Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Della C. Weatherholt, 91, of Acme, died Thursday afternoon, March 4, 2010, at Munson Medical Center.
Born Dec. 11, 1918, in Acme, she was the daughter of the late Wilfred and Amy (Bussa) Hanna. Della was a third generation descendant of two pioneer families of the Acme area.
On May 16, 1938, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, she married Leo Weatherholt, who preceded her in death on Oct. 4, 1981.
Della was a longtime member of St. Francis Catholic Church and later became a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
After raising her family, she attended and graduated from Northwestern Michigan College, where she received her Associate's Degree in Nursing.
She was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse by Munson Medical Center and then Traverse City State Hospital for nearly 20 years, retiring in 1981.
She was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, sewing and quilting. At the age of 82, she enjoyed the challenge of using her own computer.
Della will fondly be remembered as a person of deep faith and her strong love of family.
Della is survived by her large and very supportive family; nine children, Leo "Joe" (Judy) Weatherholt of Raytown, Mo., Edith (John) Hines of Ventura, Calif., Michael (Sally) Weatherholt of Elk Rapids, Frances (Eric) Finnila of Acme, Nadine (Joe Simms) Weatherholt of Lakeview, Wash., Sylvia (Larry) Norton of Williamsburg, Joan (Timothy Hansen) Weatherholt of Traverse City, Vera (Steve) Jetton of Ventura, Calif., and Kneale (Tammy) Weatherholt of Williamsburg; daughter-in-law, Connie Weatherholt of Cedar; sister, Ruth (Clare) Lyon of Acme; 23 grandchildren, Philip, Patrick, Jamie, Joseph, Connie Lin, Jeremy, Michelle, Mike, Monique, Eric, Gregory, Amy, Dade, Judy, Kelly, Lisa, Jenifer, Bethany, Brandon, Adam, Mandy, David and Brian; 39 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Della was also preceded in death by two sons, Thomas and James; granddaughter, Debbie (daughter of Jim and Connie Weatherholt); great-grandson, Hunter Weatherholt (son of Michael and Pam Weatherholt II); one sister, Mildred Hanna; and a brother, William Hanna.
Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, March 8, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., where the Weatherholt family will receive friends. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, with the Rev. Jerry Micketti serving as the celebrant. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery.
In remembrance of Della, memorials may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation.
Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Edie and all, I just found out about your mom. I am so sorry, she was a very special lady and loved her very much. When I go to my mom's grave site I will bring flowers for your mom. You all are in my prayers, God bless and take care.
Love to all of you,
Barb Calvary
March 21, 2010
From the lady across the hallway
Della was my dear friend: Each day, I brought her the morning paper, waved to her, and said good morning, and sometimes just walked across the hallway to visit.
We had some good times here at Hope Village. One time, Della and I were going to lunch and, with our walkers, we blocked the complete hallway and then - --HERE COMES JULIA GRIMES. We pretended not to let her pass. The three of us had a good laugh--made us feel happy all day.
Marjorie Kladder
March 16, 2010 | Williamsburg, MI
My dad (Frank Bussa) and Della's mother were brother and sister and very close. Altho' I didn't know Della well I always remember her at the family reunions with a ready, friendly smile and laugh which reminded me so much of Aunt Amy. I send our deepest sympathy to all of her children, their families, and to Ruth and her family. Grace Bussa Warden sends her deepest sympathy also.
Esther Bussa Gregory
March 13, 2010
3-9-10, Joe and Judy and the rest of the Weatherholt family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. From the Weatherholts in Washington take care. Pam S. Weatherholt-Hestikind
Pam Hestikind
March 09, 2010 | Granite Falls, WA
Mike, Fran, Nadine, and the Weatherholt family: Please accept our deepest condolence on your mother's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe & Carol Brzezinski
March 09, 2010 | Traverse City, MI
I'm remembering Della today as her family gathers to remember a very special lady. She was a wonderful niece and friend to my Dad's wife, Lydia Bussa Hunt. In Lyda's later years Della came weekly and shared many a meal and reminiscing moments that brightened Lyda's life. Also, she facilitated visits by the priest to Lyda, putting her back in touch with the religion of her youth- very meaningful to her. Thanks, Della, and may you rest in peace.
March 09, 2010
What a legacy. You hear it all the time but there are truly so few people who could fill her shoes. This woman really was an icon. As I looked around at her visitation it was amazing to me that one tiny woman created such a wonderful family. From her faith to her grace, in my mind there aren't many who can compare.I extend my whole hearted sympathy to her family. There's no doubt in my mind that she is dancing in heaven right now.
Linda Wilbert
March 09, 2010 | Empire, MI
I have known Della for the last 6 years.She was a treat to visit. Always up beat with that wonderful smile. When David and I interviewed her we knew she had a great life. But she said now(her time at Hope Village) was a very high point of her life. She had many friends and she had her door always open,.
Dorothy Dunville Acme, Michigan
Dorothy Dunville
March 09, 2010 | Acme, MI
My thoughts, my prayers and my heart are in Traverse City. I only wish the rest of me could be there. Grandma was not only my role model of strength, faith and committment but a truly lovely human being. She was the foundation of our whole family. I will always remember Christmas Eve's at her house. There was laughter and joy (and people!) in every nook and cranny. And although as a teenager I would roll my eyes at processing the Baby Jesus from the bedroom to the nativity it is one of...
Amy Gibbs
March 08, 2010 | Fernandina Beach, FL
