Connie Manthei, 63, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on May 16, 2026, in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was born on June 18, 1962, in Charlotte, Michigan.

Connie will be remembered as a caring, kind, and funny woman who spent her life doing her best to care for, encourage, and entertain the people she loved most.

Family was at the center of Connie’s world. She naturally stepped into the role of organizer and storyteller, helping keep everyone connected while filling gatherings with memories, laughter, and warmth. Christmases were especially meaningful to her, marked by a treasured family tradition of watching It’s a Wonderful Life and Gremlins together each year, creating memories her loved ones will forever hold close.

Those who knew Connie knew the deep love she carried for her family, especially her son Dylan, and for her beloved dogs, Turbo, Snickers, and Charger. Her dogs brought her endless laughter and joy. Connie showed love through kind words, warm hugs, thoughtful gestures, and simple everyday acts of care. Whether encouraging someone who needed support, sharing one of her stories, or making sure her dogs were spoiled with treats, she had a way of making others feel valued and loved.

Professionally, Connie built a career that began as a cashier and grew into Regional Manager overseeing three stores. She took pride in her work, but what meant the most to her was helping younger coworkers learn, grow, and succeed. She carried with her a wealth of retail knowledge, practical wisdom, and experience that others admired and relied upon.

Connie was also deeply proud of her personal accomplishments, including losing more than 150 pounds through determination, perseverance, and strength. She found joy in exercising, running, dancing, and watching true crime media. She appreciated life’s simple pleasures too, especially chocolate, spending time with Dylan, and being surrounded by her dogs.

One of Connie’s quiet strengths was her wisdom. She did not seek recognition for the lessons she taught because she lived them every day through resilience, compassion, and determination. She demonstrated the importance of caring deeply, working hard, and finding joy in both the big milestones and the little everyday moments.

Above all, Connie will be remembered as an amazing and strong woman whose humor, kindness, and love left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her love for dogs, her caring spirit, and the traditions she created will continue through her family and all who knew and loved her.

The family hopes Connie will be remembered not only for her strength and resilience, but for her warmth, laughter, wisdom, and the countless moments that made her so deeply loved.

Cremation entrusted to Family First Funeral & Cremation Services.