Josephine J. Burns, 87, of Almena, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Alamo Nursing Home. She was born October 7, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late William B. and Letha (Randall) McLain. Jo was owner of Paw Paw Bait Company and was employed at Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, retiring in 1994. After retiring, she became Township Clerk of Almena Township, retiring in 2009. She was a member of Almena United Methodist Church where she was an organist and pianist.
On September 28, 1945, Jo was united in marriage to Lawrence A. Burns, who preceded her in death in 1989. Surviving are her children, Carole (James) Rickli of Mattawan, Squire "Mac" Burns (Gail Forbes) of Gobles, Jeannette Dusseljee of Mattawan, Sarah Richmond of South Haven and Larry (Dorothy) Burns of Delton; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister, Maybelle (Wilson) Munn; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by six siblings, Maxine Anson, John McLain, William McLain, Benjamin McLain, Patrick McLain and Nicholas McLain.
Family and friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday (9/16) at Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday (9/17) at Almena United Methodist Church, Rev. Donna Keyte officiating. Interment will follow at Almena Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Almena United Methodist Church.