1919
Helen
2009
Helen M. VanVorce
August 14, 1919 — September 24, 2009
Chatham
Helen M. VanVorce, age 90, of Black Creek Road in Chatham, died peacefully at her home Thursday, September 24, 2009, with her loving family at her side. She was born on August 14, 1919 to the late John and Minnie (Louma) Maki, in Chatham. Helen married Donald Tuimala on October 18, 1936, and together they raised their four children. He preceded her in death in 1964. Helen later married Fred VanVorce they lived together in Chatham until he preceded her in death in 1984. She was a lifelong member of the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham, and was member of the women's guild. Helen lived in the Cold Springs area her entire life, working hard at her family's dairy farm as a child, and on the farm she and Donald purchased over seventy years ago. Helen enjoyed cooking and baking: rolls, biscuits, and home made bread. She also enjoyed watching football, basketball, and western movies on TV. Helen loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed being a part of their lives.
She is survived by her four children - Elnora (James) Teets of Forestville, MD, Elaine (Jim) Marshall of Grand Ledge, MI, Evelyn (Earl) Rogers of Lansing, MI, and Kurt Tuimala of Chatham; nine grandchildren - Kris (Brian) Hering, Timothy Teets, Selena (Jeff) Punches, Stacy (Jim) Wohlscheid, Michael Rogers, Brady (Yvette) Marshall, Kyle Marshall, Kaleb (Hannah) Tuimala, and Alana Tuimala; ten great-grandchildren - Christopher, Andrew, Britney, Deanna, Tyler, Miranda, Trevor, Emily, Jesse, and Jerome; sisters-in-law - Martha, Lillian, and Aileen; special niece Janet, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband - Donald Tuimala, husband - Frank VanVorce; parents - John and Minnie Maki; sister - Vieno Hoy; brother - Eino Maki; and infant brother Toivo.
Visitation will be on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising. Helen's Funeral will be on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham beginning at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Helen's name to Sion Lutheran Church.
Helen M. VanVorce, age 90, of Black Creek Road in Chatham, died peacefully at her home Thursday, September 24, 2009, with her loving family at her side. She was born on August 14, 1919 to the late John and Minnie (Louma) Maki, in Chatham. Helen married Donald Tuimala on October 18, 1936, and together they raised their four children. He preceded her in death in 1964. Helen later married Fred VanVorce they lived together in Chatham until he preceded her in death in 1984. She was a lifelong member of the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham, and was member of the women's guild. Helen lived in the Cold Springs area her entire life, working hard at her family's dairy farm as a child, and on the farm she and Donald purchased over seventy years ago. Helen enjoyed cooking and baking: rolls, biscuits, and home made bread. She also enjoyed watching football, basketball, and western movies on TV. Helen loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoyed being a part of their lives.
She is survived by her four children - Elnora (James) Teets of Forestville, MD, Elaine (Jim) Marshall of Grand Ledge, MI, Evelyn (Earl) Rogers of Lansing, MI, and Kurt Tuimala of Chatham; nine grandchildren - Kris (Brian) Hering, Timothy Teets, Selena (Jeff) Punches, Stacy (Jim) Wohlscheid, Michael Rogers, Brady (Yvette) Marshall, Kyle Marshall, Kaleb (Hannah) Tuimala, and Alana Tuimala; ten great-grandchildren - Christopher, Andrew, Britney, Deanna, Tyler, Miranda, Trevor, Emily, Jesse, and Jerome; sisters-in-law - Martha, Lillian, and Aileen; special niece Janet, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her husband - Donald Tuimala, husband - Frank VanVorce; parents - John and Minnie Maki; sister - Vieno Hoy; brother - Eino Maki; and infant brother Toivo.
Visitation will be on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising. Helen's Funeral will be on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Sion Lutheran Church in Chatham beginning at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Helen's name to Sion Lutheran Church.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen M. VanVorce, please visit our flower store.