Obituary: Lila Mae Cater, 90, of Ludington

March 1, 2023

Lila Cater

Obituary: Lila Mae Cater, 90, of Ludington

It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to Lila Mae Cater, a shining star that brightened the lives of all who knew her. Lila, 90, of Ludington passed away quietly on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.

She was born in Manistee on May 31, 1932, to Myrtle (Anderson) and Edward “Happy” Barch. Soon after graduation, she met and married William Cater (who preceded her in death on August 12, 2009). They celebrated 57 years of marriage. She was a long time member of Bethany Lutheran Church and The Lakeside Circle.

Lila touched many lives in our community as an Avon Lady for over 41 years and at Images Clothing Store. Her warmth and kindness knew no bounds. Her neighborhood will certainly be different now, without seeing her tending her flowers or sitting on her deck enjoying the birds, deer and all of nature surrounding her. Lila and her companion, Bob Nash would often enjoy rides around the farm joined by her faithful dog Shadow.

Lila will be deeply missed by her children, Doris(Dori) Bray of Ludington, Dennis (Onjoo) Cater of Los Altos, Cali., Cheryl (Ron) Assise of Ft. Myers, Fla.; beloved grandchildren, Christopher (Joey) Bray of Casper, Wy., Susan (Brett) Companion of Grand Rapids, Kristyn Assise of Eugene, Ore., Nicholas Assise of St. John, Ind.; and great-grandchildren, Chase, Carver and Joseph Bray, Taylor, Jacob and Courtney Companion, Tyler (Ashleigh) Companion . She is also survived by brothers, Dan (Pat) Barch and Doug Barch of Manistee, and sister-in-law, Joan Barch of Mackinac Island; son-in-law, George (Shelly) Bray of Ludington; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lila was preceded in death by brothers, Edward (Maxine) Barch, Jr. and James Barch; sister, Nancy Hengartner; in-laws, Richard (Mildred) Cater, Eugene (Donna) Cater, and Betty (John) Williams.

You are invited to join us in a Celebration of Lila’s Life at 1 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, 309 South Washington Ave, Ludington. Visitation will be held from noon until time of services. You are encouraged to wear cheerful clothing!

Memorial donations can be made to The Mason County District Library; Lakeshore Animal Friends; Mason County Mutts or the charity of your choice.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.