June Atkerson

June Atkerson of Caro, age 71, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, following a brief illness. June was born June 28, 1943 in Hamtramck, the daughter of the late Joseph & Myrtle (Banda) Kuranty. She graduated with honors from St. Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck with the Class of 1961. June went on to nursing school and worked for a brief time at Detroit Memorial Hospital where she would meet her future husband. She was united in marriage with Lawrence Atkerson on November 28, 1964 in Mount Morris, and the couple made their home in Livonia. June spent many years raising her daughters before joining her husband in the management of several car washes they owned in the Detroit area. June and Lawrence came to Caro in 1974 and built a car wash on East Caro Road and would later own and operate the bowling alley, Harmony Hill. Although always supportive of her husband's business ventures, June's true passion was antiques. She had a keen eye for value and would often be found at estate auctions and sales. She was an announcer for the Trading Post on WKYO Radio and operated Thumb Pawn & Loan with her husband for over ten years. Her final and most cherished job was serving as the world's best grandmother. June's life was devoted to others and she was deeply inspired by Mother Theresa. Whether it was a friend in need, a stranger or animal, June felt it her obligation to help. She was a member of the Deford Community Church and most recently, the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Caro. June was a member of the Caro Moose Lodge since 1978, and a Big Sister for Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Caro. She enjoyed tending to her flower garden and bird watching, and had a fascination with words, enjoyed poetry and played countless word games. June is survived by her husband of fifty years, Lawrence; three daughters and their spouses, Theresa & Greg Ritter of Canton, Dawn & Mark Vollmar of Caro, Shelley & Steven Vollmar of Caro; four grandchildren and their spouses, Jesse Vollmar of Ann Arbor, Jordan & Kristin Vollmar of Caro, Tess & Cody Harper of Caro, Rachel & Seth Behrends of Jacksonville, Florida; her first great-grandchild, due to arrive this spring; two sisters and their husbands, Helen & Tony Jablonowski of Royal Oak, Renee & Don Atkerson of Caro; and several nieces, nephews and special friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Caro with Pastor Michael Wester officiating. A private family burial will follow at Almer Township Cemetery. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to Gideons International, Lighthouse Baptist Church or Teen Challenge. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015 Time: 11:00 am Lighthouse Baptist Church Address: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Caro with Pastor Michael Wester officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015 Almer Township Cemetery Address: E Caro Rd & Deckervile Rd Caro, MI 48723 A private family burial will follow at Almer Township Cemetery.