Phyllis Van Petten, 80, of Gilford Township, died Saturday morning March 6, 2010 at St. Mary’s of Michigan in Saginaw. The former Phyllis Nickel was born February 14, 1930 in Merritt Township, Bay County, daughter of the late Albert and Helen (Obertein) Nickel. She was a graduate of Fairgrove High School. On March 12, 1949 she was married to Max Erwin Van Petten in Caro. He predeceased her January 13, 1995. Phyllis enjoyed crafting, sewing and crocheting. Her family and friends will remember her cooking abilities. A special memory will be her homemade Italian salads. Phyllis was very involved in the Fairgrove High School Alumni Association.

 Surviving are her children and their spouses, Kay and Ron Keinath, Sue and Jess Keyes, Lee and Connie Van Petten, Jill Van Petten, Wes and Stephanie Van Petten and Marc Van Petten, nine grandchildren and their spouses, Jeff and Lori Hecht, Janel and Eric Woodward, Ronda and Jeff Weiss, Sarah and Cory Hightower, and Ross Keyes, and Taylor, Sydney, Murphy and Tanner Van Petten, also eight great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jared, Jillian, Levi, Jacob, Josh, Noah and Ethan. Also surviving are her sisters, Alice Redwanz, Bernie Torma, June Nickel and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Kenneth Van Petten, her son-in-law, John Hecht, nephews, George Torma and LeVerne Reinke and brother-in-laws, Ezra Redwanz and Steve Torma.

 Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 9940 Saginaw St. in Reese. Rev. John Pohanka will officiate with burial to follow in the Denmark Township Cemetery in Reese. Phyllis’ family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Van Petten family. If you are unable to visit with the family in person you may send your condolences through ww.waresmithwoolever.com. 

Notification Published by Ware-Smith-Woolever FH-Reese

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