Marilyn M. Sickmiller

Marilyn Maxine Sickmiller, 97, of Cedar Springs, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 8, 2026. She was born on September 27, 1928 to Wilbur and Clara (Bramley) DeVoll of Caldwell, Ohio. She spent her childhood and teen years in various places in Ohio, but it was while attending camp meeting at Mansfield Free Methodist camp that she met Bob Sickmiller–a meeting that would chart the course of her life as a pastor’s wife. He followed her to college at Greenville, Illinois, where after one year, she and Bob were married. They started their first pastorate together while Bob finished his degree and their first daughter Robbie came along. From there they moved to Manistique, Michigan to pastor, where their second daughter Cheryl was born; and then to Munising, and then down to Lakeview, Michigan where their third daughter, Becky joined the family. After three years they were transferred to Cedar Springs, where they served for 40 years - a total of 57 years of ministry.

Maxine was a loving, devoted wife who was a talented seamstress and a wonderful housekeeper. She took great pride in making sure that her pastor husband never left the house unless his appearance was shipshape. She also served in various ministries as a Sunday School teacher, and as a monitor at Pilgrim Bible Academy.

Her youngest daughter, Becky, developed severe health issues as a young adult and Maxine spent 17 years lovingly caring for her. She also spent the last few years of her husband’s life helping him navigate congestive heart failure; her family always said that her careful cooking and detailed care added years to his life as he also lived to be 97.

Maxine doted on her grandchildren, reading to them when they were young, never missing a chance to offer them snacks, and always lending a listening ear when they needed to talk.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband; a highlight was a trip to England, Scotland and France. They also visited the mission field in Haiti several times and covered many miles spending time with beloved grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. D. Robert Sickmiller (2016); daughter, Cheryl Hemrick and her husband, Glenn; and daughter, Becky Sickmiller; grandson-in-law, Jamey Gremillion; her three brothers: Myron, Norman Lee, and Gene, and several brothers and sisters-in-law. She is survived by daughter, Robbie (Don) Coxon; grandchildren, Cara (Matt) Johnson, Kevin (Holly) Coxon, Ona and Gina Hemrick; great-grandchildren, Cameron (Blessing) Gremillion and daughter, Anna, Cade (Liz) Gremillion, Kelcie (Ben) Mwangi, Karis Gremillion, Macy, Declan, Elliotte and Beckett Coxon; sisters-in-law, Betty Sharp and Marybelle DeVoll; several nieces and nephews; and her faithful and loving caregiver, Becky Gerard.

Special thanks to her Corewell Health Hospice caregivers, Nurse Kelsey, SW Ashley, and Aide Teresa.

A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Pilgrim Bible Church, 360 Pine St, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.