Mary Frances Hamblin

Mary Frances Hamblin of Westland, entered eternal life on June 7, 2016. She was wife to the late Ulos Junior “Okie” Hamblin of Plymouth Township, where they lived nearly 50 years raising their family. Born in Gowen, Oklahoma, September 10, 1931 to the late Jessie Juanita (nee Moore) and Fred Edward Ford, she and her late husband arrived in Michigan on May 1, 1951.

Mary owned and operated “Okie and Mary’s Market” in Plymouth for 42 years with her husband, selling flowers, vegetable plants and farm fresh homegrown produce. A Christian woman of European and Native American descent, she endured the Great Depression and World War II. Often called, “one tough old gal” by her husband, Mary has always been an inspirational, yet quiet and modest person, embodying an indomitable spirit, and ever helpful to others in need. She practiced faith, hope and love with those around her, leading by example.

Mary often traveled throughout the US to visit her many family members and cousins. She enjoyed arts and crafts, crochet work, and especially weaving baskets with her many friends. Mary was a Charter Member of St. Kenneth’s Catholic Church in Plymouth.

Mary is survived by her children; Bill (Brenda) Hamblin of Adams, TN, Pam Hamblin of Ann Arbor, MI, Adra (Tom) Erwin of South Lyon, MI, James (Angela) Hamblin of Dexter, KY, George (Mildred) Hamblin of Avoca, MI, Robert Hamblin of Richmond, MI, Stephen (Jennifer) Hamblin of Pleasant View, TN, Lou Ann Hamblin (Kathleen Vonk) of Las Vegas, NV, 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, and hundreds of friends in the Plymouth-Canton community.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister; Billie Sue Denton, husband Ulos and son John Hamblin.

Visitation for Mary will be Saturday, June 11, from 1-8pm and Sunday, from 2-8pm with a Rosary Service on Sunday at 7pm at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main Street, Plymouth 48170. Catholic Mass and a celebration of life will be held at 11am on June 13, 2016 at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Road, Plymouth, 48170, with Father Tom Belczak presiding. Family and friends may visit the Church beginning at 10am. A luncheon is planned at St. Kenneth Church Hall immediately following. Burial is to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Plymouth. Donations in honor of Mary may be made to the Purple Heart, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or to the American Diabetes Association. The family expresses special thanks to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital nursing staff, Gloria Shelton, the weaving warriors, and all of her friends at St. Kenneth’s Church.