STUDEBAKER, SALLYE LU, age, 85 of Pontiac, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022. She was born on November 28, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Otis and Hazel (maiden name) Pickering.  Sallye was the cherished wife of 32 years to Robert W. Studebaker, mother to Timothy J. (Beverly) Best, Joseph L. (Mae) Best, Susan K. Smith and Maureen G. (Jay) Crosby. Grandmother (affectionately called 'Gma') to David L. Best, Kathleen (Dalan) Frost, Bryant (Crystal) Best, David T. (Megan) Best, Shaun Smith, Elizabeth (Grant) Ream and Joshua Best.  Great Grandmother to Elyse, Liz, Penelope, Grace, Cylar, and Zak. Preceded in death by her sisters Mildred, Char, Bobbie, and Patty.  She will be missed by her loving siblings Minnie, Donna and Jimmie.

After her children were older Sallye worked at the Blue Note record store in Clarkston. Sallye was an avid reader and loved charming (and naming) the birds and animals in her backyard – even occasionally chastising them when they didn't behave!  She took great pride in her homes – they were showpieces on a scale of design that needed to be fully experienced. Throughout her life she enjoyed games – from Bunko to Yahtzee, to Texas Hold'em and bingo. When her children were young she enjoyed canning food from the family garden (much more than her children enjoyed working the garden) and later shared this love with her husband Rob and they canned together.  Sallye loved being the center of attention and bringing people together for fun activities.   She was born in Bloomfield, MI as the youngest of 8.  She also lived in Orion, Clarkston, and Pontiac.

Sallye had a rich, full life filled with many adventures.  She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, 4pm at COATS FUNERAL HOME-WATERFORD with visitation beginning two hours prior to the service. A memorial mass will take place in the coming days, date to be determined, at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church at. Inurnment to take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michiga

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