June Hammond

June Hammond was known as a friend to everyone. She was kind and loving and her sense of humor quickly put others at ease. Well-liked and friendly, June frequently had visitors who stopped by simply because they enjoyed her company and kindness.

Born on June 28, 1927, June was the only daughter of William and Emma (Scheffel) Blanshan. Their home in Boyne City was kept lively by June and her three older brothers. Basil, Al, and Lyle fulfilled their brotherly duties by teasing and protecting June as the need arose. While growing up, June witnessed the economic devastation of the Great Depression as well as the tragedies and triumphs of World War II.

When one of June's brothers married a girl from the Hammond family, he unwittingly made a decision that would affect June in ways he couldn't have imagined. The bride had a brother named Lester. As the two families grew closer, so did Lester and June. The young couple fell in love and married on July 14, 1947, in the Blanshan family home in Boyne City.

After their marriage, Lester and June moved to Detroit so that Lester could continue his education. The couple later moved to Grand Rapids, and then, in 1953, to Muskegon. Even though June had moved away, she always kept Boyne City close to her heart. She even continued to receive the Boyne City Citizen newspaper in order to keep up with community events. June was proud of the fact that her Aunt Agnes had been the owner and editor of the paper.

June kept herself busy working as a secretary for Lester's TV and appliance repair shop, Metropolitan Appliance Service. Later she received training as a beautician and ran her own beauty parlor out of the home as well. The job she considered most important, however, was the raising of their children. She was very proud of her boys and supported them in every way she could.

The family made many precious memories together. Ron had a particular penchant for raft building and, as older brothers will, always talked Lester into testing them out. Invariably, Lester would sink and swim, then have to explain to June why, once again, he was sopping wet. One year the family took a three-week vacation out west, visiting the dizzying heights of Pike's Peak and enjoying the varied wildlife found in Yellowstone National Park.

June enjoyed helping people and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. She contributed to her church in many ways for over fifty years and considered her faith a vital part of her life. She taught sewing in 4-H, enjoying the opportunity to encourage young people. She also liked to travel in the comfort of their motor home, wintering in Florida. June took particular pleasure in her visits to Hawaii and Israel. Part of her enjoyment in traveling came from being able to eat out. She loved seafood and Chinese food, as well as anything else that she didn't have to cook herself.

June's greatest joys were not found in temporary things, however. She treasured her many Bibles, clinging to them as her source of truth and strength. She and Lester shared more than fifty years together and one of the greatest days of her life was the anniversary party marking their fiftieth. June also found unsurpassed joy at the birth of their first granddaughter, Melinda.

June is survived by her children, Ronald G. and Claire Hammond of Milford, and Lester E. and Mari Hammond of Whitehall; grandchildren, Ron Jr., Scott, James, and Melinda Hammond; great grandchildren, Austin, Tyler, Zacary, and Alison Hammond; her brother and sister-in-law, Lyle and Bonnie Blanshan of Boyne City; and several nieces and nephews.

June passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2004. Lester, her husband, preceded her in death. June was seventy-seven.

Friends may join the family on Monday, July 12, from 7 - 9 PM at the Achterhoff Chapel, 1751 Peck Street, and on Tuesday, July 13, for one hour prior to the funeral service at the Church of God United, 1630 Harvey, Muskegon. The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the church, Pastor Lynette Gillett officiating. Interment will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. To read June's complete life story, share a memory, or to order flowers, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although they will miss her deeply, June's commitment to her family and her faith remains as an example to her loved ones. She leaves a legacy of friendship, service, and kindness to all who knew her.