Richell "Shelly" Rene Whetstone's Obituary
Richell "Shelly" Rene Whetstone, age 59, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2016 with family at her side. Richell was born on January 23, 1957 in Greenville, Michigan, and was the daughter of Richard and Ethelda (Petterson) Klunder. Richell graduated from Montabella High School in 1975, and went on to attend Ferris State College where she earned her Associates Degree in Secretarial.
Richell took employment at the Government Accountability Office in Washington, D.C.--the same city where Steve Whetstone was stationed at the 8th & I Marine Barracks. Steve and Richell were married on November 12, 1977 at the 1st Baptist Church in Edmore, Michigan. In 1980, Steve and Richell returned home and purchased the family floral business (The Wishing Well Flower Shop) and continued to operate it together for 36 years.
Richell enjoyed crafting, gardening, and fast cars. She was always known for her organizational skills. She was extremely talented in her craft making, and floral and corsage designing. But most of all, Richell enjoyed spending time with her family, and her family enjoyed her huge meals.
Richell is survived by her loving husband, Steve; 2 sons, Steven Lewis and wife Ann Whetstone of Ann Arbor and Casey Richard and wife Audra Whetstone of Cedar Springs; 3 grandchildren; Ayla Sue, Caden Allen and Zachary Steven; parents, Richard and Ethelda Klunder of Six Lakes; 1 brother and 3 sisters, Tamra and husband Pat VanDenbosch of Muskegon, Leann and husband Jim Smith of Crystal, Richard and wife Wendy Klunder of Stanton and Beth and husband Kurt Kilchermann of Vestaburg, numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church (833 S. 1st Street, Edmore, Michigan 48829). Pastor Mike Riegel and Connie Bongard will co-officiate the service and the Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Six Lakes, Michigan. Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the Faith United Methodist Church from 2:00-8:00 p.m., and again on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to contribute to the Whetstone Family. There will be envelopes at the church. You are welcome to donate on their fund-raising website shellyandsteve.org.
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