Verna Mae Pitcher, 74, of Fennville, MI passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at her home with her family at her side. Born July 21, 1945 in Holland, MI, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Grace (Knoll) Streicher and was the wife of Donald Pitcher. Verna was a dedicated member of Immanuel Reformed Church where she had served as a deacon and treasurer. She was also a member and President of the Sunshine Club in Fennville. Friday nights were reserved for playing dominoes with friends and an opportunity to bargain hunt at garage sales was rarely missed. She had worked as an elementary teacher and later retired from Vetpo Distributors in Holland. She loved playing softball and bowling and was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. Verna also enjoyed traveling, painting, reading and taking rides in her convertible. She took great pride in her beautiful flower gardens and would often spend time outside tending to them and relaxing on her front porch swing. Above all else, she was dedicated to her family and spending quality time with them was her highest priority.
In addition to her husband, Donald, Verna is survived by her children, Brian Fairbanks and Lynn (Chris) Nowak; stepchildren, Carmen (Steven) Behn and Terry (Gina) Pitcher; brothers, Dale (Marsha) Streicher, Bill Streicher and Robert Streicher; grandchildren, Andrew Nowak, Claire Nowak, Christian Fairbanks, Joey Fairbanks, Selena Martinez, Sarah (Mike) Shanaver, Derrick Pitcher, Jeremy Pitcher, Heather Pitcher, Natalie Wood and Kevin Pitcher; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Jack Fairbanks and Ocie Barnes, Jr.; and her brother, Royal (Wanda) Streicher.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Immanuel Reformed Church at 11:00 AM. Contributions in Verna’s memory may be made to Fennville Library, P.O. Box 1130, Fennville, MI 49408; or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238. Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
