Donald Ray Westerby

Donald Ray Westerby of Troy, Michigan passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Don was born on January 10, 1933 in Birmingham, Michigan to the late Carl and Pearl Westerby. A graduate of Birmingham High School, he was also an athlete, having been a great cross-country runner for the school.

A true gentleman, Don always put others before himself. By nature, he was gentle, kind, and heartfelt as a person. He was a devoted husband, and always made sure his beloved Marilyn was in good care. Don was also a talented woodworker with a keen eye for detail. He loved to make things out of wood. He also loved to garden, loved flowers, raising many from seed, and truly enjoyed yard work and making sure everything looked nice. Don also loved animals, especially cats, and always had a little piece of bread for the squirrels in the yard. In his woodworking, he also crafted birdhouses and found great joy in watching the birds make them their home. He was meticulous, disciplined, and was very organized in every aspect of his life.

Don was an avid sports fan specifically for his home teams, the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Tigers. He never missed a televised game. He was also a devoted Michigan football fan.

Don was well respected in his field and worked for the Pontiac School District as an accountant from 1964-1996. He will be truly missed by all who crossed his path.

Beloved husband of Marilyn for over 62 years. Loving father of Catherine Marie Barnes and Kristine Westerby Benton. Proud grandfather of Amanda Barnes, Gavin Benton, Garren Benton, and Drake Benton. Dear brother of Bryan Westerby, the late Dorothea Wreesman (the late Ted), the late Delor J. Westerby, the late Paul C. Westerby, the late James Westerby, as well as two younger brothers who passed at a very young age.

Memorial service Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11AM at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 5631 N. Adams Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. Gathering begins at 10AM. A Celebration of Life will follow.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to make a donation in Donald's memory to the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Memorial Garden.

Church announcement:

Born into Eternal Life

Donald Ray "Don" Westerby

Jan. 10, 1933-Feb. 7, 2026

Dear People of Beautiful Savior,

Our brother in Christ, Don Westerby, passed into eternal life on the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026. Don lived out those words from Proverbs 16:3, which also happens to be the memory verse for our current worship series. He knew how to put the important things first and then act on that knowledge. He dedicated his time and energy to his family, to serving God through Beautiful Savior, and to caring for others whether a friend or a stranger alike. Don's funeral will be in the Beautiful Savior Chapel, which is where he and Marilyn were married 62 years ago before the sanctuary was built.

The following are the arrangements for Don, all on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Beautiful Savior campus:

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

5631 N. Adams Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Visitation-10:00 a.m.

Celebration of Eternal Life (Funeral)-11:00 a.m.

Inurnment in the Columbarium-11:45 a.m.

Reception in the Welcome Center-noon

Cards and condolences may be sent to Marilyn, who will be collecting them on behalf of family.

Don was an avid woodworker and gardener who appreciated encountering God through creation. In the spirit of Don's love of nature, Don's family would like gifts in his memory to support the Beautiful Savior Memorial Garden Beautification Fund. Gifts in Don's memory may be made to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 5631 N. Adams Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304, with "Don Westerby Memorial-Memorial Garden" written in the memo line. You may also CLICK HERE to give a memorial electronically.

We give thanks to God for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We ask God to comfort Don's wife (Marilyn), daughters (Cathy and Kristine), grandchildren (Amanda, Gavin, Garren, and Drake), and other family and friends with God's peace that passes understanding.

Sincerely, in Christ's Service,

Pr. Nik

The Rev. Dr. Niklaus C. Schillack

Senior Pastor

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

5631 North Adams Road

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Phone (248) 646-5041

Fax (248) 646-5386