Donna Avery

Donna Mae Iobe Avery, Age 96, Of Battle Creek, Died October 11, 2014 at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility, where she had been a resident for the past 3 ½ years. She was born June 20, 1918 in Athens, Michigan to William and Ruth (Stroh) Iobe. Donna graduated from Athens High School in 1936. Donna worked at the Athens Box and Basket Company in Athens, Michigan where she met Lyle Avery. They were married June 20, 1940. She also worked at the Fort Custer Laundry of the VA, the Oliver Corporation and Probasco’s Fabric Store. Donna and Lyle became the owners of Avery’s Motel on Columbia Avenue and operated that business for five years. She loved to sew and made many beautiful articles of clothing, including many bridal dresses. She also loved to garden. Donna and Lyle were active members of Lakeview Baptist Church for many years before they moved to Port Charlotte, Florida in 1978. They lived over 25 years in that community, where they were active members of First Baptist Church of Port Charlotte. Donna was preceded in death by Lyle, her faithful husband of 61 years, in 2002. Donna is survived by her son, Phillip Lee (Mary Sue) Avery of Battle Creek; daughter, Phyllis Ann Rector of Ypsilanti; grandchildren, Michelle (Avery) Ferguson, Michael William Rector, Michael Todd Avery and great grandson, Leif Ferguson. Visitation will be held today from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., at the funeral home with The Rev. Adam Metzger officiating. Interment will be at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Lakeview Baptist Church or Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. www.henryfuneralhome.org

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