Helen Funderburg

Helen Funderburg was a compassionate woman who lived her life embracing each moment and treasuring the two things she held most dear, her faith and her family. Helen lived her life to serve both her Lord and others, always setting aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others. To Helen, life wasnt about accomplishments, accolades, or material possessions, but about relationships with others, because to her, this is what truly makes one great. Helen brightened the lives of others just by being who she was each and every day. The decade of the 1920s was one of expansion; technology grew as the popularity of automobiles, radios, and movies exploded. John and Barbara (Trisko) Kary, of Nunica, Michigan were preparing for their own family to expand as Barbara was due to give birth to their fourth child at any time. They were indeed blessed on October 1, 1922 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Helen. Helen spent her childhood on an 80 acre farm in Nunica, located in the western portion of the state. Life took an exciting turn for Helen when as a young woman, she met an intriguing young man named Raymond Funderburg through a mutual friend. A romance soon ensued between Helen and Raymond. He left for WWII and they corresponded, they were later united in marriage on April 6, 1946 in her mothers backyard. The young newlyweds honeymooned at Niagara Falls and upon their return, they settled in an apartment in Muskegon then to a small house on Porter and finally settling on Martin Road. Together they became members of Forest Park Covenant Church where they enjoyed their church family. Helen worked at Campbells as a lab tech until she was 3 months pregnant with her first child, Barbara. Two years later, Helen and Raymond were again blessed with a child, their son Mark. Helen embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into nurturing and caring for her children. She provided them with her unconditional love, finding ways to make each feel loved in their own special way. When her children were involved in holiday programs at church, Helen was always available to help them learn their lines. She was a meticulous housekeeper and everything was always in its place. Helen treated her family to wonderful holiday meals complete with turkey, potatoes, corn, gravy, and her infamous carrot Jell-O salad. Christmas presents for her family always included at least one practical gift, usually a pair of good socks as Helen believed that one could never have too many pairs! When her children grew up and left home, Helen still made sure that they knew they were loved. When she knew they were coming for a visit, Helen would always call to see if they had any special requests for something they wanted in the house or a specific activity they would like to have planned. When grandchildren arrived, Helen enjoyed pouring her love on them as well, they were her greatest pride and joy and she treasured every moment with them. When they came for a visit, there was always a wrapped gift from coloring books to games for them and the cookie jar was well stocked. When her great grandchildren, Adelle and Micah came into the picture, they too were the light of her live. Helens generosity and compassion extended to those outside of her family as well. She was sometimes called Little Red Riding Hood because when she went to visit someone who was ill or just needed a friendly visit, Helen would always go with a basket full of goodies. She loved being active in her church, often helping out where she could. Helen always seemed to be brightening the days of others by sending a card, especially for holidays or birthdays. She was known for her birthday cards for children which always had a cute little mouse on the outside and a small cash gift on the inside, no matter how old the recipient. Helen often even sent a card to a grandchild who was sick with the sniffles! Helen unselfishly gave of herself expecting nothing in return except a thank you, although she secretly loved it when someone did surprise her! There were additional interests that Helen pursued as well. She loved shopping, especially finding great deals on sale items. Helens weakness was for a morsal of ice cream and she loved having breakfast and coffee while watching the birds outside. Helen found peace and tranquility in taking in the beauty of creation and enjoyed spending time in her garden. When she wasnt maintaining the inside of her home she could often be found maintaining her garage, yard, or car as well. The neighborhood boys across the street appreciated Helens attention to detail as her desire to keep her driveway clear during the winters proved to be a lucrative job for them during the snowy Michigan months! Time spent reading her Bible was always important to Helen and during the past year she read her Bible cover to cover. Whether she was preparing a scrumptious meal, sending a card to a sick loved one, or feeding the birds, Helen Funderburg did them all with a genuine servants heart. Helen was a loving and generous woman whose faith was the cornerstone for her every action. She cherished the relationships she shared with her friends, her fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and her family. It was no secret that her greatest source of joy was becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. Helen spent her days creating cherished memories that will be forever etched on the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and although her time on earth ended too soon, her loved ones look forward to one day being reunited in their heavenly home. Mrs. Helen Funderburg died unexpectedly on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Helens family includes her son, Mark (Sue) Funderburg of TN; Barbara (Steven) Kanaar of Birch Run; grandchildren, Jared & Annie Funderburg, Mark, Matt (Ellie), Jennifer Kanaar, great grandchildren, Adelle & Micah Kanaar; brother, John (Marge) Kary of Nunica; sister, Irene Cramblet of Fruitport. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond & brother, Frank. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2009, 12:00 p.m. in the chapel at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI with Rev. Paul Bengtson officiating. Interment at a later date. Visit with Helens family and friends on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Disabled American Vets, Muskegon Rescue Mission, or Billygraham.org.