Bernice M. (Miller) Van Sickle

Bernice M. (Miller) Van Sickle, 92, longtime resident of Tipton, Mich. died January 6, 2018 at her daughter’s home in North Port, Fla. Bernice was born on February 20, 1925 in Blissfield, Mich. She was the daughter of Floyd and Leora (Reese) Miller. On August 25, 1945 married Richard Van Sickle, Sr. in Chicago, Ill. They were married for 61 years prior to Richard’s death in 2006.

Before her marriage Bernice taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She and Richard had six children and her family quickly became the focal point of her life. She led her daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and was an avid gardener, cook and animal lover. Her artistic expression found an outlet through sewing, quilting and crafting. Bernice’s love of family took on a special strength when each of her three sons entered the military and served in Vietnam. Bernice was a member of the Tipton Pythian Sisters and Tipton Community Church and she valued the personal friendships she made through both organizations.

Bernice is survived by two sons, Richard (Pamela) Van Sickle of Tecumseh and Dan (Carol) Van Sickle of Onsted; three daughters, Debra (James) Hanson of North Port, Fla., Kathryn (Martin) Van Sickle-Miele of Placerville, Calif., and Kandace Van Sickle of Carson City, Nev.; two sisters Donna Mae Betz and Betty Loveland; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and her son John; her parents, and her two brothers, Wesley and Stanley Miller. Burial will be in the Franklin Cemetery, Tipton following a family memorial to be held this spring.