Robyn Lynette Etz's Obituary
Robyn Lynette Etz, 64, of St. Clair passed away on July 14th, 2025 at home with family at her side. She was born on November 4th, 1960 in Dayton, Ohio to her late father, William (Bill) Clift, and her mother, Verna (née Campbell) Clift. She was raised in Trotwood, Ohio, where she graduated from Trotwood High School before attending Wright State University.
She married David Christian Etz on March 15th, 1986. Shortly after marriage, they moved from Ohio to Michigan, where they settled in St Clair and raised their family. As a Montessori Teacher for over 35 years, Robyn touched numerous families, and was affectionately known as “Ms. Robyn” by many in her close-knit community. Robyn shaped and shepherded the lives of countless children under her care. Her unique blend of warmth, compassion, and gentle influence will be remembered by her students far and wide.
In addition to her teaching legacy, Robyn was a remarkably creative and nurturing soul. She enjoyed spending time crafting beautiful needlepoint designs and gifts, sending personalized cards and letters to her beloved students, as well as finding peace in nature on long walks with her husband, Dave. She was a proud mother and spent many of her happiest days sharing meals, shopping trips, travel, and sports games (Go Blue!) with her husband Dave, her two children, Kelly and Dan, and her daughter-in-law, Amy. She was a longstanding member of Crossroads Community Church, sharing her gift for teaching with many children in Sunday School and other youth activities at the church.
As an aplastic anemia survivor when she was only 16, and breast cancer survivor later in life, her strength and resilience were an inspiration to all who were lucky enough to know her. The beautiful life she created during her 64 years was truly a miracle, and Robyn was generous with her wisdom as a steadfast advocate, trusted resource, and compassionate presence for others navigating illnesses.
Robyn is survived by her loving husband David, her son Daniel (Amy) Etz, her daughter Kelly Etz, her mother Verna Clift, and brothers Todd (Patti) Clift and Jason (Diane) Clift. She will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews, cousins, great aunts, and numerous close friends near and far.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 26 at Crossroads Community Church, 3631 King Rd, China Township, MI 48054. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 12:00 pm at the church. A luncheon will be provided at the church after the service.
Robyn passed away from CJD, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. As a deeply generous and charitable person, she would have been honored to contribute to the science that is helping find a cure for this devastating illness. Memorials are appreciated to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Foundation (www.cjdfoundation.org/donate) for advancing their research, education, and support services.
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