ESCANABA - Stella M. Bivens, 93, of Christian Park Village, Escanaba, passed away Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
She was born March 6, 1916, in Conway, Mich., and was the daughter of Henry and Nancy (Gesick) Baker. The former Stella Baker married Charles Bivens in 1935 and he preceded her in death on June 29, 1965. After Stella's marriage to Charles they lived in Newberry, Mich.; Deerton, Mich.; and when Charles died in 1965 she moved to Escanaba.
Stella was employed with many different families doing housework. Stella was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Escanaba. Her family was extremely important to her and she enjoyed spending time with them. She was an avid baker and she was known for her homemade pie crust. She also was very proud of her American Indian heritage and was very proud of her basket making. Stella was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
Stella M. Bivens is survived by: two sons, Gordon Bivens of Duluth, Minn., Kenneth Bivens of Hastings, Mich.; six daughters, Nancy Ketchum of Dowagiac, Mich., Charlotte Bivens of Grand Rapids, Mich., Minnie Barnes of West Olive, Mich., Eunice (Jim) Schwake of Escanaba, Christine (Howard) Mannisto of Autrain, Mich., Gloria (Matthew) Kossow of Bark River; 29 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; special friend, Elaine Erickson of Escanaba; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Ernest Bivens, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 2, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Stella M. Bivens will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with family friend Alan Stotz officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Burial will be in Park Cemetery in Marquette. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net
