Rich, Violet E. Obituary

Mrs. Violet Elaine Rich, age 90, of Gaylord, passed away February 1, 2010. She was born in Flint on December 14, 1919 to William and Margaret (Weaver) Nelles. She was raised in Pontiac and moved to the Vanderbilt area after her marriage to Richard D. Rich on June 20, 1943. She had worked at Wickes Lumber and later Standard Products, from which she retired. Mrs. Rich was a member of the Chrysanthemum Chapter #114, Order of the Eastern Star, Opal Rebekah Lodge in Vanderbilt, Gaylord First Congregational Church, and a 25 year volunteer with RSVP. She made “reassurance calls” to area shut-ins and calls to organize blood drives. Vi remained active with the Eastern Star and RSVP until she entered McReynolds Hall in 2007. Vi loved all crafts, especially ceramics. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Mrs. Rich is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Rich; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Virginia Thurston of Indiana and Opal Scherf of Gaylord. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, on May 24, 1993; and sisters, Arlie Schadt and Betty Bindig. MEMORIAL SERVICES will be held on Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11am from the Nelson Funeral Home, Pastor Susan Webeler officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Fri (May 7) beginning at 10am. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Violet Rich may be made to the Chrysanthemum Chapter #114, Order of the Eastern Star, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

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From: Lanette Avery Colorado Springs, CO	04-May-10
I used to care of Violet at OMH and she was the biggest sweetheart. She was always making kitchen towels and bathroom towels for anyone that wanted them, she would make other crafts and was a very giving person. She used to watch ABC news EVERY night before she would go to bed. When I told her I was moving to Colorado she was sad to see me go but knew it was for the best. She made me a going away gift all wrapped up in nice wrapping paper with bows on it with a card. I will always remember you Vi may you RIP
From: Tami Phillips Chicago, IL	04-Feb-10
To the Family: Vi was one special person; always ready to tell it like it was and always ready to lend a helping hand! We will all miss her.
From: Brenda Nash Indian River, MI Contact	04-Feb-10
Sorry to hear about Vi. Vi was a dedicated volunteer for RSVP when I the Vol. Coord. She was a person dedicated to helping others. My thoughts & prayers are with you...
From: Marcy Dye Gaylord, Mi Contact	03-Feb-10
So sorry for your loss... May god be with you all at this time... prayers to you all
From: Sherri O'Neil Gaylord, MI	03-Feb-10
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cherish your memories! Bill & Sherri O'Neil
From: Debbie Dunham Gaylord, MI	03-Feb-10
Oh the memories of such a great lady, and the laughs we had in the old beauty shop in Vanderbilt. See will be missed, I can't begin list the things she taught me.
From: Julie Guthrie Gaylord, Michigan Contact	02-Feb-10
To the Family: I just wanted to send my prayers to you on the loss of Violet. She was an awesome lady that I had the pleasure of meeting and taking care of. She will be greatly missed by myself and all my fellow workers at McReynolds as well as all the other residents. She lived every day to the fullest and inspired others and treated every roommate that she had as if they were family. I miss you and pray for your family Vi.