Vivian Elizabeth Hankes, Hamilton nee Stoner's Obituary
Big Rapids Vivian Elizabeth Hankes, Hamilton nee Stoner, Age 91years and 11 months of Big Rapids, went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2009. She was born in Aurora, Illinois on November 22, 1917, the seventh child of Marvin and Edith Stoner. She was preceded in death by both parents, husbands Harry Aloysious Hankes and John Jack Hamilton, brothers, infant Ralph, Ted and Harry, sisters, Irene, Verna, and Agnes, cousin and lifelong best friend Margurite Porter. She is survived by her brother Raymond (Evelyn) Stoner, son Harold (Fredda) Hankes, grandsons Frederick and Theodore Hankes, great grandsons Geoffrey and Benjamin Hankes of Big Rapids, step children James Hamilton and Jill Hamilton and step grandchildren of Ionia, MI., several nieces and nephews, plus special friends at Evergreen Terrace Assisted Living. Upon leaving the family business, Stoner Manufacturing, Vivian became a beautician in Aurora Illinois in the 1940s. In the 1950s she moved to Kalamazoo, MI and worked in the planning department of International Paper Co. until retirement to Punta Gorda, Florida in 1965. She was a charter member of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, also a charter member of the Congregational Church of Punta Gorda. Through her love of music she was a member of the church choir and a member of the Sweet Adelines. In spite of frequent moves in her lifetime she enjoyed travel and was able to enjoy many vacation destinations. As a result of declining vision Vivian moved back to Michigan where she resided with her son and daughter-in-law and then to Evergreen Terrace. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Old Punta Gorda, Inc., 118 Sullivan St. Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or Congregational United Church, P.O. Box 510838 Punta Gorda, FL 33951. A celebration of her life will be 11:00 a.m. November 14, 2009 at the Northland United Methodist Church, Stanwood with Reverend Dominic Tommy officiating. Interment will be next to her husband Harry Hankes at Royal Palms Memorial Gardens, Punta Gorda Florida. Arrangements are by the Mohnke Funeral Home, Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at www.mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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