June Bufkin

When reflecting on the life of June Bufkin, it is clear to see that she lived her life to selflessly give to others. Everything she did she did with her whole heart, and she was passionate about the people and things she loved. A woman of faith, June’s beliefs radiated everything she did, and her life exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. She delighted in her family, and she was so thrilled to welcome grandchildren into the family later in life. Although she was taken from her loved ones much too soon, June made a significant impact in the hearts and lives of all who were within her reach.

The 1960s were an eventful time in American history when social movements and new technologies were among the headlines nearly every day. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States, and by the end of the decade we had put the first man on the moon. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1963 when Wesley P. Jr. and Kathryn June (Manley) Hendrick were pleased to announce the birth of then baby girl they named June Marie on July 31st in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was the youngest of three children to be raised in family homes on the Northeast side of the city, first on Plainfield and later on Travis. When she was 11, June and her siblings, Mary and Wes, moved with their parents to a home on Coit, NE.

In many ways, June was a young girl of her generation. She loved doing things around the neighborhood like sledding, skating, and swimming at Briggs Park. Basically, June was always doing something to stay busy outside, often having fun alongside her siblings. As a family they took some fun-filled trips throughout Michigan, but they also went a bit further from home to Disney World, Washington, D.C., and the Wisconsin Dells. In high school, June’s lifelong love for singing and music led her to become involved in drama. The Hendrick family was also very involved at Coopersville Church of Christ and later at Grandville Church of Christ. This upbringing established a firm foundation of faith for the rest of June's life. She was never afraid to share her faith, and she lived it in order to be a witness to others as well. June spent her early years at Palmer and Riverside Elementaries and then went on to Creston High School. In addition to holding down her studies, she also worked at a D&C at Plainfield and Coit.

As a young woman, June was eager for all that life had in store. She took some finance courses at Michigan Christian College for a time, but she later came back to Grand Rapids where she worked in the investment department of a local bank. June then went to Oklahoma Christian College where she completed her bachelor’s degree. While there, she was introduced to a program called Lets Start Talking - a mission that uses the Bible to teach English as a second language in foreign countries. This program took her to Germany and later to Honduras where she clearly acted on adventure and faith as she wasn’t familiar with the language and only knew the name of some people who might be able to help her. June ended up working for an alcohol treatment center there for two years as she learned Spanish and worked in finance. It was while there that June noticed a deep need for counselors and returned to Michigan to attend Western Michigan University, earning her Masters Degree in Substance Abuse and Social Work.

From there June began working at Project Rehab, and it was there that she met the man of her dreams. His name was Theodore "Ted" Bufkin, and they dated for about two years before marrying on May 21, 1994, followed by a honeymoon in Grand Haven. Since they had visited Honduras before marrying, they did return there for a short time. They returned to Grand Rapids, and June began working in counseling at Arbor Circle. At work she was completely engaged, fully pouring herself into and engaging with others. Of course that meant that she was completely depleted when she got home, so at home is where she liked to be most times.

June always treasured her time at home. She enjoyed cooking healthy foods made with fresh ingredients that she was even able to make taste good as well! June and Ted also enjoyed simply sitting down and immersing themselves in a book. She was handy around the house, particularly as she redecorated the kitchen and bathroom. June’s decorating taste usually involved bright colors, which was something she was introduced to in Honduras. She and Ted enjoyed the companionship of one another, and they worked together for most of their married life as well. When not working, they enjoyed going to Grand Haven to sit and read a book, maybe go for a walk, and relax in the coffee shop. When she married Ted, June welcomed his four children into her life, and she was later blessed with grandchildren as well. She was an outstanding stepmother who was always there to listen to her stepchildren whether they were looking for some advice or just needed a willing ear. They knew that they could always count on her to give them some practical solutions. Where her grandchildren were concerned, June was soft, sweet, and smiling, but most importantly she loved them and taught them about the Lord. She was intentional in encouraging her grandchildren in their passions and made sure they were able to pursue their passions and interests.

Ready for a break from counseling, June and Ted spent some time as owners of two different Blimpies restaurants for a couple of years with June handling the bookkeeping. She did make her way back to counseling, working for Family Outreach and later Wedgwood Christian Services.

For the past 15 years, June spent time living in a house between her parents and her sister as family was of the utmost importance. She had some medical issues, but they didn’t affect her quality of life as she was diligent in her diet and exercise.

With a zest for life that was impossible to miss, June Bufkin brought such joy to the world around her. She continuously gave of herself to others, and she did whatever it took to accomplish something or solve a problem. June’s faith, her grace, and her selfless spirit will never be forgotten.

June M. Bufkin, age 52 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord on January 7, 2016. She was preceded in death by her mother, Kathryn Hendrick, and by her nephew Ross Trinklein. June is survived by her husband, Theodore R. Bufkin III; her stepchildren Hope (Alan) Margherio, Ted Bufkin IV, Robbi Bufkin and Will Bufkin; grandchildren Marissa, Kiara, Tylan, Brysen, Mason, Maxine, Spencer, Trustin and Reign; her father, Wesley Hendrick Jr; father-in-law Ted Bufkin Jr; sister, Mary (Bill) Trinklein; brother, Wes (Debbie) Hendrick; nieces and nephews Evan and Betsy Trinklein, Emily (Cameron) Dilly, Leah (Greg) Ball, Caleb (Krista) Hendrick; as well as several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends and family are invited to visit on Sunday, January 10 from 1-3 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel where the service to remember and celebrate her life will take place at 5 PM. June loved bright colors and to reflect that love as well as the promise of her faith that she lived so well, please wear bright colors to the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Wedgwood Christian Services are appreciated. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com.