Amanda Mullins

During her 34 years, Amanda Mullins inspired many. A heart-centered woman, Amanda’s love, and determination ran deep. Amanda celebrated her good fortune in being blessed to share her life with her husband Craig and their son Tyler while she dedicated her life to being a generous healer. To all who knew her, Amanda was a woman focus, determination, dedication, and good humor. Generous in nature, Amanda’s life spoke volumes. Though her time here was much too short, Amanda’s legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of those she treasured most.

1982 was a year filled with many debuts. Disney’s Epcot Center first opened its doors while USA Today and The Weather Channel made their way into our world. While The Lawrence Welk Show played its final tune, Late Night With David Letterman, Fame, and Family Ties became household names. The J Geils Band rocked the charts, Sally Ride became the first woman in space, Chariots of Fire taught us we were all made for a purpose, and E.T. inspired us to follow our heart lights. Locally, there was much to celebrate on August 15th when Amanda was welcomed by her family in Sturgis, Michigan.

Growing up in the small Southwest Michigan communities of White Pigeon and Three Rivers, Amanda enjoyed the good company of her siblings, Chris, Gary, Joshua, and Michelle. Amanda was especially close with her brother Chris who was an unfailing source of support and comfort especially when life presented its challenges. There was no one Amanda felt safer with than Chris whom she absolutely adored. Amanda also relished in spending time with her grandfather who often took her fishing with her cousin Brianna. During high school, Amanda played volleyball and graduated from White Pigeon High in 2000.

Highly motivated, and never one to be intimidated by a challenge, Amanda started working at a young age. She provided loving care while working at a local nursing home, and honed her customer service skills working at the local Chicken Coop, Pizza Hut, and Applebees. Recognizing her natural gifts for caring for others, Amanda pursued and obtained her certification as a Massage Therapist. Amanda possessed a powerful capacity to heal others; she was often able to relieve her patients of their pain, and improve their quality of life, solely with her loving hands. Even the most resistant patient soon found himself comfortable in Amanda’s presence.

As a result of a chance encounter, or was it a Divine synchronicity? Amanda “bumped” into Craig Mullins nine years ago. The two quickly fell in love and secretly planned to elope. An hour before their Las Vegas wedding ceremony the happy couple sent out a webcast inviting their unsuspecting friends and family to share their celebration with them via video. Upon their return, Amanda and Craig held a wedding reception in their home that centered around gratitude and Amanda’s carefully cooked meal. Amanda enveloped Craig’s family in love. She fondly called Craig’s parents, “Mom” and “Dad” and looked after them with generosity and good care. Amanda was especially fond of Craig’s grandmother whom she closely watched and nurtured during her final years.

Family was Amanda’s greatest motivation and source of happiness. In addition to doing her best to please her husband, Amanda’s joy was her eight-year-old son, Tyler. Amanda centered her life in providing Tyler with a wonderful, traditional childhood that included their two dogs, Bubba and Tango, and lots of time together with her treasured brother Chris and his children Kodi and Lilly who meant the world to her. Convinced that the kitchen was the heart of the home, Amanda relished in filling it with loved ones and carefully cooking them delicious meals. She greeted everyone with a robust hug and her infectious smile for all were welcome in Amanda’s heart and home. Without a doubt, all needs were heartily met when Amanda was around.

Determined to be a good role model for the treasured children in her life, Amanda took on the challenge of learning to run. To her heart’s delight, her son Tyler finished the last quarter mile of her first half marathon at her side.

A girlfriends vacation in Mexico, a trip to Disney World, and her Wedding Day in Vegas proved treasured memories for Amanda who thrilled in reminiscing the adventures over the years. While Amanda proudly cheered on her beloved Red Wings, she also enjoyed Country music, watching favorite movies again and again, and laughing at episodes of Mike & Molly and New Girl. Amanda continued to enjoy the thrills of fishing as an adult and was also an accomplished hunter having proudly bagged a 147 inch Buck.

For those who knew her best, there was no safer place than in Amanda’s heart. She treasured her family and friends; she was a fierce protector and unfailing supporter of those she loved. Determined to make a positive difference in others’ lives, Amanda chose a life of service and used her gifts for good. Whether dancing a goofy dance, laughing at her mistakes, carefully cooking a meal, or greeting a loved one, Amanda embraced others wholly and showered them with her affections.

Without a doubt, the world is markedly duller without Amanda’s bright spirit. Though her unexpected departure has resulted in unimaginable grief, may our hearts be comforted by the faith that Amanda’s light shines on in each of our lives. Each time we say a word backward, share a warm hug, use our gifts to heal others, laugh at our mistakes, and enjoy the gift of family we celebrate Amanda’s legacy and the gratitude we have for the time we shared with her. In so doing, Amanda’s light will always continue to shine.

Proudly carrying Amanda’s legacy forward are her husband of 9 years, Craig Mullins; son, Tyler (age 8); mother, Liz Prouty (Tina Gross); brother, Chris (Beth) Lewis and their children: Kodi and Lilly; grandpa, David Prouty; father and mother-in-law, Chuck and Laura Mullins; brother and sister in law, Charlie (Jill) Mullins; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at the Mullins' Home, 10227 West EF Avenue; Kalamazoo on June 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM, please RSVP to Craig at craigmullins14@gmail.com. Please visit Amanda’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to her son’s education fund c/o Craig Mullins or Bronson Pediatric Hematology Oncology Clinic. Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900