Denise Ann McEvers (Sorenson)

Denise Ann McEvers, 76, of Grayling went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 24, 2013. She died peacefully in her sleep at home following a long illness. Denise was born on January 30, 1937 in Grayling to Doris C. (Harnois) and Alfred J. "Bud" Sorenson. She graduated from Grayling High School in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Derek E. McEvers, on July 21, 1956 in Grayling. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Ferris State University and spent her life as a co-owner of the Sorenson Funeral Home with her husband, Derek. After many years of serving the Grayling community through the funeral business, she and Derek sold the funeral home and retired in 1999. Denise was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for most of her life, and a very active member in the church prior to her illness. Denise was a very strong person who loved her life and courageously fought her disease. She was a kind, caring and loving woman and will be sadly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, brother-in-law, many nieces and nephews and her treasured pets. Denise is survived by her husband Derek of 56 years; her daughter, Melissa (Daniel) Heidenga of Wyoming, Michigan; son, Jason McEvers of Durand, Michigan; her grandchildren, Matthew Heidenga, Caitylyn Heidenga, Dannielle McEvers and Tyler McEvers; Jason's fiancé, Staci and her children, Randall and Shania of Durand, Michigan; her sister, Marcia (Richard) Sullivan of Marlette, Michigan; and several nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred J. and Doris C. Sorenson; her sister, Marlene Lippard; brothers-in-law, Hank Feldhauser and Richard Lippard; her granddaughter, Emily Ann Heidenga; and nephews, Matthew Sullivan and Mark Sullivan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 28 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grayling, where she will repose one hour prior to Mass. The family will receive visitors Thursday, June 27 from 12:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at the Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home, 1108 W. North Down River Road, where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm. Interment Elmwood Cemetery in Grayling. Condolences may be sent to www.sorensonlockwood.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice and Homecare, 324 Meadows Drive, Grayling, MI 49738 or AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 384, Grayling, MI 49738. Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise Ann McEvers (Sorenson), please visit our flower store.