Victoria Rumsey Obituary

Victoria Rumsey
Marco Island Florida
July 15, 2025
Victoria "Vicki" Lynne Rumsey (née Zerfas), 73, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on August 27, 1951, in Albion, Michigan, Vicki grew up on a family farm in Eaton Rapids. At just 12 years old, she stepped into a caregiver's role for her younger siblings, a reflection of the deep compassion and resilience that would define her throughout her life. She attended school in Springport, Michigan, and later married the love of her life, Jeffrey Rumsey, in California in 1971 while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.
After returning to Michigan, Vicki and Jeff made their home in Big Rapids, where they raised their two sons and became deeply rooted in the community. In July 1993, they fulfilled a dream by purchasing the storied Schuberg's Bar and Grill, an institution they proudly ran together. Vicki also gave her time and talents to city politics for many years, always striving to make a meaningful impact.
Nine years ago, Vicki and Jeff embraced retirement and made their home on Marco Island, Florida, where they enjoyed the warmth, sunshine, and the joy of hosting family and friends.
Vicki will be remembered for her magnetic personality; she was truly the life of the party. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, whether through her love of entertaining, her fierce loyalty to those she held dear, or her boundless devotion to her family. She cherished her close circle of friends, lovingly referring to them as her "sisters."
Celebrating life was at the heart of who Vicki was. She especially treasured the annual family camping trip, a tradition now more than 40 years strong, bringing together over 40 family members and friends each year. Holidays were another source of joy for her, as she delighted in gathering loved ones to create lasting memories.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Jeffrey Rumsey; sons Alex Rumsey (Clint Paton) and Brad Rumsey (Jennifer Rumsey, née Mitchell); and her beloved grandchildren, Gwen and Finn. She also leaves behind her sister, Debra "Deb" Rabakon, and brother, William "Bill" Zerfas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund Zerfas and Till Dice; her sister, Gayle Zerfas; and many other loved ones who welcomed her home.
A celebration of Vicki's life will be held in Big Rapids, Michigan, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to drop in anytime during the afternoon at Schuberg's Bar & Grill to share memories and raise a glass (or two) in her honor. Snacks and beverages will be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WISE, P.O. Box 1249, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or online at wiseagainstviolence.org.
Vicki will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved. Her love lives on in the traditions she created, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched.