Fern L. Sidener

FERN L. SIDENER age 75 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Wednesday evening October 20, 2010 at the Sturgis Hospital. She was born April 28, 1935 in White Pigeon, Michigan a daughter of the late Kenneth and Christine (Kline) Strawser. Fern had been employed as a secretary by the Grav-i-flo Company, Sidener Exterminating and the Sturgis Wesleyan Church and she had also worked at Starlight Restaurant, Carl's Discount and Dairy Queen all in Sturgis. She was a member of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church. Fern was always happy helping others and had volunteered her time with St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and the Salvation Army. She enjoyed singing, crafts, reading and playing Bingo. Fern is survived by two daughters, Tina (Larry) Barnell and Jody (Todd) Smeltzer both of Sturgis, one son, Steven Sidener of White Pigeon, four grandchildren, Megan Barnell of Sturgis, Nathan (Becca) Barnell of Plymouth, Indiana, Dustin Haack of New Hampshire and Jordan Haack of Sturgis, one step-granddaughter, Megan Smeltzer of Sturgis, three great grandchildren, Blake, Sydney and Abbegail, two sisters, Barb Drew and Sue Watson both of White Pigeon, three brothers, Kenneth (Sue) Strawser, Robert (Sue) Strawser and Frank (Bev) Strawser all of White Pigeon and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Betty Skeels and son-in-law, Cliff Haack. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2:45 P.M. Sunday at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, Michigan where a memorial service celebrating the life of Fern L. Sidener will begin at 3:00 P.M. Sunday. The Rev. Doug Car of the Living Hope Foursquare Church in Sturgis and the Rev. Nathan Barnell of the Shiloh Wesleyan Church in Plymouth, Indiana will officiate. A graveside committal of the ashes will follow the service at the White Pigeon Township Cemetery in White Pigeon. The Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331 is entrusted with the arrangements. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Fern's memory consider St. Joseph County Mental Health, 677 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032.