Vita M. Wood, 75 / Sept. 4, 1935 — Feb. 10, 2011

Published 9:20 pm Thursday, February 17, 2011

Vita M. Wood, 75, of Dowagiac, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 in Dowagiac.

She was born Sept. 4, 1935 in South Bend, to Samuel and Mary Francis. Her companion of 48 years, J.B. Nunley, Sr. preceded her in death.

She loved her “babies” — her dachshunds Little-bitty, Hank, Cookie, Kujo, Little-bit and Chuckie; one rat terrier, Skippy; and one mix, Suzie.

Vita is survived by five daughters, Nancy (Jimmy) Madry of Florence, Ala., Mary Wood of Dowagiac, Lori Peden, Debora Nunley, and Paula (Booter) Skipworth, all of Florence; five sons, James David Nunley and J.B. Nunley, Jr., of Dowagiac, Sam (Marylynn) Wood, K.D. (Rachel) Wood and Paul (Martha) Wood, Jr., of Florence, Ala.; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Virginia Lovelace of Dowagiac; and one brother, Sam Francis of South Bend.

Two brothers preceded her in death, Nick Francis and Tom Francis.

Family and friends gathered Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Interment followed in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help defray funeral expenses in care of Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be posted at www.wagnercares.com.