Lois Betty VanValkenburgh

After the birth of her children, Lois and family moved to Holland, MI where she worked for the Sheriff’s Department. When her children were grown, Lois and Paul moved to the Traverse City area and built their home near Buckley in the woods. She worked as a secretary here in Traverse City. Lois loved being in her woods and garden. She loved tending to the garden and watching birds and knew them all by sight and sound as well as the wildflowers in her woods among many other wild things.

Lois stood behind her son and daughter all her life. As Ellen went through college, her mother would send her money every week for food. As John raised his oldest two daughters, she stood in as mother when needed. She leaves many memories for her grand and great-grandchildren; writing little letters, being a good “cooker”, homemade rolls and other goodies, and pointing out birds and flowers, and always being kind. For the last five years she lived at Glen Eagle and made many friends.

Lois is survived by daughter, Ellen VanValkenburgh (Eugene Schwaier), and son John VanValkenburgh (Wanda Baker). Also surviving are grandchildren Rachael (Scott) Overweg, Elizabeth “Annie” VanValkenburgh, Jennifer (Timothy) Hahnenburg, and Sidney (Rachel) VanValkenburgh, and great grandchildren; Donovan, Colleen, Evan, Kelly, Abigail and Henry, who brought her great joy. She is preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Clara (Dahlke) Biehler and brother Edward Biehler.

The family will plan a future private burial in the summer. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Society.

Arrangements entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Kingsley.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.covellkingsley.com for the VanValkenburgh family.