Minnie Nolen, 91

Minnie May Nolen, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 25, 2018, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born Nov. 1, 1927, in Branch County, a daughter of the late Fred and Zelta (Wilber) Smith.
Minnie resided in the White Pigeon and Sturgis area most of her life.
On Nov.1, 1945, she married Ross E. Nolen in Angola. He died May 29, 2008.
Minnie had been employed by South Bend Tribune, Gateway Shopper’s Guide and as a crossing guard for Sturgis Police Department and was a dedicated homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother.
She enjoyed crocheting, baking, yardwork and flower and vegetable gardening and loved playing cards, especially euchre.
She is survived by seven daughters, Sandra (Jerry Woodworth) Butcher of Orland, Ind., Sharon (Randy Travis) Ashbrook of Centreville, Linda (Chuck) Jordan of Centreville, Shirley (Lewis) Beers of Sturgis, Sally (Don Christner) Nolen of Sturgis, Stella DeKay of Centreville and Sheryl (Bill) Combs of Burr Oak; four sons, Danny Nolen of Sturgis, David Nolen of Constantine, Dennis (Marcia) Nolen of Three Rivers and Donnie (Toni) Nolen of Blackstock, S.C.; 37 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gela Mathews of Florida and Winnie Wells of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son; three grandchildren, Lewis Beers Jr., Holly Jordan and John Herbert Jr.; a great-granddaughter, Alisha Kay Swan Ashbrook; three sons-in-law, Arthur Butcher, Thomas Ashbrook and Tony DeKay; a daughter-in-law, Frances Frohriep; a sister, Katie Ackerman; and four brothers, Fred Smith Jr., Gene Smith, Norval Smith and Jackie Smith; and her dog, Gunner.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Minnie May Nolen will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Grandson-in-law Brian Lane will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at White Pigeon Township Cemetery in White Pigeon.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Nolen’s memory consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.