Mildred M. Ploeg

Mildred (Millie) Ploeg of Dutton, MI went home to be with her heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, one day before her 88th birthday. Millie was born in McBain, MI. Millie is survived by her husband of 34 years, Daniel Ploeg and her children, Mary (Richard) DeMaria, Russ (Karen) Nolff, Michele (Ron) DeJong and step children, Dan (Beth) Ploeg Jr., Cathy (Doug) Fairchild, Don (Joyce) Ploeg. She also had 3 granddaughters whom she adored, Alicia (Jason) Strayhorn, Heather (Jason) Bush, and Melissa Nolff as well as 8 step-grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and brothers, Jay (Arletta-deceased) Berens, Gordon (Wilma) Berens. Millie is preceded in death by parents, George and Mary Berens and her brothers, Gene (Jane), Louis and Harold Berens.

Millie was a remarkable seamstress who built a successful bridal business strictly from word of mouth. Brides and their bridal parties would drive for hours just to have Millie create custom dresses for their special day. She would go out of her way to bring their visions to life, usually just from pictures they gave her for ideas. Many brides in the community still talk about how talented and thoughtful she was. She also used her talents to create Cabbage Patch dolls for her granddaughters when demand was so high you couldn’t get a hold of one to buy. Without any hesitation she created dolls from scratch just to bring them a smile. She was also an avid knitter, even teaching her great-grandson to knit as a way to work on his hand-eye coordination for sports. Also, an avid gardener; it was easy to spot Millie’s house as it was the one welcoming you with more flower beds than any one person could ever keep up with and yet she did.

A devoted lover of Christ, Millie poured into the hearts of children for years as a volunteer Sunday school teacher. Her ultimate joy was celebrating Jesus’ birth, making every Christmas magical for every person in her family. She would shop year-round to cover every inch under the tree with thoughtful gifts for every family member. Not one to skimp on the details, she also filled a personal stocking for everyone. She wasn’t a woman of many words, but by the look on her face as she watched her family enjoy Christmas day everyone knew they were loved beyond words.

A service will be held at Peace Church Chapel at 6950 Cherry Valley Rd, Middleville, MI on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 beginning with a family visitation at 2 pm and a service at 3pm. Memorial contributions may be directed to Carveth Village, 690 West Main St. Middleville, MI 49333.