June E. Frost

LIFESTORY:

Even from a young age, June Frost’s calling in life was plain: teaching. As a kindergartener, she would come home every afternoon and teach her younger siblings what she had learned that day. Although this was June’s first try as a teacher, her lessons were so effective that the following year her brother was able to skip kindergarten and go straight to first grade! June’s generosity of spirit, attention to detail, and passion for education only grew from that early start, and she dedicated her life to teaching. June touched the lives of countless youngsters, patiently making the world a better place one student at a time.

June Ethel Osborn came into the world on June 28, 1919. She was the first child born to proud parents Muir and Ethel (Weatherwax) Osborn, soon to be followed by younger siblings Marvin and Doris. Muir and Ethel operated a family farm in Scotts, Michigan, and June grew up running around the large apple orchard and expansive vegetable gardens.

June finished her secondary education with flying colors, graduating from Vicksburg High School. She then went on to Western Normal School, where she would earn her teaching certificate. Hard-working and independent, June worked her way through college by selling vegetables she had helped to grow on the farm. After graduation, June started her career as a teacher in Mendon, Michigan for her first year. She soon moved on to Athens, Michigan for three years and then to Vicksburg, Michigan. In Vicksburg June found her niche, settling down into a position at Tobey Elementary School retiring in 1982. June was a wonderful teacher, balancing strictness and high standards with a kind heart and deep affection for her students.

In addition to her responsibilities as a teacher, June was also active in the community, participating in groups such as the Junior Farm Bureau. Through this group, she met a young man named Willard Frost. Willard ran a large dairy farm on East Z Avenue. June and Willard hit it off right away, and were married on July 12, 1941. Over the years, June and Willard were blessed with three wonderful children: Ruth Ann, Lee, and David. June was a loving mother, who kept a watchful eye on her children. She made sure they grew up with good values, including a strong foundation in the Christian faith. Every Sunday, the family attended services at Fulton Evangelical United Brethren in Fulton, Michigan.

In her free time, June enjoyed crocheting, making afghans and baby blankets. True to her generous nature, June inevitably gave her creations away to friends and family members. She was an enthusiastic cook, and loved gathering her family together for family meals. She also had a sweet tooth, and got a reputation for making over-done cookies. In the community, she was active in the Women’s Club through County Extension.

Although the day came when June had to retire from Vicksburg Community Schools, nothing could stop her from being a teacher. She continued to help children in the community by tutoring in the summer months, teaching Sunday School, and helping with Cubbies and Awana. If anything, June was busier after retirement than before! She also participated in the Women’s Bible Study and the teacher’s retiree club.

One of June’s greatest joys in her golden years was the time she spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She supported them in all of their activities, and was a faithful fan at sporting events. When her granddaughter became hearing impaired, June learned sign language, and spent countless hours patiently working with her.

Three years ago, June’s health began to decline. She left her farm and moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to live with her daughter.

Patient, caring, and principled, June was a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and an inspiring teacher. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many students, friends, and family members.

June E. Frost died on July 6, 2012, at the age of 93, with her family by her side. June was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, in 1998, as well as a grandson and granddaughter. She is survived by her children, Ruth Ann (Tom) Martin, Lee (Joyce) Frost and David (Pamela) Frost. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Terrance Kott, Gregory Frost, Ryan (Emily) Frost, Eileen (Steve) Mailhot, and Shannon (Marquis) Mitchell; four step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her brother, Marvin (Dorothy) Osborn; her sister, Doris Lucas; her sister-in-law, Marian Henckel; as well as many other relatives.

Visit with her family and friends on Tuesday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) and again on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Sunnyside United Methodist Church; 2800 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. Memorial donations may be made to the Wakeshma Community Church.

Please visit June’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.