Josephine Irene Vine

God’s blessings to Josie, who passed over the rainbow on March 25, 2017 to rest in our makers arms. Josephine Irene Burns, was born in Harrison, Michigan on December 3, 1931 to Robert A. and Amber M. (Mead) Burns. She was a 1950 Harrison High School Graduate and attended Central Michigan University. In 1951 she married Gene Ostling, they settled in Roscommon and had 3 children. Gene and Josie worked together in the family owned survey company. They traveled here and abroad and enjoyed raising their children and spending time with family and friends. In 1970 she obtained her Real Estate license and worked at the Roscommon State Bank. They divorced in 1973. Josie moved to Traverse City in 1977. She was employed by Empire National Bank and Northwestern Savings and Loan. She met Ralph W. Vine and they were married in 1986. They both retired and lived on Douglas Lake near Levering, MI. They traveled often and enjoyed their winter home in Ruskin, FL. For many years. They brought their two families together and we all enjoyed our time at the lake. After Ralph’s passing in 2006 she moved back to Traverse City to be close to her family. She lived independently in a retirement community for a few years and then moved on to an assisted living complex. She made many friends there and enjoyed the activities. Her struggles with Parkinson’s and Dementia made it necessary for her to move to the Grand Traverse Pavilions where she spent her final days. We are so thankful for the exceptional care she received and genuine love they showed her. Josie is survived by her children Cliff Ostling Jr., Jill (Eugene) Johnson, Patty (Matt) Sherman all of Traverse City. Step children John (Linda) Vine, of Saline, Joan Vine and Bob Bomier of Charlevoix and Kathy Belloli of Harbor Springs. Siblings; Priscilla Richards, of Traverse City, and Charles Ben (Carol) Burns of Hemet, California. She had 11 grandchildren, Jim, Jan, Colleen, Renee, John, Hayley, Maggie Jo, Lisa, Cody, Mark, Kristen and their spouses and partners respectively, also 21 great grandchildren. Josie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, 2 brothers, Robert and William Burns and her sister Mary Louise (Lou) Sielschott. A true patriot she was. Her father Robert was a WWI veteran and her brothers Bob and Bill served in WWII. Bill died during the D-Day invasion at Normandy. She and her siblings, researched extensively to find out more about Bill’s death. Josie also wrote an article that was published in “Windows on the War” of her father’s memoirs from WWI. When anyone would start talking about our fallen soldiers and brave veterans her lip would quiver and then tears would come. Josie was passionately proud of the USA and its war hero’s and veterans. Josie was priceless…so special to all who knew her. She liked her crafts; sewing, needlepoint or she would go to the woods, start a craft and create a treasure. Angels were her thing (what and angel she was). Linda would buy her an angel every year for Christmas. She collected them along with Baby’s Breath, Queen Anne’s Lace, Pussy Willows and Cat Tails. Weeds- Ralph would say. The rock and stone collecting never ended. So often she would start something without finishing the first and have several things going at once. God Love her. Spending time at the lake was fun for all. Joanie and Bob would bring the dogs (YIKES) and life to the party at the lake. John would entertain us with sunset cruises and made sure there was bait and cold beer. He usually had a hammer or a paintbrush in his hand. Kathy would arrive and join in and lend a hand. The crew of grands Lisa, Cody, Mark and Kristen all followed in and we all had a great time at the lake. There was always food to cook, dishes to do, kids to scrub, bugs to swat weeds to gather and fun to have. When Josie moved back to Traverse, the rocks, stones, Baby’s Breath, Queen Anne’s Lace, Pussy Willows and Cat Tails came right along with her. We all joined in to make her feel comfy. Jill and Eugene grabbed onto that love of stones and crafts and started making bird houses which most of us know of and love. Jill was Josie’s right hand gal, took over all the backstage duties. Cliff (Kip) is the “naturalist” he would take her all over the place. They would watch the eagles get released after rehab, listen to poems at Stone Circle, sit on a beach or go to a Native American event in the country. Patty picked up the slack, making sure she went to church and kept her closet full of clothes and shoes. Matt stepped in as handy man and picture hanger. She would say, I would like my place to be Whimsical. So Jill and Patty took her shopping A LOT and we loved every minute, she was so fun to be with. God love her. Her grandchildren hold a special place in her heart and they will all say the same about Josie. They have so many great memories. She would of course take them hunting for rocks, weeds and stones…and make crafts with them. There was ice cream and skinny dipping at night. We all swam and picnicked on the beaches along U.S. 2, complete with kite flying and sunburns. Fudge, souvenirs and popcorn in Mackinaw, were Hayley and Maggie Jo’s favorites. John was the minnow and frog catcher. Her trip to New York with Jill, Colleen and Renee, was a story to tell. Complete with hotel nightmares, Prada purses, a sighting of Beyonce’ but the highlight was seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway. That’s some of the Whimsy we’re talking about. God love her. We must mention her Lovie’s from Kindergarten, yes Kindergarten. We have Charlotte, Esther, Donna and Laura-God rest her soul. These gals have known each other for 80 + years and have a bond that cannot be broken. They traveled yearly together for a long time until about 15 years ago. They hold each other tight long distance now and in heaven and treasure the memories. God love her. We could go on and on. Josie was a beautiful gal inside and out; she did not judge people, loved unconditionally, had the best giggle, treasured her friends and family and had a great life. God love her. Memorial contributions in Josie’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation and the Grand Traverse Pavilions. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Josephine Irene Vine

December 3, 1931 - March 25, 2017