Ava Grace Renfer

Ava Grace Renfer, 22, of Okemos, Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, after an incredibly courageous battle with cancer. Her light, love, and indomitable spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Born on August 20, 2003, in Lansing, Michigan, to Mark and Erissa Renfer, Ava was sweet, busy, and fiercely independent from the start—always insisting on doing things "mine self." She filled the lives of everyone around her with sunshine, joy, and boundless love.

Ava was the devoted big sister to her brother, Case, and their bond was truly special. They were best friends who shared a deep love of music, cherished summers up north, and made countless memories together in Marco Island, Florida.

Dance was one of Ava's greatest passions. She began dancing at age four at Elite Dance Company in East Lansing and never stopped. At the University of Michigan, she continued pursuing this love as a member of the Ballroom Dance team, bringing grace and energy to every performance.

A proud graduate of Okemos High School, Ava earned her degree in Communications with a minor in French from the University of Michigan in May 2025. She held various leadership positions in the Michigan Innovation Marketing club and loved her work as a communications assistant for the University of Michigan Center for Global Health Equity. An avid Wolverines fan, Ava especially loved U of M hockey and attended as many games as she could.

Music and musicals were woven into the fabric of Ava's life. Wicked and Hamilton were among her many favorites, and she was known for creating the perfect playlist for any occasion. Her family and friends were everything to her, and she had a remarkable gift for making holidays and birthdays feel absolutely magical and special.

Ava is survived by her parents, Mark and Erissa Renfer (Okemos, MI); her brother, Case Renfer (East Lansing, MI); her grandparents, Larry and Pam Newhouse (Madison, IN) and Ron and Ann Renfer (Grand Rapids, MI); many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins; her boyfriend, Gary Caldwell (Lansing, Michigan); her beloved dog, Charlie; and countless dear friends whose lives she enriched immeasurably.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Ava's care team at the University of Michigan Medical Center, who became like family during the last few weeks of her life and provided extraordinary compassion and support.

A celebration of life service to honor Ava's beautiful life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, with a visitation at 10:00 A.M. and a service at 11:00 A.M. at New Hope Church, 2170 E., Saginaw Hwy, East Lansing, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter, 600 Buhl St., Mason, Michigan 48854, or the Osteosarcoma Institute, 3963 Maple Ave., Suite 390, Dallas, Texas 75219.

Ava's light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved her