Obituary of Charles Ray Hoyt

Charles Ray Hoyt, 59, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Friday, May 2, 2014 with his family by his side. Ray was born to Charles "Russ" and Clara "Ethel" (Virgil) Hoyt on May 12, 1954 in Niles, Michigan. Ray met and fell in love with Mildred Morris. On June 19, 1981 at a ceremony in Cassopolis, they married . After graduation Ray went on to work as a truck loader for over twenty years until his health did not permit it anymore. However, that didn't stop Ray from working. He was a very determined and hardworking working man with a work ethic that always kept Ray doing something or helping someone. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and found great enjoyment when he had a chainsaw in his hands and was "taking down a tree". He was an avid Michigan football fan, and loved attending Notre Dame Basketball games with his brother. He loved the outdoors, and was quite the hunter and fisherman; enjoying many of the local forests and lakes in the area. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards with his family, including pinochle, euchre, and cribbage. Although Ray was a man of few words, his actions spoke loudly. Anyone who spent time around Ray would quickly figure out that of all of the things he enjoyed in life, his family meant the world to him. He is fondly remembered as strong, loyal, dependable husband, father, brother, and son. He is preceded by his father, Russ Hoyt and a sister, Lois Littrell. Ray is survived by his wife, Mildred, his mother, Ethel, his two daughters, Julie (David) Moody of Union and Patricia (Matt) Locker of Jones and his son, Jimmy McNeil of Niles. He is also survived by his five grandchildren; Ashley Tonkin, Allyssa McNeil, Makalla Locker, Jacob Locker, and Justice Moody, a great granddaughter "Little Rae", his two brothers Randy (Lynette) Hoyt and Joe Hoyt both of Niles, and his three sisters; Charlene Hoyt of Cassopolis, Debbie (Mike) Judy of Mattawan and Patricia (Frank) Krasnouski of Tolono, Illinois. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ray's memory may do so to Helping Hands, 130 South Broadway, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or to his granchildren's 4-H chapter Sauwauseebee, 612 East Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032. Visitation for Ray will be Saturday morning, May 10 from 9-11 am with service beginning at 11 am at the Pleasantview Church of Christ, 60550 Crooked Creek Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031