Maxine’s Obituary Maxine J. “Micki” McClelland, age 75, lifelong resident of Big Rapids Township, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019. She was born May 25, 1943 in Big Rapids, the daughter of Orville and Evelyn Marie (Prim) Rasmussen. She graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1961 and attended Ferris State Institute.
Micki dedicated her life to public service, following a path set by her family. She was an advocate of local government and served as the Big Rapids Township Supervisor for decades. In that capacity, she was not only instrumental in the development of the Fire Department, but also a certified and active firefighter and first responder.
On a wider platform, she represented her community when she was appointed as President of both the Michigan Townships Association and the Michigan Assessors Association, as well as a gubernatorial appointee to the State Assessors Board. She was an active and committed member of the Michigan Republican Party and the Friends of Ferris Association. Raised on a dairy farm, Micki had an innate love for all animals, but it was her deep love for horses that impacted the course of her life.
In addition to breeding and raising Arabian horses for over 30 years, she dedicated many years to influencing the lives of young people through her role as a 4-H Leader and an Equestrian Team coach. Micki also instilled her leadership and inspiration into her daughters’ activities. Whether volunteering as a homeroom mother, hosting class parties, bussing cheerleaders to competitions or transporting the equestrian team, she was always involved.
The love of her children was boundless and the devotion to her grandson was infinite. Micki will be forever missed by her family including her two daughters, Kelly (Andrew) Crull of DeWitt, Jennifer (Eric) Kiser of Stockbridge; her beloved grandson, Nate; two sisters, Judy (Roger) Winegar of Big Rapids, Carla McGee of Hobart, IN; three brothers, Orville Jr. (Marcia) Rasmussen of Grand Rapids, Rick (Cheryl) Rasmussen of Paris, Gary (Rennell) Rasmussen of Big Rapids, several nieces and nephews. Micki was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Linda M. Rasmussen and a brother Ted Rasmussen.
Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2019 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Kaye Ferguson-Patton officiating. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, January 16th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Burial will be at Highland View Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions in Micki’s name may be made to Highland View Cemetery Chapel Fund or Mecosta County 4-H.
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