Francis Sutherland

Frances E. Sutherland Frances E. Sutherland, 83, a lifelong resident of Bedford died Wednesday afternoon, December 15, 2010. She was born in Battle Creek on November 23, 1927 the daughter of William H. and Elizabeth F. (Leininger) Smith. Frances retired from Gull Lake Schools in 1989 after more than 20 years of faithful service as a secretary & librarian at Bedford Elementary School. She was a member of the Bedford Chapter O.E.S. and the Country Chapel in Dowling, MI. Frances married Robert C. Sutherland in Battle Creek on January 24, 1948; he preceded her in death in 1985. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Kenneth) Harnden of Plainwell; 3 sons, Stephen (Terri) Sutherland of Augusta, Bill (Priscilla) Sutherland and David (Shawn) Sutherland, both of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren, Wendy (David) Fryer of KY, Kenneth (Anastasia) Harnden II. of Kalamazoo, Amy (Richard) Terpstra of Plainwell, Patrick (Rachel) Sutherland of NC, Chad (Anna) Sutherland of GA, Troy Sutherland of Jackson, Elizabeth (Jerry) Seeger of Kalamazoo, Meaghan Sutherland of Battle Creek, Colleen Sutherland of Battle Creek, David Sutherland of CA, Chase Sutherland of Battle Creek, Carlye Sutherland of Battle Creek and 14 great-grandchildren. Frances was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Lou Royer and a brother, Thomas Smith. At the request of the family, a memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 20, 2010 in the chapel at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Frances Sutherland Kellogg Elementary Library Memorial Fund, c/o Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, 11775 East D. Ave., Richland, MI 49083. Arrangements were made by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.