Adeline C. Griner, age 99, of Traverse City, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Boardman Lake Glens Assisted Living Facility in the loving care of her family.
On December 12, 1916 Adeline was born the third of five children to Earl Raymond Cook and Beulah (Gibbs) Cook in Grant Township, Michigan. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1934. On January 21, 1936 she married Burton Samuel Griner of Copemish. They had three children, Patricia Kay, B. Jay and James Earl.
Adeline lived in the Grand Traverse area her entire life. She and Burton were founding members of The Presbyterian Church where she held positions of elder, choir member, and chair of the worship committee, Adeline was instrumental in establishing the Presbyterian Memorial Prayer Garden. She was a member of the Sweet Adeline's for many years and was a gifted seamstress.
After her children were grown, she attended Northwestern Michigan College and became the secretary to NMC's first President, Preston Tanis. After his retirement, Adeline continued at NMC as an administrative assistant to Jack McChrystal, Dean of Students, until her retirement in 1976.
During their retirement years, Burton and Adeline spent time in their motor home, traveling the United States, and eventually residing in Sun City Center Florida where they wintered for 10 years before moving back to Traverse City in 2008.
She is survived by her husband of 80 years, Burton S. Griner, sister, Faye Bradford of Sun City Center, Florida, daughter, Patricia (Tom) Swanson of Copemish, and sons B. Jay (Susan) Griner and James (Camille) Griner of Traverse City, seven grandchildren; Pamela (Dave Wolfe) Swanson, Lisa (Glen) Sauer, Joan (Norman) Licht, Steven Griner, Jeffrey Griner, Jennifer Griner, and Becky Randolf. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandsons, along with many special nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters; Jessie (Wayne) Moore, Elsie (Henry) Wright, and brother W. Jay (Hazel) Cook.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Boardman Lake Glens Inverness staff and Michigan Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please visit the Reynolds-Jonkhoff website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family.