Obituary for Velma Lena Pitchford (Henry)
Velma Lena Pitchford, 82 of Ionia, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Velma was born on January 9, 1937 in Harrison, Michigan to Myles and Irene (Blaine) Henry.
She married Richard A. Hilliard on February 24, 1953. She had four children; Sherry L. Shinaver, Richard L. Hilliard Jr., Edward A. Hilliard and Debra L. Wadkins.
Velma went on to marry John G. Pitchford on October 10, 1969. She was a cook at various restaurants and a lifetime caregiver to all of her family.
Mrs. Pitchford is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Tom) Shinaver, one son, Richard Hilliard, stepchildren; Bonnie Jollie, Robert (Stephanie) Babbitt, Dawn Cantwell and Erik (Marylou) Pitchford, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Sisters Doris Higgins, Audrey Pardue and Judy Curns, plus many nieces and nephews and a special sister in law, Rosann Pitchford. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, son Edward, daughter Debra, one sister, Helen and four brothers; Bill, Dick, Don and Fudd.
Funeral services celebrating Velma will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with Pastor Connie Bongard officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Harrison. Memorial gifts in memory of Mrs. Pitchford may be considered to: Sherry Shinaver, 707 New North Dexter, Ionia, Michigan 48846. To share an online memory or condolence with Velma’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for Mrs. Pitchford are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.
She married Richard A. Hilliard on February 24, 1953. She had four children; Sherry L. Shinaver, Richard L. Hilliard Jr., Edward A. Hilliard and Debra L. Wadkins.
Velma went on to marry John G. Pitchford on October 10, 1969. She was a cook at various restaurants and a lifetime caregiver to all of her family.
Mrs. Pitchford is survived by her daughter, Sherry (Tom) Shinaver, one son, Richard Hilliard, stepchildren; Bonnie Jollie, Robert (Stephanie) Babbitt, Dawn Cantwell and Erik (Marylou) Pitchford, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Sisters Doris Higgins, Audrey Pardue and Judy Curns, plus many nieces and nephews and a special sister in law, Rosann Pitchford. Velma was preceded in death by her parents, spouses, son Edward, daughter Debra, one sister, Helen and four brothers; Bill, Dick, Don and Fudd.
Funeral services celebrating Velma will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with Pastor Connie Bongard officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Harrison. Memorial gifts in memory of Mrs. Pitchford may be considered to: Sherry Shinaver, 707 New North Dexter, Ionia, Michigan 48846. To share an online memory or condolence with Velma’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for Mrs. Pitchford are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.