Aletha Klotz

Aletha Klotz, of St. Joseph, passed away, Friday, November 16, 2007, at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 21, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Greg Wood officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Aletha Klotz Memorial Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Aletha Bayle was born May 2, 1927, in Grand Rapids. She graduated from the Walkerville, MI High School as Valedictorian of her class. On September 7, 1944, she married Hilbert “Hip” Klotz. Together they had 6 children. Aletha was a proud homemaker whose entire life centered on her family. She was always involved in and supported her children’s sporting events and other activities. She was a parent leader in both the Cub Scouts and the Brownies. Additionally she served on the Woman’s Circle in her church. Aletha served as past State and National President of the Blue Star Mother’s of America. Aletha had a passion for traveling and photographing her adventures. She enjoyed baking and was particularly known for her chocolate cake. Above all, Aletha cherished spending time with her family and particularly with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Aletha is survived by five of her children-Howard (Cheri) Klotz of St. Joseph, Colleen (Larry) Lamble of Portage, MI, Alvon (Char) Klotz of St. Joseph, Cheryl (Tom) Butcher of Hudsonville, MI, Scott (Kim) Klotz of Stevensville; fourteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters-Erma (Don) Faron of Sun City, Florida, Ima (Richard) Hartman of Benton Harbor, Edna (Gary) McCord of St. Joseph; and by many nieces & nephews. In addition to her parents, Aletha was preceded in death by her husband “Hip” on February 9, 2006; and by her son Hilbert “Hip” Klotz, Jr. on January 7, 2006.