Isabelle Irene Van Aken Obituary

A funeral service to honor and celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Radiant Life Church, 907 N. Nottawa St. Sturgis, MI 4909, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Memorial contributions may be given towards a memorial at Thurston Woods (checks payable to Stan Runyon), c/o the funeral home.

Went peacefully to be with the Lord on August 15, 2024, at Thurston Woods Village, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 92. She was born in Bremen, IN, on November 17, 1931, the daughter of the late Jesse and Mayme (Wagner) Bellman. Irene was a kind, loving, faithful and gracious woman who leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother whose heart and home were always open. She married her high school sweetheart, Calvin Andrew Lilly who preceded her in passing. Together they raised five wonderful children: Sharon Runyon (Stan), Rose Lopez (Javier), Jeannie Gerchow-Ducharme (Wayne), Elaine Edwards, and Steven Lilly. Her family was her life, and she worked hard to provide for their happiness. She was a fantastic cook and meals at her home were thoroughly enjoyed. Irene was a gifted pianist and had a lovely voice. She was also passionate about gardening. Her flowers and landscape were beautiful and won the Sturgis Garden Club of the month award. Some of Irene's most treasured memories were taking vacations with her daughters in Palm Spring, California. She was a woman of strong faith. As a woman of great faith she spent much time in prayer for her family and loved ones. When her later years found her residing at Thurston Woods, she became a staff favorite. She loved them and they loved her. Irene's sense of humor, warmth and grace will be missed by all who have loved her. She was also preceded in passing by her husband Charles Van Aken; infant grandson, David Runyon; brother, Joseph Bellman; son-in-law, Jim Gerchow; brother-in-law, John Kurtz; stepmother, Nettie Bellman. We want to thank those at Thurston Woods who loved and cared for our mother.