Norma Jean (VanNess) Petz

Norma Jean Petz, age 96, of Newaygo, went home to be with her Lord on April 21, 2024.  Norma Jean was born on the family farm in North Garfield Township to Charles and Laura Louise (Purcell) VanNess, and she married Joe Petz on May 17, 1947, in Fremont.  Norma Jean worked at Gerber Products as a secretary in her younger years and then as a bookkeeper at Reber's Mens' Wear in Fremont.  She was a horse 4-H leader and spent a lifetime owning cocker spaniel dogs.  She loved training horses and was a barrel racer in her younger years.  She was a lifelong member of the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ, where she sang in the choir and rarely missed a Sunday service.  Norma Jean was known for her home-made bread and love for the farm and her family.

Norma Jean is survived by her children, Jeanne Petz Leaver, Steve Petz, John (Deede) Petz, and Mark (Michelle) Petz; grandchildren, Dr. Anna (Paul) Papes, Mackenzie (Susan) Adama, Emily (Terrence Campagna) Adama, Abraham Leaver, Rylee (Jason) Beauvais, Miranda (Levi) Walsh, Dana (Derek Davidson) Petz, Aidan Petz, Joshua McLenithan; great-grandchildren, Aaron Papes, Eli Papes, Milan Papes, Therrien Potter, Peyton Leaver, Madison Leaver, Tara (Kyle) McAlpine, Gaitlin Walsh, Emerson Walsh, Breslyn Walsh, Rowan Walsh, Drake Davidson; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is also survived by her cat and companion, Kits.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; sisters, Lois Elaine VanNess and Dorothy May Meyer, brother, Charles "Bud" VanNess; and son-in-law, William Leaver.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ with Pastor Jon Riedel officiating.  There will be a time of visitation at the church from 9:30 AM -10:30 AM.  Luncheon to follow the service. Interment will be in the Newaygo Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider remembering the Newaygo County Fair Association.  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home - Fremont Chapel.

The family is especially grateful to Norma Jean's caregivers over the years.  Thank you for your kindness, Joy Router, Sheila Hosty, Tonya Lownsbery, Stacey Martin, Cindi Simons, and many others.

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