne and Tyler (Julie) Payne; plus 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

           In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ionia County Habitat for Humanity or Sparrow Hospice c/o Rosier Funeral Home, PO Box 36, Sunfield, MI 48890.

           Celebration of Life Services 12 Noon Wednesday March 13, 2019 at Nashville United Methodist Church, with Visitation 10-12 PM Wednesday March 13, 2019 all at the Church.

           Please visit a special page created for Vivian to leave a condolence for the family:  www.RosierFuneralHome.com The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Independent Family Owned Funeral Home in Sunfield:  Rosier Funeral Home.

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