Ray Shannon Michaels passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was 72.

Ray was born to Victor & Jeanette (Shannon) Michaels on February 11, 1949 in Detroit, MI. He was indentured an apprentice with United Association Local 636 and graduated a Journeyman Steam Fitter. He took great pride in his Trade and in being part of Local 636.

He was a man of Justice, never silent when he saw injustice occurring. He was a fearless man who always stood up when he saw wrongs, defended the defenseless, fed and clothed the poor, carried the weary, spoke for the voiceless, and confronted evil head-on. He was a wise protector.

Ray loved life and fiercely defended its sanctity from conception to natural death.

He loved people, sinners and saints alike.

He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. He was a Veteran of the US Army.

Ray Shannon Michaels married his beloved and holy wife, Rita Marie Vargo, on July 10, 1970. They were members of Saint Valentine Catholic Church in Redford Township, MI and began their family there. The family moved to Lansing and joined the Church of the Resurrection where his children attended school. He also helped many other children to be able to attend Resurrection School. Ray loved his parish and its school.

Ray was so proud of his five children. Surviving him are: his five children, Rebecca Anne Michaels, Jessica Marie (Dan) Michaels Johnson, Helene Marie (Tom) Burkhardt, Ray Luke (Sarah) Michaels, and Therese Marie (Rick) Weimer. And twelve grandchildren whom he spoiled with goodies and mischief. He was filled with joy by his grandchildren and preparing the next generation in the Catholic faith.

Ray received the Anointing of the Sick and the Apostolic Pardon from a Catholic Priest before he passed on to his reward.

Visitation will be held at the Riley Funeral Home in Lansing on Friday, December 17 from 4:00-7:00pm with the Rosary being prayed at 6:30. Catholic Funeral Mass will be at the Church of the Resurrection on Saturday, December 18, at 11:00am and internment at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Church of the Resurrection in Mercy Hall.

Ray and Rita and the Michaels family appreciate you being here to help celebrate their lives and God's Glory. It is very important to the family that this be the focus and that conversation and questions related to Covid be refrained from.

Viva Cristo Rey!

Arrangements for Mr. Michaels are as follows: