Mrs. Winifred G. Maynard

Mrs. Winifred Goldie Maynard, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Friend went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 7, 2010. Winnie was born March 18, 1930 at home in Oceana County, Michigan to parents Ruby and Antoon VanBavel, one of 14 children. She graduated from Ludington High School and entered the Army two years later. Stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, she met and married Frank Hild and had two children, Judy and Pamela. Frank and Winnie divorced and she returned to western Michigan. She married Charles Maynard and they had four children; Sue, Steven, Charlene and Laura. Life was not easy in the early 60’s in the Rothbury/Montague area, but Winnie never complained - often sacrificing her own comfort for the benefit of her children. She enjoyed simple family pleasures, such as picnicking at Stony Lake or tobogganing with her children. In the late 70’s, most of the family moved to the Kalamazoo area and shortly thereafter, Winnie began her 22 year career in housekeeping at the Radisson Hotel, often being honored as Employee of the Month and receiving many positive comments from hotel guests on her friendliness and sincerity. As the years continued on, her children married and began to have their own children and Winnie entered into the greatest joy of her life - grandchildren. She loved each child and made every moment with them special - such as Movie Day which would begin with lunch, followed with a Disney movie and ending with a trip to the Dollar store. Each grandchild will remember the love shown to them by their special grandmother. Birthdays and Holidays were filled with food, presents and love. On March 18, 2000, Winnie, daughter Pam and granddaughter Sheila were baptized. Winnie was a member of Cornerstone Pentecostal church. She loved her church family and always enjoyed Sunday service, praise worship, and home fellowship meetings. She received the Holy Ghost on November 9, 2005. Praise God! Winnie lived life to the fullest, never complaining, jealous or envious. Her life was full with travel, shopping, concerts, plays, museums, and especially trips to the Toledo Mud Hens and her very favorite, the Detroit Tigers. She was an avid baseball fan and could always tell you which team was in first place and who had hit the latest home run. Her love of life allowed her to appreciate fully each and every moment. She was especially proud of all her grandchildren - each with accomplishments academically and athletically; but most importantly, proud of their Christian faith and love for family and friends and a willingness to help others. She is survived by siblings Pearl (Florida), Nettie (Michigan), Velma (Florida), Orland (Diane) (Virginia) and Vera (MI). Children Judy (Wayne) Bellon, Lake Charles, LA; Pamela (Mark) Spray, Perrysburg, OH; Sue Maynard (Kalamazoo); Steve (Dawn) Maynard, (Lawton); Charlene Maynard (Kalamazoo) and Laura (Lynn) Greene (Orlando, FL). Grandchildren, Patrick and Christopher Bellon (Louisiana); Cassie and Jenna Spray (Ohio); Sheila Maynard (NY, MI); Matthew, Austin, Joel and Harrison Maynard (MI) and Lacie, Lance (fiancee Courtney Willis) and Lisa Greene (FL, MI). The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time. Our mother was a special person and we will miss her, but we know where she is now and we thank the Lord for his promises and assurances. Amen!!

Mrs. Winifred G. Maynard

March 18, 1930 - August 7, 2010