Loretta Eicher, 67

Loretta (Wilcox, Stevens) Eicher, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday morning, Aug. 14, 2013.

Loretta was born March 17, 1946, in Niles, Mich., to Clyde (Bud) and Katherine (Stauffer) Wilcox. In 1964, at the age of 18 she married David Stevens and they lived in the Nottawa area. They had four sons: Tom (Shay) Stevens, Jeff (Roxanne) Stevens, Arden (Keira) Stevens, and John Stevens, who passed away shortly after birth.

In 1987, David Stevens passed away and in 1994 Loretta was remarried to Ernest Eicher of Sturgis, Mich. Joining her family were five step-children: Rex Eicher, Ron Eicher, Jill (Cory) Demitruk, Ross (Kendra) Eicher and Luke (Amanda) Eicher.

Loretta worked for Centreville Public Schools as a teacher’s aid for 13years until she retired in 2002. Loretta was great at many things: baking, singing, painting, telling stories, hosting friends and family, spoiling grandchildren, encouraging friends, being a wife, mom and grandma, the list could go on. More importantly than any of those things, she put her trust in Jesus Christ and loved the Lord with all her heart. Her legacy will continue in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many others that were touched by her genuine faith in Christ.

Surviving are two brothers, Ed and Jim Wilcox; her husband, Ernest Eicher; three sons; five step-children; 23 grandchildren and one great-grandson. Preceding her in death are her parents; her first husband, David Stevens; one sister, Judy (Wilcox) Doney; and infant son John Stevens.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 17, from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Grace Christian Fellowship, 300 Timothy Drive in Sturgis, where Loretta was an active member of the church. The funeral service will be Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013, at 3 p.m. at the Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Uganda Child Sponsorship. Arrangements have been entrusted to Schipper Funeral Home LTD of Colon.