Valdean Willoughby

Valdean Willoughby, age 97, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2016. The eldest of eight siblings, Valdean was born in 1918 to Rolland and Edna Masters (Nee Stultz) and was a long-time resident of Olivet, Michigan. Living on a farm for nearly 80 years, Valdean was undeniably dedicated to the hard work and long days that accompany such an admirable lifestyle. In addition to raising a garden, canning, cooking and baking; she tended daily to the many relentless responsibilities of farm living. To no surprise, she was an excellent cook, preparing countless meals without the use or guidance of a cookbook. In fact, she didn't even own one. When she wasn't tending to her responsibilities on the farm, Valdean was a devoted Senior Regent and a loyal member of the Women of the Moose Lodge 202, working in the kitchen on Thursdays, playing Bingo, attending suppers on Friday nights, and then burning up the dance floor on Saturday nights. Her loving husband, Floyd Willoughby and son, Floyd Garth Willoughby, preceded Valdean in death. She is survived by her daughter, Dee Anne Verbanac; her grandchildren, Tiffany (Cameron) Judson, Garth Willoughby, Braeden Willoughby, Jordan Willoughby and Alexandra Willoughby; and her great-grandchildren, Scarlet, Paris, Arabella, Campbell, Edward, Gage, Layna and Jaxson. Her sisters, Marjorie Cushman and Janice Place, also survive her. Valdean was a loving mother and grandmother, always a source for good advice and inspiration on how to live life to the fullest. She is missed terribly, but will be forever in our hearts and always in our memories. The family invites friends and family to attend a visitation on Friday, January 8, 2016, between 2pm and 7pm; and a funeral service on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 10am, at Burkhead-Green Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence, Charlotte, MI. Tel: 517-543-3160.