Fern Jones Van Wagoner

Van Wagoner, Fern Soper Jones Saginaw, Michigan Passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at New Hope Valley Assisted Living in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 101 years. Fern was born September 17, 1914, in Hale, Michigan, the daughter of the late William and Iva (Ehmcke) Soper. Fern graduated Arthur Hill High School in 1933 and worked as a secretary at Sears Roebuck & Co. in Saginaw for 30 years. In 1966, she married Clarence V. Jones and they enjoyed twenty wonderful years together. He predeceased her in 1986. In 1998, she married Oliver "Jack" Van Wagoner. They traveled to Florida in the winters and enjoyed time at Higgins Lake in the summers. He predeceased her in July 2015. Fern was a charter member of her church, First Free Methodist of Saginaw. She loved her church and was a very active member, serving over the years in numerous capacities such as Sunday School teacher, treasurer, youth worker, Missionary Department secretary, and "kitchen crew chief" for countless dinners. In her final years, her church pastors and fellow members were an incredible blessing in her life, visiting her often, calling her daily, and loving her greatly. Fern's family was an integral part of her life and she will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Gerald Decker of Saginaw, Michigan. She was predeceased by her brothers Leonard "Ted" and Fern Soper of Saginaw, Michigan, and Wayne and Virginia Soper of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Fern is also survived by seven nieces and nephews and their spouses: Michael and Darlene Soper of Owosso, Michigan; Patricia Soper of Owosso, Michigan; William and Lynda Soper of Bay City, Michigan; Kathy (Soper) Moon of Lansing, Michigan; Steve and Ann Soper of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Steve and Susan (Decker) Caudill of San Diego, California; and Randy and Mimi (Decker) Bartkowiak of Saginaw, Michigan; as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by three step-sons and their spouses: Dennis and Nora Jones of Felch, Michigan; Roger and Peg Van Wagoner of Lee's Summit, Missouri; and James and Laura Van Wagoner of Brooksville, Florida. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the First Free Methodist Church, 2625 N. Center Rd., in Saginaw, with Rev. Dr. Joseph Cunningham officiating. Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. in Saginaw, and also on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the First Free Methodist Church of Saginaw, Michigan.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603