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EUNICE ELLEN WAY, Ph.D., age 94, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Monday, July 16, 2018, at New Hope Living in Mt. Pleasant.

A Memorial Service will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 3, 2018, at Community of Christ Church, 1102 E. Gaylord Street, Mt. Pleasant. Family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until the time of Service on Friday at the church. A luncheon will follow the Service. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Assisted Living, 702 E. Remus Rd., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or Toni and Trish House, 4699 11 Mile Road, Auburn, MI 48611.

Eunice was born May 9, 1924, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Wilburt and Gladys (Duffield) Way. Eunice always had a deep love for learning. When there was a challenge, she rose to meet it. As a young woman, she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 1946 from University of Nebraska in pre-med and taught for two years. She then taught by invitation at the University of Wisconsin and earned her Master’s Degree in 1949. She went to the University of Washington and earned her Doctorate degree in 1956. With a deep love for the midwest where “people have less veneer”, Eunice decided “no other school would do” and began teaching at Central Michigan University in 1971, after 16 years at Smith College in Massachusetts. In addition to her time at Smith, Eunice taught at six universities and colleges throughout the country. At CMU she was not only a professor, but served as department chairman and assistant dean of the Physical Education Department. Eunice was a member of, and consultant to countless Physical Education professional organizations and CMU academic committees. She was actively involved in the CMU Academic Senate during her tenure at CMU and served as chairperson 1978-79. She helped to found the CMU Research and Evaluation Center, which gave advice and aid to elementary and secondary physical education teachers across the state. As well, she published in numerous journals. She retired from Central Michigan University in May 1986. Eunice loved to volunteer and was involved with several organizations, including President of Hospice of Central Michigan Board of Directors, Chairman of the Michigan Teenage Institute planning committee and Student/Tutor Coordinator and trainer for the Mt. Pleasant Area Volunteers for Literacy, the Action Planning Committee for the Gratiot-Isabella Intermediate School District, and the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant where she would knit sweaters for the Applefest. She also learned to fly a Cessna and had a thrill every time she would take a plane up for a flight.

This sense of adventure and the openness to learn guided Eunice in her spiritual life. Throughout her life, she sought her heavenly father for direction, which led her to a greater understanding of the workings of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been with her not only in her formal education, but in her spiritual journey as well, guiding her to help her fellow man. In 1960 she was a representative at The World Relief Conference for South Africa and Argentina. Her religious experiences guided her to the Mormon Church, where she was baptized and taught classes for the women. She was also part of the Women’s Relief Program. She continued to seek out her heavenly father’s will for her life and ten years later, He led her to join the RLDS church. After baptism she was ordained an Elder. “Walk softly and carry a big stick” is an apt way to describe Eunice. Her demeanor was quiet and her “big stick” was the wealth of knowledge she shared in the classes she taught to those called to the priesthood. Eunice believed our eternal existence is now; this is the time to truly recognize Jesus Christ and live for Him. She believed each should increase their education of the church’s history to understand the church’s past and effectively share how God has blessed us. Eunice believed we all are called and spiritually guided if we follow the direction. For the insight and caring Eunice shared with so many, we are grateful.

Eunice is survived by her daughter Mallerey Michaels of Midland; grandchildren Christi Slabinski of Jackson, Lisa Ninosky of Baltimore, MD, and Rick Fairley of Marshall; 7 great grandchildren Amanda, Joey, Sam, Alivia, Rachel, Hannah, Dalton; and a great-great granddaughter Charlie.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Velma; and her brothers Lyle and Wallace.

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