Vergilene M. (Bouchey) Schrader, age 100 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the North Woods Nursing Center of Farwell. On March 9, 1923, Vergilene was born one of nine children to John and Cecile (Cook) Bouchey on their family farm located in Vernon Township, just outside of Clare. She married Albert Myers in 1939 and they divorced several years later after having 5 children. In 1957, Vergilene was united in marriage to John Small, and together they enjoyed twenty-seven years of marriage until John’s passing in 1984. In the late 80’s, Vergilene married a longtime friend to both her and John, Arthur Schrader, and she survives him. Desiring to be closer to her family, Vergilene decided to move from her retirement home in Houghton Lake after forty-two years, back to the Clare area where she had resided for the last twelve years. In her younger years, Vergilene was an avid crocheter, sewer, and gardener. She also greatly enjoyed fishing and camping with family and her weekly “date night” to watch Lawrence Welk. Although, those that knew her best, knew that most of her time was usually spent playing any type of card game, or teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to play marbles—although it was best to keep an eye on her elusive rules that faired heavily in her favor.
Vergilene is survived by her daughter Mary Ann James (Jim Davis) of Clare, her brother Willis (Betty) Bouchey of Clare, her eleven grandchildren, her many great and great-great grandchildren, and her multitude of cherished nieces and nephews who knew her as “Aunt Pug”. Vergilene was preceded in death by her parents John and Cecile Bouchey, her husband John Small, and husband Arthur Schrader, her children John Myers, Kent Myers, Sandra Rich, and Caroline Alexander, and her siblings Clifton Bouchey, Charlotte Livingston, Lida Myers, Janet Simuea, Jack Bouchey, Ilene Caulkins, and infant brother Lewis Bouchey.
A memorial service in honor of Vergilene will take place on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 11:30 A.M. at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Englehart officiating. Friends may visit with Vergilene’s family on Friday from 10:00 A.M until the time of service at 11:30. Vergilene’s final place of rest will be in the Denver Township Cemetery, along side John Small. Memorial contributions in honor of Vergilene may be directed to the North Woods Nursing Center’s memorial garden. For those unable to attend services, online contributions may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com