Mary Ellen Eyke

Mary Ellen Eyke (Rau Severs) Howell Mary Ellen Eyke (Rau Severs) passed away after a brief illness on December 24, 2012. Mary's optimism, humor, generosity and spirit will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Beloved daughter of Don and Marie Rau, she was born January 13, 1939 in Cedar Springs, MI. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Lansing, she worked at the Lansing State Journal in the advertising department for many years. She later became the Promotion Director at Frandor in Lansing where she was well-known and respected by the merchants. She also managed an assisted living facility in East Lansing and worked in promotion at Tanger Outlets in Howell. Mary loved spending time with her family, travel and animals. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Lawrence M. and John D. Rau. She leaves behind a family to cherish her memory: loving husband of 36 years, Walter Eyke whom she joined in marriage on July 6, 1976; sons Michael and Don Severs; daughter Kathy Severs; four step-children; two grandchildren who were her pride and joy; JC Bauer and Shelby Moody; sisters-in-law Barbara Rau and Janice (Robert) Taylor; cousins Greg, Annette and Jeffrey (Christine) Halvorson and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at a Memorial Service on Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Prairie Creek Golf Course Banquet Center, 800 E. Webb Dr., DeWitt, MI. Attendees are invited to share their memories of Mary at the service. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 or the Humane Society of Livingston County, 2464 Dorr Rd., Howell, MI 48843. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, Michigan.