Jimmie Ruth (Mcjunkin) Van Nortwick

Jimmie Ruth (McJunkin) Van Nortwick, died unexpectedly on 25 January 2017, at age 91 years, 3 months and 14 days, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, January 25, 2017.

Jimmie was born number four of nine children on October 11, 1925 in Alabama City, Alabama to Fred Caldwell and Maude Alice (Davis) McJunkin. She grew up in Dayton, Tennessee and came to Battle Creek, Michigan in 1943. Most of her life, Jimmie was a homemaker, but during WWII she worked supporting our troops.

She married Harvey Richey and they had two children together, Wetona and Mike. Jimmie married Russell V. Van Nortwick on March 1, 1949 and they had four children together, Russell, Jeffery, Katrinka and Jon. Surviving are her six children, Wetona (Mike) Schumacher, Mike Richey, Russell V. (Sandra) Van Nortwick, and Katrinka Reel all of Battle Creek, Jeffrey Lee Van Nortwick of Bedford and Jon P. (Ruth) Van Nortwick of Holland, MI; 11 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Jimmie was preceded in death by her former husbands; Harvey, Ronnie, and Russell. Four sisters, Maxie Gurd, Peggy Norton, Sue Baker, Sarah "Sunny" Hopson, and four brothers; Fred Jr., Earl, Dan and Ray McJunkin. Also preceding her was a granddaughter Mandy Irish.

Jimmie's home church was Four Square Tabernacle in Dayton, TN. She was a good cook and baker and was known for her delicious pies. On July 5, 2014 Jimmie became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved animals and rescued many dogs and cats. Jimmie will be remembered as a kind and caring person.

A service in memory of Jimmie will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday January 31, 2017 at the funeral home. The family welcomes all to attend a gathering at Calhoun County Medical Facility in the community room following the memorial service.

Inurnment of Jimmie's human cremated remains will be at Dayton City Cemetery, formerly known as the "Back Valley Cemetery" with her grandparent's, James and Sarah Florence McJunkin in Dayton, TN. in the spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jimmie may be made to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, 165 S. Union St., Battle Creek, MI 49014. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.