Lena Westover Obituary

WESTOVER - Mrs. Lena I. Westover of Cedar Springs went home January 1, 2012, to be with her husband of 59 years, Mr. William L. Westover. Lena was born on January 12, 1908, in Solon Township and lived the majority of her life in the Cedar Springs area. She received her teaching certificate from Western State Teachers College in August of 1931. Lena later completed her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University. She was a school teacher for more than 30 years and retired from Sparta Public Schools in 1970. Lena was very active throughout most of her life. She was a member of the Foxville Friendship Club and in later years she enjoyed activities such as bowling, line dancing, gardening, quilting, crocheting, and spending time with her grandchildren. Lena touched the lives of many and will be forever loved by her family and friends. Lena is survived by her children, Gladys (Matt) Neithefer of Jenison, Shirley (David) Caldwell of Cedar Springs, and William, Jr. (Jan) Westover of Panama City, Florida; grandchildren, Irene (Ron) Steadman, and Michael (Gail) Dunbar, of Grand Rapids, Charles (Valerie) Dunbar of Cedar Springs, Allison (Dave) Collins of Lansing, Douglas (Mary) Caldwell of Jackson, and Jane (Randy) Hazel of Lake Orion; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Lena was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Westover, in 1987. The service for Mrs. Lena Westover will be Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Love officiating. Interment at Crandall Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association, GMC - West MI Chapter, 2944 Fuller Ave., NE, Ste 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave., SE, Ada, MI, 49301. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com

Published by Grand Rapids Press on Jan. 3, 2012.
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Mrs Westover was my 2nd and 5th grade teacher. She had a secret way of teaching not often revealed today: she just loved us. The 5th grade year was particularly special, it was at Hull School, a one room schoolhouse, I think it was the last year they had students there before it was torn down. Mrs Westover had great latitude in setting our recess and work time and was judicious and fair in her choices. She touched so many lives in so many ways she probably never realized and many of us were the better because of her presence.

Christopher J. Gunnell Md (son of Virginia and John)

January 13, 2012

It was an honor to be a grandchild of Lena Westover and we have lots of special memories of times together with her. We will miss her very much.

Charlie & Valerie Dunbar

January 3, 2012

Bill&Jan

So sorry for your loss..

Gary&Maxine Cooper

January 3, 2012

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