Letebrhan Gebremikiel

Letebrhan Gebremikiel, lovingly known by those around her as a faithful, kind, and caring presence, passed away on July 21, 2026, at the age of 66. She was born on October 4, 1959, in Mendefera, Eritrea, and carried the strength, warmth, and grace of her beginnings throughout her life. Her journey was marked by devotion to family, service to others, and a quiet but powerful generosity that touched everyone who knew her.

Letebrhan lived a life defined by love and purpose. She was a woman of deep faith whose gentle spirit and thoughtful nature made her a source of comfort and encouragement to many. She was known for putting others before herself, and she did so with sincerity and humility.

She worked as a chef at Andrews University, where her dedication and incredible work ethic were evident in all she did. Through her work, she served others with excellence and consistency, bringing not only skill but also warmth to her role. Her intelligence and natural ability with numbers reflected her sharp mind, while her talent for learning new languages spoke to both her gifts and her remarkable life experience. She approached her responsibilities with diligence and pride earning the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Beyond her work, Letebrhan found joy in the simple and meaningful parts of life. She loved gardening and took pleasure in nurturing growth and beauty. She enjoyed watching The Golden Girls and appreciated the comfort and laughter it brought. She was a proud Blue Star Mother, actively supporting fellow military families and demonstrating her deep respect for service and sacrifice. Her interests were a reflection of her character, grounded in care, loyalty, and a sincere appreciation for the people and moments that mattered most.

Letebrhan was a mother to many in spirit and her nurturing presence extended far beyond her immediate family. She was often described as “mom to everyone,” a title she carried naturally because of the way she listened, encouraged, and loved without condition. Her beautiful smile could brighten a room and her calm, reassuring presence made others feel seen and valued. She had a way of making people feel at home.

She is survived by her mother, Giday Woldermariam; children, Jonna Tamrat and James Tamrat; daughter-in-law, Meagan Reyes; brother, Tadesse; sisters Ruta, Alganesh, and Zebiba; as well as by her dear friend Gerhild Ulrich, who shared in her life and cherished her friendship. She was preceded in death by her father, Gebremikiel Mezelo. Letebrhan’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and in the many lives she touched through her kindness, faith, and devotion.

Visitation will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026, at St, Joseph Seventh-day Adventist Church 1201 Maiden Ln, St Joseph, MI 49085 with services beginning at 12:00 PM. There will be a luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall. 

Palmer Funeral Homes - Hoven Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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