Mrs. Ilah M. Hickman's Obituary
Mrs. Ilah Mae Hickman, age 92, passed away Wednesday afternoon, August 8, 2012 in Muskegon. She was born January 5, 1920 to Herman and Minnie (Hansen) Lutterloh in Amble, MI, and moved to the Muskegon area in 1943. Ilah was a longtime member of Crestwood United Methodist Church, previously Wood Avenue United Methodist Church, and the Rebekah Circle of United Methodist Women. She was named “Mother of the Year” for Muskegon County in 1958, served as the Chairman of Muskegon County Mothers Club for many years (1967-1989), and was the Search Chairman for the State of Michigan Mothers of the Year in 1985, 1986, and 1987. She also served as the State Mothers Assistant Vice President in 1986. Ilah was employed at Howmet Corporation for 13 years, retiring on March 31, 1975. She supported student athletes and musicians of Reeths Puffer Schools and Mona Shores Schools over 4 decades, and also volunteered in the reading program of McMillan Elementary School for 10 years. Ilah loved spending time with her family, walking around her pond, reading, watching the birds, and gardening. She was married to David C. Hickman, Sr. on June 12, 1942 in Grand Rapids, and he preceded her in death on January 19, 1995. SURVIVORS include her children, Sharie Devenport of Galien, MI, David (Sherrie) Hickman, Jr. of West Branch, Tracy (Jeanne) Hickman of North Muskegon, Robert (Sherry) Hickman of Big Rapids, Cinda (Roger) Hobbs of Fort Worth, TX, Lavon Schumaker of North Muskegon, James (Marlene) Hickman of South Haven, Paul Hickman of Muskegon; 24 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Arnold (Bertha) Lutterloh, Melvin (Alice) Schreiber; many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Lynelle Westerlund; and her brother, Wayne Lutterloh. THE FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the Crestwood United Methodist Church, 1220 Creston. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, (231) 726-5210 will be from 5:00 – 8:00 Monday evening. You may sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in memory of Mrs. Hickman may be made to Christian Care Assisted Living, Crestwood United Methodist Church, or the Reeths Puffer Athletic Department.
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