Valeria (Curreli) Priest's Obituary
Mrs. Valeria (Curreli) Priest, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2010. She was born April 9, 1927 to the late Joseph and Marion (Janik) Curreli in Durand, MI. She married Elvin Priest on February 27, 1949 and he preceded her in death on June 23, 1998. She is survived by 8 children, Rita (Bob) Truax of Lansing, MI, Karen (Dale) Bergman of Sparta, MI, Vickie Chase of Twin Lake, MI, Al (Barb) Priest of Milwaukee, OR, Pat (Bob) Gustafson of Muskegon, MI, Kathy (Rick) Whipple of Twin Lake, MI, Paulette (Randy) Anderson of Grant, MI, and Pauline (Tom) Balder of Allendale, MI; 30 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Maryann (Bill) Sprague of Durand, MI, and Kathleen (Bill) Deninger of Florida; brother-in-law, Karl (Shirley) Priest of Bend, OR; sisters-in-law, Bernetta (RD) Roose of Hemlock, MI, Jean Hoosier of Bryan, TX, and Joyce (Duane) Lund of Farwell, MI. Also preceding her in death was her daughter Bonnie Priest, who left behind a very special daughter, Autumn; sons-in-law, Richard Chase and Bill Gustafson, and grand-daughter, Dixie Dawn Chase; 3 brothers, John Curreli, Jerry Curreli and Joseph Curreli II; her extended family, Charles and Grace Priest, Melvin (Irma Jean) Priest, Arlene Crampton, Maurice Anderson, Gary Priest, and Ferrel Priest. Valeria was best known as “Granny” to all that knew her. She enjoyed playing bingo and then progressed to the casino with anyone that would let her tag along. She especially enjoyed being with her many children. During the many gatherings together she often commented on the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her whom she loved dearly, and was reminded many times they all started with her. She was a life member of VFW Post 7729 and enjoyed her years there when she was able to help and assist in whatever needed to be done. A special thank-you for their care and devotion goes to Kelli Brickard, Linda Hess and Sister Eileen of Visiting Nurses, to Dr. Oneka and the staff at Hillcrest Nursing Home, and special friends, Terry and Loretta Bayne. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Avenue (231) 726-5210. VISITATION with Valeria’s family will be 5-9 PM this evening and one hour prior to the service, 10-11 AM Wednesday. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to Mercy Visiting Nurse Services & Hospice for the Hospice Home on Terrace.
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