Agnes Fraser McPhail Derks

1930 - 2022

Agnes "Mitzie" Fraser McPhail Derks passed away in New Orleans on April 20, 2022, aged 91. Mitzie lived in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, with her parents Isabelle (Fraser) and David McPhail until she was 14, when they moved to North Muskegon, where Mitzie lived for all but her last few years. She was proud of her all-Scottish heritage and was a dedicated Michigan State Spartans fan. Mitzie raised two daughters: Andrea Derks Fagan, who married George Fagan and brought up their son and daughter in New Orleans and, Julie Derks Ford, who married Simon Ford and raised their four daughters in London and Sydney. Mitzie worked at the Yankee Peddler in North Muskegon before "retiring" to perform countless hours of volunteer work for community music, a local hospital and other places. Mitzie had a ready smile and sense of humor. Her very active, intrepidly independent life included playing golf, walking beaches and trails, boating, honing her skills as a pianist, baking endless supplies of goodies, spending time with her many friends and frequently traveling. She loved adventuring well into her 80's: zip-lining, cross-country skiing, snow-showing, hiking and canoeing. Mitzie deeply loved her many relations, especially her six grandchildren, who from oldest to youngest are Alexandra Ford, Erin Ford, Connor Fagan, Kirsten Ford, Kathryn Fagan and India Ford. Private memorials will be held in New Orleans and in North Muskegon. Donations in Mitzie's memory may be made to Blue Lake Public Radio. Online at: https://donate.bluelake.org/radio. Text-to-give: Text To 44321, MITZIEMEMORIAL. By check to: Blue Lake Public Radio c/o Mitzie Derks Memorial, 300 E. Crystal Lake Rd., Twin Lake, MI 49457, (800) 889-9258.