Cherie Evon Lay

Cherie Evon Lay, 70, of Yale, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the MediLodge of Port Huron.
She was Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 24, 1955, the daughter of the late Jay and Unita (nee Reagan) Mason and stepfather, George Stimac of Troy, Michigan.
On November 27, 1971, she married her true love, Clifford Lay of Detroit, sharing 45 years together before his passing in 2017.
Cherie was a caregiver of strength, courage, kindness, and laughter, with a deep adoration for her family. She found great happiness in collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia, traveling to new places, and spending time at the bowling alley with friends and family. Family traditions were of great importance to her. Cherie took pride in raising her independent daughters and found great joy from time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all whose lives she touched with her gentle spirit and unconditional love.
In her early years, Cherie enjoyed attending book club with her late mother-in-law, Loretta Lay, and volunteered in the Yale Public schools, offering her time and heart to help wherever needed. She was a softball, bowling, and cheerleading coach giving back to her community while supporting her children in their endeavors. Cherie selflessly cared for her husband, Clifford, after he became disabled early on in their marriage showing her love, dedication and devotion for him.
She is survived by her four daughters, Crystal (Jym) Peck, Carolee (Ryan) Lorius, Casie (Michael) Parker, and Clorisa (Tim) Ponke; fourteen grandchildren, Tristian, Kristian, Owen, Cameron, Christian, Dylan, Katie, Michael, Damion, Dante, Gabrielle, Ethan, Timothy, Justin; and eleven great-grandchildren, Autumn, Bentley, Audrey, Anastasia, Brinlee, Everlee, Korra, Ensley, Damion Jr, Violet, and Ace.
Cherie was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Clifford; and her siblings, Chuck Mason and Brenda Stephens.
The family honors the memory of Cherie and invites you to visit and share memories Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Yale. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 p.m. Deacon Mike Cummins will officiate. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Kaatz Funeral Directors, Yale.