Dolores Hankis

Dolores Hankis’ vibrant personality touched the hearts of many. Blessed with an abundant and loving family, she relished her role as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She will surely be fondly remembered and cherished by her many special friends and family forevermore.

Born on the NW side of Grand Rapids to John and Doris McGinley, her birth brought great hope and promise to her parents during an exciting time in our nation’s history. The 1920s saw large-scale industrial growth and significant changes in our nation’s culture. She was later joined by her younger brother, Roger, and a younger sister, Dianne, which gave her the ability to nurture relationships of trust as well as patience as a young girl. They had a typical childhood and enjoyed playing in the neighborhood. She was known to go with the flow and shared many happy memories from her growing years. Dolores attended local schools and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1952 from Union High School.

While attending a wedding reception a few years earlier, she met Jerry Hankis, who would steal her heart forever. The two of them hit it off from the start and joined in marriage in 1952 at the Klise Chapel in downtown Grand Rapids. They honeymooned along Michigan’s beautiful shoreline in Ludington before settling back on Summer Street near Jerry’s parents. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Carolyn, James, and Brian. As a family, they moved around a bit before settling in their forever home of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Dolores enjoyed her role of mother but for some time she did work at Fanny Farmers Chocolate Company.

As a mother, Dolores relished in her role. She enjoyed many years as a stay-at-home mom, caring for her family’s needs and providing them with the best of care. She was very active and involved in her kids’ lives. Her children never doubted her love for them, as she would do anything to help and support them over the years. She enjoyed hosting countless gatherings, especially holidays and birthday parties. Her favorite memories were the times they shared at the family cottage in Bitely, Michigan. Dolores loved her home on Nichols Lake. They enjoyed many campfires, as well as swimming and fishing in several local lakes in the area. Dolores enjoyed going out to supper in Ludington and walking on the beach. Even during her time there, she enjoyed cooking and entertaining, ensuring that everyone was having a good time! When she was done fixing snacks and meals, she would enjoy sitting outdoors and watching them all play and enjoy the lake. When she was blessed with grandchildren, she savored their special moments together as well. Nothing brought her greater joy than the time she spent with her loving family.

Throughout her life, Dolores held many special pastimes. Faith was very important to her, she and Jerry attended church regularly their church in Baldwin MI was very important to them. Her beautiful singing voice was well known in the church choir, where she sang for many years. Dolores also spent time exploring a wide range of arts and crafts over the years and loved attending craft shows, her biggest achievement was painting county scenes. When it came to physical activity and a little fun, you would find her bowling on leagues during her younger years she also enjoyed walking her dog Daisy. Above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her growing family. Any amount of time they shared, her heart was content. Once Jerry retired, they permanently relocated to Bitely, where they enjoyed their remaining years together.

All in all, her family was her everything. Jerry was her true sweetheart, and it showed in the way they were together as a couple. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered. When he passed in April of 2025, she leaned on the support of her loving family to help her through, yet her heart ached to be with him again. She will always be remembered for her loving presence. There is no doubt that her wonderful memories will live on through her family in their special recollections and the stories they share of her extraordinary life.

Dolores Hankis (McGinley), of Bitely, Michigan, passed away on May 25, 2025, just a month after her husband, Jerry Hankis. Dolores is preceded in death by her sister Dianne Barrenger, her brother Roger (Pudgy), and her brother-in-law Roger Hankis. Dolores is survived by her children, Carolyn (Donald) Quick, Jim (Carol Velte), and Brian (Sherrie) Hankis. Dolores was a loving grandmother to eight and a great-grandmother to nine; her brother-in-law, David Barrenger, sister in law, Sandy White, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dolores loved her family well and was well-known for her dedication and care for them. A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial gifts in Dolores’ name may be made to The American Cancer Society. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com