For anyone who has experienced the pain of losing a loved one, navigating life afterward can feel overwhelming, confusing, and incredibly lonely. But since 2022, a group of caring volunteers in the White Lake area has made it their mission to ensure no one has to walk through that grief alone.
Hosted at White Lake United Methodist Church in Montague, the Grief Share Group has become a reliable source of comfort and healing for individuals from all walks of life who are coping with the loss of a spouse, parent, child, friend, or other close relationship. The program meets in both spring and fall, with each session spanning 13 weeks. The current spring session is underway, and new participants are welcome to join at any time.
Meetings are held Tuesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the church, located at 8555 Cook Street in Montague, and free childcare is available—a meaningful option for parents or grandparents who might otherwise not be able to attend. Please contact prior to attending the group about childcare so the group can ensure it is available.
A Safe Place to Heal
GriefShare is a nationally recognized, faith-based support group program designed to help individuals move through grief toward healing. Each week’s session includes a short video with insights from grief counselors and real people who have walked through loss, followed by guided group discussion and personal reflection through a participant workbook.
But what makes the White Lake group truly special are the local leaders who facilitate it—Suzanne Cox and Ruth Tuttle, two women with hearts for service and deep empathy for those in pain.
“We started this group in 2022 because we saw the need in our community,” said Suzanne. “Grief is something we all face eventually, but so few people feel equipped to handle it. And even fewer know where to turn for support.”
She continued, “Grief can feel incredibly isolating. You may be surrounded by people who love you, but still feel like no one understands what you’re going through. Grief Share creates a space where you can be around others who do understand.”
Ruth agrees. “It’s not counseling—it’s community,” she said. “There’s no pressure to talk. You can just come, listen, and be with others who are walking a similar road. It’s comforting, and in many cases, it becomes transformative.”
No Timeline for Grief
One of the key messages Suzanne and Ruth want to share is that there’s no right or wrong time to seek support.
“We’ve had people join just a few weeks after a loved one passed, and we’ve had others who came 20 or 30 years after their loss,” Suzanne said. “There’s no expiration date on grief. It stays with you—and sometimes, it’s not until much later that you feel ready to deal with it.”
Participants have shared how the weekly rhythm of Grief Share provides structure and hope in a time when life often feels upside down. “It’s one step at a time,” Ruth said. “Some people cry the whole first session. Others say nothing at all. But each week, we see small signs of healing—light returning where there was only darkness.”
All Are Welcome
The group is open to anyone in the area, regardless of religious background, age, or how recent their loss is. The setting is informal and welcoming, and all materials are provided.
“Grief Share has impacted so many lives already, and we want more people to know it’s here,” Suzanne said. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
If you or someone you know is grieving, you can learn more or register by visiting the group’s page on the national GriefShare website.
Or contact the group leads directly:
- Suzanne Cox (Group Lead) – (616) 402-2487
- Ruth Tuttle (Group Lead) – (517) 902-6112
- White Lake UMC Office – (231) 894-5789
Meeting Info Recap
Location: White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook Street, Montague, MI
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Childcare: Free childcare available
Join anytime during the 13-week session
