Lorene F. Beighley

Whether she was playing a tune on the piano, traveling with her family, or remodeling a house, Lorene Beighley did them all with vibrancy and compassion, embracing both her Lord and her family. She viewed each day as a special gift to cherish and she often set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others, her life a shining example of the beliefs that were embedded in her heart. Although she could be stubborn when it came to things that she felt passionate about, Lorene was filled with a tender and gracious heart. Loren and Savilla (Crabill) Dukes, of Rochester, Indiana were blessed on May 26, 1921 with the healthy birth of their daughter Lorene. As the only child in her family, Lorene was raised primarily by her mother who stayed home and kept the house while her father worked as a farmer. Lorene walked every day to attend school at the one room schoolhouse near her home. In 1929, their family moved to Muskegon, Michigan where her father found more stable employment as an electrician. A monumental component to Lorenes upbringing was the strong importance that her family placed on faith and the strict household that was a way of life for Lorene. This early cornerstone of faith that was established as such an integral part of Lorenes life, would follow her throughout her entire lifetime. Lorene taught herself to play the piano and to create beautiful works of art as well, and she also enjoyed singing in the church choir. Lorene attended Muskegon Heights High School where she was an average student and her giggling and bubbly personality often got her in trouble. Lorene had a head full of curly red hair and staying true to the common belief about redheads, Lorene also got into her fair share of mischief! Upon her graduation from high school, Lorene was ready to face the world, especially with the car she received for a graduation present. There was a young man from her church who was very involved in activities and events there just as Lorene was. His name was Clarence Beighley and it was love at first sight for them both. A romance soon ensued and a love story which would span almost 60 years had begun. Clarence was soon stationed in the Marine Corps and the young couple was united in marriage on May 9, 1943 in Yuma, Arizona. Clarence had been sent to Iwo Jima and while there, he was very critically wounded and he was sent to San Diego for recovery as a result. Together, Lorene and Clarence spent a year there while he was in rehab after which time the couple moved back to their hometown of Muskegon. Once in Muskegon, Lorene and Clarence purchased her parents home on Southern Avenue and here they were blessed with the births of two children, Marilee, in 1946 and Bob, in 1949. In 1952, their young family moved to Big Rapids where Clarence attended college for four years. After he graduated, the family moved to Grand Rapids where they became active members of their local Church of God. Lorenes generous spirit shown through when they often lent a helping hand to singles and shut ins through their church. Lorene also treasured her children, filling them with her unconditional love and support. Because of her desire to serve, she took classes and became minister of music at her church where she directed plays as well as the choir. Together, their family made many fantastic memories when they frequently traveled together, visiting all but three states through the years. Lorene loved redecorating homes and as a result, she and Clarence moved thier family many times while in Grand Rapids as they frequently purchased and then resold homes after doing some fantastic remodeling. Their family always enjoyed going out to eat in restaurants, sharing precious moments over a meal. Lorene was also very social by nature and she loved to entertain others as well. Clarence had retired after age 52. He and Lorene spent six months every year in Florida. They absolutely loved the beautiful weather and spectacular shoreline in Florida and they established many friendships there as well. They became active members at the Church of God in Florida and Lorenes continued passion for producing beautiful works of art led her to begin China painting. Lorene also continued her piano and organ playing. Family was always a priority to Lorene and in 1978, they started a new tradition that family reunions were to take place every summer over the Fourth of July at their home. These reunions set the stage for many fond memories to be made which will be forever cherished. In 1997, Lorene and Clarence purchased a summer home in Fruitport, Michigan near their daughter Marilee. Later in his life, Clarence developed cancer and Lorene tenderly cared for him as his health declined. Through the years, they had a strong and fulfilling marriage and they rarely, if ever, fought. Lorene was devastated when the love of her life, her beloved Clarence, died in 2003. Lorene looked to her faith and her family for strength to sustain her during these most difficult days. As the years began to take a toll on Lorenes health, she took shorter trips to Florida with her son Bob and eventually, she had to slow down even more. In 2005, Lorene took her last trip to Florida, where a part of her heart remained. It was no secret that her relationship with God was the most important thing to Lorene Beighley and that her family was her most valuable asset. Lorene was a caring and creative woman who had an extraordinary zest for life and a genuine servants heart. Her health was important to her as she often took vitamins and herbs and she lovingly cared for those who could not care for themselves. It was of the utmost importance to Lorene that she would one day be reunited with her family in heaven and she spent a lifetime building a legacy of faith and love that will be forever cherished by all those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed. Lorene F. Beighley, of Fruitport, MI, died Saturday, February 7, 2009. Lorenes family includes her son, Robert D. (Lorraine) Beighley of Brownstown MI; daughter, Marilee (Reggie) Stroebe of Spring Lake; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel with John Taylor officiating. Interment at Allendale Township Cemetery. Visit with Lorenes family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Visit Lorenes memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.