Velma Rose Shagena

Velma Rose Shagena, 87 of Bad Axe, Michigan, passed away January 31, 2019 following an extended illness.

She was born on July 30, 1931 in Argyle, the daughter of the late Albert M. and Anna Mae (Mardlin) Lintner. Velma grew up in Argyle and attended a country school. She worked on the family farm in her early life. As a young adult, she worked in several factories. She met and married Ralph Shagena and together they raised a blended family. Ralph preceded her in death in 1990. Working hard her entire life, she provided assistance to the elderly in care homes and private residences. The desire to help others was always her main concern.

            Velma loved spending every possible minute outside enjoying nature. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed gardening. Her favorite bird was the chickadee. Other pleasures were playing cards and board games, putting puzzles together, reading and listening to music. She taught herself to play the accordion, concertina and guitar. Her favorite music was country, and during her time she attended several concerts including Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, the Oak Ridge Boys, and her favorite, Charlie Pride.

            Everyone she met remarked on her quick wit and humor. She was kind, helpful and good-natured to everyone. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Velma's family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Huron County Medical Care for their compassion they showed to Velma while she was under their care.

            She is survived by her son, Lonnie of Anchorage, AK; daughters, Cheryl (Edward) Prill of Bad Axe and Sheila Henderson of Columbiaville; step-daughter, Karen Riipi of Newberry, FL.; brother, Francis (Charlotte) Lintner of Millington; grandchildren, Kari (Prill) DeBoer and her fiance' Nick Keller, Alexander (Briana) Henderson, Amy Henderson; step-grandchildren Christina O'Neil, Robert (Carmen) Prill, Carolyn Kershner, Lois D’Amico; great-grandson, Warren DeBoer; step-great grandchildren, Anthony, Carter, Isabella and Gracie Prill, Cody O'Neil, as well as several nieces and nephews.

            Velma was preceded in death by her brother, Albert (Tom) Lintner, sister, Beatrice Howard; stepson, Roger Shagena.

            The funeral service for Velma will be 11:00 am Friday, February 8, 2019 at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Mr. Alger Lemke will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 2:00-6:00 pm and Friday from 10:00-10:45 am.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials have been requested to Velma’s family, care of her daughter, Cheryl Prill.