Laura Cleone Berry

Laura C. Berry passed away peacefully in Tucson, Arizona on Feburary 9, 2022 at the age of 92.

Laura was born to Wilbur and Minnie (Hendershott) Schantz on March 22, 1929, in Hastings, Michigan. The youngest of three children, she was raised on their farm in Baltimore Township. After graduating from Hastings High School, she married the love of her life, Donald E. Berry, on June 15, 1946. Together they had six children while working their farm in Bellevue, Michigan. They were married for 45 years until Donald passed in 1992.

Laura couldn't stand being idle and was always busy with garage sales, working in her flowerbeds, visiting with friends and family, baking cookies, and helping others. She loved arranging annual family get-togethers and holiday celebrations. For many years she volunteered her time with church activities, Hospice, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and Siren Organization for abused women. She was recognized by the American Red Cross for having donated over 20 gallons of blood in her lifetime. She also spent countless hours crocheting afghans which she donated to provide comfort and warmth for many newborns and adults.

Laura's priorities were faith, family and friends. She was devoted to her family, especially her many nieces, nephews and their families as well as many friends she considered family. She took great pride in her grandchildren Jill (Alan) Austin, Kelly Dilley-Anton, Chad (Andrew Skar) Anton, Alison Ericson, Ethan Berry, Jonathan Berry, and Eren (Corey) Berry Smith and her great-grandchildren, Josef, Jacob, Jaden, Charlotte, and Evelyn.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her beloved husband, two sons Donnie and Bert, and her sister Bernadine Van Syckle. She is survived by her brother Karl Schantz, children Edward (Loretta) Berry, Dale (Denise) Berry, Cleone Anton, and Yolanda Berry, her grandchildren, and great-grand children.

Laura left us many fond memories, was loved by all, and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior at Country Chapel, 9275 M-37, Dowling, MI 49050. Burial will be at the Dowling Cemetery near Dowling, Michigan.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .

Memorial contributions can be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 South Cochran, Charlotte, Michigan, 48813.