Mary J. Walling

Traverse City – Mary Jane Walling, age 81, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, August 19, 2016 at Traverse Manor in the loving care of her family.
Mary was born on December 10, 1934 to Roy and Clara (Teall) Wheeler. Mary was born and raised in Mesick, MI where she graduated from Mesick High School. She worked as a draftsman in the Engineering Department of Michigan Bell Telephone Company for five years before moving to Florida for a short while. Upon returning to Michigan, she worked for Lear Siegler as an Engineering Secretary in their space program.
Mary married her high school classmate John Walling on Thanksgiving Day, November 1961. They lived in Minnesota, Iowa, Oklahoma, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, South Haven, Grand Rapids, and finally Traverse City. Together they loved to travel and take their children on camping trips. After her husband's death in 1975, Mary stayed in Traverse City and worked 23 years for Traverse City Central High School.
Mary was a strong, hard-working woman who made the raising of her children her priority. She loved her family and friends, and was always available to lend a hand, share a laugh or go on an adventure. She had a love of travel and visited most of the United States as well as Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. She liked to learn, and returned to college to earn a Management degree from Northwestern Michigan College after her children were grown. Some of her many interests included cross-country skiing, hiking, reading, knitting, and quilting. She had an amazing eye for design and has made many beautiful quilts, which she generously shared with friends and family. She loved her grandchildren and will be remembered for the fun times they shared.
Mary is survived by her children; Joe Walling (Robin Patton), and Julie (Rob) Hoyt. Grandchildren; Taylor Patton, Samuel, Isaac, and Finneas Hoyt. Mary's siblings; Alice (George) Wales, May (Bob) Fagerman, and Bill (Joan) Wheeler. Also surviving Mary are numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband John M. Walling, parents; Roy and Clara, siblings; Roy Wheeler, Jean Soukup, Lois Pahl -Cochrane, Betty Crawford and Donna Wheeler .
A visitation for Mary will take place on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Graveside services will take place following the service on Thursday, at 1:30 p.m. at the Sherman Cemetery in Mesick. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the American Cancer Society, 525 West 14th Street, Suite 5, Traverse City, MI 49684. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please visit the Reynolds-Jonkhoff website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.