Mrs. Florence E. Hanks' Obituary
Mrs. Florence E. Hanks, 93, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2017. She was born September 15, 1924 in Dresden, N. Dakota, and lived most of her life in the west Michigan area. She had worked at Lakey Foundry many years ago, but most of her career was spent with the Orchard View Schools. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, enjoyed cooking and baking, camping and taking trips with Barney and spending time working in her yard. She was an avid sports fan and followed the Tigers, Lions and Red Wings and attended her grandchildren’s many activities. On April 11, 1953 Florence married Byron M. Hanks, and he preceded her in death on June 21, 2005. Survivors include her children, David (Debbie) Hanks, Debbie (Thomas) Alderink, Denny (Nancy) Hanks; 9 grandchildren, Kelly (Doug) Vanderheyden, Ryan (Khrissy) Hanks, Daniel (Sarah) Hanks, Craig (Brie) Alderink, Kurt (Roxanne) Alderink, Jill King, Erin Alderink, Megan Hanks, Michelle (Scott) Harris; 8 great-grandchildren, Cade , Quinn, Ella, Evann, Jamisan, Hadleigh, Charlotte and Adileigh; 1 sister, Phyllis Frank; 2 sisters-in-law, Dorallee VanDyke and Jeanette Meier; a very special friend, Mary Murray; several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; 1 sister, Thelma; brothers, Melvin, James, Herbert and Paul; and a dear sister-in-law, Jean Baker. The funeral service for Mrs. Hanks will be Friday, December 29, at 11:00 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., (231) 726-5210, will be Thursday, December 28, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Because of her love of the outdoors, Florence’s family is planning to donate a bench to the Muskegon State Park in their parent’s honor. Anyone wishing to contribute to that may contact her daughter Debbie Alderink. Other contributions in Florence’s honor may be made to Comfort Keepers or a charity of your choice. Next time you eat a chocolate chip cookie, please think of Flo.
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