Reva Lavon Bales

Traverse City - Reva Lavon Bales of Traverse City passed away August 2, 2012. Reva was born on August 6, 1910 in Jamestown, Ohio on the family’s farm to the late John Andrew and Novia Gaylor (Irvine) Robison. She attended the Bowersville Schools and upon graduation from High School she worked as a Doctor’s Assistant until her marriage to Ferdinand Finley Bales on October 1, 1936. The early years of marriage were spent in several Midwest towns where her husband was the Station Manager for Pennsylvania Railroad. They transferred to Kalamazoo where they raised their sons’, John and Dan. While living there Reva worked at Gilmore’s Department Store until the move to Traverse City in 1964 where she had her favorite job in the Women’s better sportswear at Milliken’s until her retirement at age 82. Reva was a true lady, having an overwhelming devotion to her faith, family and friends. She was an active and devoted member of Central United Methodist Church, where she was honored to be named “Woman of the Year.” Her boys and their families were the joy of her life and always their strongest advocate. Always a busy lady, she loved caring for her home and garden, traveling with friends and family and always loved the challenge of a good bridge game. The highlight of every year was the gathering of family and friends in Traverse City for her birthday each August. Reva is survived by sons John (Mary) Bales of Traverse City and Daniel (Carole) Bales of Romulus, grandchildren Robert Bales, Brian (Fumiko) Bales, Rebecca (John) Montroy, Thomas (Jillian) Bales and Melinda (Robert) Howell, and great grand children Meredith Howell, Caroline Howell, Joshua Montroy, Katherine Lavon Montroy, Sera Bales, Talbot Bales, Morgan Novia Bales and May Elizabeth Bales. Reva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, Vernon Robison and sisters Hazel Pendleton, Marjorie Robison and Dorothy Cooke. Reva will long be remembered for her wealth of knowledge, wisdom, strong will and love for others and life…….an inspiration to many that knew her. The funeral celebrating Reva’s life will take place at Central United Methodist Church on what would have been her 102nd birthday, Monday August 6, 2012 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will also be held today, Sunday, August 5, 2012 from 1 to 5 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date at Glen Florest Cemetery in Yellow Springs, Ohio Memorial contributions may be directed to Central United Methodist Church Sanctuary Audio Enhancement for the Hearing Impaired.

Reva Lavon Bales

August 6, 1910 - August 2, 2012