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1921 - 2013
 Vernetta Catherine (Swett) Root Fellows, 91, Born in Morley Michigan on May 8, 1921, passed away January 19, 2013 due to complications from influenza and pneumonia at Metron Sub-acute Facility in Greenville, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 52 years, Everet B. (E.B.) Root (1991) and by her second husband of 14 years, William Fellows (2007). She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Phyllis Ann Gorby (1995) and a granddaughter, Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh (2006); Mother, Theodosia (Cogswell) Swett; Father Fred Swett; sisters Doris (Bill) Gage and Golda Swett; brothers Cecil Swett and Arden Swett. She is survived by her children, Jeanette (Root) Houghton of Greenville, Darwin (Linda) Root of Cynthiana, Kentucky; Dr. Kay (Root) Scanlon (Barry Glazer) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and son in law, Harold Gorby (Penny) of Sand Lake. Vernetta was a stepmother to Brian (Elaine) Fellows and Karlyn Fellows (Charley) Blue. Vernetta is survived by 9 grandchildren: Dr. Lori Houghton-Rahrig (Kevin Rahrig ) of Grand Rapids; George Marsh (Deb Scott) of Big Rapids; Chris Houghton (Brenda) of Belding; Craig Houghton (Amy Allison-Houghton) of Sand Lake; Joseph Gorby of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Shelley (Gorby) Hendricks (Dave) of Greenville; Julie (Root) Fernandes (Fred) of Randolf, New Jersey; Deanna (Root) Bradley (Ray) of New Rochelle, New York; and Daniel Root (Kathy) of Oakland, California. Vernetta is also survived by 15 great children as well as one great-great grandchild, and five step grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren.
Vernetta graduated from Lakeview High School in 1939. When her children were young, Vernetta was active in Girl Scouts and 4-H as a leader in the Greenville and Coral area. She and Everet owned a small farm near Coral before moving to Greenville in 1968. Vernetta was a licensed practical nurse, having returned to school when her children were nearly grown to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by earning her diploma from the first graduating LPN class from Montcalm Community College. She worked at the Extended Care Unit of United Memorial Hospital in Greenville and as a nurse for John Halick, MD before retiring. Vernetta was a member of the United Methodist Church and active in Lois Circle. She and Everet wintered at Winter Haven Resort in Brownsville, Texas. When Everet passed away in 1991, she became re-acquainted with childhood friend William Fellows. Vernetta and William were married in 1993 and had many happy years together before William passed in 2007. Mom always loved the little ones and found joy in their laughter and play. Last summer, she was able to see her first GREAT, GREAT grandchild born and for a period of time our family had five generations.
Vernetta and Everet were great parents and role models. We will all miss her, but know she is in the arms of our Father and now can resume traveling with Everet and dancing with William. She lived a long, rich life and for that we are all grateful.
Funeral Services will be conducted by Pastor Stephen Charnley at the Hurst Funeral Home 1801 West Washington, Greenville, MI on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11am, Followed by a luncheon served by the United Methodist Women. Visitation will be 6pm 8pm Monday evening at the funeral home. Internment will be at family convenience at Lakeview Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Teri Linn (Houghton) Marsh Endowed Memorial Nursing Scholarship fund in care of: University Development, 301 Michigan St. NE Suite 100, P.O. Box 1945, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1945 or online at www.gvsu.edu/give
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There are currently 9 condolences.
Don Swett
Friday January 25, 2013 at
11:27 AM
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So sorry to hear about Vernetta ,we just heard about it, sorry we couldn't attend. Jeanetta we enjoyed visiting with the two of you,sorry we didn't do it more often. your in our prayers
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Genny Towne
Wednesday January 23, 2013 at
2:14 PM
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Kay and family..I am thinking of you at this time while you celebrate the life of your mom...you are all in my prayers.ee
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Stan and Suzanne Krogman
Tuesday January 22, 2013 at
8:49 AM
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So sorry we could not attend visitation - did not know in time. Stan and I want to extend our sympathy to your family. Stan has great memories of the Root family - neighbors many years ago.
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Charlene Face
Monday January 21, 2013 at
7:16 PM
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Vernetta was such a lovely, caring lady. I worked with her in Extended Care many years ago.
What an example for all of us. I am so sorry for your loss. Charlene
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Deanna Kent Whitehead, Orville and Donna Kent
Monday January 21, 2013 at
10:08 AM
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Sorry to hear about your mom. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.
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Judy Blanding (Bellinger)
Monday January 21, 2013 at
9:36 AM
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What a sweet, loving lady your mother was! I have very fond memories of staying with Phyllis at your Coral home during my high school years. And she always had a big hug for me when we met in later years at Meijers! My sympathy and prayers for you Jeannette, Darwin, Kay and families.
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Linda Foster
Sunday January 20, 2013 at
11:25 PM
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I worked with Mrs. Root in Extended care many years ago ('69-'70) she was a kind, caring nurse and I've never forgotten her kindness to me. We later lived near Walnut School so I saw her on occasion. So sorry for your loss.
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Candace Larkin
Sunday January 20, 2013 at
9:45 PM
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My mother, Adele Jaehnig, and Mrs. Root were both Lois Circle members. When my mother developed Alzheimer's disease, Mrs. Root provided respite care for us on occasion so my father could have a break. She was so wonderful with my mother and a godsend to our family. My sincere condolences to you all. She was a lovely lady!
Candace Larkin
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Sunday January 20, 2013 at
7:25 PM
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Sorry to hear about Vernetta, it is so hard to lose your mother no matter how old they are.
Vernetta always seem to be very happy and enjoyed her family.
Gary and Barb has many good memories when the "Root" family got together for dinners.
We will see you on Tuesday.
Gary and Connie Howes
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