Linda Ann Higbee
July 15th, 1942 - July 5th, 2024
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Linda's Obituary
Linda Ann Higbee, 81, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland, St. Joseph.
Linda was born on July 15, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1960. Linda continued her education through Benton Harbor Junior College (now Lake Michigan College). As a devoted mother of two sons, Linda spent the first twenty years of motherhood as a homemaker on the farm, bringing warmth and beauty into her home. She was active in Women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan (WSAM) through the 1980s.
In the 1980’s Linda joined the team at Whirlpool as a Laboratory Technician until her retirement in 2008. In 1993 she earned her Bachelor of Science (General Universities Studies) from Western Michigan University.
Linda was a founding member Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Joseph, where she was actively involved and enjoyed singing in the choir as an alto. Known for her gardening prowess, Linda belonged to the Indian Hills Garden Club locally and Pine Island Garden Club in Florida. She loved cultivating flowers and creating beautiful arrangements, often gifting them to various people and preparing stunning displays for Sunday services.
An excellent cook, Linda was renowned for her strawberry shortcake and pies. She loved the water, whether it be swimming, the ocean or Lake Michigan, which held a special place in her heart. Confident and strong in her beliefs, Linda earned respect for her intellect and critical thinking skills both personally and professionally.
Linda was an active member of her community and also volunteered at the Krasl Art Center, the Blossomtime Parade and the Friends of the Lincoln Township Public Library to name a few.
Linda is survived by her partner, Fred Chernetski; son, Alan Higbee; adopted children, Christy (Jeff) Plangger, Scott (Deanna) Chernetski, Jeremy (Christina) Chernetski, Emmy (Bob) Fry and Julie (Aaron) Young; sisters, Beth (Fred) Wassilak, Barbara (R.J.) Bregenzer and Susan Acuña; brother-in-law, Mark Little; many adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special friends, Linda (Larry) Gunter and Debra (John) Basham and beloved cats, KK and Lucy Lou. She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Lyman; mother, Mary Lyman; son, Kalvin Higbee; and sister, Sharon Little.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 1200 Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 1-2 pm also at church. Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.
Linda was born on July 15, 1942, in Muskegon, Michigan. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1960. Linda continued her education through Benton Harbor Junior College (now Lake Michigan College). As a devoted mother of two sons, Linda spent the first twenty years of motherhood as a homemaker on the farm, bringing warmth and beauty into her home. She was active in Women for the Survival of Agriculture in Michigan (WSAM) through the 1980s.
In the 1980’s Linda joined the team at Whirlpool as a Laboratory Technician until her retirement in 2008. In 1993 she earned her Bachelor of Science (General Universities Studies) from Western Michigan University.
Linda was a founding member Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Joseph, where she was actively involved and enjoyed singing in the choir as an alto. Known for her gardening prowess, Linda belonged to the Indian Hills Garden Club locally and Pine Island Garden Club in Florida. She loved cultivating flowers and creating beautiful arrangements, often gifting them to various people and preparing stunning displays for Sunday services.
An excellent cook, Linda was renowned for her strawberry shortcake and pies. She loved the water, whether it be swimming, the ocean or Lake Michigan, which held a special place in her heart. Confident and strong in her beliefs, Linda earned respect for her intellect and critical thinking skills both personally and professionally.
Linda was an active member of her community and also volunteered at the Krasl Art Center, the Blossomtime Parade and the Friends of the Lincoln Township Public Library to name a few.
Linda is survived by her partner, Fred Chernetski; son, Alan Higbee; adopted children, Christy (Jeff) Plangger, Scott (Deanna) Chernetski, Jeremy (Christina) Chernetski, Emmy (Bob) Fry and Julie (Aaron) Young; sisters, Beth (Fred) Wassilak, Barbara (R.J.) Bregenzer and Susan Acuña; brother-in-law, Mark Little; many adopted grandchildren and great-grandchildren; special friends, Linda (Larry) Gunter and Debra (John) Basham and beloved cats, KK and Lucy Lou. She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Lyman; mother, Mary Lyman; son, Kalvin Higbee; and sister, Sharon Little.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 1200 Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 1-2 pm also at church. Memorial contributions in Linda’s name may be made to Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ or the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.
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