Winnie M. Balavitch

Winnifred "Winnie" (Christensen) Balavitch, age 90, of Hart, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016 in Hart. She was born May 26, 1926 in Ludington the daughter of Marion and Ester (Boucher) Gillispie. She married Raymond Christensen in 1949 in Ludington. He passed away July 27, 1983. She married Paul Balavitch on June 23, 1990. He passed away May 1, 2001. Winnie was raised in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School in 1944. She was a clerk at many stores, including Bach's Bakery and Uptown Discount in Ludington. She also worked at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington in the Laundry Department. Winnie loved spending time with her grandkids, reading and baking cookies. She was known for her molasses cookies. She is survived by her children, Marylouise (William A.) Gokey and Richard (Susan) Christensen; grandchildren, William Michael (Adrienne) Gokey, Jason (Gena) Gokey, Eric (Crystal) Gokey, Brandon (Harmony) Gokey and Elizabeth Christensen; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her husband, Paul; her parents; and sisters, Grace Pedersen and Donna Balavitch. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 31, beginning at 10 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, west of New Era. The funeral service will follow Saturday at 11 am at the church with Pastor Sarah Samuelson officiating. Interment: Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011.