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Anne Sarto Motyka
Obituary: Anne Sarto Motyka, 83, of Ludington
Anne Marie Sarto Motyka, 83, passed away peacefully October 29, 2023, in Charlevoix, with her family by her side, after a long battle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Anne was born March 20, 1940, in Flint, the middle child of Stanley “Pete” and Marie (Geary) Coulter.
Anne was raised in Lansing, graduating from St. Mary’s Catholic High School. She went on to marry her first love Leo David “Dave” Sarto on September 9, 1961. Both being natives of Lansing, they were avid supporters of Michigan State University, Dave’s alma mater. Anne and Dave also shared a love of travel that took them to the New York World’s Fair, the 1988 MSU Rose Bowl, the Olympics, and on many more adventures. Anne’s greatest pride and joy were the five children that she shared with Dave and later her grandchildren. Dave’s job took the family around the country before settling in Ludington in 1969.
Anne was a huge supporter of her children and grandchildren in all their academic/athletic/artistic endeavors attending as many events as she could. Along with raising her children, Anne sold Avon for many years, was a part-time real estate agent, and was a founding member along with Dave, of the family business, Change Parts Inc.
Anne had a love for volunteering. She was active in St. Simon Catholic Church, St. Simon Bargain Center, Ludington Area Catholic School (LAC), Catholic Daughters, and Kiwanis Club. Anne’s favorite projects were the Ludington Petunia Parade and the Fourth of July in which she loved to include her grandchildren. She also was a member of LAC Education Foundation Board.
Anne enjoyed many hobbies such as golf, reading, the Hallmark Channel, shopping, and playing cards with bridge holding a special spot in her heart. On any given day of the week Anne could be found at Lincoln Hills Golf Club, the bridge table, or with a book in her hand. She went on to share these passions with her children and grandchildren. Anne’s biggest reward in life was becoming a grandmother. She had such a loving and kind spirit, when you think of a grandma you think of Grandma Anne.
Anne was lucky to be blessed with two great loves in her life when she met Joe Motyka after both had lost their first spouse. They bonded over their love of travel and golf and were married on August 20, 1996. They were able to spend their golden years traveling the United States, enjoying winters in Florida and summers in Ludington.
Anne is survived by: her children, Ron (Dawn) Sarto of Ludington, Kathy (Andy) Schmidt of De Pere, Wis., Beth (Dale) Rich of Charlevoix, Dan (Julee) Sarto of Ludington, and Doug (Lisa) Sarto of Ludington; her grandchildren, Cassie (Brad) Hackert, Maressa Sarto, Jessica (Sonny) Yohn, David (Brianna) Schmidt, Jennifer (Nick) Bauman, Thomas (Kirsten) Rich, Meridith Rich, Joseph Rich, Matthew Sarto, Rachel Sarto, Sophia Sarto, Rob Crisan, Patrick Gwiazdowski, Anna Gwiazdowski, Nicholas Sarto, and Mackenzie Sarto; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Nancy Coulter; and brother, Tom (Dube) Coulter; stepson, Daniel (Mary Lou) Motyka; and many nieces, nephews, stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.
Anne was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Leo David Sarto in 1993; and her second husband, Joe Motyka in 2016; her brother, Ed Coulter; and her infant daughter Julie.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 6, 2023, at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington, with Father Dan DePew presiding. Interment will take place in the Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass.
Visitation will be held at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, in Ludington, from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held Monday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Anne may be directed to the Ludington Area Catholic Education Foundation. The family would like to thank Boulder Park Terrace for the wonderful care they provided Anne during the last few years of her illness.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
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