Zara Louise Hansen

Zara Louise Hansen, 87, of Traverse City, passed away March 4, 2025 with her loving family at her side. She was born on March 21, 1937, in Lake City, Michigan, to the late Gerald Edgar and Ruby “Zelda” (Wolverton) Barner. On June 18, 1960, she married the love of her life, Garwood “Woody” Philip Hansen, in Traverse City. Together, they built a beautiful life and lovingly raised their two children, Roberta and Daniel. Zara dedicated over 30 years to her career as a registered nurse, first at Munson Medical Center, then worked for Dr. Hamilton for several years, finishing her nursing careen working for Dr. Kalat at Thirlby Clinic. She was also was a very active member of West Bay Covenant Church, volunteering in many capacities. Her compassion extended beyond her community, as she traveled to Haiti on a medical mission trip to provide care for those in need. She created blankets, clothes, and bandages for missions in Africa. She served as camp nurse at the Boy Scout Camp and Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp for several years. A lifelong learner with a passion for history, Zara enjoyed researching her family’s heritage on Ancestry.com. In her spare time, she found joy in sewing, knitting, crocheting (among many other types of crafts), collecting dolls, solving crossword puzzles, and tending to her garden. Zara’s kindness, dedication, and love for her family and faith will be deeply missed. Zara is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Woody; her children, Roberta (Dan) Goff, and Daniel (Valerie) Hansen; grandchildren, Megan (Adam) Verslius, Ryan Goff, Brandon Goff, Danielle Springall, and Matthew Hansen, 10 great grandchildren, her siblings, Donald “Keith” (Margo) Barner, Patsy Meachum, Sharon “Jean” (Ed) Fritz, and Gregory Barner; and numerous extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law Robert Meachum, and great grandson Noah Goff. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at West Bay Covenant Church with a visitation held one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be directed to West Bay Covenant Church. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. .

Zara Louise Hansen

March 21, 1937 - March 4, 2025