Donna Mae Vergot

Donna M. Vergot, 88, of Stevensville passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023, with her daughter, Kathy, by her side.

Donna was born on Dec. 23, 1934, in Benton Harbor to the late Fred Sr., and Katherine (Fisseneck) Ruthsatz who lived on a farm in Stevensville with her two siblings.

Donna married her better half, John Vergot, at a ceremony in Berrien County on her birthday in 1953. They shared 66 years together, setting an example of integrity, respect and dedication as they raised their five children into adulthood. John preceded her in death on June 6, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a son, John "Butch."

Surviving Donna are her children: Michael and Timothy Vergot of Stevensville, Susan (Mark) Benson of Rapid City, S.D., and Kathy (Ivan) LaHaie of Grass Lake, Mich.; grandchildren: Michael Vergot Jr., Katie Hill and Allie LaHaie; and great-grandchildren: Chloe, Bailey, Noelle and Genevieve. She also leaves to cherish her memory a brother Fred Jr., of Watervliet, a sister Phyllis Powers of Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

Donna worked her entire adult life with her husband and children on the family farm and fruit stand in Stevensville. The fruit stand was open every day from May through October, and Donna rarely took a day off during that time. Her commitment to providing the highest quality produce to the farmstand's customers, along with friendly and attentive service, endeared her to everyone who stopped by.

She and her husband were generous supporters of Stevensville and the surrounding communities. Donna never met anyone she couldn't strike up a conversation with, whether to offer a recipe, discuss the latest community goings-on, or provide a solicited or unsolicited opinion, whenever she felt it needed.

Donna had a no-nonsense approach to life in general. She was dedicated to her children and farm, and when something needed to be done, no matter how challenging, she made sure it got done. Despite all the work at home, she found time to visit relatives and friends, particular when they were in need. Her Lutheran faith was an important part of her life. She always spoke of others before herself, showing genuine concern for their well-being.

In her free time, Donna enjoyed offseason trips to Florida with John, where she spent her time at flea markets and playing cards. Her favorite pastimes were shopping, antiquing and attending the Berrien County Youth Fair. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her family around the kitchen table, mostly because it gave her the opportunity to critique her husband's play. Donna was also a long-standing member of TOPS and looked forward to every meeting, along with joining her friends and fellow members for supper after weigh-in.

Donna's greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Trips to the fair with Grandma Donna were the highlight of the summer. She loved sharing all her baked treats and homemade jams with them, and they never turned her down.

Donna was deeply grateful to all those who helped on the family farm and fruit stand over the years, especially Bertie Hamilton; her daughter Robin and granddaughter Lauryn.

Her family would like to thank those who helped care for Donna, including Debbie Ruff and her staff at Country Manor Care Center and Meagan Frye and her staff at A Place Called Home, but most importantly, her sons: Tim and Mike, for their unselfish dedication to their mother's well-being and comfort.

In keeping with her family's wishes, there will be a gathering at a future date to celebrate Donna's life.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna's memory to the Berrien County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.

Memories and condolences may be left for his family at www.purelycremations.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Purely Cremation Services, Benton Harbor.