Obituaries: Aug. 18, 2026

Sue Adams

November 11, 1933-August 11, 2026

Sue Adams, age 92, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at American House Spring Lake.

She was born November 11, 1933, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Wilbur and Erma (Borden) Phillipy. She married Harold “Hal” Adams on August 22, 1955, in Van Wert — and, as she liked to put it, they managed to stay married for almost 67 years. Hal preceded her in death on March 20, 2022, after many years in which Sue was his devoted caretaker.

Sue graduated from Wittenberg University with a bachelor’s degree and taught at Pembroke Elementary in Birmingham, Michigan, where she and Hal settled before later moving to West Bloomfield. However, she remained a proud Ohio farm girl and an unapologetic Ohio State fan to the end, despite the fact that two of her grandchildren attended the University of Michigan.

When Sue and Hal started their family, she devoted her time to raising their children. She tutored students in the Pontiac school district, volunteered her time freely, and was a member of the “Jolly Girls Club,” a group of friends who loved to laugh and play bridge. She enjoyed bike riding, cards and games — especially with her grandchildren — and was an avid reader. Most of all, she cherished time spent with family and friends. She will be remembered for her bright smile, her quick wit, her infectious laugh, and her kind heart.

Sue is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Sarah (Rick) Morris and Amy (Joe) Perraut; her son, Jason Adams; and eight grandchildren, Henry, Riley, Miles, Noah and Stella Morris, and Isabelle, Jesse and Jake Perraut.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Phyllis Mast.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at American House and Gentiva Hospice for the care and kindness they provided.

A private graveside service will be held at Pine Lake Cemetery in West Bloomfield. Arrangements were entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Share memories with the family at their online guest book at sytsemafh.com.

Leonard "Len" Lee Gilmore

April 8, 1954-August 10, 2026

Leonard “Len” Lee Gilmore, 72, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away on August 10, 2026.

Len was born April 8, 1954, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, to Ray and Arlene Gilmore. One of two children, Len and his brother grew up in Muskegon Heights, where Len graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1972.

Following high school, Len began learning his trade as a carpenter. He spent his entire working life in carpentry and worked at Baker in Holland for most of that time. Around 1995, Len retired from Baker due to health issues — closing a long chapter of steady work marked by skill, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way.

During his time in Muskegon Heights, Len met Barbara Joe. They were married in 1976. Together they served as foster parents for 20 years and ran a daycare for 30 years. In the 1980s, they moved to the Holland area, where they set down permanent roots. In time, they felt called to adopt and went on to adopt their children, Bill, Jeff, and Desiree. Their home became a place defined by love and togetherness, and Len and Barbara found deep joy in caring for their family. In 2006, Barbara passed away, leaving a loss that was felt for a long time to come.

Len’s devotion to family was woven into everyday life. When the children were growing up, they fondly remember camping at Blue Lake, along with many other trips to the beach and campgrounds — simple days that became lasting memories. Len was a Cubs baseball fan, and one of his great joys was seeing them win the World Series. He also had a lifelong interest in cars, building model cars with Bill, Jeff, and Desiree, and taking satisfaction in fixing up cars as well. Known as the family handyman, Len took great pride in being the one others could count on, and he made a point of passing those skills along — something Connor especially absorbed and remembers warmly.

After retirement, Len enjoyed attending car shows and could often be found doing genealogy for everyone connected to the family. He leaves behind stacks of books and binders filled with carefully gathered information, preserved for future generations. As a grandparent, Len was doting and steadfast — doing whatever he could to show his grandchildren they were supported. He also delighted in small joys, including giving the grandchildren any candy in the home and sending them back to their parents.

Len was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Joe Gilmore; his father, Ray Gilmore; and his mother, Arlene Gilmore.

He is survived by his children, Bill (Rachael) Gilmore, Jeff Gilmore, and Desiree Gilmore; and his grandchildren, Connor Gilmore, Bill Gilmore Jr., Damon Spelich, and Riley Gilmore, as well as numerous extended family members.

Len will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he impacted.

Lori Marie Stoike

February 8, 1988-August 14, 2026

Lori Marie Stoike passed away on August 14, 2026, at the age of 38.

She was born on February 8, 1988.

No services are scheduled at this time.