Emily Sue Wanzer

Our dear mother, Emily Sue (Barbee) Wanzer passed away peacefully on September 22 at the age of 87 at her residence after being ill.

Emily is preceded in death by her late husband, Leonard Eugene Wanzer (she loved dearly).  She is survived by three children, Lennie Sue Wanzer-Vargas, Caledonia, Michigan, Sharon Elizabeth Wanzer, Kalamazoo, Michigan, John Edward Wanzer (Patty), Alexandria, Virginia, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Emily was born on June 12,1936 in Lansing, Michigan to Goodloe Barbee and Wille Cherry-Barbee, both deceased.  She is preceded in death by her three brothers, Alvin Barbee, Joseph Barbee, Donnell Barbee.  She is survived by two sisters, Betty Barbee-Blanks, Kennesaw, Georgia, Dorothy Barbee-Blanks, Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as three sisters-in-law, Jan Barbee, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Helen Barbee-Brooks, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Chiquita Barbee, Kalamazoo, Michigan.  There are cousins, along with nieces and nephews. 

Emily grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan then graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, married on June 23,1956, and worked at Upjohn Company.  She started her career in the plant then to the Telecommunications Department, retiring after 37 years.

Through adulthood she enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, knitting, family holidays, golfing, snow skiing, dining at fine restaurants and vacationing around the world.  Her favorite vacation spot was Orlando, Florida with her beloved husband with whom she shared 64 years of matrimony. 

A funeral service will be held at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on October 9th with a 10:00 a.m. visitation and a 11:00 a.m. service followed by lunch.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to your favorite charity or the American Cancer Society in memory of Emily.

Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, 703 Capital Avenue S.W., Battle Creek, MI  49015. www.henryfuneralhome.org