Roni Mutchler

Veronica "Roni" Mutchler was a compassionate person to know and to love. When reflecting on her life, words such as selfless and strong-willed come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is resilient. There simply wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for a friend or family member in need. Deeply loved, Roni will be greatly missed by the many lives she touched over the years, especially the wonderful family she leaves behind.

Her story began during a vibrant time in our nation’s history. It was the 1960s when many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. By 1969, Woodstock attracts more than 350,000 Rock-n-Roll fans, and Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the Moon. Veronica Teresa Horter arrived on February 16th to loving parents, Robert and Catherine Horter, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining her older siblings; Laura and Daniel, her birth brought much joy and happiness to the family home.

Growing up on Camp Lake in Sparta, Roni lived a typical childhood of the times. Her dad was a small business owner and managed a series of rental units in the area. Her mom ran the household as well as the books for the family business. She and her siblings spent nearly all of their time boating, water skiing, and fishing after they had completed their chores for the day. Her parent’s strong entrepreneurial spirit taught her a strong work ethic from an early age. Ambitious as well as studious, Roni was a member of the National Honor Society and Junior Achievement in high school. She proudly graduated as the Class Salutatorian in 1987. Kalamazoo College was the perfect setting for her to work on her Biology degree. Just two days after graduating with her degree in 1991, she landed a job at the prestigious UpJohn Company.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of Joe Mutchler, who would steal her heart forever. One night while Roni was waiting tables at a local bar in Sparta during one of her summers off from college, Joe walked in. It was love at first sight for Joe once he noticed her sparkling eyes and cheerful demeanor. The two of them immediately hit it off and began dating. Two and a half years later, they married on September 21, 1991, in Sparta. They built a beautiful life together and raised three wonderful children; Nicole, Ryan, and Grace.

As a mom, Roni was fun-loving and active in their lives. She always made it known where the boundaries were set and the children never pushed them. Her high expectations and standards were the way she showed love for them. Roni wanted nothing more than her children to be happy. Her great sense of humor made their home a natural gathering place for friends to hang out. She always had an open-door policy and kept her refrigerator fully stocked for any spontaneous company. She had a real knack for putting others at ease and listening to their hurts and stories without judgment. Roni was an exceptional hostess. A lover of all people, she loved entertaining family and friends over the years.

As a family, they took a couple of big trips to Disney World in Florida but mostly enjoyed days around the pool or taking in some quality beach time in South Haven. Anyone that knew Roni, knew that she couldn’t miss a Michigan sunset. Her favorite time of day was the evening floats in the pool or the golden hour before the sun went down in the evenings. Over the past seven years, as she battled ovarian cancer, her family saw her courage and strength. She never took a single day for granted and never let her illness or treatments get the best of her. Roni continued to enjoy entertaining company and strived to fight to the end. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her and she modeled for them a wonderful example of living life to the fullest.

Despite the physical pain, she gracefully embraced the simple pleasures in life. She loved her classic rock and Reggae music as well as watching romantic comedies. Her favorite movies were Dirty Dancing from her high school years and Home Alone which always made her laugh out loud! Her dry sense of humor and quick wit will surely be missed. Described as dedicated to her work, family, and friends, Roni lived a remarkable life in her short time. Gone too soon, may her loved ones always feel her presence and treasure the fond memories they made together over the years.

Veronica "Roni" Mutchler, age 54, died peacefully at home on the morning of Tuesday, June 20, 2023 surrounded by her family. Members of her family include her husband Joe; 3 children: daughter, Nicole Mutchler and her partner Brandon Taylor, son, Ryan Mutchler and his fiancée Molly Mattes, and daughter, Grace Mutchler; her mother, Catherine Horter; her brother, Dan Horter; 3 Grandchildren: Delson, Vienna, and Hunter. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Horter, her sister, Laurie Sevigny, and her niece, Erica Sevigny.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass will be held at 11 am Thursday, June 29, 2023, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1628 East G Ave., followed by a luncheon. Visit Roni’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to David and Wendy Hodgkins (Venmo: @David-Hodgkins-4) to be donated to “Friends of Roni” a memorial scholarship that will help students affected by cancer.