Mildred "Millie" Fiet

For anyone who came to know Millie Fiet, they were never the same. Just being in her presence, one couldn't help but feel her lively spirit and exuberant love for life. A talented and remarkable woman all rolled into one, she loved and took pride in her family, and enjoyed her many friends. Although she will be deeply missed, her loving heart remains in the memories of many. Following the end of World War I, the 1920s emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared, and people everywhere were brimming with hope as the infamous Roaring Twenties was news of the day. Nestled in the thriving lakeshore community of Holland, Michigan, Cornelius and Mae (Booth) Kruithoff had special news of their own when on August 19, 1927 they announced the welcome birth of their daughter, Mildred. Mildred, or "Millie" as she was lovingly known, the first of two daughters in the Kruithoff household, was later joined by her younger sister, Geneva. Her father, a hardworking business owner, operated Quality Brass and Aluminum while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. Eventually Millie and her family moved to the city of Muskegon. They settled into a home on Jackson Hill where Millie attended Angell Elementary School and made many friends. A likable young girl, her outgoing and fun-loving personality naturally drew others to her side. She especially held fond memories of good friends, Mavis, Curtis, Darlene, Nancy, and Betty, all who remained by each other's side well after graduating from Muskegon High School. While growing up, Millie enjoyed trips with her Dad to Florida and summertime fun camping at Grand Haven State Park as a family. They also spent much time at their cottage in White Cloud on the scenic White River. . Millie had her sights set on a career in the beauty industry. She attended cosmetology school and went on to become a very talented hair stylist and business owner. In the meantime, she was married to a young man named Harold Reed and together they raised two beautiful daughters, Sandra born in 1945 and Janice in 1952. Even though times were difficult when as a young mother she contracted polio and was quarantined at home, Millie never ceased in caring for her daughters. They meant everything to her, and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for them. Sadly, Harold passed away. It was years later when Millie met the love of her life. While dining out with friends in the Baldwin area during deer hunting season, Millie met Richard Fiet, and the two hit it off remarkably well. After dating a short time and falling in love, they were happily married on May 14, 1974. Millie loved spending time with her family. She was a great mother, and made a wonderful home for her girls and Richard. Her home was always smartly decorated, especially for the holidays, which allowed her to pursue her interior decorating abilities. Millie had a way for making anything look beautiful. Millie absolutely loved entertaining and enjoyed parties. Quite active socially, she seemed to always have her calendar filled with places to go, people to see and things to do. As if being a professional hair stylist wasn't enough, Millie ventured into other areas where she held talents. She became the co-owner of Parson's Department Store in Whitehall which took her on buying trips several times a year, and for a time she put her tremendous cooking skills to use as a gourmet chef at the White Sands Restaurant, also in Whitehall. Every Friday night was hamburger night at their home where Millie's friends were always welcome. In time she came to enjoy Sunday get-togethers for dinner with her family at the house in Whitehall which she always looked forward to. Among all, she found time to enjoy membership with The Vikings and was a past member of the Muskegon Elk's. Although Millie savored her busy lifestyle, there was nothing she enjoyed more than being surrounded by the family she loved. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy. She instilled in them the importance of higher education, and encouraged them to greater heights. She also made it a point to keep in touch with friends, which numbered many, and often got together with them for lunch or dinner. Her many friends, most notably Gloria, Pat, Laura, Hope, Elaine, and Doris and Bill Wilbrandt remained close to her heart, and having lunch with the 29'ers was also very important to her, right until the end. After retiring in 1992, Millie spent more time with family and friends, and was able to enjoy her love for travel. She spent a memorable time vacationing in Hawaii, and frequently traveled south. As long as there was warmth and sunshine, she loved relaxing and soaking up the sun. As a longtime and devoted member of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church, faith remained a cornerstone and very important part of her life. Her cat, Sox was great company in her later years. Above all, it warmed her heart having those she loved together. She loved watching her family grow, and cherished each new little one born, and special times with each and every one. Throughout Millie's life, her appearance was a priority. She paid special attention to her looks from her sharp attire to the beautiful hair on her head. Well put together, she made sure everything was in place with a style all her own. When she broke her knee, and later her ankle, it didn't bode well with her, particularly the last few years which was spent reluctantly in a wheelchair. Always determined, she had her mind set on one day walking again. Even still, she took great pride in everything she did and continued to do so until the last few weeks. This past summer, a small family reunion came to be extremely special to Millie. She saw each of her beloved great-grandchildren, and some for the very first time since many live in Portland, Oregon. Since that time, a new great-grandchild was born, and two more are on the way! A loving woman to all, she treasured this time. Since her cancer diagnosis, Millie's strong will was evident as she fought with a brave heart. At the age of 84, Mildred "Millie" Fiet, of Muskegon, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2011. To have known Millie was to love her. Genuine, resourceful and creative, she was an ambitious, hard worker who enlightened those in her company with a social zest for life. Never far from memories reach, she will be long remembered and fondly missed. SURVIVORS: Husband of 38 years, Richard; daughter, Sandra Hopkins of Whitehall; stepson, Rev. Thomas Fiet of New York; stepdaughters, Michelle (Robert) Severance of Spring Lake, Barbara (Gary) Curtis of Nevada; grandchildren, Amy (Bob) Hawk, Kristin Kramer, Sarah (Cody) Johncheck, Katie (Dan) Stein, Nick (Lauren) Liebler, Eric (Jamie) Liebler; several great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Reed; daughter, Janice Liebler; son-in-law, Homer Hopkins; grandson, Patrick Kramer; sister, Geneva. SERVICE: Thursday, November 3, 2011, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church with Rev. Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider Harbor Hospice or Laketon Bethel Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory of Millie and to sign her online guest book. Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon.