Cathy Jo Strate, age 64, passed away in Muskegon, MI, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. Cathy was born in Muskegon on April 12, 1961, to Amherst and Shirley (Hiller) Millis, and she remained a lifelong resident of the Muskegon area. She graduated with her master’s degree from Grand Valley State University and went on to teach for 26 years at Baker College and Muskegon Community College. On November 1, 1980, she married David Strate, and the two of them enjoyed 44 wonderful years together.

Cathy absolutely loved spending time in the sun, especially at the beach, biking, riding her boat or jet ski, kayaking, and camping. She always paid close attention to details and liked to keep everything in her life organized. She was very outgoing and was always the life of whatever party she was at. She loved being a teacher and especially loved being a mother to her daughter Ashley.

Cathy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, David; daughter, Ashley (Kyle Schaab); parents: Amherst and Shirley Millis; three siblings: Dorothy (Douglas) Ferris, Steve (Kelli) Millis, and Karen (Dale) Terryn; and a sister in-law, Marcy Strate. A VISITATION will be held for Cathy from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Mercy. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.

https://www.sytsemafh.com/obituaries/cathy-strate