Vickie Bea Kern, age 72, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on January 26, 2024 at her home in Lima Twp, MI.

Vickie was born on May 17, 1951 in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Vernie F. and Vernese (Holland) Sowards. Vickie grew up in Jackson, MI and moved to the Chelsea area in 1970 when she married Thomas D. Kern.

Tom and Vickie were married in Chelsea on November 7, 1970 and enjoyed 53 years of marriage. They raised their four children on the farm, where she learned the value of hard work. She was a 4-H Leader and a proud supporter of the Chelsea Fair. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who put her family first. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, canning, and cooking, and she took pleasure in teaching her grandchildren these skills. Another of her hobbies was making and painting porcelain dolls.

Vickie is survived by her husband, Tom, their children, Kevin (Jill) Kern of Chelsea, Garrett (Jennifer) Kern of Grass Lake, Becky (Harold) Burchett, and Heather (Frank Kornexl) Kern of Chelsea; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Michael (Debbie) Sowards of Florida, and Brad (Stephanie) Sowards of Virginia, and a sister, Jill Harkness of Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 10-11 a.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Josh Kuck officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Chelsea, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.