Ilene May Green's Obituary
Lakeview-Ilene Johnson Green of Lakeview passed away on May 19, 2021. She was born at home on the family farm in Six Lakes, Michigan on August 25, 1935 to Grover Cleveland Johnson and Grace May Shambaugh. Ilene lived her younger life in Six Lakes and fondly remembered summertime swims with family and friends at 1st Lake, working around the family farm, driving a tractor, and herding cows. She attended local schools graduating from Lakeview High school in 1953 and after raising a family earned a Bachelor and Masters degree in Education from Central Michigan University. Ilene's love for her family was only eclipsed by her love of God and her strong faith guided her throughout her life. As an active member of the Brockway Wesleyan Church, Ilene was involved in the Wesleyan Women's International Organization, and Women's Glow Meetings. She was an elected Lay Leader and served on the Local Board of Administration, taught Sunday school classes and Youth Groups, and played organ and piano. She was one of the founders of Brockway Christian Academy in 1978, serving as Principal for 30 years before retiring in 2008. In 2015 the education building was renamed in her honor and she continued volunteering in the school and as a Foster Grandparent until her death. Ilene was a woman of many interests. An avid reader, she most liked books about Michigan history and World War 2. She collected porcelain birthday angels, traveled to Russia and Israel and even rode on the back of a Harley to Yellowstone National Park. Ilene enjoyed genealogy and delighted in making discoveries about her family. Her ancestors had deep roots in the Lakeview region and her Great Grandfather Caleb Johnson, was one of the earliest settlers and is said to have planted the first fruit trees in the area. She looked forward to family reunions and made research trips to Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. As a member of the Alma Chapter of the DAR, she coordinated the Grade 12 Good Citizen Essay Contest for many years and served as State Officer and State Historian.
Ilene was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton L. Green; by her daughter Rebekah Green Martens; by her parents; and by her four siblings. She is survived by her son, Gary Green and his wife Vicki Joy of Norton, OH and his daughter Elisabeth; daughter, Kathleen Olson of Howard City, MI and her daughter Carly; son, Timothy Green and his wife Karen of Meriden, CT and their children Benjamin, Sarah, Nicholas and Matthew; son-in-law, Jeffrey Martens of Lakeview, MI and his son Damon; and daughter, Carolyn Baird of Grand Rapids, MI and her children Seth, Ethan, Bethany, Levi and Jacob. She is also survived by five great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be private. A celebration of Ilene's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Brockway Wesleyan Church, 10951 3 Mile Road, Morley, MI 49336.
Condolences may be made by utilizing the guestbook at www. brighamfuneralchapel. com
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