Mavis Cain Obituary

Mavis R. Cain
Stanwood, MI
October 17, 1937 - October 21, 2023
Mavis Ruth (Johnson) Cain, 86, of Stanwood, Michigan, passed away at her home on October 21, 2023. She was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on October 17, 1937 to Shirley and Ellen (Schultz) Johnson. She graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1955. She worked as a secretary for Mecosta County for many years, first in the 4-H Extension office, then for the Health Department. She maintained friendships with many of her coworkers long after her retirement.
Mavis married Walter Cain in 2001, enjoying 22 years with their shared children, grandchildren, and her treasured little dogs. She was previously married to Fred Wilson with whom she had four children, moving with the family to Big Rapids in 1966. Mavis made many lifelong friends there who were so important to her. She met with her "Board of No Control" for decades, telling her kids, "I have a board meeting!" as she went out for fun and gossip. She also loved playing on her community volleyball league for many years.
Other interests throughout Mavis's life were wildflowers, birds, and photography. She always had a heavy purse full of photos she was eager to share with others. She was also a proud amateur leg wrestling champion and an enthusiastic devotee of mashed potatoes.
Her Christian faith was very important to her, as well as cheerfully serving others wherever she saw a need. She was a member of Charity Baptist Church for 30 years.
Mavis was preceded in death by her husband Walt, and by her parents, her brother Paul Johnson, and dear friend Mary Louise Leach. She is survived by her children Jeffrey Wilson (Laurie Kelly), Lynn Wilson, Cheryl (Robert) Medvedenko, Karen (David) Collins, stepchildren Susan (Scott) Reoch, Douglas (Mandy) Cain, Michael (Emily) Cain, Nancy (Daniel) Packer and James (Megan) Cain. She adored all her grandchildren: Jackson Kelly, Alice Wilson, Cara Medvedenko (Alex Clink), Sunny Medvedenko, Alex Medvedenko, Ava Collins; Elizabeth, Natalie, Edward, Katherine and John Reoch; Andrew and Isabella Cain; Addison, Jillian and Matthew Cain; Alexander and Gideon Packer; and Bryce and Jocelyn Cain. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters-in-law Robert (Patricia) Johnson, David (Joyce) Johnson, Douglas (Joan) Johnson and Laurice (Ed) Markowski. She was Nana to a special family, David and Andrea Shank and their children Jonathan, Stephen, Stephanie, and Melissa.
Mavis will be lovingly remembered for her smile, quick wit and her love for others. We will miss her deeply.
Visitation with the family will take place at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids on Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 4-6 pm. The funeral will be held at Charity Baptist Church in Paris on Monday, October 30 at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Charity Baptist Church of Paris, Michigan, or to Michigan Audubon.
Share a memory, picture, and leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com