Bernice L. Emens, 92, of Waldron, Mich., passed away Dec. 31, 2009, at Bryan Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on April 28, 1917, in Amboy Township, Mich., the daughter of Ernest and Zella (Gleason) Gilbert. She married Virgil Emens on Sept. 9, 1939, in Waldron. He preceded her in death on July 3, 1997.

Bernice retired as a school teacher from Hudson Area Schools in 1983, after 30 years of service. She graduated from Waldron High School, Class of 1934, and received her teaching certificate from Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo. She was a member of Pioneer United Methodist Church, Retired Teachers Association in Hudson, and the Literary Club in Waldron. Bernice was a devoted wife, mother, and caring grandmother. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, and she enjoyed flowers and birds.

Surviving Bernice are three daughters, Penelope Brinkman of Bryan, Ohio, Christine (Sam) Hill of Clayton, Mich., and Lucinda (Frank) Miller of Pioneer, Ohio; two sons, Gilbert Emens of Waldron and Gerald (Beth) Emens of Camden, Mich.; one sister, Ilene Slade of Hillsdale, Mich.; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister, Isabel Fellows; two brothers, Everett and Roger Gilbert; and a daughter-in-law, Sandra Emens.

Funeral services for Bernice will be Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home in Hudson with Pastor Mike Raypholtz officiating. Interment will follow in Prattville Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorial contributions to the Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice.