Lucy M. Stenberg

Lucy May Stenberg passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at Beacon Health in Kalamazoo. Born on February 27, 1937, in Climax, Lucy was the daughter of Clyde and Bertha (Canfield) Meade.

Lucy’s early life was marked by responsibility and dedication; she left school at the age of 16 to help support her family during challenging times. She eventually returned to school and earned her diploma. Lucy began her working career as a telephone operator in Allegan. She playfully claimed that she worked for the FBI "Farm Bureau Insurance" and built a respected career at 2-10 Warranty, advancing through the ranks to become a manager before retiring.

At the age of 18, Lucy married Dean Rice and relocated to North Carolina while he served in the military. Their marriage lasted 17 years and was blessed with the birth of their son, Glen. Following their divorce, Lucy found love again and, on May 16, 1975, married Arlo Stenberg in Oshtemo. Together, they moved to Texas and later returned to the area in 2008. The couple shared many years together until Arlo’s passing in 2017.

Throughout her life, Lucy was known for her many interests and compassionate nature. She had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her lawn and garden with care and pride. Lucy liked making masks for her family during Covid and was a wonderful hostess who took great joy in caring for her family, friends and her beloved beagle, Baldwin. Lucy treasured her independent retirement years, nearly two decades of enjoying life’s pleasures, exploring excellent restaurants, and embracing the freedom to follow her passions.

Lucy is survived by her son, Glen (Marilyn) Rice of Plainwell; her grandson, Kevin (Katie) Rice, of Nashville, Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Adalie Meade and Cheryl Meade along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Gene (Joice) Meade, Joy (Milton) Shaffer, Josephine (Paul) Camps, Betty Arndt, Charlett (Bud) Rab, Dean Meade, Catherine (Evert) Reed, Allen (Sue) Meade, Joe Meade, and Barry Mead.

According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Lucy may be directed to Wings of Hope Hospice. Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.