Louana Porter

Louana (Josie) Porter, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at home after a lengthy illness.Louana was born on January 12, 1926, to Frank and Lula (Wright) Wallen in McGoffin County, Kentucky. She was married to Brooks Porter, on October 2, 1945, and they began a life together raising their family of four daughters and two sons. The family relocated to Marshall, MI., in 1960 and Louana worked for many years at Win Schuler's and Provincial House as a cook.Louana enjoyed listening to country music and keeping up on news of the family. She was a very loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and loved spending time with family. Louana will always be remembered for her love of family and friends, trips back to see her relatives in Kentucky, her frog collection, and her love of western movies and books!Louana is survived by her children and their spouses: Janis Merritt of Madison, TN; Veda McKinney of Toccoa, GA; Barb (David) Marquette of Battle Creek; Dondeena (Brian) Hammond of Battle Creek; Brooky Porter of Kalamazoo; and Robert (Libby) Porter of Columbia, MD; as well as 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. She is also survived by siblings Roberta Williams of Georgia; Linda Fields, James Henry Fields and Eugene Fields all of Allen, KY. Louana was preceded in death by her husbands, Brooks Porter, Sonny Wright, and Harry Bentley, brothers Earnest Wallen and Chester Fields, and sisters Betty Miller and Ada Marie Fields.Cremation has taken place; a memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church at 1079 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek, MI with Pastor Jon Haug, officiating. Interment of her ashes will take place in Oakridge Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Great Lakes Caring Hospice would be appreciated.