Josephine MacLennan

Josephine "Jo" MacLennan, age 81, of Bannister, MI, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie , MI , Wednesday, July 14, 2021 , at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jeff Reser officiating.  Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI.

Josephine was born in Hamilton Township , MI on September 4, 1939 , the daughter of John and Anna (Hudecz) Sipka.  Jo married James Walker MacLennan on October 19, 1957, in Ithaca, MI.  They celebrated 53 years of marriage prior to James' passing on December 2, 2010.

Jo worked at Wolverine Worldwide in Ithaca for many years until she went to work for Ashley Public Schools in the maintenance department. She also managed and maintained the Chapin Township Hall.  She enjoyed talking on the phone, spending time with family, baking, playing cards and trips to the casino.  She also liked feeding the birds, bowling, taking trips and spending everyday together with Jim.  She was an active member of East Washington United Brethren Church.

She is survived by her daughters: Pam and Larry Phillips of Chesaning, MI, Penny MacLennan of Saginaw, MI, grandchildren: Jamie (Ryan) Neitling, Jeremy (Carrie) Phillips, Carissa MacLennan (Brandon), and Kady MacLennan; great-grandchildren: Lani, Maverick, Braydon, and Rayne, sister JoAnn and Larry Beard of Ithaca, MI, sisters-in-law: Barb Sipka of Cedar Springs, MI, Phyllis and Daryl Smith of Ithaca, MI, Janet MacLennan of Ashley, MI, brother-in-law Rick MacLennan of Edmore, MI.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and love of her life Jim, brothers: Andrew Sipka and Edward Sipka Sr., father and mother-in-law John and Lillian MacLennan, brothers-in-law: Bob MacLennan Sr. and Jack MacLennan, and sisters-in-law: Gloria Keck and Lori MacLennan.

Memorials may be made to East Washington United Brethren Church 8051 South Crapo Road Ashley, MI 48806. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie , MI .