Maurine G. Mullenix

Maurine G. Mullenix 4-18-1925 to 7-6-2013. Maurine passed away peacefully at her home and was given to her Heavenly Father, surrounded by her family. A loving wife and mother, educator, flower gardener, quilter, and collector.

Maurine was born in Hastings, Michigan the eldest daughter of Floyd A. and Kathryn L. (Notten) Clum and grew up on the family farm located on Martin Rd., Woodland Twp., Barry Co. She walked the CK & S railroad track to the Coats Grove one room school through the 8 ^th grade. Maurine graduated from Woodland High School in 1943, valedictorian of her class, and continued her education at Western Michigan University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She received an elementary education degree, then started teaching at Altoft country school. She paused a few years to raise her family and then taught 5 ^th grade at Hastings Area Schools, retiring in 1982. Maurine was a dedicated teacher and always had a special love for one room country schools as she was convinced that students received a superior basic education that would serve them throughout life.

Maurine married her high school beau, Johnny, February 9, 1946 soon after he was discharged from the U.S. Navy and they celebrated their 67th anniversary this year. They also shared the same-day birthday, born one year apart. Maurine and John raised 5 children: Suzanne (Phillip) Henry, Kihei, Maui, HI; Ellen (Patrick) Yoder, Elkhart, IN; John Jr., Alexandria, VA; Barbara (Michael) Maloney, Jenison, MI; and Mark, Hastings, MI.

Maurine was a talented person and always kept busy with her many interests. Her last sewing project was making carrying bags that were attached to wheelchairs at Nursing Homes, and Veterans Hospitals. She was a gifted quilter, designing, piecing and hand quilting many quilts. Knowledge and learning led Maurine to always have a book in her hand. She learned this from her father who read everything and had discussions with his children. Maurine loved to play Trivial Pursuit, watch Jeopardy and history was her favorite subject. When we traveled she would have a brochure about historical sites and events to share with the children. Maurine instilled in all her children a deep love of reading and always said this was one of the most important things she did for them.

Maurine had a knack of finding places to plant her flower gardens, and had flowers everywhere from early spring to fall. Her home was filled with collections of bird figurines, miniature boxes, matryoshka (nesting) dolls and her prized paperweights. She placed paperweights around the house and changed the display each month so that she could enjoy each one.

Maurine is survived by her husband, John, their children and spouses, grandchildren Jonathan Yoder and Deborah Himes, great grandchildren Isabella Yoder and Penelope Himes, brother Duane Clum and sister Kathryn Lundquist. Her parents and two brothers; LaVerne and Erle Clum preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the Welcome Corners Methodist Church on Saturday, July 20, 2013, 2:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pennock Hospice, 1230 W. State St., Hastings, MI.