Mary Cherrington

The heartbeat of her family, there was no place Mary Cherrington enjoyed more than surrounded by those she loved and adored. With a quiet faith and demeanor, Mary could prove to be a little spunky when she needed to be, which made her all the more lovable. Although she had many interests, she served her family and church with the utmost dedication and devotion. Deeply missed, Mary will be forever remembered in the hearts of many.

The year 1931 saw difficult days as the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Even so, American’s continued to be optimistic, and looked towards the future. Families across the nation were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the U.S. national anthem. James Cagney, Will Rogers and Jean Harlow lit up the movie screens while Frankenstein made its movie debut. Yet nestled along the rural roads of Plainwell, Michigan, Wallace and Helen (Kirsten) Harmon found much to be thankful for when on February 4, 1931 they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Mary into their arms.

The youngest of five children in her family, Mary joined her older siblings, Clyde, Ed, Thelma, and Evelyn. Her family made their home on their family farm in Plainwell where Mary was raised and went to school. The many horses and cows on their farm gave Mary plenty to do and to have fun with. When not attending to her studies or completing chores, Mary earned spending money babysitting for neighborhood children which she thoroughly enjoyed. During her school years, Mary participated in her school band before graduating from Plainwell High School in 1949.

After graduating, Mary began working at Valley Metal. She enjoyed getting together with friends for fun-filled nights, especially dancing. On one night in particular while attending a dance at one of the local dance halls, Mary met the young man who swept her off her feet. All it took was Milford Cherrington asking Mary for a dance, and before long their romance blossomed. Happily married on November 15, 1950 at the Presbyterian Church, Mary and Milford began their new lives together as husband and wife with hopes of a bright future.

Mary made a good home for Milford and eventually their four children, Debby, Jeff, Rachel, and Sarah. She loved nothing more than being at home, raising her children and seeing to their needs. She was a meticulous housekeeper, and when it came to cooking, Mary loved serving many family favorites such as her homemade dumplings, lasagna and scrumptious desserts. She was also in charge of the funeral luncheons at church where in addition to her cooking skills, her wonderful organizational skills came in handy and were appreciated at a moment’s notice. Mary served her church in other capacities, too, and for some time she was a deacon.

Mary took an active role in the lives of her children and each of their many activities. Even though she was a quiet woman, she could certainly find her voice when it came to getting after the kids a time or two!

As a family they enjoyed great times at their family cabin up north where numerous memories were made over the years. Mary especially loved all of the Great Lakes and anything that revolved around them. She thoroughly enjoyed several trips with her family to the Mackinaw Bridge. When she and Milford vacationed in Paradise, Michigan, Mary considered Paradise her favorite and the most beautiful and restful place to unwind.

The consummate grandmother, Mary absolutely loved her grandkids beyond compare. Like her children before them, she was active in their lives, attending many of their school and sporting activities. Everyone in the family always looked forward to the holidays shared together at Mary’s home where she seemed to add her own, extra special touch in everything she did. A friendly woman, Mary knew and got along well with her neighbors. She took pride in her home, and it showed in the beautiful yard she kept. Mary enjoyed yard work and planting an array of flowers each year.

For those who knew Mary best, it was clear to see that her family and church were considered her passions in life. With ways all her own, she added and placed her loving nature and nurturing spirit into everything she said and did. Although she will be deeply missed, never to be forgotten are the precious memories she leaves behind.

Mary Cherrington, age 85 of Plainwell passed away on March 23, 2016 at the Laurels of Sandy Creek. Visit with her family and friends on Tuesday, March 29, from 10-11 AM at the First Presbyterian Church; 303 E. Bridge St., Plainwell where her funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Mary’s family includes her children: Jeff (Patty Earle) Cherrington, Rachel Bushouse, Sarah (Ray) Brenner; grandchildren: Jeffrey Scott, Corey, Michelle, Christian, Sean, Amanda (Cameron), Alex, Raymond, Isaac, & Clayton; great-grandchildren: Danny, Kaylee Grace & Alaina Lynn as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Milford; her daughter, Debby; and by two grandchildren; Robert James & Daniel Cunningham. Please visit Mary’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guest book. Memorial donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Plainwell. RDMG Life Story Funeral Homes-Plainwell (269) 685-5881.