June Cochran

A special person in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, June Cochran was a beloved mother, grandma and great-grandma who leaves a wealth of memories for her family to cherish. A talented lady who found contentment in the outdoor spaces and all that the country life she held so dear had to offer, June will be missed and fondly remembered for her caring and compassionate ways as well as dedication. Most important to her was her most prized possession, her family, whom she loved with all of her heart.

During a decade of advancement and struggle, the moving assembly line increased America's ability to produce goods, and jazz was all the rage. As the U.S. was advancing as a world power, war was declared on Germany, and it was during World War I that the Spanish flu caused over 500,000 people to lose their lives in the worst epidemic in U.S. history. Amid the world’s struggles, a most welcome event in the lives of Harry and Marion (Dempsey) Heppinger was the birth of their baby girl, June Elaine, born on July 3, 1917 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Bradford was a well established oil town during that time where June’s father had worked in the oil business his entire life. As oil began to slow down in the east, the family headed to Texas when June was three years old. They settled in Graham, Texas, where the area was rich with promise and opportunity for those in the industry. They later relocated to Nocona, Texas.

By 1930, the oil boom had ended, and the Great Depression hit the industry hard. With jobs scarce in Texas, the family and their beloved bulldog Lady packed up their 1927 Chevy coupe, moving to Oshtemo, Michigan where June and her family lived with relatives for a time until her father found employment. It was here that June really blossomed. Her southern charm and accent easily won over her classmates at State High School in Kalamazoo and she dazzled them with her talent for dance. While attending school, June became known as “The Dancing Lady” as she danced in many of the school programs. She went on to graduate from State High, which later became University High, with the class of 1934.

With a talent for singing too, June and her sister, Dixie often sang at local events. One time, June and her friend, Muriel Moyle went for a drive with two young men named Lowell “Pete" Cochran and his buddy Richard Stickney. When they were ready to head home, Pete asked the girls to switch seats so June was in the front with him. The two were an item from then on, and in South Bend, Indiana, on October 9, 1936, June married her one and only love in a union that would span over 62 devoted years together. The couple was blessed with the births of two children, Judy and Harry. June was a traditional mother, and delighted in her role. Her children respected her. She was known for her delicious pies and was an accomplished cook. As a family, many memorable times were spent doing much together. When they purchased their home on ML Avenue in 1948, June supported Lowell, often helping out in the fields whenever she could.

When daughter Judy entered junior high, June traded full time housekeeping and kept busy with their family business they owned from 1962 to 1964, Cochran’s Restaurant. After that, June began working at Bresson’s Bakery in Southland Mall and Spickett’s Restaurant in Oakwood for a time. She later became employed at Harding’s Markets in Oakwood, eventually working in Oshtemo when they opened there in the late 1960s, retiring in 1969. Over the years, June was involved as a member of Oshtemo United Methodist Church, and she loved her special friends there. She always baked a chocolate cake for their monthly dinners, and simply found joy serving her faith. A warm and caring person, June never had a bad word for anyone.

Sadly, June’s beloved Lowell passed away on February 24th, 1998. During this difficult time, June relied heavily upon her faith, family and friends. She found contentment in and loved the country life, having lived in Oshtemo Township for 79 years in all. She took pleasure in gardening, and it was always important to her to tend to her flowers and lovingly care for the birds. She always had food and water for them, and was truly delighted when the hummingbirds returned every year to her feeder. The years enabled June to acquire a large collection of Clark Gable movies, enjoying as well the AMC and TCM cable channels on television. June took pleasure in all the oldies, especially her favorite radio station 980 AM that played sounds from the big band era. She also took every opportunity to play bingo with special friends where they would travel to other towns to take in a game or two. June at one time even participated in a Bunco Club

Her son has lived next door to her for 20 years and in 2003, June was overjoyed when her daughter and son-in-law moved there also so both of her children were on each side of her. These years provided each of them a closeness that will be cherished. June was always there for her family, supporting them in their endeavors, offering comfort in times of need, and listening with her compassionate heart. Her children and grandchildren were her most prized possession that brought her much joy throughout her long life. She dearly loved them all, and she was loved by all who knew her. At the age of 91 June passed away peacefully at her long time home on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Dixie M. Van Gorder of Oshtemo and sister-in-law, Leora Bolton of Battle Creek. She will be greatly missed by her children, Judy and Wayne Crippin, Harry and Susie Cochran, both of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Laurie and Mark Feller of Schoolcraft, Steve and Daneene Cochran of Climax, and Darcy and Jim Oswalt of Fulton; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Jared, and Evan Feller; Whitney, Courtney, Stephanie and Sydney Cochran; Anna, Audrey and Andrew Oswalt; her niece, Leeta Stasiak of Elgin, IL and nephew, Charles Beacham of Delton MI.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 1 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900 where a service to honor her life will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 11:00 AM with Pastor Suzanne Kornowski, pastor of Oshtemo United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Genessee Prairie Cemetery, Oshtemo. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately after burial. Please visit June’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook, share a memory or photo. Memorial contributions may be made to the OUMC or Heartland Hospice.