Julia Margaret Hovey

Julia Hovey, 95, of Rosebush, passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Woodland Hospice surrounded by her family. A Funeral Mass for Julia will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A luncheon will immediately follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Burial will be in St. Henry Cemetery in Rosebush. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or to the wishes of the family. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Julia was born on July 29, 1920, in Isabella County, daughter of the late Fredrick Ped and Mary Amelia (Lane) Burch. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1938 and on April 22, 1939, married Gerald Harrison Jake Hovey. Born to this union were seven very well loved and cherished children. Julia and Jake purchased their farm in Rosebush to have a place to raise their family. Julia had lived there for over 60 years. Julia and Jake loved each other dearly for the entire 54 years of their marriage. She enjoyed her years working in the kitchens at the schools, as well as, handing out samples at Meijer. If you knew Julia you knew that she greeted everyone with a hug and a kiss, on the lips. She was an extraordinary human being who touched the hearts of all whom she met. She will always be remembered for her kindness and her willingness to make friends. Her biggest accomplishment is the legacy she has left behind. Julia was happiest in her garden, surrounded by her pine trees, playing and watching her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren play. She loved taking trips including stays in Traverse City and trips to the markets to look at flowers. She was an avid reader. Julia could tell you anything about the Detroit Tigers and had a crush on Jim Leyland. Julia had a strong, vivid memory and loved telling stories from her past to anyone that would listen. Julia was very kind at heart and had genuine, kind words to say at all times. Julia loved to talk and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Julia had a favorite story to share about each of her grandkids. Julia is survived by her children, Gerald Frederick Hovey of Muskegon, Roderick Earl Todd (Mary) Hovey of Rosebush, Rhonda Kay (Robert Chick) Busch of Traverse City and Cora Ann (Dave) Thielen of Mt. Pleasant; two daughters-in-law, Evelyn Hovey and Beth Hovey, both of Rosebush; 23 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren (and one more on the way); two sisters, Donna Lynch of Rosebush and Suzanne (George) Moeggenberg of Florida; sister-in-law, Dorothy Burch of Coleman; close friend and brother-in-law, Francis Hovey of Midland; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Skippy, who will continue to reside with Cori and Dave. Julia was preceded in death by her parents; three sons, Douglas Dean, Terry Lee, and John Jay Hovey; daughter-in-law, Shirley Hovey; infant grandson, Michael Todd Hovey; granddaughter, Dawn Masterson; one great-great-grandchild; and siblings, Mary Sharp, James Fredrick Burch, Pat Burch, Rose Marie Sponseller, Florence Bullard-Schultz, Lucille Mogg, Irene Evans, Bonnie Mogg, Martha Mickey Prout, Helen Horan, Margaret Burch, James Lee Burch, Ken Burch and Joe Burch. Her family asks that if you want to do something in her memory, please do something to make another person smile.