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Helen R. (Nibbelink) Withers, 92, of Cassopolis, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012.
She was born Aug. 29, 1920 in Blendon Township, the daughter of John and Grace (Lobdell) Nibbelink.
Helen married Roy Arthur Withers on Oct. 2, 1940 in Schoolcraft. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded by one granddaughter-in-law, Cheryl Withers; one great-grandson, Tyler Dean Withers; four sisters, Oda Dykstra, Hazel Gillette, Ruth Bosgraaf, and Laura Nibbelink; and one brother, Earl Nibbelink.
Helen and her husband owned and operated Rhoades Parts and Service in Cassopolis until their retirement. Helen also drove for the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District for many years. She enjoyed camping, gardening, homemaking and especially quilting. She was a Christian woman who loved the Lord and enjoyed her church.
Helen will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by three sons and daughters in law, Richard and Jean Withers of Three Rivers, Arden and Carolyn Withers of Dowagiac, and Allen and Janet Withers of Coldwater; seven grandchildren, Bruce (Tracy) Withers of Three Rivers, Jeff (Lisa) Withers of Edwardsburg, John Withers of Grand Rapids, Jennifer (Leon) Gilliam of Edwardsburg, Matthew (Leslie) Withers of Jackson, Christopher Withers of Paw Paw; one step-granddaughter April (Kelly) Kruger of Dowagiac; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special thank you for the loving care provided for Helen by the Timbers of Dowagiac and Great Lakes Caring Hospice, and especially by Sherry Roden of the Oaklawn Manor.
Family and friends will gather from 2 p.m. until time of service at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway St., Cassopolis with Ken Krause officiating.
The family prefers memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper Street Jackson, MI 49202 or Cass Fellowship Bible Church, 64016 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031 or Cass County Council on Aging, Post Office Box 5, Cassopolis, MI 49031.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.
