John Hebden

John Jay Hebden, 89, of Central Lake, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.  He was born on October 5, 1934, in Echo Township, the son of Christopher and Catherine (Weisler) Hebden.

John was proud to call Echo Township his home for basically all of his life, other than when he served in the United States Army.   He enjoyed spending time outdoors trout fishing and ice fishing.  He would often watch the Detroit Lions on Sundays and the Detroit Tigers when they played in the summer.  Above all else, he loved to support his grandkids in all of their sports endeavors.   In his younger days, he also refereed high school football games in the area.  He was a member of the East Jordan American Legion and attended the Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church for many years.

On May 25, 1957, in East Jordan, John married Ruthann (Crowell) Hebden, who survives.  He is also survived by his four children, Gary (Bonnie) Hebden of Melton, FL, Cindy (Tim) Hopp of Central Lake, Allen (Kim) Hebden of Traverse City, and Pam (Ray) Swain of Central Lake; his brother, Christopher Hebden of Detroit; three sisters, Louise Bergmann of Charlevoix, Betty Chaney of Central Lake, and Dorothy (Larry) Drenth of East Jordan; his brother-in-law, Maurice Murphy of East Jordan; six grandchildren, Nick (Jen) Hopp, Curtis (Tabitha) Hopp, Ryan (Marissa) Hebden, Brittney (Jake) Runkel, Parker Hebden, Tommy Hebden, and Jared (Makayla) Hebden; six great-grandchildren, Alexis, Billy, Michael, Katelyn, Brooklyn, and Kelsie; and one great great-grandchild, Ezekiel; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim Hebden and Roy Hebden; and two sisters, Margaret Murphy and Martha Moore.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Dunsmore Cemetery with  Officiant Sara Goldberg presiding.   A luncheon with follow at Pleasant Valley Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth Athletic Department, ATTN Ellsworth Athletics, 9467 Park St., Ellsworth, MI 49729.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com