Darleen Beth Hockridge

BELLAIRE - Darleen Beth Hockridge, 91, of Elk Rapids, passed away at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility on March 16, 2017. Darleen was born at the family farm in Milton Township on July 5, 1925, to Glenn and Lena (Bussa Bachi) Hockridge. She graduated 8th grade from Roberts School in Milton Township and Elk Rapids High School in 1942.
Known as Aunt Beth to her 15 nieces and nephews, she was happiest spending time with her extended family and friends while contributing delicious pies, cakes and salads to the potluck events.
She enjoyed playing cards, putting puzzles together, reading novels, doing crossword puzzles in ink, and cross stitch. Family members and friends treasure the dresser scarves she so lovingly created and gave away.
She showed us what true friendship was by the daily phone calls with her life-long dear friend, Jeanne Gardo, of New Mexico. Their friendship started in the 40's at Krogers in Detroit where they worked together and continued until their last phone call on the day before she died.
When presented with the move to Meadow Brook in October 2014, she said, "You just have to make up your mind that you have to change your life sometimes".
Surviving is a sister-in-law, Geraldine Hockridge, and 15 nieces and nephews: Lavonne (Bud) Penoza, Sally (Mike) Weatherholt, Ricci Groomes, Ron Bachi, Ed (Connie) Bachi, Tim (Barbara) Bachi, Cindy (Mike) Hall, Herb (Barbara) Lemcool, Judy (Don) Goodrich, Tom (Heather) Lemcool, Barbara (Ted) Coulter, Dick (Debbie) Hockridge, Linda (Dan) McLain, Lori Hockridge, and Robert (Rebecca) Hockridge and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Helen (Frank) Larsen and Josephine (Herbert) Lemcool and her brothers, Lloyd (Mary Lou) and Richard Hockridge as well as a nephew and niece, Kenneth Lemcool and Christine Bachi. A special friend and companion, Mike Ward, of Madison Heights, also predeceased her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkoff Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in her name made to Heartland Hospice, 4020 Copper View #113, Traverse City 49684. The family wants to thank the staff at Meadow Brook and Heartland Hospice for the loving care she so appreciated.
The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.