Virginia Ann (Ebeling) Susens

Virginia A. Susens, 86, of Berrien Springs and formerly of Battle Creek died at Jordan's Life Care Center in Bridgman, MI on Thursday, December 19, 2013.

Virginia was born May 28, 1927 in Battle Creek, MI to C.E. Oswald and Grace (Davis) Ebeling. She attended both Adelphian Academy and Battle Creek Academy. Virginia was employed at B&R Letter Shop and at the former Battle Creek Sanitarium Hospital.

Virginia Ann Ebeling married Robert Louis Susens on May 18, 1945, in Battle Creek. Surviving are a daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" (Donald) Osborne of Boise, ID; a son, David (Helen) Susens of Berrien Springs, MI; seven grandchildren: Nicole Martinez, Norman (RonnaLeigh) Susens, Dennis (Rebecca) Susens, Marjorie (Joseph) Frakes, Heather (Doug) Warren, Meredith (Tom) Cowels, and Erica Susens; and 15 great-grandchildren: Isabella, Sierra, Kyle, Kailee, Zachary, Cody, Jeffrey, Natalie, Isabel, Kevin, Samantha, Chase, Nolan, AJ, and Iyanna. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert on October 4, 1997; a son, Robert L. Susens, Jr. in 1991; and three brothers, Guy, Wesley, and Francis Ebeling.

Virginia was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Battle Creek Tabernacle. She was involved and active in church and school life. She was a room mother each year that her children were in elementary school and a Pathfinder counselor who, among other things, taught her "girls" how to make bread. Friends of her children were always welcome in her home, no matter how many. Virginia was very creative and loved making holiday treats to share with everyone and particularly liked planning 4th of July picnics. When planning a birthday party or holiday event for her grandchildren, she always had a way of making it extra special.

Her family would like to thank Jordan's Life Care Center in Bridgman, Michigan for their kindness and thoughtful care during the four years she was there and Hospice at Home for the extra care they gave during her last two weeks. During her time at Jordan's she made many new and dear friends.

Friends will be received 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2013 and 9:30-10:25 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Pastor Bruce Moore of the Seventh Day Adventist Tabernacle will officiate funeral services at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2013. Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Virginia may be made to Battle Creek Academy. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.