Brenda Verhelle

Age 57, of Fairgrove, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, June 14, 2019, at McLaren-Bay in Bay City. Funeral service will take place 2:00 pm, Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Fairgrove, with burial to follow at Brookside Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services 5027 McLuney St. in Fairgrove, on Thursday, from 11:00 am until time of service at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations may be directed to Family Wishes, envelopes are available at the funeral home. Brenda was born December 23, 1961, in Caro, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Allen and Georgia (Alderfer) Downing. Born and raised in Caro, Brenda went on to proudly serve her country in the United States Army. Working in business management for many years, Brenda would meet Larry Verhelle and the two dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on January 25, 1997. When not busy with her family, Brenda enjoyed gardening, cooking, spending time outdoors with her family, playing cards, watching game shows, and watching all sports, especially football. Left to cherish her memory are husband, Larry; children: Jack (J.C.) Dempsey, Jessica Dempsey, Jonathan Verhelle, Jeremy Verhelle, Jacob Verhelle, Jaclyn Verhelle, Jason Verhelle, and Joshua Verhelle; 5 grandchildren; mother, Georgia Downing; brother, Terry, and wife, Stephanie Downing; father-in-law, Edgar Verhelle; sister-in-law, Linda Verhelle; and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Allen Downing and son Justin Verhelle.