Lola "Sue" Cirner

Lola Sue Cirner was a woman with vast intelligence who was never content to let life pass her by, rather she embraced each day, living her life to its fullest. She was always eager to learn new things and to share her knowledge with others as well. Sue viewed both her faith and her family as her greatest treasures and consistently carried herself with grace, compassion, and joy. The year 1918 was a difficult year worldwide as all across the globe many people were held tightly in the grip of the flu epidemic, which began in 1918 and killed millions before finally ending in 1920. Samuel and Sarah (Warner) Stitt, of Holton, Michigan, were able to shift their focus to their own exciting time, as Sarah was due to give birth to their eighth baby at any time. They were indeed blessed on July 7, 1918 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Lola. As one of nine children in her family, Lola and her siblings established a strong work ethic as they were required to help out on the family farm. Lola graduated from Holton High School after which she attended cosmetology school and became a hairdresser. Her life was about to turn in a different direction, however, when she met an intriguing young man from Muskegon Heights named Bert Cirner. On their first date, Bert jokingly told Lola that he didnt like her first name and decided to call her Sue instead; it stuck and she has been using that name ever since. A romance between Sue and Bert soon ensued and together they enjoyed going dancing at the Blue Heaven in Twin Lakes. The young couple was later united in marriage on April 22, 1939 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where bert attended. The newlyweds soon settled into a home located in a new development they were helping get established in Muskegon called Ruddiman Terrace. The couple was soon blessed with the birth of their first daughter Sharon, in 1941; however, Sue and Bert were devastated when Sharon died from complications when she was just nine months old. Brighter days were just around the corner as they were blessed again with the birth of Darlene, in 1942, and then Pam, in 1946. Sue embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into nurturing and caring for her daughters. In addition, Sue became a nurses aid and worked at Mercy Hospital. A life change was in store for Sue when her sisters brought her to the Phillips Free Methodist Church and Sue completely embraced the church, adhering to the strict rules that the church imparted; she never wore pants, didnt cut her hair, and kept the Sabbath day sacred. The church became a major part of Sues life; she was a Sunday school teacher and the Sunday school superintendent as well; and during services they always sat in the second pew from the front on the left hand side of the church. Sue did allow for some variance from the strict guidelines in order to make sure that her children learned about life outside of the church, allowing them to grow in their own unique way. Together, their family of four made many happy memories every year when they headed out on the open road. They were proud of the fact that they had driven all around the country, visiting every one of the magnificent fifty states. During the summers they attended church camp in Manton, Michigan where memories were made that will be cherished for a lifetime. They ended up building their own cabin there allowing the visits to camp to become a family affair. The Cirner family was also joined at the camp by other relatives, making time spent there like a big family reunion. Later when grandchildren arrived on the scene, her granddaughters enjoyed watching their grandmother put her hair up in curlers every night. Sue was always interested in learning something new. She taught herself to play the piano, an activity that she always enjoyed. When her daughters graduated from LPN school, Sue decided that she would like to become an LPN also; she attended school and was even president of her class. To her daughter Pam, Sue was the smartest person she knew, capable of extending her studies further and even becoming a doctor! She found employment as a nurse in the Emergency Room at Mercy Hospital where she was highly efficient and ended up practically running the department. Sue unfortunately caught hepatitis while on the job and although she recovered, she needed to retire in 1979. She was thankful that God had found a way to let her know when exactly He had planned for her to move on. Retirement allowed Sue to spend some time doing some different things. She and Bert loved to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee, taking in the beautiful scenery and warm weather. Sue and Bert moved out of their home and downsized into a home in Norton Shores Mobile Home Park. Sue enjoyed continuing to serve her church as a youth leader, Bible study leader, and was involved in the mission group and summer church camp with her grandchildren as well. Life was not without its difficulties for Sue. In 1995, her beloved Bert died, leaving Sue to draw strength from both her faith and her family. Sue did still manage to stay active, enjoying spending time with her friends and family. Then in 2001 she moved into the Hermitage Assisted Living and was later diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. As her disease progressed, her friends still took Sue to church as often as possible. Sue did eventually require more hands on care and she moved into Deboer Nursing Home where her daughter Pam worked. Sue Cirner lived a vibrant life often setting aside her own needs aside to tend to the needs of others. Her faith became a cornerstone in her life, her behavior a constant reflection of the beliefs she held so dear. Whether she was serving her church, her patients, or her family, Sue did it all with compassion, empathy, and care. Sue created a lifetime of memories for her family and friends which will be forever etched on their hearts. She will be dearly missed. Lola Sue Cirner died on Saturday, January 3, 2009. Sues family includes her daughter, Pamela (Kenneth) Saum of Muskegon; 5 grandchildren, Larry (Lynn) Adams II, Barb (Mike) Duell, Chad (Tammi) Saum, Robbi (Steve) Juergens, Lexi Saum; 6 great grandchildren, Brendan, Alex & Gabrielle Saum, Parker & Kacie Juergens, Shelbi Adams; son-in-law, Larry Adams of Fountain. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Darlene Adams in 2003; 3 brothers & 5 sisters. Funerals serviced will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at First Free Methodist Church with Rev. Carlos Ramos officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimers Association.