Obituary for VERA JOYCE STANAWAY (Ellis)
Vera Joyce Stanaway, 93, of Negaunee, died at 5:30 am on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the Eastwood Nursing Center in the care of her loving family.
Vera was born June 14, 1927 in Negaunee to Thomas J. and Annie M. (Gordon) Ellis, Sr., grew up on Cherry Street, and was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1945. Following graduation, she married Norman ‘Boosta’ Stanaway and they enjoyed 63 loving years together. She was employed in her younger years as a licensed beautician, but most importantly, Vera was a loving and devoted homemaker.
Mrs. Stanaway was a devout member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee where she sang in the women’s and church choirs for 75 continuous years. She was an avid Negaunee Miner sports fan, and especially loved following her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s teams. She also enjoyed bowling, swimming, swing dancing, being at camp, pitching horseshoes, was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was the best pasty maker and teacher!
Surviving are eight children: Sherrie L. (Clarence ‘Tab’) Willey of Negaunee, Thomas J. (Scott Collins) Stanaway of Negaunee, Norman E. (Mari) Stanaway of Negaunee, Robert B. (Cathie) Stanaway of Baraga, Linda S. Stanaway of Negaunee; Lorrie (Mike Baker) Stanaway Hayes of Negaunee Twp., William J. (Amy) Stanaway of Negaunee, Joan M. (Tim) King of Negaunee, 14 grandchildren: Michael Willey, Lauren Dillon, Norman H. Stanaway, Tommy Stanaway, Chris Stanaway, Katie Waara, Bobby Lee Hayes, Ben Stanaway, Ann Besonen, Olivia Pirhonen, Sarah Rose Stanaway, Jeremy King, Timmy King and Erin King; and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2008; a granddaughter, Kimberlie (Willey) Newton; two brothers; and four sisters.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside committal service at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 16th at the Negaunee Cemetery with Rev. Jim Mathews officiating. Vera’s son’s will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed in Vera’s memory to Mitchell United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the Eastwood Nursing Center staff for their wonderful and compassionate care.
Vera’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
Vera was born June 14, 1927 in Negaunee to Thomas J. and Annie M. (Gordon) Ellis, Sr., grew up on Cherry Street, and was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1945. Following graduation, she married Norman ‘Boosta’ Stanaway and they enjoyed 63 loving years together. She was employed in her younger years as a licensed beautician, but most importantly, Vera was a loving and devoted homemaker.
Mrs. Stanaway was a devout member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee where she sang in the women’s and church choirs for 75 continuous years. She was an avid Negaunee Miner sports fan, and especially loved following her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s teams. She also enjoyed bowling, swimming, swing dancing, being at camp, pitching horseshoes, was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and was the best pasty maker and teacher!
Surviving are eight children: Sherrie L. (Clarence ‘Tab’) Willey of Negaunee, Thomas J. (Scott Collins) Stanaway of Negaunee, Norman E. (Mari) Stanaway of Negaunee, Robert B. (Cathie) Stanaway of Baraga, Linda S. Stanaway of Negaunee; Lorrie (Mike Baker) Stanaway Hayes of Negaunee Twp., William J. (Amy) Stanaway of Negaunee, Joan M. (Tim) King of Negaunee, 14 grandchildren: Michael Willey, Lauren Dillon, Norman H. Stanaway, Tommy Stanaway, Chris Stanaway, Katie Waara, Bobby Lee Hayes, Ben Stanaway, Ann Besonen, Olivia Pirhonen, Sarah Rose Stanaway, Jeremy King, Timmy King and Erin King; and 26 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2008; a granddaughter, Kimberlie (Willey) Newton; two brothers; and four sisters.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside committal service at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 16th at the Negaunee Cemetery with Rev. Jim Mathews officiating. Vera’s son’s will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed in Vera’s memory to Mitchell United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thank you to the Eastwood Nursing Center staff for their wonderful and compassionate care.
Vera’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.