Royleen Kay Vanever

Royleen Kay Van Ever, age 73, passed away on April 4, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1952 in Midland Michigan to her proud parents Leroy and Bernice (Waddell) Baker. She grew up in Midland with her 5 sisters, Sandy, Connie, Denise, Tammy and Yvonne. She met her high school sweetheart Gary Van Ever whom she married after graduating from Midland High School in 1970..

Gary and Royleen welcomed their first child, Travis, in 1979. Royleen discovered the joy of raising a family and shortly thereafter welcomed Wesley in 1980 and then Russell in 1983. Royleen loved teaching her boys about art, keeping their baseball records for every game, and spending time at the cabin up North with family. She was truly proud of each of her boys and followed closely in their lives to be their biggest champion in pursuing happiness. Royleen generously helped others both in her career profession as a paraprofessional for over 25 years at Longview Elementary in Midland and also with her free time. She was an expert sign language speaker who connected with children to help them find their voice through signing and specialized in multiple learning needs to help children throughout her career. Her compassion extended beyond the classroom, where she helped families that struggled to find adequate care after school hours, adults living on their own who needed special care, and teaching children through the love she had for art. Once retired, Royleen loved spending time with her grandson, Aydin, who she welcomed in 2008. She loved spending time with Aydin doing art projects, talking about his love for baseball, and watching him grow into a very special young man. She also loved spending time with her sister’s, Denise Ciaravino and Connie Menerey, either by way of dinner parties or long text chains.

After having a successful career and raising her family, Royleen moved to The Villages, Florida, to start a new life and live near her son Wesley. She remodeled her home, planted an exquisite garden that she generously gave plants from to her friends, and became the pet sitter of her neighborhood. Even after moving to Florida, Royleen printed every article to follow Aydin’s baseball career and never let a special time in his life go by without him knowing how proud she was. Royleen shared her love of art with her best friend Charlotte Rudell in Michigan, craft shows with her friend Gail Zuwala in The Villages, and shared her love for art virtually with her great niece Aubrie (daughter of her beloved niece, Emily). She followed all of her nieces and great nieces with the same intentional interest throughout their lives. She will be remembered most for her kind heart and selfless nature. Royleen never missed a Birthday, Anniversary, or special moment for the people in her life. She will be deeply missed by all of those who love her. Everyone that was privileged enough to meet Royleen knew that she was creative, intelligent, full of witty comebacks unapologetically, and most importantly one of the most authentic originals you could meet.

Royleen was preceded in death by her parents, Leroy Oliver and Bernice Irene Baker. She was also preceded in death by Sandra Baker and Gary Van Ever. She is survived by her sons, Travis (Amanda) Van Ever, Wesley (Lisa) Van Ever, and Russell Van Ever; her grandson, Aydin Van Ever; and her sisters, Connie (Stan) Menerey, Denise (Richard) Ciaravino, Tamara (Larry) Lloyd, and Yvonne Baker, along with many beloved nieces, great nieces, and extended family members. Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be posted soon to celebrate Royleen’s life.. In lieu of flowers, please share a photo, story, or something that brings you joy when you think of Royleen on her forever obituary page.