Ausma Gaida Davis, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, George Davis. Ausma is survived by her children, Laura (Mark) Dulemba, Edvins (Martha) Davis; grandchildren, James, Alexandra, and Lauren Davis, Nikolas Dulemba; and sister-in-law, Mara Davis.
Ausma was born in Latvia and at age 10, fled with her mother, father and uncle to Germany. After living in Germany at a displaced persons camp for 3 years, they found sponsors in the United States and were able to sail to America. They worked on a cotton farm in Sanitobia, Mississippi for 3 years before moving to Grand Rapids, MI. After high school, Ausma attended Michigan State University and Aquinas College where she received a bachelor’s degree. Ausma retired from the State of Michigan after working for 31 years as a microbiologist. She enjoyed shopping and traveling, was a member of the American Latvian Association of Grand Rapids and a lifelong member of the Latvian Lutheran Church.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Monday, July 20, 2026, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one-hour prior. Rev. Biruta Puike-Wilson officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Latvian Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids, 2740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
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Sending condolences to your family. May the lord hold you and give you comfort. Love Todd and Tricia
Ed, Martha, and family,
I loved reading about Ausma’s life; I had no idea some of the things she’d experienced! She was a microbiologist?! How cool. She was so fortunate to have a family that cared for her as much as you all did; you really took care of her and supported her right until the end. I can’t imagine there is ever a time when losing your mother wouldn’t hurt deeply. I hope you are comforted by the fact that you were such an incredible and loving son, Ed, and a supportive and caring daughter-in-law, Martha. She was fortunate to have you all. We will keep praying for your hearts.
Love,
The Jahnke Family