Carolyn Marie Verwey

     Carolyn Marie Verwey, age 86, of Perrinton, MI, passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, September 16, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot, Alma, MI.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with Pastor David Winsor officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Carolyn was born in Lansing, Michigan on July 21, 1938, the daughter of Frank and Elsie (Myers) Keeler. She graduated from DeWitt High School with the class of 1956.
     Carolyn retired from General Motors after 23 years of service. After retirement, she had the pleasure of staying home and taking care of her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards with family and family game night, word searches, watching the game show network, and daily chats with her brother Donald. Carolyn enjoyed traveling and making memories with her family. Most of all, she loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She will be remembered for her strength, work ethic and commitment to putting others first. Carolyn was a member of the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church where she was formerly involved with children's ministry.
     She is survived by her children: Dan Brenner, Frances Verwey, John Verwey, Carlene Verwey, Janice Verwey, Karl and Lori Verwey, Katina and Clair Struble; siblings: Donald and Mina Keeler, Janet Woods, Forrest and Bonnie Keeler; grandchildren: Darcie Brenner, Shannon (Chris) Towslee, Charles Verwey, Lindsay Verwey, Bradley (Natalia) Verwey, Vincent (Amanda) Verwey, John (Ashley) Verwey, Nicole (Justin) Verser, Brittany (Alex) Miller, Lena Bunting, Nicholas Bunting, Lucas (Rachel) Bunting, Jena (Philippe) Smith, Zachary Verwey, Marissa Struble, Megan (Cole) Blair, and McKayla Struble (Zachary Minnard); honorary "favorite" son and daughter-in-law: Brett and Bunny Biddinger and honorary grandchildren: Caleb Friesen and Katie Beals. She is also survived by 43 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and special friend Lylia VanConet. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Judith and Jeanette, children: Marlene, Russell, Charles "Chucky", grandson Danny Leroy, great-granddaughter Zendaya, husband Russell Sr., and sister-in-law Delores Franckowiak.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, 410 South Maple Street, Maple Rapids, MI 48853. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.