Ethel Wilkens Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ethel Wilkens, 86, of Coloma, passed away early Monday, October 15, 2012 at her home in Coloma. Funeral services celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 18, 2012 at the Davidson Chapel of Florin Funeral Service, 249 E. Center Street. Burial will follow at the Coloma Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to either Hospice at Home or to the family. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.florin.net. Ethel was born July 16, 1926 in Benton Harbor to Carl and Anna Marie LaVanway. She married Charles Wilkens on July 20, 1946 and together had 4 children. Ethel was an avid bowler at many local lanes and volunteered as an officer of various leagues. She enjoyed making blankets and photo albums for her family and her many friends. Ethel and Chuck were dedicated to fishing together. Later in life, she had a passion for playing BINGO, going to the casino, and playing cards with her family and friends. Most of all, Ethel cherished time spent with her family – particularly with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren (whom she was affectionately known as “Grandmier”.) Ethel is survived by her children, Steven Charles Wilkens of Coloma, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” (Tom) Albrecht of Stevensville, and Susan Elaine (Mike) Fowler of Forest, Virginia; grandchildren, Samantha Wilkens, Darren Albrecht, Darcy (James) Ashmead, Deeann Closson, and Charles Fowler; 5 great-grandchildren; and by her siblings, Carl Edward (Donna) LaVanway of Bridgman and Catherine Ann Lewis of Chesterton, Indiana. In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Charles M. Wilkens in 1982; her son, Thomas Melvin Wilkens; and by her siblings, Mary Eileen, Melva Jean and Johnny.

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Ethel Wilkens

July 16, 1946 - October 15, 2012