Bernice M. Rabbitt

Bernice M. (Millen) Rabbitt, 90, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2010, at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital. She was born January 11, 1920, to Earl and Reka Millen, in Union Star, MO and graduated from Union Star High School. Bernice was fortunate in knowing her calling in life, at a young age. She worked hard to save money so she could pay her way to become an RN. She graduated from Missouri Western University, St. Joseph, MO, in 1942. After graduation she worked at Barnes Medical Center, in St. Louis, MO. Shortly thereafter she joined the Navy, in Long Beach, CA; then was transferred to New Orleans, where she met her soon-to-be husband, Robert. They were married on Oct. 13, 1944, in Philadelphia. They relocated to Toledo, in 1945, after WW II ended. They bought their first home (650 Clark Street), and began to raise six children. Bernice began her nursing career, as a surgical nurse, at St Charles Hospital, in 1953. She retired from St. Charles, as a supervisor of surgery, in 1979. She continued nursing for a few years, at Toledo Clinic, to be close to home and care for her ill husband. Bernice was the glue that kept her family together. Her role was honorable and strong, in the lives of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and so many friends. Bernice supported many charities. If she touched your life, you were better for it. She was a truly giving person. Bernice was a parishioner at Christ the King Church and a former member of Good Shepherd Church. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Robert; brothers, JK, Luther and Bill; sister, Nadine and sweet granddaughter, Megan My. She will be deeply missed by her step-daughter, Monica; children, Michael (daughter-in-law, Judy), Michelle (David), Gary (Barbara), Kathy, Deanna and Debbie (Doug). Grandchildren, Ronnie, Lissa, Melissa, Kolina, Michael, Stephen, Matthew, Gary, Natalie, Vanessa, Marcus, Mason, Vincent and Grace. Great-grandchildren, Corey, Alexandera, Dylan, Cienna, Brachel, Kailey, Reed, Emma Bernice, Peyton, Caitlin, Liz, Emily and Lauren. Sister, Wilma, Earline and Margaret. Friends are invited to visit from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where a scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, in Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 550 Clark Street. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. The Family is grateful for any donations to go to the Alzheimer's Association, MS Society, St. Jude Children's Hospital or the donor's favorite charity.

Bernice M. Rabbitt

January 11, 1920 - April 25, 2010