Nellie Stinebower

In an age when marriage seems to be disposable and caring for a family is a bit of an ancient art form, Nellie Stinebower never once took off her wedding ring in 66 years and tenderly nurtured three children who have become adults she was so very proud of. Nellie was a pioneer of sorts as a young woman who pursued her dreams in the sky while making footprints in the earths soil that would one day be followed by her daughters. She had a heart for serving others and a special love towards countless children in her community. Nellie will be remembered for her strong work ethic, her desire to always look her best, and her unwavering independence, but it will be her unconditional devotion to her family for which she will be remembered most. Life during the 1920s looked much different than the life we know in America today. It was during this time that the United States Army still had over 9,000 men assigned to horse-drawn cavalry units, bootlegging was an issue that our government was trying to deal with, and the first female governor had been sworn into office in 1925. It was also during this same year that Scott and Mildred (Sanford) Hartwick welcomed the birth of their daughter, Nellie Ethel, on April 12th. Born in Fenmore, Michigan, in Saginaw County, Nellie was the second youngest of four children in her family including her brothers Robert and Theodore and her sister Bessie Lou. Nellies father was a farmer while her mother was a farmers wife who was also kept busy caring for their active family. Nellie was raised on the family farm where they grew crops and also raised cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals as well. She took care of her fair share of chores, establishing a strong work ethic within Nellie that would remain with her for the rest of her life. Nellie attended high school in nearby Elsie. It was as a student there that Nellie met the young man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Max Stinebower and his family members were also farmers. As a romance was blossoming between Nellie and Max, our nation became involved in WWII after the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. Max joined the Army to serve during the war while their hearts continued to grow together during their time of separation. While he was home from duty on a five-day leave, Nellie and Max were united in marriage in the front parlor of her parents home. He then shipped off to Germany and didnt return for three years. During their time apart, Nellie stayed on the farm and also became a pilot although it was against her fathers wishes since he felt that doing so just wasnt what women were supposed to do. However, Nellie was a strong-willed and independent woman who couldnt be stopped once she put her mind to something. When the couple was reunited, it wasnt long before they were blessed with two daughters, Janie and Jesse, and their son, Scott. When their children were in elementary school, Maxs job at the oil refinery brought the family to West Michigan. They settled into a house on McCrea Court in Grand Haven where Nellie lived for the next 40 years. Nellie made both caring for her family and working outside of the home seem effortless. She worked as a medical assistant for the hospital and several local doctors. For many years, she worked for the local pediatrician and got to know many of the children in Grand Haven. When she finally retired from the doctors office, retirement didnt last very long since she was one who always needed to keep busy. Nellie took a job at the D pharmacy where she worked for another 13 years. This provided her with the opportunity to see many of the children she got to know in the pediatricians office again now as adults. There were many things that kept Nellie busy through the years. Because she was both opinionated and civic minded, she served on the Grand Haven Planning Commission for a number of years. For over 30 years, Nellie was a proud member of the Tri Cities Al-Anon Club during which time she regularly attended meetings and helped many people cope with their challenges. Eventually, Nellie and Max sold their home to their son Scott and moved into Liberty Woods. They continued to attend Spring Lake Presbyterian and socialize with friends and family. Those who knew Nellie knew that she always wanted to look her best. She was an attractive woman who was always dressed nicely and took great pride in her finished look. As the years took their toll on Nellies health, she moved into the Heartwood Lodge where she was able to receive more specialized care. Even while there, she made sure to keep up her appearance by wearing jewelry and lipstick and getting her hair done. Nellie Stinebower was a firm believer in not letting life pass her by and took every opportunity to live life to the fullest every day. She was strong and independent and in doing so, set an example for her daughters who also became self-sufficient women of great strength. Nellie treasured the husband she shared her life with for 66 years and was so proud of the family they established together. She was a remarkable woman who will be dearly missed by those who will forever hold her memory near and dear to their hearts. Nellie Stinebower died on July 1, 2010. Nellies family includes her husband, Max; daughters, Janie (Duane "Smitty") Smith of Spring Lake, Jesse Kiger of West Olive; son, Scott (Georgia) Stinebower of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Nathan (Erica) Stinebower, Justin (Julie) Kiger, Jordan (Matt) Neiger, Jaimi Kiger, Amy (Brian) Churchill, and Adam (Alina) Warner; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Theodore (Lois) Hartwick of Lansing. A service will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dan Anderson officiating. Visit with Nellies family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven location Grand Haven, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of North Ottawa.