Harriett Hansen

Hansen, Harriett “Joann”, 83, of Coopersville, MI, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020 after a long battle with lung disease. She is survived by her children, Marty Ashton-Thomas and Ray Thomas, Mary Jo & Jim Knill, Michael & Nicole Hansen, and Mindy & Mike Spicer. She was a loving grandma to Jim Herwy (Christie), Michael Spicer, II (Shannon), Miranda Knill, Ashton Spicer, Hannah, Jacob, and Kathryn Hansen, and great grandma to Alesia & Olivia Herwy.

Joann was born July 20, 1936 in Galesburg, IL to Harold R. “Bob” and Thelma L. (Nicholas) Ashton. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings, Jim Ashton, Janet Griggs, and Donald Miller, as well as the love of her life, “Tubbs”, and her loyal furfriend, Buddy.

Joann was a self-taught musician who played the organ, guitar, mandolin, and stand up bass. She was a long-time member of the West Michigan Bluegrass Association and enjoyed many years of picking and singing with friends and bands at festivals throughout the state. She was an avid bowler, winning multiple city and state tournaments, and the sharpest card player at the table. Joann was a fierce competitor, and a sports enthusiast who especially loved watching her kids and grandkids play. She also enjoyed gardening, golf, crocheting, and crosswords. She was a fan of fried chicken, dirty martini’s and classic country music, and will be lovingly remembered for her delicious down-home cooking. As both Mom & Dad to her 4 children, she stressed the importance of education and demonstrated an incredible work ethic that lives on in all of them.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville, MI, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to NOCH Hospice or Coopersville Athletic Boosters. An online guestbook may be signed at www.throopfh.com

Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville Ph. 616-837-8161