With the setting sun on December 27, 2023, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, ambition, reliability, and generosity. Waneeta Marie Ott, born on April 20, 1937 in Royalton Township, Michigan, was a beacon of joy and resilience for all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Waneeta’s life was imbued with a profound love for the country, where she was born and raised on her grandparents’ farm. She carried this love with her as she migrated to Galien, Michigan, where she spent her adult life nurturing her family and farm. She was a diligent worker, initially making a living in appliance manufacturing and later retiring from E-Z Heat. Yet, her work was not confined to her employment; she was a tireless matriarch, dedicating herself to the care and nurture of her family. Her love for them was as boundless as her ambitions. As Loretta Lynn sang, “Who’s Gonna Miss Me?” the answer in Waneeta’s case is unequivocal. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who were touched by her loving spirit.
Waneeta’s generosity extended beyond her family circle. She was a member of St. Peters Evangelical Church in Galien, Michigan. Waneeta’s hobbies reflected her love for the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed canning her garden crops, crafting home-cooked meals from scratch, hunting for morel mushrooms, polka dancing, solving jigsaw puzzles, and attending country music concerts. Her life was a beautiful melody of hard work, dedication, and joy.
Waneeta leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication in the hearts of her son, Andrew (Lisa) Ott; daughter, Ann (Leslie) Badgley; sister, Wanda Nemeth; grandchildren Alicia Bowen, Brandon (Natalie) McCarty, Bailey McCarty, Skiler Ott; great-grandchildren Veda, Brixon, Weston, Everett. She is preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Edith McCoy, her beloved husband Dennis “Denny” Ott, and siblings Merrilee Kruck, Faith VanDyck, Hope Dean, Jimmy Ott, and David Ott.
In the words of Helen Keller, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Waneeta’s life was a testament to this truth, and she will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Memorial contributions can be made to Corewell Health Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.