Romona "Mona" Louise Fay

“We’re all just walking each other home.” Ram Dass

Mona Fay made her way home to heaven on December 29, 2019, where she was reunited with her husband of 56 years, Bob.

On September 4, 1930, Ramona Louise Kerridge was born to William and Julia Kerridge (Maddix), in Rexton, MI, a small town in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The eldest of four children, Mona was a loving sister to her siblings Patsy, Bill, and Linda.

Her family relocated to the Lower Peninsula, to another small town named Bliss, where Mona spent her childhood and formative years. She met her future husband, Robert Lyle Fay, at a roller rink in a neighboring town, when, as she would tell the story, “He fell down, I picked him up, and never let him go.”

Mona and Bob married on September 13, 1946, and together they raised four children: Sharon, Sandi, Mary, and Bob Jr. Moving frequently to follow Bob’s construction jobs that supported the family until the children were in high school, the Fay’s eventually settled in Levering, MI, where Mona worked various jobs and was a member of the Levering Methodist Church, and later the Alanson Church of the Nazarene.

After the children were grown, Bob and Mona moved to Petoskey, MI, where they spent their retirement years, eventually wintering in Florida and spending the warmer months in Michigan.

The photos left behind will tell stories filled with joy and laughter, but throughout her life, Mona faced many challenges and times of doubt - as each of us do. It was her enduring faith in God that brought her solace, comfort, and the strength to persist through difficult times. She’d often end conversations by saying she’d be praying for you, and could be found in quiet moments murmuring prayers, asking for grace and protection for those whom she loved.

Though to the casual observer Mona could’ve appeared meek and mild, she possessed an independent streak that’ll always be recalled with incredulity and laughter by those who knew her.

On her 70th birthday, she went parasailing over Little Traverse Bay while her grown grandchildren texted one another about the current and precarious state of their own knees, and the day before she died, she told her daughter that she was “still my own person.”

“Feisty,” the hospice nurse observed, which made her children nod and smile a sad smile as lifetimes of memories fell from their eyes to the ground.

Mona was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, her sisters Patsy and Linda, her parents, William and Julia, and her son-in-law, Ken Pressey. She is survived by her brother Bill and her children, Sharon, Sandi, Mary, and Bob, and their families.

Mona’s family was a tremendous source of joy, and each of them will miss their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The legacy that she and Bob leave behind includes:

Sharon Pressey, who was married to Ken Pressey, and their son Mike. Mike is married to his wife, Milissa, and has three children: Ciarra, Parker, and Walker.

Sandi Dezelah, who is married to Chuck. Sandi’s son Mark Sanders is married to Kristie, and they have three children, Calvin, Maisy, Miles. Sandi’s daughter Beth Grotelueschen is married to Mark, and they have two daughters, Cassie and Anna.

Mary Zulski, who is married to Frank. Their daughter Jennifer VandeZande is married to Jeff, and has three daughters, Adriana, Abrielle, and Emerson. Their daughter Andrea Schlak is married to Calvin, and has six children, Joshua, Jacob, Kaleb, Alayna, Madalyn, and Carter. Their daughter Christine Zulski has two sons, Fritz and Waylon, and their daughter Sara Zulski has two daughters, Addison and Brailyn. Their son Matthew Zulski is married to Jessica, and they have one daughter, Sadie, and a son, Asher.

Bob Fay, Jr. is married to Carol and they have two children, their daughter Abbey Weispfenning, and their son, Tripp Fay. Abbey is married to Aaron, and they have three daughters, Emma, Nora, and Sophia.

The family of Mona would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility and McLaren Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, at Alanson Church of The Nazarene, at 11:00. Visitation will be held on the 4th as well, at 10:00.

While floral tributes are appreciated Mona’s family ask that you consider a donation to Alanson Church of The Nazarene, Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility, or an organization of your choice.

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