William Ashley “Bill” Ensign, age 95, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2025 at his home. He was born February 26, 1930 in Newfield Township, Mich. to Emory J. and Elva (Potter) Ensign.
Bill was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marines and had served during the Korean War. On August 19, 1950, he married Joyce K. Walsworth in LaGrange, Ind. and she survives him. Bill worked as a production manager for American Coil Spring and retired in 1992 after 43 years. Bill was a longtime member of Mears United Methodist Church and the Marine Corps League. He was a volunteer driver for the American Cancer Society and Oceana County Council on Aging. Bill and Joyce enjoyed riding motorcycles and took many trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also enjoyed the family snowmobiling trips and was an avid golfer. Bill will be long-remembered for his punctuality – always early to arrive so he was not late.
Survivors include his loving wife of 75 years, Joyce Ensign; one daughter, Pam (Earl) Geiger; one daughter-in-law, Cathy Ensign; five grandchildren, Carly (Patrick) LaFontaine, Ashley (Brett) Harper, Kelcy (Brian) McArthur, Matthew Geiger and Emily (Luke) Dedo; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson, Hayden, Liam, Lucy, Jack, Warrin and Kade; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his son, William A. Ensign II; his parents; and two infant sisters, Adabelle and Barbara Ensign.
A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Mears United Methodist Church, 1990 N. 56th Ave., Mears, MI 49436, with Pastor Bev Williams officiating and Rev. Ken Vanderlaan assisting. Military honors will be offered by the Marine Corps League Detachment 703 and the Honor Detail from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442, and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Oceana County Council on Aging, 4250 W. Tyler Road, Hart, MI 49420 (oceanacoa.com), Mears United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 100, Mears, MI 49436 (www.mearsumc.org) or Heartland Hospice – Fremont, 1053 W. Main St., Fremont, MI 49412 (www.gentivahs.com).
Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
