Helen Oakley

Helen Mae Oakley, age 68, of Traverse City, formerly of Kentwood, passed away Saturday, November 15th. She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Weikko and Mary Pihl, Herbert and June Oakley, brother-in-law, Thomas Oakley, and sister-in-law, Janet Pihl. Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Arden Oakley; four children, Daniel (Sandra) Oakley, Cynthia (Matthew) June, Dr. David (Cori) Oakley, and Rebecca Bursley; 12 grandchildren, Jeffrey, Elizabeth, and Nathaniel Oakley, Jennifer (Bradley) Sears, Stephen, Cate, Gary, and Emily June, Jessica, Jonathon, and Susanna Oakley, Christopher Bursley; and great-grandchild, Tristan Sears. Also surviving are two brothers and a sister, Wayne (Roseann) Pihl, John Pihl, and Janet (Alan) Madsen; brother-in-law, Rance (Patricia) Oakley; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Helen worked for many years for Kelloggsville Public Schools, and knew every child that passed through the doors. She was active in her church as a musician and a dedicated volunteer in service to others. She enjoyed sewing and needlework, and helped make many quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The family will be visiting with people at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, on Wednesday, November 19th from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City, MI on Thursday, November 20th at 1:00 p.m. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Munson Medical Center Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.