Andelene Garnaat

Andelene "Ann" Garnaat was one of those special people who appreciated the many things that make life so valuable - family, friends and fun. A devoted wife, sister, aunt and friend, Ann lived in harmony with her beliefs and ideals, knowing that nothing was more important than the love of family. With the end of the Great War, the year 1919 marked a time of change in American history, as young serviceman returned home from Europe to start their families amidst a booming post war economy. Paul Schrebe, a carpenter at Brunswick, and his wife, Katherine (Kramer), were among the many expecting parents, and on April 10, 1919, they were blessed with the birth of their first child, a daughter they named Andelene. She was later joined by her sister, Louise in 1922, and two brothers, Arnold in 1927, and Marvin in 1932. Ann, as she was called, was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, in a fairly strict home on East Delano Street. She was pretty shy growing up, and didn't participate much in outside school activities. Shortly after Ann graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1937, her father died unexpectedly, leaving her mother to support their family. Being the oldest, Ann took on a variety of jobs to help support her family in these difficult times. Ann's life took a new direction when she met Raymond Garnaat outside his mother's flower shop (Garnaat Flower Shop) on Peck Street. She was out with some girlfriends when Ray and a few of his buddies drove by and asked if they wanted to take a ride. Ray and Ann soon began dating, and after a traditional courtship, they were happily married on June 29, 1940. As the newlyweds were settling into married life together, World War II was erupting in Europe, and it wasn't long before Ray followed the same patriotic calling of many young men at the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Meanwhile, Ann stayed close to home, helping his mother-in-law on their farm. When news came that Ray was reported "missing in action", all they could do was pray and wait, but happily after six months he was located and brought home safely. After the war, Ray and Ann moved around the country quite a bit, including living in Asbury, Indiana for three years. As Ray ran hobby shops on various Army bases, where he taught woodworking and leather working, Ann tended to their home. The couple eventually returned to Muskegon to live, and opened their own business called Varsity Wholesales on Broadway in Muskegon Heights. A real team, Ann would work sales, while Ray did the purchasing for the store. They sold all kinds of retail merchandise, including appliances, jewelry and small furniture. After almost 20 years in business, Ray and Ann closed the store in the early 1970s. In their leisure time, Ray and Ann absolutely loved to go camping. Their first adventures were made in their truck camper, where in those days you could park and camp just about anywhere. They stayed in all kinds of small roadside parks throughout Michigan, including Clay Banks, Pines Point, Pioneer Park and Timber Creek, just to name a few. Whenever passing through Baldwin, they were sure to stop off at Jone's Ice Cream for a homemade ice cream cone. As time went on, the couple traded in their camper for a fifth wheel and eventually went all out on an RV motor home. Ray and Ann also got their families involved in camping, especially Ann's brother, Arnold, and his wife, and her sister, Louise, and her children. They all had their own campers and small motorcycles they could use on the trails near the campgrounds. There are always funny stories associated with camping, and Ann's niece, Katherine, remembered when Aunt Ann mistakenly used a can of lemon Pledge on her hair instead of hairspray - at least it was lemony fresh. Traveling was definitely something Ray and Ann enjoyed together. Aside from camping, they also took several cross country trips out west and after retiring, they wintered in Arizona and Florida for a few years. Although Ray and Ann never had any children of their own, Ann enjoyed doting on her nieces and nephews and later on great nieces and nephews. One time, she took her nieces on a "fun girls' trip" to Mackinaw Island, which left indelible memories with them all. Ann loved to spend time with their family, especially for the holidays. Over the years, she also stayed in touch with many friends from high school, and they formed a card club, which got together monthly. In the 1990s, Ann underwent heart surgery, which really changed her life. She became very nonchalant about everything, including housekeeping and such. Ann began experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's and Ray did his best to take care of her. In the fall of 2006, she and Ray moved from their home of 40 years on Sunset Lane, to the Christian Care Nursing Home. Sadly, Ray died in December of that same year. Ann was a fun loving and caring woman who brought smiles and happiness to many throughout her life. She will be greatly missed. Andelene "Ann" Garnaat, age 87, of Norton Shores, MI, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Ann is survived by several nieces and nephews, and 2 brothers, Arnold (Wanda) Schrebe of Muskegon and Marvin (Norma) Schrebe of Traverse City. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, and her sister, Louise Reminder, in 2003. Funeral services for Ann will be held on Wednesday, April 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Church officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. A time of visitation has been set aside on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at Trinity Baptist Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory of Ann or sign her online guest book. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Care Nursing Home. Ann's family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Christian Care Nursing Home for the wonderful care she received. Arrangements handled by Clock Life Story Funeral Home, Muskegon.