Eunice A. Kingsbury

Although there were many experiences and interests that Eunice Kingsbury enjoyed throughout her lifetime, there was nothing that she valued as much as the relationships she fostered with her family and friends. With her outgoing and bubbly personality, Eunice always found it easy to make friends, and others just seemed naturally drawn to her as well. She loved to lose herself within the pages of a mystery novel, and she liked showing her dogs that were always such faithful companions. Even as her health challenged her, Eunice carried herself with both strength and grace, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories that will live on in the hearts of all those she leaves behind. During the year 1927, our nation was enjoying the prosperity that had been building since the end of WWI. People enjoyed the works of authors such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as the sounds of jazz music which had become all the rage. It was also during this year that Glen and Doris (Liddle) Marshall, of Muskegon, Michigan, were pleased to ring in the New Year celebrating the birth of their daughter, Eunice, on January 1st. Eunice was later joined by younger brother Howard in the Marshall family where their father worked as a foreman of a road crew while their mother worked at Clarke Sanding Company. Eunice experienced a lovely childhood in which she enjoyed going to the beach, taking dance lessons, and reading. In fact, her love for reading would shadow Eunice throughout her entire lifetime. She attended local schools, and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1945. While she was a senior in high school, Eunice began what would become a lifetime career in the banking industry. Her first job was at Hackley Bank in Muskegon, followed by Muskegon Federal Savings Bank where she enjoyed spending her lunch hour playing pinochle with her friends and co-workers for years. Eventually Eunice retired from the bank after 25 years of dedicated service in the finance department. Even though Eunice enjoyed her work, of even greater significance was the family she was blessed with in the midst of building her career. She married Russell Kingsbury on March 27, 1947. Together they were thrilled with joy beyond measure with the birth of their son Gary who quickly became the light of Eunices life. Eunice and Russell traveled together showing their dogs that were also a great source of pride for Eunice. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, Eunice was always so grateful for the blessing of her son as a result of their union. Eunice soon purchased her own home in Roosevelt Park, a small city within Muskegon County. She was thrilled that she was able to transplant her beloved rose bushes that had been handed down from her parents that beautifully enhanced the look of her surroundings. She continued to enjoy spending time with her friends as often as she could, and was thrilled when her son married and soon gave Eunice the gift of becoming a grandmother with the birth of his daughter Jill in 1979. After he divorced, Gary remarried and adopted daughter Rajeana, giving Eunice two granddaughters to lavish with her love. Throughout her lifetime, Eunice enjoyed close relationships with both Jill and Rajeana who even vacationed with Eunice for a time. There were so many things that made Eunice such a special person to so many. She loved to read, predominantly mystery novels, and she visited the local book mobile almost daily. She always loved music and dancing, enjoyed sipping scotch and water, and she found such beauty within the intricate details of a rose. Eunice collected teddy bears, loved gold and diamond jewelry, and her favorite color was red. Although she loved her cars, Eunice didnt swim and she didnt like heights either. After she retired, Eunice enjoyed the time she spent volunteering at Frauenthal Theater. Eventually the years began to take their toll on Eunices health as she became faced with various challenges. She was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease and in 2004, she lost part of her tongue to cancer. It was also during this time that Eunice moved to Lake Nordon, South Dakota, located in the eastern portion of the state, in order to be near her son who tenderly cared for her. Since being social was always such an important part of who Eunice was, the diseases that plagued her left her feeling frustrated since communication was more difficult, and her mental clarity was also so greatly reduced over time. However, throughout her battle with Alzheimers, she always remembered her sons name as he continued to care for her until she drew her last breath. Eunice Kingsbury was a vibrant woman who was full of life, and embraced each moment she was given. Although she filled her life with many wonderful experiences and exquisite things, she truly adored being a mother and a grandmother - viewing her family as her greatest treasure. Eunice leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance through times of trial, and love that will surely withstand the test of time. Like the roses she so greatly enjoyed, Eunice was beautiful on the inside and out, and will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by so many. Eunice A. Kingsbury died August 11, 2009. Eunices family includes her son, Gary (Jane) Kingsbury of South Dakota; grandchildren, Jill Lambert and Rajeana Kingsbury; 2 great-grandchildren, Catreana Kingsbury, Angeleana Love; brother, Howard (Delores) Marshall of Ravenna; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her ex husband, Russell; parents and great-grandchild, Justice Kingsbury. A memorial service will be on Saturday, September 19, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Visit with Eunices family and friends for one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer's Association.