Josephine Vanderhoof

Josephine Vanderhoof was a woman firm in her beliefs and strong in her convictions. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she believed in hard work and enjoying the benefits such work provided. Underneath Josephine’s fierce strong-will and forthrightness was the kindest, most caring heart that was always there to help someone in need.

The year of 1917 fell right near the end of World War I, though the rural town of White Lake Township, Michigan was far removed from the battlefields in Europe. The war was on everyone’s mind, yet entertainers like Charlie Chaplin helped to lighten the mood. It was into this world of dichotomy that Josephine Brendel was born on October 26, 1917, to Forest and Ruth (Leek) Brendel. Josephine was the second oldest of six children. Her placement in the sibling lineup meant she carried much responsibility around the house, especially after her mother suffered a debilitating stroke. Josephine eventually quit school to manage the house and care for her younger siblings, while her father continued his many responsibilities including Township Supervisor of White Lake.

Josephine married when she was only 16, after falling in love with Floyd Vanderhoof, a neighbor. After their wedding on July 6, 1933, in Angola, Indiana, Floyd and Josephine concentrated on surviving the realties of the world around them. Both the Great Depression and World War II tested their young marriage, but they managed to tough it out. Josephine found work in the Willow Run Aircraft factory for six weeks, however, during this time, they went through two babysitters (one was hit by a car and the other was just plain wild) for their two young children, Judy and Ed, and so Josephine quit her job and went home to care for her children. Floyd also worked at the Willow Run plant on the second shift, but he eventually left his job after the couple bought a farm, and they made it their livelihood.

Josephine took great pride in their home, keeping it clean and orderly. Like clock work, she would mop the kitchen floors on her hands and knees every night at 11 p.m., so they were done before Floyd got home. Josephine loved to cook and it was customary that she made chicken for every Sunday dinner. It was also normal to see a red dish filled with lemon drops sitting out too. An avid gardener, she enjoyed cooking with much of the bounty from her garden. Josephine was known to be rather stern and fiercely resolute in her nature. She verbalized her opinions rather loudly and repeatedly, much to Floyd’s dismay. Josephine pestered Floyd about wanting a sunroom for so long that she finally gave up and dug the footings for the room herself. Then, when she got tired of looking out of the same old window panes, she took a hammer and broke them out one by one; hence, she got new windows. Without a doubt, Josephine was not afraid to take matters into her own hands! Josephine used this same tenacity when it came to her Republican views. Over the years, she was involved in many political organizations and the local government.

Aside from her stubborn streak, Josephine was also known to hold a grudge. Like when her children threw a surprise for her and Floyd on their 35th anniversary. Josephine was very upset for quite a while, perhaps because they got the best of her. On the other hand, Josephine was a doting grandmother to her 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; she just loved to hug on the babies. The children seemed to bring out the softer, more mellow side of her heart. In later years, when Josephine went to live at a healthcare facility, she was adored by the staff and affectionately called the “Hat Lady” because of the pink hat she wore everywhere.

Josephine may have been a bit rough around the edges, but her family and friends will remember her not for the things she did, but for the reason she did them. She will be greatly missed.

Josephine R. Vanderhoof passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the age of 91. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Gravilla, and son, Ed (Barbara) Vanderhoof; grandchildren: Chris Gravilla, Mike (Lessie) Gravilla, Laura Nix, Butch (Nicole) Vanderhoof and Emily Vanderhoof; and 9 great grandchildren. Along with her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd, on February 8, 1993, her three sisters, Beulah, Jane and Janet, and her two brothers, Fredrick and James.

Funeral Services will be at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid, Michigan, on Wednesday, April 8, at 2 p.m. followed by burial at the Fairfield Cemetery with Rev. David Hudgens officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 7. Please visit Josephine’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory/thought with her family or sign the online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by the Osgood Funeral Home.