Ada B. Stiles

Ada Bell (Bowen) Stiles, of the Britton area, was born in Tawas City, Mich., on February 3, 1931. She passed away peacefully at her home on November 4, 2024 after a brief illness. She was the first born of six children to John and Gretta Bowen. On December 7, 1949, she married the love of her life, David K. Stiles. They were married just shy of 75 years. 

She is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl “Cherie” Brown-Wain, Lee Ann (Chuck) Randolph, Cindy (Chuck) Loomis, and daughter-in-law Gail Stiles, all of Macon Township.

Ada was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to 14: Tom (Penny) Brown, Tim (Marcy) Brown, and Terri (Ernie) Watson; Dave (Barb) Randolph, Kevin Randolph, Christi (Dave) Maynard, Carrie (Bob) Griffin, Becki (Matt) Woerner, and Shelly (John) Seay; David Stiles and Jeremy (Jody) Stiles; and Jenny (Kevin) Knapp, Jeffrey (Alicia) Loomis, and Jami (Robert) Watson. Great-grandmother to 37 (plus spouses), and great-great-grandmother to 15. The family numbers just over 100. 

Second only to her Lord and Savior, her life was devoted to her family. She worked for many years along with her husband as the secretary and bookkeeper for Dave’s tool and die business, as well as his other business ventures, including their family farm.

Ada’s devotion to her family was demonstrated by hosting Sunday family dinners nearly every Sunday. Holidays were always big events attended by many in their home that was designed by them, and built with big gatherings in mind.

Holidays were always held at “Gran’s” (or “Granny-Greats,” to the younger generation). The annual Easter Egg hunt and Thanksgiving were always attended by many. Christmas was such a big event, she spread it over two days to try to accommodate everyone’s busy schedules. 

She was a devoted member of Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene as well. She taught an adult Sunday School class up until about a month before her passing. In 2022, she received the church’s “Distinguished Service” award. In addition to teaching, she always volunteered for activities. She was in church plays, participated in work days, was a regular “cheerleader” at softball games and regularly worked at the Sewing Bee group helping to make mats for the homeless. Through our church’s “adopt a child” program she was able to have a special bond with several young people.

 
Ada also taught sewing, did ceramics, and was a gifted painter, gifting many of her paintings to others. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Kate, Ruth and Nancy; her son, David; and sons-in-law, Tom Brown, and Scott Wain. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Kyle Boils officiating. Interment will follow at Ridgeway Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Mich., and again on Monday, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at the Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Ridgeway Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be offered online at gilpurseandson.com.