Robert Ovies

Robert F. Ovies passed into eternal life in his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 27th, 2021. Bob's life was marked by his faithfulness to God and his limitless creativity. He was born September 17, 1938 in Newark, New Jersey, the third child to Joe and Alice Ovies. He attended Shrine of the Little Flower Grade School and High School. He graduated from the University of Detroit and spent over 30 years working creatively at Campbell Ewald in the field of advertising. In 1970, he and his wife, Kathy served as missionaries at St. Catherine's parish in Window Rock, Arizona, the Navajo Nation capital. The couple later worked together in ministry at Shrine parish as founders of the Love of God Community where they housed and cared for people who were battered and displaced. They were leaders in the community of worship and faith. Bob and Kathy spread the living Word of God to thousands of people through ministries they authored and shared within the Catholic church including both the Hungry for God and the Couple Prayer series which is still active in parishes throughout the world. Bob Ovies was ordained deacon in 1986 where he served in parishes in Southeast Michigan, speaking the Word of God through his homilies at mass, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. He was the Director of Detroit's Archdiocesan Offices for Family Life, Young Adult and Youth Ministries where he blessed couples and families through counseling. He authored four published books including New Lives: A Testimony to God's Work in the Personal Lives of His People; Welcome to a Beautiful, Simple Miracle: Couple Prayer; and two fictional novels, The Rising and Barely a Crime. Bob expressed his love daily and freely to those around him, especially his family. Bob is loved and will be missed by his wife, Kathy, his five children, Theresa Regan, Jennifer O'Connor, Sarah Raudszus, John Ovies, and David Ovies. He is also loved and remembered by his sons-in-law, Patrick, Michael, Matthew, and his daughters-in-law, Laurie and Summer as well as his eleven grandchildren, Joshua, Jacob, Elizabeth, Liam, Joli, Isaac, Jane, Elena, Nathan, Alice, and Evarist. He is also remembered by his sisters Alice Finley and Elinor Ovies, as well as the many who loved him. Bob is joining the company of those who passed before him, his son, Mark, his brother, Joseph, his father, Joseph and mother, Alice. My Contentment is not in wealth, but in seeing You and knowing all is well between us. And when I awake in heaven I will be fully satisfied, for I will see You face to face." Psalm 17:15 Memorial visitation Tuesday 4-8 pm at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward), Royal Oak. The family will receive friends Wednesday 9:30 am until time of funeral 10 am at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica. Memorial contributions to Friends of Kenyan Orphans, 18640 Mack Avenue, Suite 1294, Grosse Pointe 48236 are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Robert Ovies

September 17, 1938 - March 27, 2021