Tina Lantis

TRAVERSE CITY — Tina Lee Lantis, 49, of Fife Lake, formerly of Michigan Center, died while being held by her husband Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. The most beautiful green eyes ever created are now watching us from Heaven.Tina was born July 11, 1961, to the late Edward and Vivian (Welton) Penoes in Battle Creek. Tina grew up in the Michigan Center area, graduating from high school there. Then, after an introduction from her sister, Tina met and fell in love with Daniel Lantis. They were joined in marriage on the water of Cranberry Lake on Sept. 19, 1987.A true friend to all of nature, Tina loved all non-web-spinning creatures, especially cats, horses and loons. Tina was active as a Loon Ranger for the Michigan Loon Preservation Association. She could often be found out for a horseback ride at Ranch Rudolph, Hobby Horse or Wildridge in Paradise.Dan, along with his Greek Goddess, Tina, settled along the water of Long Lake, where Tina loved spending time on the dock watching her loons. Tina enjoyed many types of music, attending concerts from Alan Jackson to Yanni. She felt a special connection in her heart with the beat of the big drums and Native American singing at Pow Wows. She would pass time cheering for Jeff Gordon in his #24 DuPont Chevrolet or displaying her artistic talents working on crafts, needle work, painting and sketching. Tina also liked riding rides at the fairs and festivals, or savoring a big ol' sloppy burger from Don's Drive-In or her favorite Mediterranean Pizza at the Bay View Inn.Tina will be deeply missed by many for leaving us all too soon — but it is not the length of life that matters, but the quality of the life you live.Tina is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, two months and a day, Dan, of Fife Lake; her three sisters, Bonita (Lee) Smith, Sonya Penoes, and Teresa (Randy) Prater; a brother, Dave (Tammy) Penoes; mother-in-law, Jean Lantis; brothers-in-law, Lynn and his special friend, Renee', and Scott (Debbie) Lantis, all of the Jackson area; her beloved cats, Sqeeker, Taz and Leo; this year's baby loons, Shawn and Lydia; as well as many other loving family members and friends.A memorial gathering and visitation for friends and family will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Nichols-Arthur Funeral Home in Michigan Center.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Michigan Loon Preservation Association, www.michiganloons.org; Wings of Wonder, www.wingsofwonder.org; or the Horse North Rescue, www.horsenorthrescue.org.Please share your thoughts with Tina's family at her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Tina Lantis

November 20, 2010