Sarah Wood

Sarah Cleo Wood of Belmont, MI, formerly of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Metron Nursing Home in Cedar Springs, MI. Sarah was born in Goins, TN the daughter of the late Leonard and Margaret (Mason) Evans. Sarah moved to Monroe as a child. On November 14, 1935 Sarah married her beloved husband Alonzo Wood in Monroe. Sadly he preceded her in death on November 14, 1988. Sarah worked as a nurses aid for 20 years at Beach Nursing Home, she then went onto work at Mercy Hospital for 3 years until her retirement in July of 1963. Sarah was a member of The 1st Wesleyan Church in Monroe where she held several positions in the church. After retirement Sarah and Alonzo spent winters at their home in Brooksville, FL where she was very active at the Brooksville Wesleyan Church and sang in their choir. Sarah and Alonzo moved to Belmont, MI in 1986 where they attended the Berkley Hills Wesleyan Church in Grand Rapids. Sarah and Alonzo also traveled extensively. Sarah was wonderful homemaker and enjoyed cooking and her family. Sarah is survived by her loving daughter, whom she lived with for several years, Everilda (Evie) P. and John Koteskey of Belmont, MI, 2 cherished granddaughters; Marsha Dykstra of Grand Rapids, MI and Sheila and Steve Fuller of Muskegon, MI, 4 treasured great grandchildren; Karli, Lauren, Wesley and Kelsey, her sister; Edna and Robert Jennings of Moultrie, GA and her foster sister; Evelyn Ritenburgh of Raymond, WA. In addition to her husband and parents Sarah was preceded in death by her foster parents; Rev. and Mrs. E.G. Ritenburgh and several brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Her very special friend the Rev. Larry Maddox will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, MI. Memorial contributions may be given to the 1st Wesleyan Church.