Melissa (Hains) Crowell

TRAVERSE CITY — "The love that lives in a mother's eyes, shines on undimmed and never dies and this is why my mother's face stays young and holds its gentle grace." — Oral. A Hains Melissa Anne (Hains) Crowell's greatest strength was being a mom, not only to her own children, but to everyone around her. She exemplified that by giving the world her final gift on Aug. 10, 2010. The same day that Melissa passed from this earth, she gave life to her baby, Elizabeth Anne Crowell.Born in Traverse City on May 21, 1968, Missy's inherent ability to care for others was noticed at a young age when she helped to care for her two younger sisters. As she grew up, she shared her love and compassionate soul with the dozens of children who were lucky enough to have her as a babysitter/nanny. Her sense of humor ("nobody could laugh until they cried" harder than she) and kind heart were always present. Where drama existed, she was our peacemaker, our mediator, our "Switzerland," ever neutral and always there to calm the storms. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1986. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, where she was frequently referred to as "Mom" by many who knew her. For the past 14 years she worked at Munson Medical Center, most recently as Admitting Coordinator. On Sept. 23, 1995, she married her best friend, Donald W. Crowell, who survives. Together, they shared the joy of their sons, Forrest, Zacariah, Noah and Jeremiah, and looked forward to the arrival of their first daughter, Elizabeth. Missy's family was her greatest source of pride and her children were the center of everything she did. She is survived by her parents, Larry Hains and Joseph and Marilyn Haines; her sisters, Patty (Don) Tolly, Kristen Hains, Suzann (Clint) Sines and Catherine (Steve) Towers; brother, Robert W. Haines; grandparents, Ann Hains and Marion Steele; nieces and nephews, Timothy and Corbin Sines, Nicholas Hains, Taylor, Christian and Maddie Towers, Lauren Longo, and Stephanie and Chris Tolly; grandchildren, Kennedy and Peyton Crowell; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Crowell. Additionally, Missy leaves behind countless friends, family and co-workers.She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Oral A. Hains and Earle E. Steele; and her grandmother, Ella P. Haines.Visitation for friends and family will be today, Aug. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Memorial services will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the First Congregational Church, with the Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. In keeping with what her family believes Missy would have wanted, casual dress is requested. Missy's greatest passion was providing and caring for her family. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family, c/o Donald Crowell, 827 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Likewise, friends are encouraged to share stories and photos with her children in care of that same address.The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Melissa (Hains) Crowell

August 10, 2010