The Rev. Bonnie Simerly has announced she will retire this spring and leave the United Church of Wayland to return to Louisiana.

She posted on Facebook today that she has given the congregation notice and will preach her last sermon at United Church of Wayland April 26. She ha served the local church for three years after her pastorate in Covington, La.

“This has not been an easy decision but it is the right one,” she wrote. “It is my hope to return to Louisiana in early May. I will be living in Ponchatoula when I get back. I have loved my time in Michigan and especially at the loving and faithful church I have had the privilege to serve. Leaving this family of faith has been the most difficult part of this decision.”

She put her house in the Gobles area on the market this morning.

Simerly said she also hopes to do a small private practice in psychotherapy after she gets settled in Louisiana and to spend time cooking and gardening.