Gwenyth Riley Mickus

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the incredible life of Gwenyth Mickus, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior in March 2025 at the age of 71. Born in September 1953 in Hart, Michigan, Gwenyth lived a life filled with faith, joy, adventure, and devotion to her family and community.

Gwenyth was the beloved daughter of Stanley and Carol Riley and the granddaughter of Clayton and Flora Riley and Franklin and Velma McWethy. She loved her siblings, Richard, Susan, and Michael (Hart, MI), building childhood memories on the shores of Lake Michigan and maintaining strong family bonds through decades of “Riley Party” family gatherings. Gwenyth later built a beautiful family with her devoted husband, Steven Mickus, and their three treasured children and their spouses: Brian and Kathleen, Michael and Lily, and Sarah and Bradley. One of her greatest joys in life was being Nana to her eleven blessed grandchildren, Sloane, Brie, Zoey, Jacob, Brock, Jude, Hunter, Riley, Connor, Madeleine, and Grant with whom she laughed, tickled, and loved wholeheartedly.

At the center of Gwenyth’s life was her unwavering faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a radiant example of His love and grace, beginning each day in prayer and studying God’s Word in her family’s living room. She was an active leader in church activities including Awana at Calvary Bible Church (Kalamazoo, MI) and Christian Women’s Club at Westgate Chapel (Toledo, OH), where she always uplifted those around her. Gwenyth deeply cherished the lifelong friendships she developed through Bible Studies that spanned from her early years of motherhood in Kalamazoo, MI, to her later years in Grand Rapids, MI. Such family friendships were never more evident than her in final days and served as a cherished example of God's love and kindness to Gwenyth’s immediate family.

Gwenyth poured boundless love, joy, and fun into her family. Whether coaching or cheering at her children’s sporting events, celebrating their graduations and weddings, or welcoming new life into the family, Gwenyth offered unwavering support, wisdom, and affection. She made sure her family always knew of her deep love for them.

Gwenyth graduated from Nazareth College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and dedicated herself to compassionate service for patients under her care at Borgess Medical Center (Kalamazoo, MI). She also enjoyed guiding students as a clinical nursing instructor.

Gwenyth’s adventurous spirit was truly inspiring. She found freedom in the skies as a certified flight instructor, a passion she shared with her father and son, Michael. She was also a skilled sailor, spending summer days teaching her children to sail on the shores of Little Point Sable, Lake Michigan. Her love for travel took her across the world, first as an exchange student in Brazil and later on a short-term mission trip to Russia. With her family and friends, she traveled from the beaches of Hilton Head, SC, to the Rhine River in Europe, the peaks of Zermatt, Switzerland, and the tropical beauty of Hawaii. She had an infectious enthusiasm to plan unforgettable family adventures and create lifelong memories for these and many other destinations.

Gwenyth’s heart for service was as strong as her love for adventure. She dedicated her time to mentoring and uplifting impoverished women in her community and served on parent-teacher boards in Portage, MI. Her compassion extended to St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, where she served as Women’s Auxiliary Board President and founded a neo-natal cuddler program, providing warmth and care to vulnerable newborns. She truly believed in the power of kindness and made it her mission to bring light and hope to those around her.

Gwenyth’s legacy shines brightly in her family and friends and the many lives she has touched. Her loving husband, Steven, cared for her diligently until the end. Although Alzheimer's disease took her from us too early, we are confident that she is eternally in the presence of Jesus with a now beautiful mind.

We welcome all to attend Gwenyth’s celebration of life ceremony which will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 with visitation from 10-11 prior at Cook Funeral Home - Byron Center Chapel, 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI 49315.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). These contributions will honor Gwenyth’s legacy. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.