Alverna M. Stroud

Alverna M. Stroud, 85, of Dowagiac, passed away Saturday May 10th, at The West Woods of Niles.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday May 13 2014, at 1:00 P.M., at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Burial will follow at Mission Hills in Niles. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to sign Alverna’s memory book may do so at www.clarkch.com.  Alverna was born September 5, 1928 in Decatur, MI to Horace & Beulah (Asborn) Zerbe. On September 9th 1947 she married Elmon R. Stroud in Paw Paw, MI.  Alverna was very dedicated to her family.  She loved to spoil her grandchildren. She never met a stranger, a simple walk downtown was always an adventure.  Alverna was employed at Per Pak in Cassopolis where it was frequently said she could out work anyone 20 years younger than her. She had a big heart, often taking in the homeless to raise.  Alverna is survived by her husband Elmon, her son; Mark (June) Stroud of Granger, IN, her daughters; Claudia LaPorte of Dowagiac MI., Brenda (Wayne) Westfall of Decatur MI., Carolyn (Gary) Rogel of Goshen IN., a daughter in law Cindy of Lawrence MI., Grandchildren Michael (Kelly) Stroud of Coldwater, Angela Stroud of Dowagiac, Michelle (Travis) Clark of Kalamazoo, Dawn (Pat) Boulac of Granger, Charles (Jennifer) Laporte of Dowagiac, Shawn Laporte of Dowagiac, Wayne Jr and Adam Westfall of Decatur,  14 great-grandchildren; and a sister Mary Ann Barbor of Hartford MI.  She was preceeded in death by a son Greg and a grandson Burton.