J Ilene Hooker's Obituary
Big Rapids J. Ilene Hooker, 89, of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, July 24, 2009, at her residence. She was born February 22, 1920, in Barton Township, the daughter of Harve and Joy (Vandawater) Luce, and attended the Stone School there. Ilene lived in the area her entire life, and for many years she owned and operated Ilenes Second-Hand Store in Paris. Ilene was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Big Rapids. In 1939, she married Clifford Hooker, who preceded her in death in 2007. Surviving are 4 daughters, Marjorie (Dave) Westover, and Marcia Ladner, both of Big Rapids, Juanita (John) Drake, and Myrna (Willie) Smith, both of San Antonio, TX; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-granddaughters; 3 sisters, Thelma Slorf and Reva Goodman, both of Muskegon, and Evah Lane of Port Isabelle, TX; a brother Richard (Linda) Luce of Big Rapids; a sister-in-law Barbara Whipple of Big Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Ilene was also preceded in death by a son-in-law Wesley Ladner, sisters Edith Ginther and Hazel Schooley; and brothers Derrill and Dean Luce. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Pastors Bruce Peterson and Dave Westover officiating. Burial will be in the Whipple Cemetery in Newaygo County. Memorial contributions for Hospice of Michigan may be left in care of the funeral home, where Ilenes family will greet friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., and prior to services on Wednesday.
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