Elinor Fuller

Outgoing and talkative, Elinor Fuller liked to know everything that was going on with her friends and family. She had room in her big heart for everyone, and always put the wellbeing of others before her own. Elinor was an incredibly selfless and generous woman, who for many years was a devoted caretaker for her parents as well as a dedicated volunteer in her church community. Elinor’s kind heart, affectionate personality, and true concern for others touched the hearts of many; she was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.

The Roaring Twenties were a decade of excitement and optimism, characterized by economic prosperity and vibrant cultural trends – the decade of jazz, flappers, and the Charleston. Elinor Fuller was born in the latter half of this lively decade, on January 27, 1927, sharing her birth year with the first transatlantic telephone call, the first “talkie” movie, and Charles Lindbergh’s first transatlantic flight.

Elinor’s proud parents Clair and Lucile (Rozinska) Fuller brought their infant daughter home to Bloomingdale, Michigan. Elinor was their firstborn, and in the years to come was followed by two younger sisters, Maurine and Vivian, and a younger brother, Loren. Clair supported his growing family as a milk hauler for the Pet Milk Company (canned milk), while Lucile stayed at home to run the household and care for the children.

When the time came for Elinor and her siblings to go to school, they attended classes at the local Allegan schools. Although Elinor got along well with her classmates, she never had the chance to participate in after-school activities (living far out in the country, she had to take the bus home). She was a good student, and graduated from Allegan High School in 1946.

After graduation, Elinor stayed at home to care for her mother, who sadly had been diagnosed with cancer. She also took responsibility for most of the housework, and helped to raise the younger children. She would remain at home her whole life, lovingly caring for first her siblings and later her parents. She was a devoted caretaker, caring for her mother until her death in 1975, and for her father until he passed on in 1994.

Elinor was blessed with a strong religious faith, and throughout the years belonged to both Allegan Baptist Church and later Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City, Florida. She was generous with her time, and volunteered in the cafeterias of both churches, as well as at the church summer camp in Haines City.

Skilled in the virtually all the domestic arts, Elinor loved cooking, baking, knitting, and doing crafts projects. She particularly enjoyed knitting, and made many sets of cozy mittens and scarves for her younger relatives. Elinor’s greatest joy was spending time with her nieces and nephews, and she had a wonderful time at family gatherings. She looked forward to the Christmas holidays each year, and enjoyed making Christmas cookies for her family members and many friends. At home, Elinor liked to relax by watching cooking shows, listening to Gospel music, and – her favorite – taking a well-deserved nap.

After Elinor’s sister Maurine retired, Elinor, Maurine, and their father began to spend the winters in sunny Florida. In the summers, they were avid travellers, and enjoyed trips to destinations including Canada, the western United States, Mexico, and Niagara Falls. Elinor and Maurine even took a cruise once – neither sister was willing to set foot on an airplane, however!

Friendly, thoughtful, and warm-hearted, Elinor was a devoted daughter, a loving sister and aunt, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Elinor Fuller passed away peacefully at home on March 12, 2013, at the age of 86. Elinor’s family includes her brother, Loren (Sandy) Fuller; her sister, Vivian (Paul) Lauderdale; and many nieces and nephews. Elinor was preceded in death by her parents; 2 infant brothers; and her sister, Maurine.

Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell, 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the same location. Memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Center. Please visit Elinor’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.