Vera Lou Schuhknecht, 81, of Coloma, passed away on December 28, 2017 at Caretell Inns of Lakeland in St. Joseph.

Vera was born on March 6, 1936 in Penns Chapel, Kentucky to Oliver and Lola Rae (Grimes) James. She enjoyed raising her family and loved to bake, work in her garden and watch old movies when she had some free time. She also enjoyed reading and doing arts and crafts. On March 23, 1975 she married R.C. Schuhknecht and the couple resided in Coloma for the next 40 years. R.C. preceded Vera in death in 2016.

Vera is survived by her three sons, Robert Goodman of Casa Grande, Ariz., Billy Goodman of Freeport, Ill., and Kyle Ziegler of Battle Creek; two brother, Emmet (Betty) James of Wheatridge, Colo., and Ronnie (Connie) James of Goodyear, Ariz.; her sister Carol VandenHuevel of Post Falls, Idaho; and two grandchildren Chase and Vanesa. She was preceded in death by her daughter Donna Metzger.

Cremation has taken place. Burial of ashes has taken place at Coloma Cemetery. A private family service is planned for later this spring. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services assisted the family. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.