Vada Elaine (Lance) Jewell, 101 of Buckley, died on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida.

Vada was born in Buckley on May 15, 1924, the daughter of Dana D. and Erma L. (Stack) Lance. She married Vernon (Buck) L. Jewell on October 10, 1942.

Together they aided in the WWII war effort, her in a munitions plant, and he in active service. They went on to build a local farm family with two beautiful children, Brent and Claudia.

As a young child, one of Vada's fondest memories was entertaining on stage by tap dancing in her "red, oil cloth costume". She was a happy teenager that enjoyed playing basketball and softball, and attending Sunday School regularly. She grew into a very enterprising young farm wife who established her own egg route and delivered her homemade baked goods to residents and businesses in the Grand Traverse area. She was a generous supporter of both the Grant United Methodist Church and the Buckley Wayside Chapel

The greatest joys in her life were her family and friends. She truly enjoyed her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. She and Buck traveled extensively, including internationally to Europe, Asia and South America, with beloved friends. They golfed, fished and played cards with humor and enthusiasm. Following the passing of her husband, she continued to live life to the fullest by attending water aerobics and yoga, and baking her own bread and baked goods to share with others. Even at the age of 101, Vada was quick-witted, and was always ready with a humorous response.

Vada is survived by sister Gloria Matthews, grandchildren Steven Jewell (Karen Howard), Stacey Stone (Curtis), Alex Harris (Joanne), Melissa Harris, Danielle Harris (Cale), and Daniel Walsh (Tammy), daughter-in-law Barb Jewell, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, adopted daughter, Judy Vieux, and many nieces and nephews.

Vada is preceded in death by her parents, Dana and Erma Lance, spouse Vernon "Buck" Jewell, sister Mary-Jane Griffin, brother Delbert Lance, sister Delberta Laskey, son Brent Jewell, daughter Claudia Harris, granddaughters Stephanie Pierce and Stasha Kastenschmidt.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 4 from 10-11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11 a.m. Both will take place in the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home Gardens.

Donations may be made to Lighthouse Ministry in Lakeland, Florida; Grant United Methodist Church in Grant Township, Michigan; or Wayside Chapel in Buckley, Michigan