Taps-Aylsworth...index...

TAPS - Aylsworth
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May 29, 2010 Traverse City, Michigan Record Eagle
Aleta Mae (Dete) Aylsworth
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EMPIRE — Aleta Mae Aylsworth, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 27, in her home with family by her side.

Aleta was born on June 4, 1925, in Empire, to Charles and Helen (Dorsey) Hodge. She graduated from Empire High School during World War II and went on to help assemble tanks.

On April 2, 1946, Aleta married a career Air Force Officer, Warren, and traveled the world while maintaining a family. In Okinawa, she volunteered at the Charitable Gift Shop, assisted with support for families of fallen Airmen and was active with the Officer's Wives' Club.

Along with being a full-time homemaker, Aleta also worked part-time as a licensed real estate and insurance agent.

She always was loving and caring and putting family first. Scores of people feasted on her gourmet cooking, often at a moment's notice. Aleta was fun-loving, outgoing, and loved to socialize while she entertained. She an avid gardener.

Aleta and her husband of 60 years traveled throughout the United States and Alaska in their motor home, meeting friends and family along the way.

Aleta is survived by her children, Barbara (Erik) Foged, Sue (Bob) Palmer and Alonzo (Deborah) Aylsworth; her grandchildren, Erin, Erik, Lance, Wayne Jr., Justin, Kristine, Charles, Ashley and Adam; 12 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jerry (Bea) Hodge; her sisters-in-law, Zelda Hodge, Margaret Hodge and Helen (Vern) Scully; and brother-in-law, Glenn (Jan) Aylsworth.

Besides her parents and husband (Warren passed in Oct 06), Aleta was also preceded in death by her son, Wayne; and her brothers, Bud Hodge and John Hodge.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 30, at 2:30 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Empire United Methodist Church, 10050 Michigan St., Empire, MI 49630. The Rev. Brenda Gordon will officiate. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be directed to the church.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.