WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Fern L. Sidener, 75, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday evening, Oct. 20, 2010, at Sturgis Hospital.
She was born April 28, 1935, in White Pigeon, 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 Sturgis Wesleyan Church. She also had worked at Starlight Restaurant, Carl’s Discount and Dairy Queen, all in Sturgis.
She was a member of 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; a son, Steven Sidener of White Pigeon; four grandchildren, Megan Barnell of Sturgis, Nathan (Becca) Barnell of Plymouth, Ind., Dustin Haack of New Hampshire and Jordan Haack of Sturgis; a 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; a sister, Betty Skeels; and a 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 Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating the life of Fern L. Sidener will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Doug Car of Living Hope Foursquare Church in Sturgis and the Rev. Nathan Barnell of Shiloh Wesleyan Church in Plymouth, Ind., will officiate.
A graveside committal of the ashes will follow the service at White Pigeon Township Cemetery in White Pigeon.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel in Sturgis 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.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
