Obituaries

Arthur “Lyle” Ames, age 101, of Pickford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, at Hillman’s Haven in Hillman, Michigan. He was born on January 30, 1924, in Pickford to Arthur and Martha (Kinnee) Ames.

Lyle was raised in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School. After graduation he moved to Pontiac, Michigan, for work, but wasn't there long before he returned home and then joined the United States Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Lorma Hillock in Baltimore, Maryland, shortly before deploying with the Navy during World War II. He proudly served his country, and often shared stories of his time aboard the USS Iowa—including witnessing the signing of the peace treaty between the United States and Japan via periscope. Following his military service Lyle returned to Pickford to begin life with Lorma and raising a family together. He worked several years for A&P Tea Company serving stores in Pickford, Rudyard and Newberry, before opening his own Red Owl Store in Pickford. After closing the Red Owl Store, he held many part time jobs including Postal Clerk, Lipsett's Garage, McDonald Realty, Slater's Service Station, and Taylor Lumber. He also served as Assistant Chief of the Pickford Fire and Ambulance. Lyle was also a long-time member of the Masons. In the early 1970s both Lorma and Lyle moved to Gaylord, Michigan, to work as Postal Clerks. Lorma become Postmaster of Elmira, Michigan, and Lyle became Postmaster at Waters, Michigan, a position he held until his retirement. He and Lorma enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., eventually finding their winter haven in Tucson, Arizona. Lyle was an avid hunter and basketball fan and spent many happy hours deer hunting and watching basketball. Lyle also enjoyed singing Barbershop and directed mixed chores in Tucson Meadows and at Hillman's Haven.

Lyle is survived by his son, Rodney (Frances) Ames of Walled Lake, Michigan; daughter, Cheri (Stewart) Scramlin of Hillman; grandchildren, Brent (Eva) Ames, Christy (Alex) Ross, Michelin Scramlin, and Erin (Jared) Fletcher; great-grandchildren, Addison and Ava Fletcher; sisters-in-law, Carol O'Conner of Georgetown, Texas, and Clara Hillock of Pickford.

Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Lorma; parents, Arthur and Martha; grandson, Joshua Scramlin; and brothers-in-law, Larry Hillock, Richard Hillock, Hartwell Hillock, and John Hillock.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, Mi 49774, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Lyle to Hillman's Haven, 200 Elizabeth St. Hillman, MI 49746, or Pennington Home, 665 S. Pleasant St. Pickford, MI 49774.

Lyle's final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.