Cathleen Patricia Ryan Schmitz

Cathleen Patricia Schmitz of Grand Ledge peacefully passed away at the age of 76 on April 28, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by love and comfort during her final days on this earth. Born on May 20, 1947, in Detroit to Betty and James Ryan. She spent her formative years in Clawson, where she graduated from Clawson High School in 1965. Throughout her life, Cathy exemplified resilience, determination, strength, compassion, and a deep commitment to those she loved. In 1968, Cathy married her first husband Phil Klintworth. They welcomed their only child Lindsey in 1979. Cathy spent many years as the Executive Director of the Michigan Sheriffs Association. Later, she followed her true passion of antiques by owning and operating Grace Antiques and Fine Art in Grand Ledge with her husband Greg. Cathy had a zest for life and enjoyed various hobbies. She had a keen eye for fashion and relished her shopping excursions with her daughter. As an avid sports fan, she delighted in cheering on the Detroit Tigers and reveled in the excitement of baseball season. Additionally, Cathy found solace and joy in spending leisurely days at Lake Michigan, where she cherished the tranquility of the water and the beauty of nature. Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Betty and James, and her beloved husband Gregory. Although she has left this earth, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. She is survived by her darling daughter, Lindsey Klintworth, of Grand Ledge, who was the light of her life. Cathy's memory will also be cherished by her brothers, James of Lake Leelanau and Michael (Amelia) of Boyne City, and her sisters, Michele Ryan of Grand Ledge and Betsy (David) Ring of Grawn, Michigan. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who were loved by their Aunt Cathy. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10:00 AM at Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge. She will find eternal peace alongside her husband in the serene grounds of Oakwood Cemetery in Grand Ledge In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cathy's memory to organizations that held a special place in her heart: Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073 (https://foodforthepoor.org/about-us/contact-us/?form=donate-now&s_subsrc=topright), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) 424 E. 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128-6804 (https://secure.aspca.org/donate/donate?ms=wb_top_homepage-donate&initialms=wb_top_homepage-donate&pcode=WEBMEMBER&lpcode=WEBGUARD) or in her memory to The American Lung Association, National Direct Response, P.O. Box 756. Osceola, Wisconsin 54020-0756 (https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31272&mfc_pref=T&31272.donation=form1&_gl=1*cheled*_ga*MjAyNTE5MzczMi4xNzE0NTgzNDE0*_ga_P13PC1PGW8*MTcxNDU4MzQxNC4xLjEuMTcxNDU4MzQ3Ni42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.261230280.470900822.1714583415-2025193732.1714583414). These gestures of kindness will honor Cathy's legacy of generosity and compassion, ensuring that her spirit of giving lives on. Cathy's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her gentle smile, unwavering kindness, and loving spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that she was dearly loved and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Cathleen Patricia Ryan Schmitz

May 20, 1947 - April 28, 2024