Effie Mae Kemper

Effie Mae Kemper age 86 of Hastings, passed away Friday, December 7, 2012 at Woodlawn Meadows in Hastings. She was born on February 9, 1926 in Nicholisville, Kentucky, the daughter of William and Anna (McArter) Benge.

Effie graduated from high school and also attended one year of college. She honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Effie worked as a lab tech at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, Perfect Circle in Indiana, AVCO in Indiana and lastly she worked and retired from the US Post Office in Battle Creek.

Effie loved playing games especially Bingo and Euchre. She enjoyed spending time at the Barry County Commission on Aging, and socializing with all the people there.

Effie was preceded in death by her parents, William and Anna Benge; husband, Merle Hartman; sisters: Betty Clark, Helen Pugh, Omie Hollingsworth, Francis Bass, Katherine Ramsey, Nancy McCoy; brothers: William Benge Jr., and John Benge.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Linda) Hughes of Centerville, IN; daughter, Sandy (Gary) Pitts of Richmond, IN; son, Darrell (Diane) Hartman of Delton, MI; son, Steve (Gloria) Hartman of Battle Creek, MI; daughter, Karen Sue (John) Mitchell of Naples, FL; daughter, Rebecca (Berl) West of Laurel, MS; 15 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Respecting Effie's wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Richmond, Indiana at a later date.