Sherman Jay Alyea, age 91, of Bitely, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 25, 2019.  He was born on September 25, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Sherm and Leota (Griffin) Alyea.  Sherm proudly served his country and enlisted into the Navy on his 18th birthday.  He married the love of his life, Betty Alice Baker on January 05, 1946.  They had five children and celebrated 67 years of marriage together before Betty passed away on February 10, 2013. 

Sherm was a hard worker and was dedicated to the craft of welding and metal fabrication, most recently with his own business, Sherm’s Welding and Fabricating.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and canoeing.  Sherm was also a man of faith and was always an active volunteer at whichever church he was a member of. 

Survivors include his four children, Vicky (Martin) Cole, Sherrie (Gary) Beimers, Janet (Dale) Osmolinksi, and Sandra (Bruce) Yager; 9 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Sherm was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; son, Terry; granddaughter, Christine Kuipers; and 6 siblings. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Newaygo County Compassion Home for the loving care and support they gave Sherm during his last days.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Faith Bible Church, 113 S. State Street, White Cloud, MI, at 1:00.  Visitation with family from 12:30 to 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Newaygo County Compassion Home or Faith Bible Church. 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Sherm’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.