Geraldine Evelyn Bontrager

Geraldine Evelyn Bontrager (Bussell) Vicksburg Geraldine "Gerry" had turned 98 years young on August 2, 2018 and passed peacefully on August 28, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born August 2, 1920 in Holton, Kansas to Ernest E and Flora P. (Schwindt) Bussell, the fifth of a family of 8 children. She spent her first 18 years living on the family farm, attending one room schools and church in the Pleasant Grove Community. She married Roy W. Bontrager, also of Kansas on August 7, 1938. The young couple followed other family members to Michigan to find work. They eventually made their home in Scotts, MI where they were both active in the Climax-Scotts Communities and the Scotts Methodist Church. Gerry worked outside the home as an accountant for several manufacturing companies. She retired from Aero-Motive Manufacturing in Kalamazoo. Gerry is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Alan) Andregg of Comstock, and Brenda (Richard) Keith of Vicksburg; a granddaughter, Julie Imerzel; 3 great grandchildren, Joshua and Channon Clark, and Bree (Mitchel) Thomas; 4 great great grandchildren, Kandice and Zachary Clark, and Mitchel and Ethan Thomas; numerous very special nieces and nephews. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, and all her siblings, Bernice, Howard, Ernest A., Louise, Ella, Harold and Dwight. Though Gerry was still very active up to age 96, her heart started making it difficult to do the things she loved. Since March she was under the loving care of Heartland Hospice of Portage. This care was a blessing to both her and her daughter, Brenda whom she made her home with. Even as her body was failing her, her mind was sharp, and she could still laugh at events or tell a joke and sing songs remembered from her childhood. Being outside in the sunshine was one of her favorite things. She lived a wonderful life and loved her family and church family dearly. A family reunion had been held a few weeks prior to her birthday and she loved every minute of it. A memorial service has been planned for Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the Scotts United Methodist Church in Scotts, MI. with pastor Beverley Williams officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service and a luncheon to follow. Cremation has taken place through Avink Cremation Society, Schoolcraft. A private family interment of the cremains will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Scotts United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice of Portage.