Iona Harriet Robbins
Graveside Service: A graveside service will be be held at Lakeside Cemetery on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM with Rev. David J. Farrell officiating.
Our loving mother, Iona Harriet Bries Robbins died peacefully on August 31 at
Thurston Woods Villa. She was born July 20, 1924 in McIntosh, MN the daughter of Philip and Alma (Nesland) Bries. She was baptized in the Lutheran church in 1924, was confirmed in 1938 and continued to live in McIntosh until 1943. Her father was born in Luxembourg and her mother was Norwegian. She appreciated and enjoyed her ancestry. She visited and made friends of the families in both countries.
After graduating from McIntosh High School in 1942, Iona moved to Wayne, MI and worked as a riveter on the nose ring of the B24 Bomber at Willow Run. She transferred to Time Study. It was at Willow Run where she met her husband, Jack E. Robbins. They were married on August 8, 1944 in McIntosh and moved to Colon, MI in 1945. Their life together continued almost 67 years until Jack’s passing on July 1, 2011.
In addition to working 32 ½ years at the Kirsch Company in Sturgis, Iona also busied herself with the Colon United Methodist Church which they joined in 1957, the Methodist choir, the Community Historical Society and as a volunteer in Emergency Food. They participated many years as members of the Battle Creek Square and Round Dance Club, as a Girl Scout and Brownie leader and Tri-County Council program counselor, and a charter member of Sons of Norway Askeladden Lodge #5-610 of Kalamazoo, MI formed in 1988. Iona enjoyed her family, church work, community service, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, leathercraft, refinishing antique furniture, and reading. Jack and Iona were recognized as Honorary Citizens of the Year in Colon by both the Colon Chamber and the Colon Kiwanis. The couple was also awarded the Community Citizen Award by the Colon Grange in 1988. Iona had a charitable heart and lifestyle.
Iona is survived by two daughters, Jackie (Larry) Boals and Vicki (Gilbert) LeRoque, both of Sturgis; a granddaughter, Susan (LeRoque) and husband James Davis of Monroe, MI; two granddaughters-in-law, Kerry (Gary) Bradford of Los Alamitos, CA and Lora (Mike) Ianucilli of South Whitley, IN; great-grandchildren Derrik Bankemper of Los Alamitos, and Nicholas, Michael and Jacob Ianucilli of South Whitley; five step-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Robbins, her parents, two grandsons, David Bankemper and Lee Elliott, and sisters, Marvel Gordon of Seattle, WA and Frances Fowler of Prairie Farm, WI.
The family wishes to thank her friends who have been thoughtful of her the last years. In lieu of flowers the family suggests those wishing to make a memorial to consider the Colon United Methodist Church for stained glass window repair or the Community Historical Society for future roofing repair fund or your personal choice. She has chosen to be cremated.
Due to the COVID 19 regulations, a service celebrating the life of Iona Robbins will be at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery with David Farrell officiating
September 1, 2020 @ 5:36 pm
In one of our conversations, Iona confided that she missed laughter. She loved to laugh! My biggest laugh with her was when she had taken me to visit my mother in the hospital after a serious accident. My mother suffered many broken bones. I was thinking of seeing my parents walking together someday. My dad had a wooden leg as results of WW II.
I said to Iona,”so I guess I will have parents with matching limps now!”
Iona began to laugh as did I, and soon she had to stop the car along the roadside because her laughter sent tears run down her face!
So, if you have a funny story to tell, please share Iona’s laughter with us all.
God bless. Heart is full of memories!
September 2, 2020 @ 1:59 pm
Iona was very good person as a friend to me. I learned so much for her as her words of wisdom, compassionate, and strong nurturing as a person. She loved to laugh, She loved to give as well.
September 2, 2020 @ 11:50 am
Considered Iona a good friend, she always had good words to say when ever we met. She has a special place in my heart.
September 2, 2020 @ 1:51 pm
I have a story about this wonderful woman!!
I’m at the age of 8 or 9. That was the times it was okay to let your kids go door to door selling school fund raiser stuff.
This year we at the school were selling spices. The guy showed us during the assembly that the bottles of spices wouldn’t break. WELL… I’m standing Iona’s kitchen giving her my sales pitch. And I told her that the bottles wouldn’t break if dropped. SOOOO… I dropped it. Yep, you guessed it. That bottle broke right in the middle of her floor. She laughed and laughed. Said, “Well, that bottle didn’t get the message that it wasn’t suppose to break.”
She grabbed her broom. And cleaned it up.
40 plus years later. I still remember that. I still feel bad about it. She even bought some. lol.
Anyways. A great friend that I will get to sit in heaven in the throne room with and just worship our King with.
September 2, 2020 @ 6:33 pm
Iona was my Best Friend, the most giving, loving, nurturing, we had many long talks of both our families go way way back together! The Goody Lady was what my girls called her, always treats for them everytime!!! I Love all the hats she crocheting for others, gave them away to the needy. Very giving, taking time to always listen!!! Miss you, Love you to the Moon an Back!!!
September 2, 2020 @ 6:52 pm
Heaven gained an Angel in this gracious, compassionate, humble, sincere, & loving of people lady. She was so giving of her time, herself, and gifts of giving. Iona always had a smile for everyone
I worked at Kirsch Company after high school graduation in the mail room at Plant 1. I was the mail lady why delivered mail to each of the the supervisors and depts. Before email!! Each afternoon, I delivered mail to Plant #2 and Iona always had a big smile and a “Hi Marsha”, every day, no matter what station or place in the rod assembly line she worked at. She was a friend to all and special to all who knew her.
September 2, 2020 @ 7:43 pm
I don’t know how many times Iona laughed at this story but when she told me the story last year we both laughed pretty hard. She commented one day to a lady who had attended our church how nicely she was always dressed and looked. The lady looked her up and down and said, “well you good look nice too”.
What a lovely lady Iona was inside and out. ❤️
September 4, 2020 @ 12:50 am
I really enjoyed the times we were able to spend together. Iona (Grandma Great) was a cherished and loved member of our family. I wish we could have see her more often. Our deepest sympathy to Jackie and Vickie. Love and Hugs. Another Angel has gotten her wings, and she and Grandpa Jack are together again! Kenn and Kay Putt
September 4, 2020 @ 2:51 pm
Aunt Iona was my great aunt. I have so many fond memories of her! Her and Uncle Jack always brought laughter, fun, and love with them when they came to Wisconsin to see us. I will remember our visits to see them in MI and the times we met them in McIntosh at Great Grandma’s farm. Seeing her with two sisters and the love they had for one another was inspiring and endearing. Aunt Marvel and my Grandma Francis were her best friends. I will cherish them forever in my heart! Blessings and love to you Jackie and Vickie! She loved!
September 7, 2020 @ 1:36 pm
Ione, you were a Saint!! If there are special places for people like you in heaven that’s where you’ll be found!!
You touched so many peoples lives and left blessings all around that there is only one word to describe you —Saint!!
September 8, 2020 @ 10:26 pm
Iona was such a part of my young life as my Girl Scout leader. My friends and I learned so much from her. She always had some new and fun learning experience planned. Can’t really say enough about her influence in my life.
December 21, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
Iona helped me learn how to sing alto at Colon UMC. She and Jack were also greatly respected by my mom and dad. I believe that I was in Brownies under her tutelage as well. Very sweet lady.