Nancy E. "Mikki" Garrels, age 75 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, December 4, 2017 at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital due to complications with lung fibrosis and pneumonia. She peacefully died surrounded by her loving husband, three daughters, son-in-law, brother and sister-in-law. Mikki was born on May 26, 1942 in Detroit, the daughter of Richard and Ruth (Tackabury) McClurg. She graduated from West Bloomfield High School in 1960. Mikki earned a Bachelor Degree in English from The University of Michigan in 1965 and a Masters of English from Central Michigan University in 1993. She taught English at Cement City High School and worked as a teachers aide in the Mt. Pleasant and Midland school systems. Mikki was also employed by Ferris State University in the Writing Center and as an adjunct English instructor. She had a broad span of interests and talents. Mikki was a consummate writer. She won the Festival of the Arts Tall Tale Contest twice and wrote a 400 page history of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Congregation; these are two examples among many. Mikki was famous for her love of collecting folk dolls and crches from all over the world. She married Bob Garrels in 1964. Mikki is survived by her husband, Bob; three daughters, Trinja Henrickson, Corianna Garrels, and Julia (husband Lars) Borgeson; three grandchildren, August and Ruby Henrickson, and Brune Fuller; and brother, Rick (wife Chris Adams) McClurg. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer in 2013. A Service of Celebration will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, where she was a member. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a donation in Mikkis name be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Womens Information Services of Big Rapids (W.I.S.E.). Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Service of Celebration Saturday, December 9, 2017 01:00 PM Immanuel Lutheran Church 726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307