John Melvin Rairigh

Melvin was born on June 22, 1926 in Woodland, Michigan to Mearl and Clementine (Smith) Rairigh. He passed away peacefully with his hands being held by his loving daughter Elaine on December 26, 2013. He is survived by his loving wife Betty June (Shaffer), whom he married in 1948. He will be deeply missed by his children Elaine (Jim) Curtis of Roanoke VA, Patricia (Jim) Ludwig of East Lansing, Marilyn (Eric) Hillman of Kincheloe MI and John (Kae) Rairigh of Simpsonville SC. He was proud grandfather to Ken and Eric Archer, Kirsten Beemer, Kerianne Hourihan, Matthew and Stephanie Hillman, Ashley and Preston Rairigh and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Vivian Rairigh and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clayton and sisters Dorothy Henney, Ilene Pierce and Ione Sayer.
Melvin graduated from Woodland High School in 1944, then worked with his father on the family farm. In 1948 he bought his own farm on Round Lake Road near Sunfield where he resided for 65 years. He also worked as a commercial carpenter for 27 years, helping build numerous MSU buildings and the Lansing Mall. Melvin gave generously of his time and talents, serving on the Sunfield and Lakewood School boards, helping to build Habitat for Humanity homes, raising funds for C.R.O.P. and volunteering at Ingham Medical Hospital. He was a long-time member of the Sunfield United Methodist Church. He had a passion for flying his own plane, loved camping with his family and traveling around the United States. He was known to spend hours "tinkering with his inventions" and was an avid University of Michigan fan. Melvin was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather: spending time with his family was his favorite activity. Melvin will be remembered for his good humor, strong work ethic and loving heart. The family is being served by Rosier Funeral Home, Sunfield MI. Visitation will be Monday, December 30 1:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at Rosier Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 31 at 11:00 AM at the Sunfield United Methodist Church with Rev. Morse and Rev. Huyck officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, Habitat for Humanity or Manna’s Market (Woodland). C/O Rosier Funeral Home PO Box 36 Sunfield, MI 48890. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for the wonderful care provided for Melvin in his last months.