Estelle S. Cornell's Obituary
Morley - Estelle S. Cornell, 95, of Morley, passed away Saturday April 7, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her beloved family and pets.
She was born February 4, 1923, in Rodney, the daughter of Julius and Marian (Mortensen) Petersen, and was raised on the family farm with her brother Jack and sisters Louise and Clara.
In 1938, while travelling from town with her family, Estelle met the new neighbor boy who was looking for his animals while dressed in his Sunday best. On May 28, 1941, she married Charles E. Cornell, who happened to be that young man, and they were blessed with four children, Connie, Charles, Phillip, and Barbie.
In the early 1950's, Charles and Estelle bought their farm in Aetna Township. Estelle helped run the farm, and worked for a time at Denham Manufacturing in Big Rapids, and also at Boven Custom Butchering. Times were tough, but the family made it through with love and laughter, and help from good neighbors and friends. Spending time at the Cowpie Campground was always a good time!
Estelle was preceded in death by her husband in 1999. Surviving are her daughters Connie (Don) Stevens of Cedar Springs, Barbie Cornell of Morley; her son Phillip of Morley; her daughter-in-law Yvonne Cornell of Morley; 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Estelle went to dance among the stars with her family that also preceded her; son Charles "Punk" in 2009, her parents, sons-in-law Bill Sias and Roger Gillette, sisters Louise (Leo) Beckman and Clara (Bernard) Cole, brother Jack (Anna) Peterson, brother-in-law Raymond (Beulah) Cornell, and sister-in-law Marge (Jack) Alber.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. John David Stilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Stanwood Cemetery. Estelle's family will greet friends at the funeral home today (Tuesday) from 6-8 p.m., and prior to services on Wednesday. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Mecosta County Meals-on-Wheels, with envelopes at the funeral home, or the Gathering Thunder Foundation at www.gatherourchildrenhome.org.
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