Wayland native Josephine “Jo” Marie Banas age 98, of Middleville, died Tuesday, Dece. 1.
She was born Nov. 28, 1922 ,to Nicholas and Mary Krulac of Wayland.
Josephine and her husband established and ran the Indian Valley Campgrounds in Middleville for many years. Jo had numerous friends in the Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble and at the Palmetto Mobile Home Club in Florida that she loved to spend time with.
Perhaps one of her nephews said it best when he said she was “always just Aunt Jo.” She never had to get “done up” or be anything but herself… She lived simply and loved wholeheartedly. She had a deep love for her siblings, nieces and nephews who are too many to name.
She is survived by her daughters, Joanne (John) Rockwell-McGowan, Barbara (Dave) Henshaw; and her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Joseph Banas; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Ross Vanderveer.
A private family funeral mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at StS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 159 131st Ave., Wayland with Rev. Evelio Ramirez officiating. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at www.mkdfuneralhome.com by scrolling down to the bottom of the home page and clicking the “Join Live Stream” link. Burial will be at StS. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE, Caledonia.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble.
