Emma Jane (Jones) Scheeringa

Emma Jane Jones-Sorenson-Scheeringa went home to Heaven Friday, March 1 at 5:40 pm at Hickory Creek at Peru, Indiana. She started her journey on October 8, 1925 in Inkster, Michigan. She was first born to Lafayette Jones and Ellen (Stoner) Jones-Muldoon. Emma was just a young girl during the Great Depression while her parents ran a grocery store in Detroit, Michigan. Emma helped to care for her three younger brothers: Leroy Jones (deceased), Carl Jones (Mary Lou) Westland, Michigan, Melvin Jones (deceased). Emma graduated from High School in Detroit, Michigan.

Emma fell in love many times throughout her life. She spent over 30 years married to Her first love, our father, Bernard Sorenson. There were many large family gatherings with Mom doing all the cooking. She loved to cook, bake and make homemade candy. Mom and Dad enjoyed day trips around Michigan with us children packed in the family station wagon. We also made frequent trips to Detroit to visit family. Most of her time with Bernard was spent as a homemaker, mother and wife. Mom became a young widow and single mother at the age of 50.

Emma moved back to her home state of Michigan where she met her companion, Mel. They enjoyed many years together and spent time fishing. We all enjoyed their fish fries and the memories made.

In the next phase of her long life she moved to Florida where she lived with her oldest son, Bernard for a few years. While in Florida she met her next love, Bud Scheeringa. She and Bud spent 5 years together as Man and Wife before she lost him to cancer. Emma gained an additional eight step-children in her marriage to Bud. They traveled extensively and enjoyed fishing and spending time with family.

Her brother, Leroy was living alone and called Mom to come back to Michigan to live with him. They shared a few years together traveling, shopping and spending time with family. Mom relished her time with her brother and his family.

She decided to move back to Peru, Indiana to be closer to her children and moved in with her daughter, Pam. Emma spent the last nine years of her life with her son, companion and friend, Tom. They shared a home and ample memories together in Peru, Indiana. Tom cared for her lovingly until she required more medical care than he could give.

She resided at Hickory Creek at Peru where she was tenderly cared for the last two months. Emma made new friends with residents and staff enriching her experience there.  Many staff shed tears as they shared fond stories of her. Her roommate, Imogene compassionately watched over Emma and comforted her.

She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.  Although Emma had eight biological children there are many more that considered her Mom. She always had room in her heart and loved making new friends. Emma loved being a mother and was a good one. She instinctively knew how different all her children were and what they each needed. Claudia G. Sorenson was first born to Emma and Bernard. Claudia was born with spinal bifida and went to heaven at the age of three months. Second born child was Bernard C. Sorenson named after his father. Bernard resides in Lakeland, Fla. Carl D. Sorenson was next. Fondly remembered by Emma as Carly. Carl passed from cancer in 2010 leaving his wife, Rose Fleenor Sorenson, Peru, IN. Rose is considered daughter and sister by family. Leroy M. Sorenson resides in Lakeland, Florida with wife Sheryl Quackenbush Sorenson. Lee has warm memories of travels with his Mom. Pamela G. Sorenson Sipe (Phil Sipe), Peru, IN was next born daughter. Pam compassionately cared for her Mother through her recent illness. Thomas W. Sorenson, Peru, Indiana lovingly cared for his mother for nine years. Martha Sorenson Brothers (Mark Brothers) Wabash, Indiana. Emma’s youngest daughter. William H. Sorenson (Barbara & Cuddles) Peru, Indiana. Emma and Bernard’s youngest.

Emma had multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great children.

Greeting her in heaven were her parents, husband, son, daughter, granddaughter, grandson, brothers and hundreds of friends and family.

Some of her favorite things were cooking, baking, traveling, fishing and spending time with loved ones.

Emma turned her love of cooking and baking into a career and worked at The Siding Restaurant, Peru, Indiana, The Paramount, Peru, Indiana, The Red Coach Inn, Peru, Indiana and Lutz’s Bakery, AuGres, Michigan.

A private family visitation will be held Monday, March 4th at 4:30 pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held Friday, March 8th at 2:00 pm at Richland Cemetery in Prescott, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or March Of Dimes. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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