ALICE KIRKON – fell asleep in death after a lifetime of service to her heavenly Father, Jehovah, and years of generosity, fun and laughter on November 17, 2013 at Cherry Hill Haven.

Born Alice VanAssche, on June 25, 1926, Alice was one of 14 children born to Frank and Edna VanAssche in Evart, Michigan, farmers. Alice went to school until the eighth grade when she had to leave due to family circumstances. She met John Kirkon at a dance hall and they had three children, Joyce, John and Alice Amy.

Alice enjoyed being outside, whether it was working in her garden, chopping wood into her late 70’s, swinging on her wooden swing or taking her daily walk. She was an amazing cook who loved to read cookbooks, the newspaper and anything else she could get her hands on. She read the Bible every day for over sixty years. She loved animals of all kinds, especially Pepper, Chloe and her granddogs and grandcat. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was very generous, especially with her hugs and kisses. When asked what was the most fun she ever had, she replied, “my children”. She loved them so much and missed them until her very last day.

In September 2007 she came to visit her granddaughters in Traverse City and they loved having her so much that she ended up staying with them for three years. For the last three years, Alice was a resident of Cherry Hill Haven where she enjoyed weekly trips to her Christian Bible study and visits from her granddaughters.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents and 12 of her siblings.

he is survived by her beloved children; youngest sister, Anna Lou of California; devoted granddaughters, Alicia Beachly (Garrick) and Heather Hoopfer (Tim) of Traverse City; cherished grandsons, Jason Czaban (Mandy) of Seattle and Bryce Czaban (Jackie) of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Clinton Kirkon of Florida; great grandson Eli Hoopfer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 2:30 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1950 Chase Road, Traverse City.

Honoring her wishes, cremation will take place. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.