Obituary of Richard Allen Cline

Richard Allen Cline was born on February 7, 1962 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of four children born to the union of Donald Lee Sandefur and Reba Juanita (Young) Sandefur.  After beginning high school in Hawaii, Richard moved back to Michigan where he attended Monroe High School obtaining his diploma in 1980. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country and receiving an honorable discharge. 

On August 16, 1980 in Monroe, Michigan Richard married the love of his life, the former Julie Hardy and together the couple were blessed with three beautiful children.  Rick provided for his family by working in production for more than thirty years at Ford Motor Company.  He retired in 2020.  He was a proud member of UAW Local 387.

Rick loved the outdoors whether he was hunting for deer up north at the family cabin in the Meredith/ Roscommon area, riding his four wheeler, or casting a line out of Bolles Harbor hoping for a big catch. It didn’t matter to Rick what he caught but the harder the fish fought the better. Rick and Julie enjoyed travel with destinations to Naples and Venice, Florida being two of their favorite places to visit. Although, Rick wasn’t fond of snow, he loved the way a fresh snow fall covered the ground and trees.

Rick was a very kind and good hearted man who put the needs of others before his own.  One individual he always provided for was his mother, no matter what she needed. Rick loved doing projects around the home, earning the nickname “MacGyver”, because if he couldn’t fix it than no one else could either.  The greatest joy in Rick’s life however was spending time with his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa”. Together they spent hours swimming in the pool.

Richard Allen Cline, age 61 of Monroe, passed away at home on Friday; January 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Arbor Hospice. His passing was preceded by his father: Donald Lee Sandefur in 2017.

To cherish Richard’s memory he leaves his loving wife of forty-three years: Julie Cline of Monroe; a daughter: Corrina (Jordan) Ord of Monroe; two sons: Andrew Cline of Belleville, Michigan and Matthew (Jenny) Cline of LaSalle; his mother: Reba Sandefur of New Orleans, Louisiana; a sister: Christine Bryant of New Orleans; two brothers: Rodney (Diane) Cline of St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Brian (Paula) Sandefur of Monroe; five grandchildren: Sydney Cline, Kayla Ord, Laney Cline, Mackenzie Cline, and Ana Ord.

Friends may gather with Richard’s family to share memories on Wednesday; January 17, 2024 from 11:00am until 2:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.