Ina Lohman

Although her path was not always easy, Ina Lohman was a resilient woman who was kind and gracious to those around her. She was an independent woman who believed in working hard in order to provide for her family, yet she also knew how to enjoy each new day she was given. As Inas friends and family can attest, everything that came out of her kitchen was fantastic, especially her applesauce that was second to none. With her true love by her side for the best years of her life she was thrilled when her family tree grew to include numerous branches of loved ones to cherish as there was no greater gift in Inas eyes than her family. With a life that spanned nearly a century, she made a significant impact in the lives of many. The 1920s were a pivotal time in our nations history as innovation was taking us places we had never been. We soared above the clouds with Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart and marveled at the stars on Broadway, which was at its all time peak. Greats like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb commanded baseball fields across our nation, and motion pictures that became available in color and sound captivated their audiences. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1920 that brought great joy to an active family from Carson City, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on November 26th. Baby Ina Marcine was the youngest of eight children born to her parents, Philo and Ina Adele (Griswold) Blount, and was raised on the family farm alongside her five siblings who lived to adulthood: Eldie, Floyd, Ford, Joyce, and Dorothy. Her father was a farmer on the family farm while her mother was a busy homemaker. For the most part Ina experienced a childhood that was typical for the youth of her generation. As the youngest child she got away with more than her fair share of things, even referring to herself as a naughty girl. Ina attended a one-room schoolhouse in her hometown from which she graduated as a young woman. Life was forever changed for Ina when she met the young man with whom she would establish the family she treasured. His name was Marion Terwilliger, and they met when she was a teenager. After dating for a time the couple was married and settled in Carson City. Together they were blessed with two children: Ina Mae in 1938 and Larry in 1941. Although her marriage soon ended in divorce, Ina was always thankful for the children they shared together. As a single mother Ina went to work as an operator at GTE. Life as a single mother was anything but easy, but somehow she managed to make ends meet. Ina was given a tough pill to swallow with the accidental death of her daughter in a farm accident in 1953. This was a devastating loss that Ina endured the best she could. Not long after the tragic accident she and her son moved to Muskegon Heights where they settled into a house on Maffett Street. Ina continued to work for GTE, eventually becoming a supervisor there. After Larry graduated from high school Ina was transferred to the Paw Paw area where she settled into a mobile home park in the late sixties. She retired in the early seventies. New and exciting changes were in store for Ina when she met a widower named Henry Lohman. They began dating and especially enjoyed dancing together. With a desire to build a life together they were married in September of 1972. Soon after they moved to a home on Easy Street in Whitehall. Henry kept a wonderful garden, and Ina enjoyed canning much of his plentiful yield. She also knew her way around the kitchen and was known for her hamburger soup, cole slaw, and pecan pie. Inas applesauce was also in high demand - so much so that she often made triple batches that allowed family members to take some home with them. During their retirement years Ina and Henry continued to enjoy life together. They spent their winters in Florida where they owned a mobile home for a time. Although the weather is nice, Ina was never too fond of the Florida lifestyle as there were just too many bugs for her liking. If there is one thing everyone knew about Ina it was that she had the gift of gab. She was always in the know with family and friends and had a phone in every room in the house including the bathroom! Ina also worked some at Clarks Savon Store in Whitehall, which allowed her to have a little bit of spending money. She made herself available to babysit for her great-grandchildren whenever she could and was particularly fond of Famous Ina, who was named after her. Inas sunset years were filled with peaks and valleys. She was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Henry in 2005. She also struggled with health issues of her own as she underwent both foot and knee surgery, but she was always able to bounce back beautifully. When she eventually needed more help, Ina moved to Fruitport where she lived in one side of a duplex opposite her grandson, Scott. She continued to delight in her family, especially the visits from both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout her long and fruitful life Ina Lohman was a true blessing in the lives of those who knew her. She was determined and could even be a bit headstrong at times when it came to matters she was passionate about. Ina was devoted to her family and selflessly gave them everything she could. She leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength, graceful resilience, and unending love that will be carried on by the generations who follow her. Ina M. Lohman died on Monday, April 2, 2012. Inas family includes her son, Larry (Ann) Terwilliger; stepsons, Don (Carol) Lohman, Denny (Shirley) Lohman; grandchildren, Scott (Sherry) Terwilliger, Tom (Jody) Terwilliger, Tony Terwilliger, Patrice (Jeff) Tishma, Jim (Jamie) Terwilliger, Mary Ann (Greg) Burke, Craig (Michelle) Lohman, Steve Lohman, Chris Lohman, Scott Lohman and families; many great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren. Ina was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; daughter, Ina Mae; and stepdaughter Martha Boukamp. Services will be held on Friday, April 6, 2012, 2:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Fruitport. Interment at Crystal Cemetery, Carson City. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.