June Ware

June Ellen Ware, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 14, 2020. She was born on December 31, 1942 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Russell and Juanita (Graham) Willey.

June was one of 5 children and had many stories of spending time with her sisters at the family farms in Mancelona and Beaverton. She graduated from Harper Creek High in 1961 and continued to get her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University. June was a teacher with the Harper Creek Schools for 26 years and touched the lives of many students. She particularly loved reading to the students.

In her early adult years, as a single mom, June was able to provide a solid foundation for Theresa and Amanda. They always knew that June was there for them. She showed how brave she was many times when critters would get in the house. She single handedly removed, opossums, snakes and bats. She was a hard worker and was determined to show her girls how to be independent.

June was introduced to Michael Ware on a blind date and fell in love. After a short courtship, and a discussion over Rueben sandwiches, June married Michael on April 15, 1978, he survives. Also surviving are daughters, Theresa Wendt of Kalamazoo, Kristen (Bryan) Gandy of Battle Creek, and Amanda (Ed) Hammock of Battle Creek; 3 granddaughters, Marra Boulanger, Anna Gandy and Madison Andrews. Also surviving are her sisters, Sandy (Tom) Carpenter, Linda (Jan) White, and Robin (Gary) Fredenburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Nancy Willey.

June was an avid reader, enjoyed genealogy, crafting and baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers. She enjoyed ceramics, and basket weaving, even traveling to craft shows to sell the baskets. In her younger years she also enjoyed softball and bowling. She enjoyed spending time at Torch Lake and her time with family. She loved the wildlife that she was blessed to see every day (except the deer that ate her myrtle), and dogwood trees.

Private services held at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org . Memorials may be made to Oaklawn Hospice.