Josephine Vondruska

Josephine B. Vondruska age 96 of Bannister, MI, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Bill Gruden officiating.  Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI.  Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Josephine was born in Ashley, MI on March 15, 1921 the daughter of Joseph Frank and Anna Catherine (Tucek) Sourek.  She graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1939 as the Salutatorian. On October 21, 1945 she married Anthony "Tony" Vondruska at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI. Tony died on May 8, 1998.  Josie worked for the State of Michigan Children's Commission for 9 years. She enjoyed cooking, baking and gardening. She raised chickens and sold the eggs, and always had a large garden. Sunday dinners were important to her; for her to cook and have all of her family come home to eat dinner.  She was a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church and a member of the ZCBJ Lodge in Bannister for 87 years.

She is survived by 3 daughters; Nancy and Carl Brown of Elsie, MI, Barbara and Larry Bush of Bannister, MI, Carol and Dan Osika of Lennon, MI, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her parents, husband, 3 sisters, her twin brother and 3 other brothers.

Memorials may be made to ZCBJ Lodge 225 Bannister, MI or WOES Polka Radio Program.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.