Vera K. McCormick, age 75 of Sturgis, Michigan and former lifelong resident of Elwood, died Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at her residence after an extended illness. She was born August 28, 1938 in Elwood, the daughter of Thomas A. and Mary E. (Hanchier) Gardner. Vera worked as a home health aide for the Visiting Nurse Association in Elwood for many years and retired in 1998. She was formerly a member of The Word of Life Christian Church in Elwood. Vera enjoyed crafts, crocheting, watching old movies, baking, and formerly enjoyed camping. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family get-togethers and pot-luck suppers.

Vera's family includes 2 sons, Mike (Phyllis) Pete of Kentucky and Tony Pete of Alexandria; daughter, Tina (Bart) Ferguson of Sturgis, MI; 2 step-daughters, Brenda (David) Walker of Washington and Linda Walker of Elwood; step-son, Timothy (Michelle) Walker of Kentucky; sister, Marilyn Schafer of Las Vegas, Nevada; brother, Richard (Liz) Gardner of Elwood; 16 grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Tonya Gmurk; granddaughter, Shannon Gmurk; 3 brothers, Jerry Gardner, Tommy Gardner, and Jimmy Gardner; and sister, Joyce Roller.

A celebration of Vera's life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, January 13, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Stan Alvey and Rev. Mary Hofer officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at copherfeslermay.com