Aileen Pond

Aileen Maud Pond (Purvis), long time Grayling resident, passed away on the afternoon of January 20, 2017 at the age of 103. Aileen was born in Colorado in November of 1913 to photographer James Melvin Purvis and Dora May Purvis (Burrtler). Aileen enjoyed growing up with her siblings: Harry Purvis, Leo Purvis, Cleo Purvis, Donna Hohensee, Betty Stepp, Bob, and George Woods. Moving back to Michigan while Aileen was a young child, she lived in many different towns but soon settled in Grayling. As she would refer it is as, "my home". She meet a local boy by the name of Gordon Pond and married the love of her life on August 31, 1935. Gordon, who preceded her in death, and Aileen had a wonderful, full life in Grayling. They actively participated in Grayling's Centennial anniversary by dressing and joining the parade of period costumes. They spent their summers enjoying the Au Sable river and never missed a chance to cheer on one of the Kolka family members at the annual Canoe Races. Gordon and Aileen celebrated their Golden Anniversary, 50 years together, in 1985 by renewing their vows with family in friends. Aileen was an avid reader and traveler. She visited many cites and countries such as Mexico, England, Italy, France, Monaco, and many more. Aileen will ever be in the minds of her three children: Larry (Helen) Pond, Cheryl (Jack) Morley, and Candace (Jerry) Carver. She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren: Michelle Pond, Michael Pond (who precede her in death in 2007), Angel (Corey) Klein, Sean (Amy) Mika, Jessica (Reed) Parker, and Jillian (Ross) Riedel. Her memory will continue with her great-grandchildren: Nicole Mika (who preceded her in death) and her son, Aileen's great-great grandchild, Logan Mika, Chase Mika, Madelyn Mika, Daniel Mika, Katelyn Parker, and Tessa Parker. There will be a service and burial in Elmwood Cemetery in Spring 2017. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Aileen Pond, please visit our flower store.