Frances "Fran" C. Thurkettle

Birth date: Sep 25, 1923 Death date: Jan 6, 2010

Frances “Fran” C. Thurkettle, age 86, of Norton Shores passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 6, 2010. She was born September 25, 1923, in Ludington, MI, to Kleber and Blanche (Gensen) Hill and was a 1941 gradua Read Obituary

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Anonymous

839w ago

I grew up down the road from Turk and Francis - they were the closest relations we had when we moved from Flint to Muskegon. I used to ride my bike up Lake Harbor and Pontaluna from our house near Hoffmaster to her house on Little Black Lake. Francis was always happy to see me, standing at her door, with a fishing pool in one hand and a can of worms in the other, regardless of what I had interrupted or when I showed up, always unannounced. It's been 20+ years since those days, but she knew me right away at my grandfather's funeral, calling me "Buddy's boy" and holding my hand at the church. I can see she will be missed and trust she is well recieved in heaven.##imported-begin##Andrew S. Hill (Grand Nephew?)##imported-end##

Anonymous

842w ago

Wilda hold on to the happy memories of your mom. God will get you through the hard times.##imported-begin##Shirley Coleman##imported-end##

Anonymous

842w ago

We knew of Fran's passing, but wasn't aware of the guestbook location until this week. Fran was not only my bus driver, as she was for so many, but also a dear neighbor. I remember falling down our steps and my older sisters summoned Fran to check me out as I lay crying at the bottom of the stairs since my parents were gone. She gave me a treat and convinced me I was fine. She also moved the bus stop to right in front of the house when I was the only Hostad left at the corner stop. We spent a lot of time with Wilda at Thurkettles and it was always fun and exciting. In more recent years, I took my two daughters, when they still lived at home, to Fran and Turk's house to trick-or-treat! She was amazed to get a trick-or-treater, but graciously invited us in to check out the costumes and to give us a treat. She'll always be fond memories to me.##imported-begin##Connie (Hostad) Wahr##imported-end##

Anonymous

842w ago

Miss you "Lady Bus Driver"##imported-begin##Susie Deming Hill##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

Wilda and Mike,
My sister, Charlene, notified me of you mother's death. I remember your Mom so well as bus driver, mostly for my younger siblings who rode her bus. My Mom and Fran shared together often about their kids, school, etc.

Your Mom laughed with us and made us laugh readily. What a happy lady with the huge responsibility of transporting all those kids. She was perfectly matched to her job.

When my Dad died June 1996, I stayed at my folk's house with my Mom that summer. Several days I'd walk with niece, Trisha, Char's daughter to get in 100 miles that summer for school award. One time we walked down Black Lake Rd. and your Dad was in the yard. He said come in and talk to Fran awhile. We reminisced about lots of fond memories of by-gone days. What fun to recollect with her.

Be blessed that your Mom blessed others. That is neat she could live to age 86. I assume she had Ahlzeimers. So you have been through heartaches already. God bless you as you learn to live without your Mom. May you find peace and comfort in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life".

Love to you and your families,
Carma Jean##imported-begin##Carma Jean Lund Johnson##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

Dearest Wilda-
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Aunt Fran was one of a kind. She was loved by many.I will treasure the wonderful memories of so long ago on the shores of Lake Superior. The laughter and joy during those family fishing trips,the sunbathing next to the cold cold water, and her ability to smile and giggle throughout any tense moment.
I will hold you and your parents in my heart today and always.
Love and Blessings to you, Robin##imported-begin##Robin Thurkettle Thomas##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

I miss my grandma more than words can ever say. She was a guiding light to me every day of my life, and the closeness we shared I will keep in my heart forever. I am so thankful I got to enjoy my grandparents as much as I did, and they have given me many wonderful memories. I am so thankful she is in a beautiful place now. Thank you, grandma, for being one of my best friends! I will always remember our times together.
I love you forever, and someday we'll be together again-##imported-begin##Barb(granddaughter)##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

The first thing that comes to my mind is how she had a block of wood wired to her brake pedal on the school bus! How cute! She ruled that bus and we knew it! How funny thinking of the many times she'd have to pull over and ask us if we wanted to go back to Park St (the bus garage for a major scolding from George Piers!)....and a couple times she did! Little in stature, bit in personality.
Your mother was such a neat lady. I'm so happy to have so many memories of her from Little Black Lake and visiting at Leppinks.
God's peace to all of her family at this sad time.##imported-begin##Rita Garzelloni DeCan##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

Dear Wilda,
you are in my thought's and prayer's with the loss of your mother.
I viewed her story on-line.
You look just like your mom, beautiful!
I love the picture of her standing by her bus.
Love, Doreen##imported-begin##Doreen Mara Perry##imported-end##

Anonymous

849w ago

Dear Wilda,Barb,Tim and family. Very sorry to hear about your loss. She was a very special person to many people. Love and prayers. Vickie Steiner##imported-begin##Vickie Steiner##imported-end##

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