Evelyn Ruth Wise

Evelyn Ruth (Coats) Wise, 96, was born on March 6, 1924, to Curtis and Nellie (Foos) Coats in Flint, Mich. Evelyn passed away peacefully Feb. 23, 2021.

Evelyn graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1941. She worked for Lawrence Shearer Insurance, Anderson’s Resort and Covel Manufacturing Company.

Evelyn married Horace “Hoddie” Wise on May 16, 1942, in St. Joseph. They were married for 52 years and worked together on the family farm, Wise Farms & Storages, while residing on their lake home on Big Crooked in Sister Lakes, Mich. Evelyn was a member of the Keeler Methodist Church, a founding member of the Sister Lakes School Board and a member of Child and Family Services. She was passionate about horses and a prominent member of the horse racing community with many track wins in Hot Springs, Ark., and Miami, Fla. Her joys in life included reading, swimming, playing cards, gardening and baking. The most important source of strength and support was spending time with her family.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and daughter-in-law. She is survived by children: Barry Wise and Larry (Kathyrn) Wise; grandchildren: Lynne (Leo) Raczykowski, Barb (Jerry) Wheeler, Danielle Wise, and Brandy (Matthew) Tenter; great-grandchildren: Bradley Wheeler, Julia Raczykowski, Bryce Wheeler, Zoe Raczykowski, Nicholas Tenter and Nathaniel Tenter; sister, Mikki (Jim) Swisher; nephew, Zack Swisher; and nieces: Nicole and Katie Swisher.

A private celebration of life service will take place Saturday, Feb. 27, for family only at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to Caring Circle of Lakeland Hospice in St. Joseph or the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.