Elinor (Lautner) Herrmann

ELK RAPIDS — Elinor M. (Lautner) Herrmann went to be with her Savior on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Born on Oct. 8, 1915, in Acme, she was the eldest daughter of Anthony and Augusta (Scheidel) Lautner. On Aug. 14, 1954, she married Henry W. Herrmann at the First Congregational Church in Traverse City. Henry preceded her in death on Dec. 5. 1995. The love of their life and only child, Robert H. Herrmann, passed away at the age of seven in 1963.Elinor was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elk Rapids for more than 50 years; she served as a Deacon for two years and was a dedicated worker for Bible School, Harvest dinners, bazaars and many other church functions and fundraisers. Elinor was a remarkable seamstress and supplied many children's stores with handmade, smocked clothing items. Her handiwork was available throughout many exclusive Michigan clothiers. She shared her talent by teaching sewing through 4-H for over 25 years.After her son passed away of cancer, Elinor put her heart and soul into being an ambassador for the American Cancer Society. She was co-chairman of the Antrim County American Cancer Society and volunteered with the organization for 25 years; it became her passion in life.Elinor's love of cooking was a natural fit with her love of people. Her gift of entertaining meant her dining table always had a gathering of friends and family, and her kitchen was always warmed by something just out of the oven. She had a fun-loving spirit and a gentle smile for everyone she met. She lived what she thought: You pass through life only once, so you need to make the best of that opportunity.Elinor is survived by siblings, Donald (Wilma) Lautner, Betty (Thomas) Haywood, Charles (Kathy) Lautner and Nancy (Robert) Haywood; sister-in-law, Betty Marie Lautner; and many nieces and nephews who enhanced her life. She was preceded in death by siblings Albert Gee, Elaine Skiver, Merlin Lautner, Earle Lautner and Dorothy Hughes. Special thanks go to the many "angels of mercy" at the Grand Traverse Pavilions, Hospice of Michigan and The Village at Bay Ridge Assisted Living, who cared for Elinor over the years.Friends may call at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Sunday, June 26, 2011, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., where the Lautner family will receive friends. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce Street, Elk Rapids, on Monday, June 27, 2011, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sandra Murray and the Rev Andrew Martinez will officiate. Graveside services will be held at Oakwood Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. on Monday. In remembrance of Elinor, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan. Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.