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Lillian Rantz Obituary
Mrs. Lillian Clara Rantz, 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025, in St. Joseph.
A celebration of life gathering will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI, 49085. A private burial will take place in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lillian's memory may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Please feel free to sign Lillian's online guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Lillian was born on Nov. 7, 1928, to Joseph and Minnie (Stennecke) Bernotas in Grand Junction, Mich. She attended Benton Harbor High School and worked at LECO for many years before retiring. On April 17, 1948, Lillian married Elmer Rantz and the two shared 66 wonderful years of marriage before Elmer passed away in 2014.
Lillian and Elmer raised their two children: Linda and Brian, in St. Joseph and Lillian stayed busy while they were attending Brown Elementary School. She volunteered for various school functions, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and helped start the library at the school. Lillian also enjoyed crafting and made Barbie doll clothes for the neighborhood kids and was gifted at cross-stitching, sewing and quilting. Lillian and Elmer spent many winters in Florida and enjoyed playing bingo together.
Lillian is survived by her children: Linda (Daryl) McDonald and Brian Rantz; grandchildren: Scott (Mandy) McDonald and Kim (Matt) Shermak; great-grandson, Henry Shermak and friend and caregiver, Linda Butler.
Along with her husband, Elmer, Lillian was also preceded in death by her great-grandson, Wylder McDonald and her parents.
Lillian's family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Woodland Terrace of St. Joseph and Gentiva Hospice for all the wonderful care Lillian received.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
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