Obituary: Katharine Ann “Katie” McPike, 81, of Ludington

Katharine Ann “Katie” (Mudrovich) McPike, 81, of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.  Katie was born on November 18, 1943 in Monroe, the oldest daughter of Thomas and Mildred Mudrovich.  After graduating high school in Monroe, she attended Central Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, and later earned her master’s degree from Butler University in library science.  In 1967, she married Ray Bill McPike in Monroe, where they raised their two children before moving to Indianapolis, Indiana.  After spending 10 years in Indiana, Ray Bill and Katie moved to Ludington where Katie taught at Mason County Eastern Schools in Custer and was a librarian for the Mason County District Library.

Katie was a wonderful wife and an incredible mother and grandmother. She was a very impressive woman who had a wealth of knowledge.  She was “Siri” before there was Siri. There was hardly a subject she didn’t have some knowledge about and provide great insight.  She was the president of the Junior League in Indianapolis, junior warden for Grace Episcopal Church for over 20 years, P.E.O. FG chapter President, and was involved with Friends of the Library. She enjoyed reading, traveling, playing games with family and friends, knitting, watching the beautiful Lake Michigan sunsets, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.  Katie was the pillar of her family and will be greatly missed.

Katie will be remembered by her son William (Katie) McPike of Ludington; her daughter Stefany (Kevin) Henry of Caledonia; her grandchildren Kelly and Ashley McPike, and Aaron and Nick Henry; her sisters Rose Mudrovich and Jim Stevenson, Margaret (John) Steketee; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband Ray Bill, Katie was preceded in death by her mother and father; sister Jane Mudrovich; and special friend Charlie Swygert.

Katie’s family wishes to extend special thanks to Legacies of Caledonia for the care provided to her.

A ceremony to remember and honor the life of Katie McPike will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 501 East Danaher Street, Ludington, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. until time of services at the church.  Those who wish to remember Katie with a memorial donation are asked to please consider Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; or the Mason County District Library, 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington, MI 49431.