Hannah Baker Church

Hannah Baker Church, age 89, died Sunday, May 12, 2013. The daughter of the late William J. and Hannah (Stuart) Baker was born on October 27, 1923 in Midland where she remained a lifelong resident. On February 20, 1946 she married John A. Church. He predeceased her on April 25, 2002. Hannah's love of Midland began at an early age, being involved with her father in the early years of the development and growth of the city. She maintained his work through Baker Real Estate, supporting Midland and maintaining relationships and friendships with many downtown business people. Hannah and John Church supported Northwood University since its inception and believed whole-heartedly in its ideas and commitment to business studies. Hannah was recognized as one of Northwood's Distinguished Women in 1977 and was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University in 1990. She also served as a Director of Comerica Bank (formerly First Midland Bank) for many years. Hannah was a lifetime member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church. She summered in Ludington, MI at Epworth Heights where she was a proud "summer Methodist". She enjoyed wintering in West Palm Beach, Florida for many years.

Hannah is survived by her sons, John (Carol) Church of Midland, William (Penny) Church of Midland; her daughters, Mary Church (John DeCarion) of West Palm Beach, FL, Susan (John) Schehl of Midland, Sarah Church of Midland, Margaret Church of West Palm Beach, FL; her daughter-in-law, Barbara Church of Jupiter, FL; fourteen grandchildren, John C., Susan, Thomas, Steven Church, James Watkins, William (Debbie), Kelsey, Sara, Lulu Church, Hannah & John T. Schehl, Ryan & Katherine Kehr and Zoe Church; and ten great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, Hannah was preceded in death by sons, Thomas Baker Church and James Harold Church.

Memorial Funeral Service for Mrs. Church will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday May 22, 2013 at the Memorial Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Wallace H. Mayton III officiating. Private interment will be in Midland Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 A.M. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Memorial Presbyterian Church or to Northwood University. Arrangements are by the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home, where personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com