Lavona Marlys Huhn, age 95 of Grand Rapids, died Monday, May 22, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Nelle Hartley; sisters, Georgia Loucks, June Nagel, Joyce Hyde and granddaughter, Danielle Wilson. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Charles; children, Jacquelyn (Thomas) Lindrup, Charles H. (Cindy Wise) Huhn, Kathleen (Mark) Wilson and Barbara (George) Davis; grandchildren, Hunter (Carly Kacvinsky) Ebey, Walker (Danielle) Ebey, Kirsten (Steve Mercer) Ebey, Rachelle Wilson, Charles “Corey” C. Huhn, Andrew Davis and Alexandra (Claude) Price; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Harrison, Sophie, Ellie, Charlie Cate, Jackson, Hayden, Sylis, Liam and Hailey; sister, Patricia Smith. Lavona followed in her mother’s footsteps, graduating in 1943 from Jamestown College, Jamestown, North Dakota. During the war, she worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle, Washington. She returned to North Dakota where she taught high school English and Music and fell in love with Charles. Following their marriage, she set aside her teaching career to raise four children and continued her passion for singing with church and symphonic choirs. The family moved to Grand Rapids in 1956 where Lavona was active in PTA and also hospital, church and symphony guilds. She served as a substitute teacher for local school districts. Lavona also found much enjoyment in sewing, competitive bridge, golf, and travel. She was a devoted, loving “Nanna” to her grandchildren. She passed on her value of education, community service, and love for singing to everyone. Private family services have taken place. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 2161 Leonard St., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
