Rhea Ann Straebel's Obituary
Rhea “Ann” Straebel, age 94, of Spring Lake, MI, passed away on May 17, 2017. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on March 1, 1923 to Glen L. and Kathyrn (Hax) Bullis. She graduated from Bay City Junior College and worked for Pier Marquette Railroad. On April 25, 1947, she married Thomas J. Straebel, who preceded her in death in 2005. After raising six children, she returned to work in a secretarial position for Rust Engineering in Escanaba, MI, and then for the MSU Cooperative Extension program, where she conducted nutrition classes at elementary schools in Delta County. Ann moved to Spring Lake following the death of her husband. She spent 11 years surrounded by friends at Lloyd's Bayou Senior Living, where she enjoyed Wii bowling, sing-alongs, and movie nights. Ann was well cared for by the kind, capable staff at Heartwood Lodge this last year. She is survived by her children, John (Ellen) Straebel, Joann (Gregory) Gibney, Carolyn (Stephen) Madden, Richard (Ruth) Straebel, Robert (Cindy) Straebel, and James (Cookie) Straebel; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Bullis; sister-in-law, Suzanne Straebel; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Thursday, June 1, 2017 at St. Mary’s Church in Spring Lake. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to service. Ann will be interred at St. Andrews Cemetery in Saginaw. Memorial donations may be made to the food pantry at St. Mary's Church in Spring Lake or to Michigan Parkinson's Foundation at parkinsonsmi.org.
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