Jeanette Sue Sawyer, age 66 of Luther, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Known as Nette by many, she was born September 8, 1958, in Reed City to Vernon “Jim” and Gloria (Long) Hastings.  Jeanette was a 1976 graduate of Pine River High School where she excelled in sports.  She took first in the state in the 110 yd. low hurdles and held the Cadillac Evening News track meet record for 27 years.  After graduating, she attended Ferris State College and earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development.  Known for her work ethic, Jeanette learned early in her life from piling log bolts with her dad.  She worked numerous jobs during her lifetime including as a para-professional, a waitress for her Uncle Greg at the Mineral Springs Bar, secretary, and construction work.

On New Year’s Eve of 1987, she was married to Alva Thomas “Tom” Sawyer who survives her. 

Her love of sports continued throughout her life.  She enjoyed slow pitch softball, darts, and bowling.  Softball was her favorite sport, and she found many ways to participate.  She coordinated and played in the tournament held during Luther Days for over 25 years and coached and umpired for little league and slowpitch softball teams for many years.  Many will remember her distinctive calls of “Bawl!”, “Streek!” and “Play Ball!”  The Luther Days tournament was especially important to her.  The field was eventually dedicated to her and is now known as Nettes Field.

Bowling was also a passion.  Jeanette loved league bowling and fostered so many friendships over the years.

Jeanette loved children and dogs and took every opportunity to spoil them with candy, toys, and treats.  She never saw a baby she didn’t want to hold or a dog she didn’t want to pet.  Christmas was her favorite time of year because she loved giving gifts.

She especially loved her grandson Kadence even when he snuck up behind her with a scary mask on.  She would slap his shoulder and threaten violence but always followed with hugs and more spoiling instead.

She is survived by her husband Tom; daughters Brooke (Travis) Miller and Crystal (Jason Moore) Snyder; grandchildren Kadence Miller, Mason Moore, and Ivory Moore; her siblings Waneda (Cliff) Gydesen, Lana (Brian) Gamble, Teresa Hastings and her brother Jimmy (Melissa) Hastings; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.  She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Gloria Hastings.

The family would like to thank her doctor Trish McGillis, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of Michigan and The Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer Center for their outstanding care and compassion for her and the family.

A celebration of her life service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Nettes Field in Luther.  A luncheon will follow at the Luther Lions Club.