Alexis Marie Rainey

With broken hearts, yet profound gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her, we announce the passing of our beautiful and deeply cherished girl, Alexis Marie Rainey. Alexis passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the University of Michigan Medical Center in  Ann Arbor. She was born July 8, 2002 in Orlando, Florida, the daughter of Allison Holden-Bitzer and the late Eric Rainey. 

She was a radiant, gentle soul whose sweetness could be felt by everyone around her. She loved being outdoors, sitting quietly with her headphones on, listening to her favorite sounds and music. The simple joy of hearing birds chirping brought peace to her heart.

She had a special love for dogs; one Halloween, she insisted on stopping to pet every single dog she saw, making that night as much about furry friends as costumes and candy. Her love was pure and freely given. She also adored Elmo and Barney, and their familiar songs and comforting voices brought her endless smiles. Her joy in the simple things reminded all of us of what truly matters.

Alexis is lovingly survived by her devoted mother, Allison Holden-Bitzer, whose unwavering love, protection, and presence were the foundation of her world. Her stepfather, Trevor Bitzer, also held a special place in her life.

She is survived by her brothers, Elon Rainey (Caro, MI) and Eric Rainey (Springfield, MO); and her sisters, Bianca Robinson (Texas), Shanika Robinson (Texas), Erica McClure (Florida), and Shantessa Roney (Texas).

She is cherished by her uncles, Jason Holden (Caro, MI) and Kurt Townson (Caro, MI), who were also devoted caregivers who loved and cared for her deeply. She is further remembered with love by uncles Jeff (Marie) Holden (Arizona), James Ledbetter (Flint, MI), Dan, Eric, and Greg Twiggs (Colorado), and Greg Holden (Kalamazoo, MI); and aunts, Denee Smith (Caro, MI), Tabitha (Keith) Reinhardt (Hale, MI), Marianne Matuszak (Caro, MI), Jennifer (Darius) Fykes (Detroit, MI), Audrey Twiggs (Colorado) and Misty Thompson (Caro, MI).

She is also survived by her grandparents, Daniel & Gordene Townson (Kinde, Ml) and David & Julie Bitzer (Caro, MI); her great-grandmother, Dee Bitzer (Unionville, MI); along with many great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, special friends, teachers, nurses, and doctors who were touched by her beautiful life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eric Rainey; her paternal grandparents, Red & Boosie Rainey; her maternal grandparents, Karen Holden and James Ledbetter; her brother, Quentin Rainey; her uncles, Ken Holden and Tim Holden; and cousin, “Baby Karen”.

Though her time here was far too short, she taught us about unconditional love, gentle strength, and finding joy in the smallest moments.

Her mama was always there for her, just as she was and will always be her mama's heart.

A Celebration of Life for Alexis will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Caro Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Paul McNett officiating. Alexis’ family will be present to receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service.