Thelma E. Burns

Mrs. Thelma Elizabeth (Ball) Burns, 79, of Muskegon, passed away on the morning of February 22, 2013 at Hillcrest Nursing Home surrounded by family. She was born in Muskegon, MI on Dec. 6, 1933 to Clifford and Elizabeth (Lorenz) Ball. She was married to James R. Burns, her high school sweetheart and best friend on Oct. 14, 1950. They were together 51 years before he passed away on May 5, 2002. She worked for Muskegon County Youth Home for 18 years. If you asked her she would say her family was her greatest accomplishment. She loved gardening, bird watching, painting, cooking and scrapbooking. Thelma is survived by her children, Joel (Felicity), Clifford (Lynette), Kathy “Cookie” (Dan) Buchner, Michael (Wendi), Wayne (Denine), Nancy (Greg) Halgren and Matthew (Tracy); 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, William “Bill” (Eunice “Uni”) Ball; good friend and cohort of 51 years, Mrs. Pat (Estlund); a plethora of nieces, nephews and family. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren. We will miss her always. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2013 at St. Mary of the Woods Parish, 150 W. Church St. in Lakewood Club with a Rosary at 10:00 AM. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Michigan, Muskegon Senior Resources or West Michigan Therapy Dogs.