Vada Jean Baatz, 78, of Interlochen passed away December 12, 2021 at Munson Medical Center.
Vada was born on December 20, 1942 in Traverse City to the late Jack P. and Inez Ellen (Stoops) Blaser.
On November 2, 1963, Vada married Ken Wheelock. He and Vada shared many wonderful years together and raised their three children, Rebecca, Wendy and Ken. In 1992 he passed away.
On March 25, 2000, Vada married Wilfred J. Baatz, he passed away in 2020.
Vada was very devoted to the MT ZION FWC. She served as an Elder for many years and loved her church family deeply. She was also proud to have been able to serve on the former Mounted division of the Benzie County Search and Rescue unit.
Day to day Vada spent her time caring for the menagerie of animals she had acquired. She had a special love of horses and cared for many throughout her life. She was also a gifted maker and could crochet, quilt, sew and create beautiful tapestry. She enjoyed photography and was unable to ever pass up a garage sale.
Vada will be greatly missed by her children Rebecca (Doug) Barron of Traverse City, Wendy Wheelock of Interlochen, Kenneth (Kim) Wheelock of Kingsley; seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, brother Donald "Jim" Blaser; sister Evelyn (Bob) Hawkins of Copemish; and special daughters Gwyn Carter, Rena Bush-Luper, Michelle Mang-Englebrecht and Dawn Noonan-Hamilton.
Vada was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Ken, second husband Wilfred; brothers Robert and Richard and great grandson Andrew Miller.
The funeral will be held at the Mt. Zion Family Worship Center on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning one hour prior. A luncheon will follow.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the MT ZION FWC World Mission's fund.