Carolyn Maves

MERRIWEATHER, Mich. - Carolyn Maves passed away unexpectedly in Merriweather on July 23, 2017.

Born Carolyn Janet Higby in Seattle on Jan. 26, 1959, she was the daughter of Kenneth Edwin Higby and Janet Elizabeth Higby. Carolyn was a 1977 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School. She married George Maves, in Dixon, Ill., on March 3, 1989, and they moved to Merriweather with her three sons in the fall of 1989. She was co-owner of the Hoop N Holler Tavern in Merriweather for 28 years with her husband George where they welcomed all with open arms and hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, George Maves, Merriweather; three sons, Josh (Amanda) Lopac, Bergland, Bryan Lopac, Marquette, and Chris (Angela) Lopac of Lake Mills, Wis .; as well as five grandchildren, Ava, Mason, Samuel, Augustine and Luciana Lopac; in addition to stepchildren, Susan (Marty) Swegle of Dixon, Sherry Ditzler of Polo, Ill., Scott (Chris) Maves of Dixon; and stepgrandchildren, Evan, Lauren, Elizabeth, Katie, Jacob, Ethan and Jesse. Carolyn is also survived by her sisters, Susan Hodkiewicz of Columbus, Wis., and Tara Stephenson of Swarthmore, Pa .; in addition to her niece, Julia Ellefson; and her nephews, Jonathan Hodkiewicz and Alex and Will Stephenson.

Carolyn was an active member of the Lake Gogebic Chamber of Commerce and Gogebic Area Grooming where she held various titles and wore many hats during her time as owner of the Hoop N Holler. Carolyn was deeply committed to the Lake Gogebic community and continuously promoted the beauty of the Lake Gogebic area. All who lived in and visited the Lake Gogebic area felt her generosity of spirit, and she taught her descendants the importance of hospitality, community, and caring.

Carolyn cherished her family above everything. She enjoyed family reunions, holidays and spending time together. Carolyn loved hosting friends and family, gardening and preparing her delicious recipes for all to enjoy. Carolyn adored her grandchildren beyond what words can express and the sight and sounds of her grandchildren brought her great happiness and joy.

A memorial service celebrating Carolyn's life will take place at the Hoop N Holler Tavern in Merriweather on Saturday, Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. EDT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hope Animal Shelter in Ironwood.