Elsie Lena (King) Priest

Elsie Lena Priest, 93, of Three Oaks, died peacefully, Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in the presence of her family.

Her life began April 1, 1931, in Weesaw Township, Michigan, the oldest of eight children born to Fredrick and Emma King. She married Martin Priest January 20, 1951, in Glendora Lutheran Church. After thirty-two years of marriage, he preceded her in death in January 1982.

Elsie and her husband grew and sold Christmas trees and holiday wreaths on their farm for many years.  She also created beautiful flower arrangements for area weddings and special occasions. She loved and served her community in many ways, including working as the Chikaming Township Sewer and Water Clerk for thirteen years, as well as a township election Poll Worker.  She also served on the Board of Directors of the River Valley Senior Center, was a Master Gardner, and a charter member of the River Valley Garden Club, where she served as President for several terms.  In support of the area’s youth, Elsie served on the Flower Barn Committee at the Berrien County Youth Fair.  Her faith and church were central to her life.  She was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, where she was a member of the altar guild and volunteered with Lutheran Brotherhood.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Woodland Terrace, Bridgman, for their kindness and loving care for Elsie.

Elsie will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by three sons, Kenneth (Cyndy) Priest of Sawyer, Wayne (Rhonda) Priest of Sebring, Florida, Glenn (MaLaura) Priest of Hopkins, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four sisters, Erna Rudlaff of Berrien Springs, Norma Lohraff of Three Oaks, Sharon (Dennis) Bates of Jefferson City, Missouri, Carolyn (Dale) Zombory of Galien; one brother, Arthur (Linda) King of Three Oaks; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; one daughter, Kerry Benke; one sister, Bertha Kubsch; one brother, Fredrick “Fritz” King; two brothers-in-law, Arthur Rudlaff, and Dale Lohraff.

Family and friends will gather Friday, April 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer. The Reverend Brandon Wittig will officiate.

Elsie will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Chikaming Township.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Elsie be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer Michigan 49125, or to Chikaming Open Lands, 12291 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Michigan 49125.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Lena (King) Priest, please visit our floral store.