Submitted by: Dan Rich

Vera Belle Pletcher

April 26, 1919 - June 3, 2001

South Bend Tribune 6/7/2001

Vera Belle Pletcher, 82, residing on U.S. 31 South, South Bend, passed away at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2001, in Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Pletcher was born April 26, 1919, in Plymouth, Indiana, as the daughter of John Franklin and Orpha Belle (Snyder) Sullivan, and lived in Plymouth until 1940 when she moved to South Bend.

On June 2, 1940, in Plymouth, Indiana, as Vera Belle Sullivan, she married Russell John Pletcher, who survives. This past Saturday Vera & Russell observed their 61st wedding anniversary. She is also survived by five daughters, Carolyn Sue Pletcher of South Bend, Phyllis Jean (Joe) Shelley of South Bend, Beverly Joan (John) Telfer of Fishers, IN, Marcia Jayne (Joe) Hawkins of Bulverde, TX, and Joy Marie Pletcher of South Bend; two sons, Larry Lee (Lois) Pletcher of Garland, TX, and Jack Philip (Denise) Pletcher of Las Vegas, NV. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren; six great- grandchildren; and two brothers, Dale Duane Sullivan of Monticello, Ind., and Robert Devon Sullivan of Fair Oaks, Calif. Vera was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, James Telfer in 1973; two sisters, Ilo Mae Williams and Irene Berneice Kiger; and three brothers, Ivo Raymond Sullivan, Ronald Lee Sullivan and Verle Dean Sullivan. Vera was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, and will long be remembered for the great cheesecakes she made for family gatherings and friends. Texas held a very fond place in her heart, where she and Russell spent the past seven winters. She was a member of South Side Church of God in South Bend, the Speeders of the Church, and formerly sang in the choir. She also served as secretary of Mayflower Christian School in Plymouth.

Memorial services for Mrs. Pletcher will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2001, in South Side Church of God, 7351 U.S. 31 South. Rev. Gregory D. Crump and Rev. Mike VaDeVoorde, pastors, will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services Saturday at the Church.

Memorial contributions in Vera's memory may be offered to South Side Church of God. The Palmer Funeral Home is handling arrangements.