BARRY COUNTY, Mich., (May 28, 2014) Two families are mourning the loss of their loved ones after a car crash in Barry County Memorial Day afternoon.
The victims have been identified as 37-year-old Heather Henney, a nurse and mother, and 81-year-old Mary Ranguettete, a great grandmother and fixture in her church.
The Barry County Sheriff’s office says the crash happened around 2:30 p.m. Monday when one car traveling eastbound collided head on with another car along Coats Grove Road.
More details surrounding the crash haven’t been released as it remains under investigation. But family and friends of both women say they had big hearts and were loved by many.
Ranguette was an active member at Middleville Weselyan Church. Pastor Stephen Roobol says she was a greeter at the church, the first person and the last person people saw as they left.
He says she always made people feel welcomed and loved.
“One of things I know people loved about her was the fact you could to talk her about anything,” he said.
Over in Hastings, a similar feeling at Magnum Care, where Henney was a nurse. Patients and staff say she had a personality that could light up a room.
“She was just a presence and a force. Just her personality, she was always smiling. You couldn’t miss her,” said Nicole Mears, who worked with Henney.
Roobol says in a tragedy like this you realize the frailness of life.
“You realize we are here one minute and can be gone the next you never know, puts life into perspective,” he said.
A prayer service is being held for both families at Middleville Weselyan from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.
