Lydia Wilhemina Herman

Lydia Herman, 99, of Coloma, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Lakeland Continuing Care Center in Berrien Center. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at Salem Lutheran Church, 275 Marvin St., Coloma with Rev. Andrew Menz officiating. Burial will follow at Coloma Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lydia was born in Niles, Michigan, May 18, 1909, the third of six children into the family of Edward & Wilhemina (Schlender) Laukus. She grew up on a farm in Niles, married the love of her life, Samuel Herman, and lived in Detroit for 12 years. The Millburg area was where she and her family welcomed family and friends for many years. Lydia worked at Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Niles and Battle Creek and then Producers Creamery in Benton Harbor. Because of the kindness of her sister Marian & brother-in-law Bob, she was able to travel extensively after her retirement. She was an active member through the years at Salem Lutheran Church and at her Extension Club with her lady friends. Lydia cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grand & great-grandchildren. She was gracious, kind, humble, forever positive, had a sparkling sense of humor and a beautiful, ever present smile. She leaves a legacy of unshakeable faith, quiet humility and gentle fortitude. Surviving to cherish their beloved Mother are: Ilene (Norman) Stemm of Benton Harbor, Ann Scheffler of Coloma, Janice (William) Stouffer of Benton Harbor; five grandchildren: Sherry (Jen) Scheffler of Traverse City, Rick (Holly) Scheffler of Fountain Hills, AZ, Shelly (David) Stankiewicz of Coloma, Elizabeth Stouffer of Dublin, Ireland, Jennifer (Troy) Loy of Kalamazoo; nine great-grandchildren: Christopher, Heather, Amanda, & Samantha Scheffler, Andrew & Karleann Stankiewicz, Emma Stouffer-Mansfield, & Samuel & Joseph Loy. She is also survived by two very special people in her life, Jim & Loretta Peterson. Lydia was preceded in death by her husband Samuel, son-in-law Jerry Scheffler and five brothers and sisters.